Finally(!) - Desirable "Starter Bikes" (KTM)
 

I get it, I get it ... plenty of people have started on 600CC bikes and not immediately dropped them in a corner at 150km/h. But that said, any wise rider would probably agree that in an ideal situation all new riders would start on 250cc/300cc bikes to develop their skills as they slowly push the lighter, more agile bikes further and further.

How many times have you known somebody or seen somebody come onto a forum asking for advice about which bike to start on ... only for everybody to suggest a 250cc/300cc Ninja and the OP to try to explain why it's wise for them to start on a 600cc sportbike ("I'll grow into it ...," "I don't want to have to sell the little bike when I outgrow it...").

The reality, unfortunate as it is, is that these exact individuals are getting into bikes to achieve a certain image and that image isn't possible without a 600cc or 1000cc sportbike, hence their refusal to "start small."

Honda's latest 300cc CBR and Kawasaki's (finally fuel-injected) 300cc Ninja are some fresh, extremely stylish entry-level sportbikes. Both are a considerable improvement on what these OEMs were offering 5 - 10 years ago. With the YZF-R3, Yamaha has also begun produced an enticing 321cc entry-level sportbike. At first glance, these bikes look very similar to their big brothers and for 99% of the population they could look identical.

But now for something VERY exciting : KTM's 300cc double-whammy ...

KTM RC390

http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-conten...tm-rc390-f.jpg

This bike has received HEAVY media attention since it's unveiling. But now it has a PRICE ... $5499.99 US - based on it's race-bread credentials and incredibly hot appearance, this is a 300cc bike I would be MORE than happy to ride every day.

Given the uniquely exposed frame, the sculpted swing-arm, ByBre brakes


KTM 390 Duke

http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-conten...390-duke-f.jpg

The 390 Duke, coming in at $4999.99 US, is a hotter bargain and looks to cash-in on the success of its big brothers, the 690 Duke and 1290 Super Duke R. This is an adorably hot naked.

===========================

Kawasaki Ninja 300 $5299.99, 39hp, 379lbs wet
KTM RC390 $5499.99, 44hp, 340lbs wet
Honda CBR300R $4899.99, 30.4hp, 357lbs wet
Yamaha R3 $4,990, 42hp, 368lbs dry

I appreciate and respect the Japanese offerings in this class but the RC390 has a TON of soul and KTM has done a fantastic job of build a race-tested heritage into a bike that hasn't even gone on sale yet.

Great article from Sport Rider.

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Jesus that ktm looks amazing. Pretty sure I saw a British video of a ktm sport bike but was smaller, like maybe 200cc or so. 44hp is more than enough for a daily

MotoAmerica already making a big splash : KTM & MotoAmerica to Bring RC390 Cup to US - Motorcycle USA

http://images.motorcycle-usa.com/pho.../KTM-Rc390.jpg

I'm looking into getting a RC390. Seems like a great bike I can ride without caring about (unlike the other two) and hopefully will serve as a great introductory track-bike. Sub 350lbs, a trellis frame and 43mm USD front forks so it should handle better out of the box than most 600 supersports.

Hopefully we won't get raped too hard on the exchange rate...

I wonder what the Canadian MSRP will be like?

CDN MSRP is targeted for $5999.99 or $6299.99 - of course, given the hype around this bike there will be a significant opportunity for dealers to add some $$$ to the price tag...

Not digging the pricing if true.

Would be nicer if it hovered a little over/under $5,000 and priced competitively or in par against it's rivals in the CBR300, R3, and Ninja 300.

Remember that although it has a similar displacement, the KTM has a much, much better suspension (43mm USD forks) than any of its competition, a stiff trellis-frame and ABS comes standard. I see it as a more complete package at a slight premium. Whereas the other bikes in the category are way better as budget/entry level/commuter bikes, this is closer to a small displacement track toy/race bike.

Also, thumper.

The premium, I understand. But the market for a KTM here is a tough one, especially used.

Haha, you're definitely right about that -- maybe things will change with a higher volume seller. Also, only dealership is in Langley :(

Wow, I had no idea there was only one KTM dealership here.

Nevermind just buying the bike, but a single monopoly for parts and service/warranty? :heckno:

I suppose KTM does have their niche market so I hope it works out for them.

Yeah but considering it's category, I doubt a lot of people that are within said niche are going to notice the difference. Heck, I'm not even a beginner and I don't know what difference that will make.

If however you're right and the price is set a premium because it's not marketed towards the "casual/starter bikes" category, and they're more aimed towards as "track toys", then I suppose I can't judge the fairness of the price, as I'm not, and never have been in that category :)

I thought there was one in Maple Ridge?

I wonder how is their reliability? I've heard some horrible stories about their older bikes being not that reliable.

You are right ... I actually drove by a noticed it the other day. They do KTM and Kawasaki.

Maple Ridge Motorsports
Maple Ridge Motorsports 20430 Lougheed highway Maple Ridge B.C. Canada 604-465-0441

The pricing makes sense. Above a Ninja 300 and below CBR 500 territory, which is what I expect.

Kinda disappointing to see it's still a single cylinder. Maybe it's just personal preference but that exhaust note is reserved for scooters or dirt bikes

It is a KTM afterall. They have a lot of engineering expertise in their singles. Should also mean good low-end grunt which has always been a lacking in the small cc bikes.

This is true. I'd love to go take a demo ride once it's released, if dealerships do that sort of thing

Though since I'm dumb, I'd rather spend the money on a old cbr400rr with some modern upgrades