[ksameer1234]

Originally Posted by The Brutailer

the old 390 motor and the new one, which one would you consider more urgent, more brutal off the line?

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana

No second thoughts about the answer. It is definitely the old 390 that was more urgent off the line. And scarier too!

I felt the initial generation Duke 390s were the most scary ones off the line, first gen RC390s were mellowed down in comparison and the latest one is far more mature than all the previous ones.

Having driven Duke 390 and 2018 RC390 quite a bit and having owned 2014 RC390, I would rate 2018 RC390 as the best. The shove off the line from older 390s is just due to choppy fueling which has been taken care of in the latest gen with ride-by-wire throttle. The overall performance levels are identical across the generations but latest gen ones mask the speed extremely well due to on/off throttle transitions. My pick would any day be the latest RC390 which is so much easier to ride in traffic and with pillion.

And one quick observation. The clip-on handlebars on new RC 390 are longer by about 1 cm marking a significant handling department!

[PrasannaDhana]

Originally Posted by ksameer1234

I
And one quick observation. The clip-on handlebars on new RC 390 are longer by about 1 cm marking a significant handling department!

Yes, I realised it only after I rode my friend's R3. R3 clip ons were way compact and close when compared to my RC390. But I felt RC clip ons to be more engaging.

[PrasannaDhana]

I was lucky to spot my beloved old Duke 390 on the way. Here are some pics of them both together.

Just look at how compact RC390 is, and how lower the clip ons are comparatively.

[PrasannaDhana]

Had a chance to ride a Benelli 600i.

i was more disappointed than excited.

Positives:

Superb exhaust note from the inline 4
Refinement
Fit and finish were topnotch

Negatives:
It does not feel fast, or atleast like a 40+ bhp over the RC390. The acceleration is just marginally better but it isnt fun. I had to get into 8k+ rev to see some good acceleration
Its friggin heavy, handles like a dumptruck around corners, may be, I am used to RC's phenomenal handling
Brakes - No ABS and the brakes lacked bite.
Seating position felt eerily similar to old gen Dukes. You got very little room for the knee if you are tall.


I was so happy that I chose the RC390. it is cheap and it is the most fun bike you can buy new within 6lakhs OTR!

[PrasannaDhana]

Update: 3000 km

Some pics from morning gym runs

[PrasannaDhana]

The more you love your motorcycle, more the number of pictures of it in your gallery

Update:
Odo: 3300 km

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana

I was lucky to spot my beloved old Duke 390 on the way. Here are some pics of them both together.

Just look at how compact RC390 is, and how lower the clip ons are comparatively.

Is the saddle height same in both? I mean, the on top feeling which I hated in Duke is absent in RC?

[PrasannaDhana]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Is the saddle height same in both? I mean, the on top feeling which I hated in Duke is absent in RC?

They are almost the same.

But in RC the clip ons are wider and lowerset than Duke. Just look at the difference in the handle bar height. So you naturally bend a lot forward on RC and the "on top" nervous feeling of the dukes isn't felt.

[PrasannaDhana]

A fee more pictures of my lovely RC

[PrasannaDhana]

Update

Odo: 3530 km

Badly in need of WD40 to clean the muck off the rear alloy.



Inspite of having a brand new Storme Varicor 400, my heart picks the key of RC 390 every day!

[unk9ja]

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana

Update

Odo: 3530 km

Badly in need of WD40 to clean the muck off the rear alloy.

Try Meguir's alloy wheel cleaner. Just a couple of sprays, let it soak up for a while and wash with water. Cleans to a sparkle. I have been using it for the past 3.5 years and still left with a quarter of the bottle.

[PrasannaDhana]

Odo : 3965 km

I have been very consciously riding to see what highest fuel efficiency figure I could get from my RC 390.

Have been keeping my rpm below 5000 rpm in all gears. Quite a challenge, given my usually very aggressive style of riding. I was able to get 31.6 kmpl over the last 90 odd kilometres. To be noted is that this 31.6 kmpl is all in city riding conditions as I have been using the rc only for gym runs.

PS: Usual fuel efficiency : 20-22 kmpl. No point in riding an390 within 5000rpm. Going back to usual riding style. 7500-9000 rpm

[PrasannaDhana]

Sunday ride and meet up with TeamBhP friends!

Odo- 4700 km
RC 390 not being used but for the gym runs. Blame Trichys 40+ degree celsius temperature everyday!

Meeting spot was Ulundurpet A2B restaurant. It is 190km from Chennai and 118 km from my home at Trichy.

We were supposed to meet at 8, but I got late, started by 7:15 am only. Usually it takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the spot. I had to go faster, but also made sure I didnt do 8000+ rpm at 6th.

Time taken to reach- 1 hour
Distance- 117.7 km
Avg speed - 115 kmph
Fuel Economy - 17.5 kmpl







We all met at 8 15 am.



Members:
PrasannaDhana, Sid, VigneshN/A, NITNinja, and a non member (unsuccessful in getting membership approved LOL) Mahesh

Vehicles:
PrasannaDhana - 2017 KTM RC 390
NITNinja - 2018 Yamaha R3 ABS
Others- Mahesh's VW Polo GT TSI

Yamaha R3 was the star of the day. Absolutely gorgeous!


I loved the refinement and free revving nature of the parallel twin




Pardon me, all bikes look puny under me


My Sweet RC 390




We had breakfast at A2B, rode to Veppur which is 30 km from Ulundurpet. Vignesh and Mahesh rode my RC and Nitninjas R3. I drove GT Tsi and I was disappointed to say the least. Stop calling that car a "hot hatch"

We then had coffee at a restaurant in veppur and rode back 50 kms towards Chennai and then we parted ways.

About 2018 Yamaha R3 ABS:

1. Retains all the positives
2. Metzelers has improved the handling many folds
3. ABS is a welcome addition but the brakes arent as good as RC390
4. Effortlessly cruises at upper triple digit speeds
5. Bike looks big, but is compact and actually was cramped to me. RC has space in rider's seat to move around, R3 does not!
6. Wind deflection is better than RC
7. Sweet exhaust note when revved
8. Top speeds almost identical to RC 390 (2kmph more than RC)
9. Linear power delivery, lacks the fun quotient of RC 390/Duke 390
10. Extremely mature bike, absolute cruiser
11. Riding posture is upright
12. OH THAT SEAT!! It felt as if I was sitting in a cozy couch. Realised how hard the RC seat is. Guess I have accustomed to RC seats. Other riders complained within 5 minutes.
13. R3 rear view mirrors should have been wider, like in RC.

[Vignesh_N/A]

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana

I drove GT Tsi and I was disappointed to say the least. Stop calling that car a "hot hatch"

Lol. Explosive power delivery it was. After riding RC 390 and R3, TSi felt like Duke 200 on our return journey. Makes all the noise, but doesn't move.

[Sutripta]

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana

About 2018 Yamaha R3 ABS:

It has, if I'm not mistaken, a 180 crank. So exhaust note when not screaming its nuts off?
How soft is the suspension (ie how confidence noninspiring when thrown into a corner) compared to the cb250r?
How heavy is the clutch?

Regards
Sutripta