2016 ktm rc 390

[Hekimpd]

Yeah see this is the problem with way too many people in the States. You already have a wide selection of "mid-sized" sport bikes. SPS

True, but not a KTM. I like the Aprilia, but I'm on a tight budget. The Japanese manufactures don't do anything for me. Just my humbled opinion.

 

[ToraTora]

Yes, but can't you see that you are not only illustrating the problem, but reinforcing it too? KTM does make a 125 RC, why are't you asking for that bike? You would probably be much better served by an even smaller bike than the 390 rather than a larger one, but you've bought into this whole lie that bigger is better.

 

[big_sur]

Small bikes are fun but big bikes are a lot more practical and comfy if you don't mind the money. I much prefer bigger bikes for everyday street use.

 

[Fasteddy]

Small bikes are fun but big bikes are a lot more practical and comfy if you don't mind the money. I much prefer bigger bikes for everyday street use.

I would agree, I am happy to have a selection of performance styles to choose from depending on mood etc.

 

[ToraTora]

Well if we are going to be practical we should all get Honda Civic hatchbacks. I don't ride a motorcycle to be practical. I ride it for the emotional high I get on it. The better I get at riding the stronger the high. The smaller bikes create an opportunity for accelerated learning. This translates into a better emotional experience. Is it it practical? Seriously? ¯ \_(ツ)_/¯

 

[big_sur]

I hear ya on the learning piece, I think mainly because they allow for smaller incremental challenge, which I think is what most people like about motorcycles. Put another way, you're at less risk of way overshooting your skillset which is very possible on a bigger bike and most people respect that risk and therefore don't challenge themselves as much on a bigger bike. So in that respect, yes I do agree that small bikes are much better for beginners in almost all situations because the benefits of a bigger bike probably won't offset the learning potential of a small bike, especially if you can only have one motorcycle.

That being said, I like riding motorcycles and there's lots of different situations under that statement that different bikes will be better at once you've acquired sufficient skill; there's no absolute better, just trade-offs. If I have to ride through Kansas, a little bike is going to make that a perfectly miserable experience with no redeeming attributes. A big bike is going to be comfy and it's going to put a shit-eating grin on my face when I can power wheelie through the first four gears, even if the road itself is boring as can be. There's also a lot to be said for a 600+ on a race track once your skillset is up to power sliding out of corners. I think it mainly just goes back to the challenge piece, it's a hedonic treadmill.

At the end of the day I'm with FastEddy, I think the real answer is to just buy a bunch of different sizes\styles so you can pick the appropriate bike for a given situation.

 

[Hekimpd]

You make a good point. I understand what you're saying, however I had a 2012 R6 until my wife said she wanted to learn how to ride. Then I got something I could play with and something she could transition from her 85sx to the street. Personally, I like how many much quicker the R6 was. I bought the 390 for practicality and something which won't scare my wife. If Ktm made a v-twin 600+ cc I would buy it because it's well within my riding capabilities.

Oh, and when fuel prices were higher it was nice cutting my fuel costs in half commuting. Even now I can't wait to save money, just doesn't do well in 15" of snow we just got.

 

[Fasteddy]

I hear ya on the learning piece, I think mainly because they allow for smaller incremental challenge, which I think is what most people like about motorcycles. Put another way, you're at less risk of way overshooting your skillset which is very possible on a bigger bike and most people respect that risk and therefore don't challenge themselves as much on a bigger bike. So in that respect, yes I do agree that small bikes are much better for beginners in almost all situations because the benefits of a bigger bike probably won't offset the learning potential of a small bike, especially if you can only have one motorcycle.

That being said, I like riding motorcycles and there's lots of different situations under that statement that different bikes will be better at once you've acquired sufficient skill; there's no absolute better, just trade-offs. If I have to ride through Kansas, a little bike is going to make that a perfectly miserable experience with no redeeming attributes. A big bike is going to be comfy and it's going to put a shit-eating grin on my face when I can power wheelie through the first four gears, even if the road itself is boring as can be. There's also a lot to be said for a 600+ on a race track once your skillset is up to power sliding out of corners. I think it mainly just goes back to the challenge piece, it's a hedonic treadmill.

At the end of the day I'm with FastEddy, I think the real answer is to just buy a bunch of different sizes\styles so you can pick the appropriate bike for a given situation.

The Kansas part made literally LOL! I will go through my pics and find one to post up from a trip buzzing across the state on a 1984 GPz 750 mostly at triple digit speeds !

 

[ToraTora]

Almost was

The tail section on this one looks much nicer than the nurf one.