RC390 budget commuter/kart track

So I picked up a 2015 RC390 with 1700 miles. I have a few go kart tracks that I'm finding myself more attracted to than full blown circuits. I like sportbikes, and wanted to be able to mix up taking my 690SMC to the track and this.

My main concern with the bike was build quality and reliability. I'll be doing what I can to enhance reliability prior to really flogging it.

I've done the following so far:

Full detail (so many spider webs... Was an outdoor bike)
Fixed a loose and missing kickstand bolts (Locktite is your friend with thumpers!)
Bled brake systems
Polished pitted/rusted fork tubes (very minor)
Sub $5 fender eliminator
Removed rear pegs
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Upcoming projects:
Aftermarket 5.2 radiator fan and Engine Ice
Shorty levers
Oil/filters changes
R6 shock with OEM spring
Duke rear hugger
Frame sliders
Front and rear spools
 
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OEM fender eliminator:

Final product:
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Heavy OEM:
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I hacked off a good chunk of the plastic piece, drilled new holes, relocated the plate light and turn signals, and tossed the metal bits. A good 4-5lbs shaved off and a much cleaner look!

New hole for the left turn signal notch. With this mod, the turn signal orientation had to be rotated downwards about 45°.
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Left side rotated, right side stock
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New holes to mount under the seat.
4 M6 1.00x40mm were bought to mount the plastic piece to the bike.
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I used a spare aluminum strip to act as a plate bracket.
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All buttoned up and good to go!
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I can't believe the heavy steel pieces they used!
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Got some $20 levers (used them on 3 different bikes before) installation was straight forward, perfect fitment, and can't tell the difference in feel between these and my ASVs.
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Also installed the 1.6 bar radiator cap and the Trail Tech thermometer for a more accurate reading. The fan comes in between 200° and 210°, brings the bike down to approximately 185° before shutting off each time.
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I lost a good amount of coolant (bike was still at 120° when I tried to replace the cap. Engine Ice and 5.2 fan are going in next week.
 

KTManny

New Member
Where did you get the levers? im interested :cool:


Got some $20 levers (used them on 3 different bikes before) installation was straight forward, perfect fitment, and can't tell the difference in feel between these and my ASVs.
View attachment 4244

Also installed the 1.6 bar radiator cap and the Trail Tech thermometer for a more accurate reading. The fan comes in between 200° and 210°, brings the bike down to approximately 185° before shutting off each time.
View attachment 4245

I lost a good amount of coolant (bike was still at 120° when I tried to replace the cap. Engine Ice and 5.2 fan are going in next week.
 
Did a track day with the RC390 for the first time. After getting suspension dialed in, it felt awesome!

I noticed I was still scraping on the left side. I thought I was hitting pegs, which surprised me because I usually hit knee first.

Upon observing the left side hardware, I realized my pegs were fine and it was my kickstand dragging! I've never seen this issue with any other bike. Is this common? What do you guys do? I find it odd that the kickstand would touch before the peg feeler. Do you guys cut down the kickstand pedal?
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Remove the stand, headlight, indicators, tail light, lockwire everything and put numbers on it...well that's what I did anyway. :D

Lol, trying to keep it street worthy too. But you're absolutely right. I might end up cutting that part of the kickstand off. No drag on the right side.
 
Installed $21.77 front axle sliders/rear spools.

The fronts for perfect, the rears were made for the top holes of the swingarm. I went to the hardware store and got some nylon spacers, washers, and M10x1.25 bolts to mount them properly towards the bottom.20170823_222555.jpg20170823_222542.jpg20170823_222526.jpg20170823_222521.jpg
 
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Fitted the Duke hugger and eBay aluminum chain guard. Pretty forward install, the OEM RC hugger was a pain to take off. Had to loosen the left rearset to remove a bolt.
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Flushed the coolant, put on the Spal 5.2 puller fan. The splicing of wires is straight forward. Red to red, black to black. Put it all back together with Engine Ice. No chance to ride it yet.
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Also got a set of T-Rex sliders. The hardest sliders to install on a bike by far. Some said they had to reroute the clutch wire, I decided to just move it out of the way maybe 1/3 in. Hopefully it won't interfere with operations.
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Also didn't trim the inner right black plastic like many did. It is touching, but not to the point where I couldn't get the fairings back together right.

I also added sporting grip tape to the side that makes contact with the orange frame to protect it ever so slightly with impact and scratches.
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Chopped the kickstand lever, as it was grinding last time I was at Little Stockton Kart Track.
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Buttoned everything up, and don't recall if this is just a vent hose, or am I supposed to plug it into something?
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[video=youtube_share;Co1FaXPjnlw]https://youtu.be/Co1FaXPjnlw[/video]

Did a fun canyon run with my buddy prior to going to Buttonwillow in 2 days.
 
First time the RC went to the big track. Temp stayed between 180-190 while running, the ambient temp was about 101 in Buttonwillow.

The bike definitely loves to brake late, hug corners. In C group, you can pass 600-1200cc riders pretty well on corners.

[video=youtube;MUUTsidNUUA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUUTsidNUUA&feature=youtu.be[/video]
 
Just did a second change at 2465 miles, 2 track days. Oil was definitely dirty, but luckily with just small shavings. I went ahead and ordered the full oil change kit (drain bolts, screens, and filter included). There was one 3" long RTV from the case.
 
Just put new Pilot Power 3's and new sintered pads on my GSXR... Hmm, which one shall I take to the track next?


On a side note, I typically favor the 390 for the track because it's fully insured. The GSXR has liability. The 390 full coverage is about $135 a year. The GSXR would be about $700 a year. This is with Progressive through USAA. 29 y/o male, clean driving history, unmarried.
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CDN Duke

Member
Country flag
Just put new Pilot Power 3's and new sintered pads on my GSXR... Hmm, which one shall I take to the track next?


On a side note, I typically favor the 390 for the track because it's fully insured.

Curious as to what the insurance does for you at the track? Here in Canada, and I expect in many places, you would be hard pressed to get any coverage for something that occurred at a track...
 

isaac_

New Member
Curious as to what the insurance does for you at the track? Here in Canada, and I expect in many places, you would be hard pressed to get any coverage for something that occurred at a track...

Some in the US have been able to convince their carriers that track days are a "safety school." I haven't tried.
 
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