Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/520905
KTM RC390 VS YAMAHA YZF-R3 SHOOTOUT P62 more bite and more feel at the lever, something important for learners. However, not having ABS is a downside to the KTM, but I guess that's where your $500 extra for the orange rocket goes. Aesthetically the R3 doesn't share the aggression of the R6 and R1 brethren thanks to the lower seat angle and the more rounded front cowl. The front actually has a pre-2006 R6 look to it and the mirrors are mounted further down the front to give a better view. Overall the fair- ing gives good wind protection thanks to its curvier design, plus you're seated a little bit lower to get out of the draft. The R3 is a very good ma- chine for new riders—the design isn't too racy and the engine is easy to get the most out of, despite losing out in bottom-end punch compared to the KTM. Styling is edgy without being over-the-top, and the build qual- ity appears to be good as well. Plus it's $500 cheaper than the KTM—you could throw that money at an exhaust to give the R3 a bit more of a bark. The Vitals KTM RC390 • $5499 • 373cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine pumps out 43hp • Bybre four-piston front brake calipers. Bosch switchable ABS • Un-adjustable WP front suspension. JASON SAYS… Staff tester Jason Abbott throws in his two cents on the KTM RC390 and Yamaha YZF-R3. "Both the KTM RC390 and Yamaha R3 are great motorcycles and I could live with either of them. They both lack in a couple areas and each can be easily modified to improve their misses but this is a stock bike comparison so here are my thoughts. I love the look of the KTM. The orange tubular frame and wheels along with the black and white bodywork give the RC390 a race look no other small-bore sportbike can compare with. The KTM takes the cake when it comes to power delivery. The engine is a blast to use; when you crack the throttle there's definitely some get up and go from the little single. Now if power and looks are all it takes to win a compari- son then the RC390 would without a doubt come out on top. Unfortunately, that's not the case here. There are a couple things that hold the KTM back from being the ultimate small bore. First off, with the amount of power the RC390 has I think the suspension is on the soft side and lacks the proper amount of damping to provide a controlled ride through the corners, especially in the rear. Second, and some may argue this, but I wasn't impressed with the amount of bite from the front brake and was never completely confident in the RC390's stopping power. Lastly, comfort (or lack of) for sure killed the amount of enjoyment I had while riding the KTM. The Yamaha may not be as fast or look as cool as the RC390 but in my opinion the R3 offers the most impressive overall package between the two. The R3 engine has a fluid power delivery and clutch action/trans- mission has a solid feel, more so than the KTM. The Yamaha's suspension and handling are more balanced and predictable than the RC390. The R3 suspension has its limits though, but only if you push it too hard in the corners. Yamaha's brakes are responsive, have a good initial bite and stay strong down low. The R3 for sure takes the cake in the comfort depart- ment; body position, wind protection and informa- tive gauges are all high on the list for me with the amount of miles I ride each week. In the end, the feel- ing you get while riding the Yamaha is that of a quality build and if I were to put my money down on one of these machines it would be the Yamaha R3 because you can always add horsepower—comfort on the other hand is a little more difficult!