I bought my 2016 RC a few weeks ago and picked it up yesterday. A quick background on me, I have been riding street motorcycles since 1978 and have owned many. Unlike many guys my age I prefer sport bikes and was intrigued by the KTM when they first came out . I believe excessive horsepower can be over rated on the street. My personal opinion is that you need no more than 70 hp, although I have owned and do own some with more than that. I did a lot of research before pulling the trigger and weighed the good and bad. Based on what I read if this was my only bike and did not own others I would not buy it. Since I have the luxury of other bikes I can ride if she breaks down, I have other options. I realize that is not a glowing endorsement .The first thing I did was take off passenger pegs saved about 5 pounds . I understand that the bike is breaking in so I am taking that into account. My first problem is the handlebars, I feel they are way too wide. On a bike this size you don't need a lot of handlebar leverage to throw it around. Also it sits too upright for me, since I have a Ducati 748 this thing feels very upright. I will be working on making it more race like. God those mirrors are horrendous, they totally take away the sleek look, I will be eliminating them and do something I really don't like and put handlebar mirrors on. I rode today in 40 degree weather and again I know it is breaking in so friction is high but boy it runs hot, SPAL upgrade on the books.The upshifting sucks, a lot of missed gears. I admit I am a lazy shifter and typically don't clutch to upshift but it would not go in 3rd gear easily. I am again assuming it is breaking problems, would love to hear other thoughts, maybe adjust the shift lever, I had to take my foot off the shifter sometimes to get enough force.The tach gauge is really bad, way to small ( I realize i am old but my vision is 20/15),I am going to put a piece of tape at the 7500 breaking in redline to make sure I don't over rev, I am aware I can reconfigure it to change the redline . I took it very easy today, the roads are crappy here in Pennsylvania with stones and stuff because of the weather so I can't evaluate the handling. I wish it had a digital temp reading like my Suzuki. I really like the shift gauge as I am horrible about knowing what gear I am in. Overall I am really excited about thrashing her. My goal is to shave weight off the bike so my list of mods to do is listed.Also anyone in the Lancaster or Philly area hit me up.If there are any upgrades you can recommend let me know.
Mod dream list:
Lithium battery
Werks muffler
Andreani internals
Ohlins rear shock
SPAL fan
Rear sprocket upgrade
Rearsets
Adjustable levers (KTM catalogue very pricey)
Moto America billet chain adjuster
Power Commander
License eliminator
Handlebar Fix
Super Dream List:
Marchesini wheels
Cam upgrade
Mod dream list:
Lithium battery
Werks muffler
Andreani internals
Ohlins rear shock
SPAL fan
Rear sprocket upgrade
Rearsets
Adjustable levers (KTM catalogue very pricey)
Moto America billet chain adjuster
Power Commander
License eliminator
Handlebar Fix
Super Dream List:
Marchesini wheels
Cam upgrade
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