2015 Beginner-ish Sportbike Shootout
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- Wherein the Honda CBR300R, Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS, KTM RC390 and Yamaha YZF-R3 faceoff to determine which reigns supreme in the entry-level sportbike war!
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After asking UA-cam like 2 months ago what bike I should get as a beginner who only has $5k, most people suggested I get the Yamaha R3 but after a little search on Craigslist I ended up with a 08 Aprilia shiver 750 with only 6831 miles for that same $5k and I love it!
Anthony Campos thats bold man, kudos. Did you find the power hard to deal with at first?
Alex Manolopoulos yes I did, but the biggest factor that helped me was putting it into rain mode which cuts the torque delivery by alot and understanding this thing can kill me so it forced me to be slow and take my time.
Anthony Campos There's a reason why people say start small. Hopefully the power and cost won't keep you away from leaning the bike like it's supposed to be or pushing it to get better at braking and control.
Anthony Campos thats a good idea.Unless i find an irresistible deal like you though I'll probably start on a second hand ninja 300. I'm not gonna start riding until 2016 so hopefully there should be a decent number on the market by then. Easy bike to ride and learn on with enough power to be comfortable on the motorway and keep me interested for a while.
Alex Manolopoulos Go even older, strip the plastics, ride like crazy, push yourself on the track and after you see yourself catching mistakes before it happens like going knee down and feeling a slide move up and enjoy. Also smaller bikes are the best to learn wheelies and stoppies on. Brake and throttle control before you move up!
I still say the ninja is the bike newbs should get, get a used one and sell it for the same price you paid or more after you learn on it and then get a CBR 600 DOUBLE ARRRR!
I agree except they should graduate to a 675R.
SW20AE86 eh either bike is good.
ARRRRRRRR!
CycleCruza the ninja 300 is a great starter bike, expicially for someone who is really short (im 4'11'') , that bike is soooo light weight and save u gas money, damn right after i upgraded to a cbr 600
1marbolz haha u should buy a minibike then
Having to go to another web site to see the results of a shoot out review is irritating. I don't like to be "corralled" like I'm some huckster.
I was hoping more out of this shootout. You were very vague on the details on each bike. You didn´t say which bike handles better, how they brake, ect. As far as the eingines go, ok the Honda is underpowered, but how to the engines on the KTM, Yamaha and Kawasaki comprare to each other? A little more info, would have been nice.
Hec Thor Gotta go to motorcycle.com for that!
Hec Thor read the description
Mudux I did read it, but it doesn´t mean I have to like the way they presented the review. They´ve done a better job with past ¨shootouts¨.
I fully agree.
It seems, by leaving things out of the video, they are trying to drive traffic toward the website. And for obvious reasons--they have bills to pay too!
1:51 - Is it normal for dead people to lie on the side of the road like that?
it's America ... won't be surprised
That's not a dead guy. That's one of the cameramen.
Clearly if the body is holding up a camera, it is obviously dead.
^ Exactly
lol would be funny if they shot this with no care about a dead guy on the side of the road.
Your guys video looks like a movie with all the aerial footage. Very cool!!!
As a CBR250R owner this makes me kinda sad for Honda, its not a track bike but it does so well on economy I can't even believe it. Power may be lacking to some but hey it does great in its own right!
I wish all this was available 4 years ago when I got my Ninja 250R. It's amazing what some competition in the market will do to improve these beginner bikes so much.
well ive got the cbr 300 and i love it, light and my tiny legs can still reach the ground and plenty of power, i can keep up easily in group rides and overtaking on highways is easier and faster then my car
Leesa Drone May I ask what is your Height?
Herr Von Falkenberg 5 foot 3inches 😊
I am tired of hearing Honda being in last place....ahhhhhhh
Wel actually Honda would be in first if they allowed the 500r in this shootout.
TheSilverstonedwolf Yeah put a 500 vs 300s? well of course its gonna win. the Ninja 300 still comes close to the 500
Knights2theEnd its ok the honda had a smaller engine
Knights2theEnd
what do you expect, 26hp?? In 2015 its performance is finally comparable to the Ninja 250 that's been around for ages.
***** i don't fully understand your point however my 1970 cb350 (325cc) makes 36hp.
i had a dt50,rd125,cm125.rg250,xs400,cbr600,gsxr750.plus lots of other cheap bikes.its best to take your time,moving up.they all seemed great at the time,great fun
fine video. good images congratulations
I would never say anything about the Ninja because it is still sets the stage for the other bikes. I just got my new R3 and right away I'm changing those sorry tires. They ride like a truck, but the suspension seem compliant enough. After the first 100 miles, I can say it has exciting power and the bike looks as good as any other sportsbike, no matter the size. Since I always buy black bikes, you tend to not lose the lines as you do with the other colors. It is a full size bike, but it isn't a large bike by any means. It requires tank bags with straps (no metal tank), but it looks good with the Cortech mini-bag with a single strap tied to the underside of the seat. Here is what sets it apart beside power: the seat was comfortable for the 100 mile trip, there is no vibration in the hands or feet at any RPM. I agree tall riders will have to adapt to the higher pegs, but don't all sportsbikes have high pegs.
About the RC-390, I think as a pure track bike, it is head an shoulders above the others because it is set up when you buy it. The only negatives I've heard about it is the high seat (short riders will have a challenge). The other item was the noticeable vibration from the single thumper. I think the answers are simple: Track 390, Street R3, all around use Ninja 300. No matter how much you like the Honda, it's just too slow to compete with the other three.
awesome video and audio quality..keep it up guys
That slipper-clutch gets it for me. The Yamaha is gorgeous, but the Kawi wins for me. Can't beat the slipper-clutch. Plus, the extra mileage from the bigger tank is definitely nice. Not sure what's up with Honda. They seem so bland. Even their supersports aren't that exciting.
***** u'de get killed by saying that some years ago lol (about the hondas)...but yeah, honda and suzuki are starting to fall behind, suzuki is waking up a little bit, they've shown some new bikes and that they intend to update the gixxer 1000 tho...but yeah, heard nothing from honda yet...
***** Hondas are great! I cut my lawn with a Honda ;)
Let's see a Honda CBR 250RR with them, that's the greatest 250 ever created and will destroy these bikes by a mile, can't beat the 4 cylinders.
+penzoil1010 I disagree, I had the Aprilia RS250. I loved it, she would do 128mph, and it would do the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at just over 100mph, on a 250.
Gary Lowe ah yeah, still love the old school cbr's but those RS250's are also really nice
love to see benelli 600i n gt600 review from motorcycle.com
I had the 2013 Ninja 300. They are right about it being great on gas and having a long range. The 2013 Special Edition paint/sticker scheme was beautiful. Not sure Kawasaki they threw that away. Really fun bike. Liked the dual analog/digital gauges. Seat was really hard. They are also right about grabbing some throttle and not worrying. Thing often seemed like it was going 90 mph but I would look down and it was only doing 40 mph. lol
My Versys 300X has that Ninja 300 engine. It pulls from 4000 rpm, has 4.5 gallon tank and gets 60+ mpg. It's a great, fun, inexpensive way to enjoy motorcycling.
Great comparison, but damn those sidebrns Troy!!
yamaha R3 with an MT07 engine would be so much win!
Java Flask minus two cylinders and pistons
Java Flask not at all, twins have such different personality and way more narrow. I would love an R-7.
@@Rexolaboy it's available now :)
@@levkranchevko1432 I just saw last month. Sadly it's a little small for me. I'm 6'2". But I saw one the other day. Very nice
Just watched your naked, standard test. This one is more recent, and the video quality has definitely improved. Kudos!
I like.. Ish this video👌
This is ok, but it tends to get boring. I want you to show drag races, roll races, or quarter mile tests for these bikes in comparison tests like this. even if they are beginner bikes, I would still like to see it, and I'm sure many other viewers would too.
I love that the KTM clearly has scrape marks on the belly pan from being dragged. With small test riders.
Picking up my Yammy love it.
Yamaha and Kawasaki are fucking beast... Their appearance and performance are unbeatable by other manufacturers!!!
Love these small CC bikes.
That was awesome, gentlemen.
I think the R3 has it in the bag for looks, the ninja stock exhaust is a little bulky for me, if i got a new exhaust for it, I would definitely go for the Ninja
I started on a fz8, 2000 miles later I got my 14'r1 and I love it anybody could start on a litre bike really
KTM rc390 is the best for me of the bunch
Where is the rest of this video? they say they've commuted and been on the streets... so where is it?
I still prefer the old CBR250RR MC22 over any of these newer beginner sport bikes.
Though it was never released in the states back in the day I think Honda should
be looking to the past and seriously consider releasing a revamped CBR 250/4.
I thought about getting the Ninja 300 with ABS but now I am thinking about the R3 with an after market exhaust cause idk if I like that stock sound
These may be competent bikes but it's hard for me to get excited about them. For one, a big appeal with bikes is their sound and these all sound teeny. After my experience starting on a125cc, which was so underpowered I couldn't keep up with traffic and almost turned me off riding, I don't see the point in starting on such small bikes unless you have no self control.
Robert Kwolek Not just the sound--I don't like the pretentious-ness of these bikes. They look like sport bikes but ride like standards (barring the KTM).
Robert Kwolek right? i started on a huge bike... i took my class with the 250 to make sure i knew the basics, then jumped on 79 kawi 650 for like 2 weeks then got an 82 gs 1100 cause i like the highway.... sold those, got a bobber, realized what a mistake that was as an only bike... ended up with an fjr1300... couldnt be happier
Robert Kwolek No self control here... just sold my CBR600f4i so I can get one of these 4 bikes. Probably kawasaki.
Robert Kwolek Completely agree on the 125 underpowered part. They are not suitable for 'western' civilisation. for example, the 2008 YZF R125, to any noob that looks like a full blown bike.. got me in a lot of trouble already, because of people overestimating my speeds....
i think either the Yamaha or the ninja cause i like the styling on it but i also like how much gad you can hold in the ninja
I'm 5'10 190lbs will ninja 300 be okay for my height and weight?
Try it.
Mike Hunt I'm 300lbs and ride an R3 without issues. The Ninja 300 will be more than enough power to get you around.
I'm 5'10 260 :o( I can't even get on a bike till I drop 60 pounds at least, I won't buy a leather suit for a fat body
Bob johnson like I told the other guy, I'm over 300lbs and ride an R3. You'll be fine on any bike at your weight. Not optimal, but fine enough.
ya I know that but I want to look good on the bike
Drag race please!!!!!
the Ninja won this test however idk as a ninja 300 owner, I am kind of disappointed in it... yeh its good in the twisties but it does have its limits i find myself hitting my pegs in corners well before i feel like ive leaned as far as i could.. It is slow in the straights but that's obvious.. 0-60km it's quick after that anything else will just fly past. I find myself just 8 months in really considering something more powerful and really after 2 months i was wanting something better...
if the rc390 had the tank size of the ninja or even r3 id pick one up without hesitation. the only problem is the gas tank is not enough
Guys the KTM rc 390 is not for competition, there's the ktm rc cup bike but is totally different than the standard version
I will go with the KTM. That bike has the dynamics of a race bike unbeatable at that price !!!
The R3 looks like a 1999 model R6 with the dated boy racer paint scheme to match. The Ninja 300 and the CBR 300 are the lookers of the bunch.
Wish you had this review for the 2017 models. Maybe it fairs the same? I'm still deciding on either the R3 or the Ninja... I had been leaning more towards the R3 (because of the styling) until I sat on both(brand new) at my local dealership. The R3 gas tank pushed against my crotch uncomfortably whereas the Ninja did not. However I only just sat on them without a test ride.
I am no racer but i love bikes more than cars
The only problem with any of the bikes is the insurance costs. Even the CB300F Honda is classified as a sport bike. I own a Honda 300F and am very satisfied with the power. the ridding position is much better for long rides. But, that being said, ride them all and make your choice and have fun.
Depends on how you want to insure it. I bought a ducati monster 796 for my first bike this year with a loan from my bank which requires it to have collision. Well the only thing the insurance company looks at is cc and value of the bike which sucks because i got it at a great deal and for a 803cc bike it is much slower then an inline 4 600. Either way i took a loan from my father since the insurance for it was about 150 a month which is stupid since i would pay the bikes value in three years and if i did get into an accident i would be looking at a thousand dollar deductible so i took everything but the liability off and now it's 15 dollars a month. Don't get me wrong because if i total it's done but lets say i lay it down in a corner. Chances are i'm looking at a bill that does not exceed 1000 dollars to begin with.
Thanks guys for all the info and the video, subscribed to your channel.
i was doing 183 kph (113 mi/h) on the highway and did 377 km (234 miles) with a full tank on my Ninja 300.
I know the KTM Duke does not have a fairing but in my book it is still a beginner-ish sport bike. From what I understand, the Duke is suspended differently and is a bit quicker in a straight line than the RC390 due to being slightly lighter. The top of my list is the new R3 or the Duke. Thanks
KTM is beautiful, but I'm curious about the Honda, I own a low cc Honda and I grew out of it's slowness quick. I'm about speed and power.
I learned to ride on a 1974 rd350 and than a 85 rz350. still have the 74 and wouldn't trade it for anything. But I'd be curious as to how well these modern bikes would measure up?
Duke390 more than the RC390 closest in terms of feel that the RD350 gave. I used to ride the RD when in college, raw and addictive :D
Your two strokes would kill each of these bikes.
Thank for video. Hehe I got RC390. Haha yeah. I am waiting for this video.
Get a zxr250 or cbr250rr. Twin front discs and proper supersport handlebar height. I have the zxr250. It is the best first bike if you can find one. Get my Full licence in a couple of weeks and will upgrade to either a zx6r or r6.
I think the best looking bike ever was the NSR. Too bad Honda never brought that beauty over.
Your talking about the Yamaha rd 500 2 stroke
I'll be picking up my 2017 Ninja 650 soon. Does your channel do any "shootouts" with bikes in that class?
Toward the 600 vs 300 I think if you've rode dirtbikes for a few years starting on a 600 is second nature but if you've never been on anything that's where the 300 has its place.
Great vid, great sound (finally :D). Best information.
Background music might be "Sun Jane Jana" by Tariq Hisny.
This sis what makes no sense to me. Most experienced riders aren't going to buy any of these. They enjoy the power. So really it seems like they're only for newer riders. But what's the point of spending 4-5k on a new beginner bike when you can get one for half the price on Craigslist and be pretty sure you'll get your money back? That or you could find a decent 600 for the same amount of money.
+Marcel West-Bailey I really don't believe the bs of starting on a small bike well I do If you never road dirt are competed in motocross are never rode any bike than I agree your a dead man. Would you put your 16 year old boy on a r1.?
sam milone No. Because if my son acts anything like me he'd be dead in a week with that much power. A lot of people never got the chance to ride on dirt or anything so they don't have any experience. Saying which bike someone should start out on depends on the rider's maturity level. But even if you are mature sometimes you get yourself into trouble that is less likely to happen if you were on a less powerful bike.
Troy you're killing me! What's the verdict? If you're unsure let me race the hell outta all of them @ Chucky! LOL
Motorcycle.com is never the first video I'll watch on a motorcycle. Their "reviews" are usually too cursory, and are usually just short statements by the test riders. As other commentators have stated, in a "shootout," there needs to be more direct comparisons. Also, the way they try and bait viewers into visiting their website to see the conclusions is pure cheese.
Their production value is decent though, so there is potential for good videos.
Azusa is a road meant for 600cc and larger supersports. GMR is meant for small cc bikes. Why not ride that and see how it can handle the tighter twisties? Or take them to Malibu about an hour away to test the suspension and flicakbility on Tuna Canyon or Latigo? Azusa is a lame place to test anything smaller than a 600cc sportbike.
What a stupid video. 'Ohh yeah the Honda is the weakest one, it lags behind the others...' Of course it would, you said it yourself at the beginning of the video that it has by far the smallest engine of the lot. And when is power the only deciding factor in getting a bike??
There isn't any better motorcycle. they all are good.. the winner is always going to be the brand who sponsor the reviewer.
i would have liked if you would have talked about comfort some more, i hear the R3 isn't very suited for tall riders (like above 6')(i'm 6'3"), it seems that small engines seem to be made only for small bikes and small people.
Joe G.P. I agree, Its the only reason why I dislike the R3 and the Ninja 300. The KTM however is a different story. It feels taller and... rougher (with its throaty voice and all) so its definitely a sexy choice for taller people.
I've heard the opposite about the R3, though. Due to the fuel tank being narrower and taller, many taller reviewers on UA-cam praised it for giving their legs more room before having a fuel tank being jammed into their knees haha
Kory Nason yeah but more room doesn't mean enough room
+Joe G.P. That's very true... I don't know. I have yet to test ride it myself, but it's between the Ninja and the R3 for me for commuting in SoCal.
The honda may be « underpowered » but im sure in 10-15 years, it will still work like a new one. I think they all have thier place on the market. Some like something more powerfull but some just want to cruise and enjoy the ride. 50cc or 1000cc, as long as it’s fun and you ride safely.
wt about suzuki? every video I've seen they never mention any of the beginner suzuki bikes. anyone know why?
+Roy Reyes are you aware of any beginner sportbike that Suzuki offers?
over here, we don't have a Suzuki small sport bike at all. there is a naked bike, but nothing available in this category
they have a gsx125?
What about the MRX 150 by Fischer Motorcycles? Or the MRX 650?
May I throw in a question: is it possible to install engine of Honda CBR 600 RR of years 2008 and later, on 2003 model? Only 92 hp left on my 2003, so to upgrade to
less aged engines seems good idea.
The Honda is too weak, KTM doesn't look so good, i like the Yamaha Look and Kawasaki performance, so plz do a drag test or something to choose between the Yamaha and the Kawasaki
RC is the best looking bike
read all the reviews. please suggest me one of these bikes which wld have the best of both world types. i dont want it to be the fastest but with good pickup will do.
Hey, what's the matter? You've got wrong Honda!
250 cc single is ancient already! The Honda CBR300R with the parallel twin is the right bike for this test.
didn't bring the cbr500r along?
It scare the ninja is all around great starter bike the best in its class from my point of view
Im still getting the 390... looks more badass and has more hp.
yeah, this was a pretty poor review. From other reviews when it comes down to being comfortable and street practical the Ninja comes out on top. I'd still kill for the KTM though, love them.
comfortable goes to the R3 man
I'm not gonna start on a weak bike i'm going for the panigale 899
Mohamed Osama that's suicide bro 😏
The Eagle Has landed i'm typically the type of person to not give a fuck
Are there any good naked started bikes? I know honda has a naked version but that doesn't have ABS.
Nice... Looks like my Ninja 300 is still a contender.
Has anybody seen Wall-E? KTM's RC 390 looks MUCH like Mo. LOL
I
TROY Siahaan ? are you bataknese from indonesia ?
I believe the Kawasaki 300 is the best one overall for street riding. Its very forgiving in many ways. If you pop the clutch, you wont wind up road rashing and many forgiving things .
What these guys fail to teach to new riders is to not be a squid. Always wear your gear and DON'T skimp on pricing on gear. save up get the best so one day it can save your life.
Also never ever ride without a GPR Stabilizer or you will pay dearly WHEN a tank slapper happens.
Also what these guys fail to include is that these bikes are very good for beginner riders. You can learn the ins and outs of riding, control, safety along with learn about the bike itself.
Always make sure that the bike you buy has ABS breaking from dealership. If it doesn't, save up some more and buy one that does have it.
Some dealerships don't install it so buy it after-market and have a professional reputable mechanic install it. It can save your life along with your bike and its usage wear and tear.
I test drove all these bikes in this video and IMHO, I believe the Kawasaki 300 is the best fitting for overall street bike and Urban bike.
If you want to install great tires for street and urban riding get the S20 EVO. The S20 EVO are affordable high quality good gripping tires.
Why do people assume that a small bike is needed for a beginner; that's a big misconception. You can easily start on a 600cc bike.
Zone07 My buddy is starting out on a Night Rod, doesn't mean he should. Smarter to start off on a smaller bike. Free country, in the UK you wouldn't have a choice :)
SineOccasu I can see why people would think that starter on a smaller bike would be better but it can also lead to poor riding habits. Now if you are a small kid or young teen, I can understand starting on a 125cc or 250cc.
Zone07 Im started on a 500 twin. Feel like it was perfect for my first bike but I am worried about bad throttle control habits showing through when I upgrade.
Zone07 Take 2 riders with 0 experience and put one on a 250/300 and the other on a 600cc inline 4. After a year put them on identical bikes of whatever size. The one who started on the smaller bike 9 times out of 10 will be the smoother, faster and all around better rider.
soo the winner of this shootout is
yamaha R3
it cost around 3.7k usd in india on road price
The cbr needs hondas Vtec.
I understand but it was just to say the CBR needs a bit more power.
Yes!!!
Troy siahaan.. are you from indonesia?
The best beginner bike is a used Buell Blast. You can get one for $1200 or less. They get 60 mpg, have excellent brakes, have more torque than a garden tractor, practically no maintenance and if it falls over who cares? If you are not a beginner, anyone who rides a Buell Blast will instantly feel like a beginner.
lack of power is like, not important its faster than any car on the road and waaaaay faster than your allowed to go at least in the usa
Nice vid!
The Kawasaki is not your "only choice if you want to go somewhere". Just under 4 gallons is totally fine for these bikes unless you've got them at WOT the whole time, in which case you're ready for a bigger bike. Most current ~200 horsepower liter bikes only have about 4.5 gallon tanks. At 3x the output and even over 3x the engine size (1299 Panigale) with 4.5 gal tanks I think they got these tank sizes just fine. These are also sport bikes - a couple of you guys must be touring / cruiser types or something since fuel capacity is the last thing supersport/superbike riders give two shits about. You're also focusing way too much on power and not on rideability which is what sport bikes in this segment are all about. I generally agree with most of your reviews but this one was pretty sub-par guys.
What canyon were they riding on?
whats the diffrence r25 indonesia with r3? bore? ecu?
thx :)
give us 400cc Inline 4 in North America please and thank you.. Be nice to afford a Dualsport a truck and a small sporty I4 sports bike.. Its either 600cc 1000cc and that insurance even at 26 is unreal here..and good luck finding a loved cbr250rr from the 80s and hope it doesn't fall apart on you
Between the Ninja & R3, which has the most upright seating?
Those are the only two in their class that will sell.
Sean Wallace i believe its R3
KTM RC 390 is monster 2015 model
pause at 1:04 the guy with the white and black helmet,what helmet is that?
Next time bring TVS Apache 310RR & Benelli 302r in this shootout ..
I'm 6 feet tall around 200 pounds. Will I be able to ride the ninja 300?
Mantaj Jhutti yes, but a used gs500 or ninja 500 will be cheaper and better IMO these bikes are still pricey on the used market.
Mantaj Jhutti man im 200 pounds, trust me that bike can support you.... but my advice is to get some cheap as shit bike to learn how to ride on, a dirt bike, enduro.... then after you get the basics go ahead and grab yourself a nice 600cc bike.... my 1st motorcycle was a yamaha xt225, cost me 1000 cash, rode it around, and was able to reach about 65 mph... you arent going to wanna drop a lot of money on something as slow as a 300, trust me, you are only going to sell it in like 2 months
The KTM in my opinion shouldn't be in this 300cc category. It's almost a 400cc bike, of course it's going to be at the top. I've only rode a Honda CBR125 and a Yamaha R6, so I don't know how they all would handle, but as far as looks go I would rank them Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM. The headlights NEED to look good for me. Otherwise it is hard for me to like the entire bike. Not insulting any of the bikes, this is just my personal preference. Overall they all look pretty good. Wouldn't mind taking them all for a spin.
Puma4454 2.5 gallon tank doesn't make for a great streetbike