WTB: KTM RC390 Cup

[xxaarraa]

Looking to also race lightweight this next season so looking for an RC390 cup bike. May also consider a well sorted Ninja 300 - must have race fairings at a minimum, suspension/clutch/pipe/rearsets/sliders are a plus. Cup or race bikes only, no interest in street models.

Please PM.

[ducatirdr]

Check with Pilgrim Power Sports. I know he was racing one that might be available. I know the R3 isn't as sexy but we have fun with one of those and for the price of a KTM Cup you can find an R3 used and let GMD do the mods for you.

[isaac_]

Looking to also race lightweight this next season so looking for an RC390 cup bike. May also consider a well sorted Ninja 300 - must have race fairings at a minimum, suspension/clutch/pipe/rearsets/sliders are a plus. Cup or race bikes only, no interest in street models.

Please PM.

John Grush was thinking about parting with his. Ping him.

Admittedly, I don't know much about eligible races. But I think if you want to maximize the number of races on a lightweight, an SV might be a better choice.

[Chippertheripper]

I'm pretty sure Paul has one at pilgrim power sports.

[Kurlon]

FYI - The street RC390 has more motor than the restricted Cup bike...

[Pigman]

A Little late but may helpfull in Q's if you get one....



http://forums.13x.com/index.php?thre...or-sale.339893

[JettaJayGLS]

This bike caught my eye recently, very cool.

[Kurlon]

A Little late but may helpfull in Q's if you get one....

http://forums.13x.com/index.php?thre...or-sale.339893

Also: http://forums.13x.com/index.php?thre...390-cup.334797

[isaac_]

This bike caught my eye recently, very cool.

Rode this at Palmer. It's a hoot. But, as you can imagine underpowered for that track. Specifically missing all the bottom end. Really have to wring it out. May be better suited for Thompson or NHMS.

[JettaJayGLS]

Rode this at Palmer. It's a hoot. But, as you can imagine underpowered for that track. Specifically missing all the bottom end. Really have to wring it out. May be better suited for Thompson or NHMS.

That's my concern...I think I'm at the point I can safely navigate a high HP bike around a track. And its great. Would be hard to give that up.

[ducatirdr]

When racing against like bikes it is fun. When slower riders on bigger bhp machines fill the track it gets to be really frustrating. (track days... or am/nov practice) You tend to pass them in the corner but on the exit they run past you only to choke up the next corner. But that is part of the challenge. It's harder to race one of these bikes as any mistake is huge. Not losing momentum rather than trying to generate more from these little mills is what makes it fun. Much like a 125 only bigger and heavier. Racing one is fun and it keeps costs down once the bike is built.

[JettaJayGLS]

Do these motors tend to go kaboom like some other singles...?

[ducatirdr]

Do these motors tend to go kaboom like some other singles...?

There are a few known Kabooms that have happened. Ari Henning from Motorcyclist has documented his issues with head gasket and other things racing the KTM. I hear John G's bike needed new cases after the woodrift key on the crank parted ways. The stress of racing can impact these price point bikes. I know the R3 motor is been reliable but I'm hearing about transmission issues surfacing with gears not staying in gear after a quick shift. So which one is more reliable? The SV...

[isaac_]

Some R3s head gaskets tend to go as well. Around a specific dowel pin from what I read months ago. That said, Ron and Woody and Caleigh's are all running fine to my knowledge.


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[csmutty]

Svs are shitty motorcycles. I'd rather ride an ex500. At least those have character.

[Paul_E_D]

Svs are shitty motorcycles. I'd rather ride an ex500. At least those have character.

Hahaa, What??? You are indeed swimming upstream on this one.

[ducatirdr]

I once asked GMD Peter how to get my EX500 to handle better. Classic Peter answer. "Buy an SV". LOL.

[Paul_E_D]

I had a really nice EX (oxymoron?) and other than flexing like a noodle, I thought it had very little character. Parallel twins are pretty much soulless compared to a Vtwin. The trend towards parallel twins in the new bike market is troubling.

[Chippertheripper]

Vanilla is a flavor too.

[ducatirdr]

I wonder how many "race bikes" are chosen due to looks or "character" vs a tool for the task as hand. I confess the KTM is a sexy looking bike over an R3. Had there been one around at the time I found my 1400 mile barely used R3 for $2700 I may have paid double for it. And no stock exhaust. @#$%ing sowing machine sound on the track is so uncool.

[xxaarraa]

I wonder how many "race bikes" are chosen due to looks or "character" vs a tool for the task as hand. I confess the KTM is a sexy looking bike over an R3. Had there been one around at the time I found my 1400 mile barely used R3 for $2700 I may have paid double for it. And no stock exhaust. @#$%ing sowing machine sound on the track is so uncool.

In my case, 100% of my bikes are chosen for how they make me feel, and my motorcycle decisions are entirely devoid of any logic or common sense. I don't ride on the street and bikes in general have no practical use for me whatsoever, so I can get away with being irrational.

I appreciate the ideas guys; I am more likely to race the lightweight I already have, before I turn to an SV or EX. If a really nicely setup KTM shows up, I will spare the RS, but otherwise I will just stock up on cases, cranks, power valves and the lot and just race this one (been meaning to stock up anyway).

[cdovego]

After minimal observation at Thompson, I'd say you're 100% making the right decision. You look smooth, quick and comfortable on the RS - learn racecraft with it.

[Paul_E_D]

By all means race that RS. Great choice.

[JettaJayGLS]

In my case, 100% of my bikes are chosen for how they make me feel, and my motorcycle decisions are entirely devoid of any logic or common sense. I don't ride on the street and bikes in general have no practical use for me whatsoever, so I can get away with being irrational.

I could not have said this any better. I'm going to use this at some point...may even quote it in my signature.

[xxaarraa]

I could not have said this any better. I'm going to use this at some point...may even quote it in my signature.

I wouldn't do that if I were you. You don't want to be the one quoting the infamous xxaarraa.

I should have also added that I have no ambitions of winning races. And if I am not going to win races, it doesn't matter what I race, the 3-4 rounds a year that I do plan on racing. That also frees up my choice of bikes immensely.