Ari's KTM RC390 Racebike Walkaround

You guys asked for it, so here it is. A walkaround vid of Ari's KTM RC390 racebike, which he's been building and racing for nearly two years. If you want more details on this little rocket, click over to motorcyclistonline.com for loads of articles.
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Link: www.motorcyclis...
Onboard video from Sonoma Raceway: www.motorcycli...
Mods list:
Power Commander V
Power Commander quickshifter
Tyga rearsets
Mivv exhaust
Andreani fork cartridges
JRi shock
Fast Frank captured wheel spacers & axle blocks, spools
T-Rex frame sliders
KTM engine covers
Moion Pro Rev2 throttle kit
Driven clip-ons
Driven top triple
K&N air filter
ABS removed
EBC HH pads
Magura HC1 radial master cylinder
Stomp grips
Tyga race bodywork
Radiator guard
All Balls wheel bearings
Rizoma brake-lever guard
Yoyodyne slipper clutch
Pro-Bolt fasteners galore
Motion Pro ignition delete
TTO digital thermometer
KTM rear sprocket
Tsubaki chain
Bridgestone tires (RS10 front, VO2 rear)
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[@--LZ---]

Really good audio for such a windy day.

[@FlyingGoatMedia]

I was thinking the same! I don't see a lav... boom mic?

[@godlyobject6509]

I'd love to know how your videographer did it!

[@sieve5]

Fuckin' honda's amirite? XD. Just kidding.

[@zuno555]

Exactly what I was thinking, clear audio without even a hint of wind.

[@six_twentythree]

But how?

[@jdwmmedia]

when you're racing, the smaller the bike, the more analytical your decisions have to be to get out every morsel of the bikes power!! 100% agree that it's more satisfying to completely apply a slower bikes power than it is to leave any portion of a larger bikes power unexplored

[@Dowent]

I hate these bikes, on Wednesday, one of these overtook me on my twin on the last lap and I couldn´t beat him back before the finish line, I have been hating them ever since!! PS: Nice video :) .

[@eliasschmidt4112]

you should hate your own skill or bike, not the other guy that was faster than you

[@Dowent]

You got me :) .

[@eliasschmidt4112]

Then you have to say it in a sarcastic voice, now I look stupid

[@HarmanLearns]

dry sarcasm for the win.

[@homefront3162]

Freeman haha I hate when that happens!

[@Itzak15]

which stickers do you recommend for the most hp?

[@shahidahmad8948]

46

[@hankthompson6171]

Lorenzo really seemed to scoot with Rockstar™, and Vale found a few extra tenths with a donkey or chicken sticker 🤷‍♂️

[@ajshift5542]

Lol

[@anirudhv4942]

Red bull gives you wings and your bike 6 hp more.🙏

[@naveenkr5992]

@@shahidahmad8948 like in VR46 ?

[@gnarshread]

What an awesome bit of kit! I can really tell a lot of cash, time, sweat and tears have gone into this bike. I would love to see more on this bike!

[@aizatazlan3997]

i in lovee with KTM single piston 🔥🔥🔥power so good ! from Malaysia

[@650ib]

Awesome track bike build!!!! My only question... How did you remove the wind noise? I noticed it was really windy at the track. Lol. 42HP sounds just right for me!

[@nickwang8595]

@Daniel Combs the key is high way. When you are dragging elbows 42 HP is a lot.

[@usamakhan7856]

My stock RC makes 43.5, but maybe it will make less on the Dyno. But we've got tricked out RC's churning 50 hp and 200kmps on the Dyno.

[@purebloodheretic4682]

Ib, I think it might be time to sell the Kawi H2, & get the RC390, They are Fast on a Gocart Track!👍😉

[@shahidahmad8948]

This fucking guy everywhere

[@xlegenx47]

recently passed my A2 lisence and I got a 2016 version as my first bike .... my god I love it !! quick little bike for a begginer.

[@gab10181]

xlegenx47 i wish i had the money for it. ;) but i am pretty happy with my used SV650 ^^

[@Dizzykitty817]

I would love to see more videos like this as well as more videos about the track world. I would love to pick up a 300cc class bike and try to compete, but getting into the sport seems so daunting. With all of these lightweight bikes coming out and the creation of the ssp300class. I would love to see more little lightweight racing videos.

[@darrensimms9086]

Glad to see you stayed the course! I haven't had an issue with my RC390 (maybe i should race it more).

[@MoyHobbies]

What year rc do you have?

[@jamthetag]

well said, "slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow"!

[@menom7]

Yup-yup,agreed totally^^^ :)

[@ChrisPBacon-nf3op]

I never understood the whole "slow bike fast than a fast bike slow" statement. I would rather have a fast bike that I know has a ton of performance whenever needed, or I wanted to use it, than a slow turd that is getting ragged out. Is it really that much fun knowing your bike cant go any faster?

[@raynic1173]

@@ChrisPBacon-nf3op Hey, I have owned both big bikes and small bikes. I assume your mostly thinking street bike riding, because in racing you really don't leave any performance for 'whenever', you do that, you lose.The thing with a big bike, most of the time, riders depend SO much on the horsepower to get their jollies, which means twisting the grip on the straights. On the street doing 'roll-ons' with your buddies and blasting down the freeway doing triple digits and on the track, again making up time on the straights. For myself I dropped down to a smaller bike mostly for economic reasons, smaller bikes are less expense all round and as track bike, you can actually save hundreds $ per weekend. What I found is that within three track days, on my very basic, unassuming, low tech, 42 hp GS 500 I was doing lap times equal to my GSXR 750 with 120 + hp. The reason for me was that the 750 had a very touchy fuel injected throttle that frankly was kind of scary to roll on as I would exit a corner. I was still learning to go fast and everyone has different thresholds of what fast is. Anyway, as we know corner exits are prime 'high-side' territory and high-sides bust up bikes and bodies, which in turn makes for very expensive and time consuming repairs. So when going to the smaller bike it was easier to ride in every way. The throttle was less intimidating, it was light and flickable it felt like a toy rather than a beast. So with the smaller bike I really wasn't going to 'make up time' on the straights, so corner speed was of maximum concern, which meant very skilled line choice, braking, corner speed, passing techniques and throttle exit application, just can't scrub any more speed than was necessary. So I became a much better rider, faster on the small bike, lap times dropped every race or track day weekend. One thing that struck me was that here was a bike that I had around $ 1K invested into and I was having and absolute blast on, totally didn't need a $10K+ superbike. By years end I was beating guys on 56 hp EX500's and 65 hp SV650's. So me beating 'faster bikes' is totally relative, it really just comes down to experience and skill nothing really to brag about, I just had more seat time than they did, but it proved a point, that 'the bike' doesn't always matter. And there is a satisfaction in beating faster more expensive bikes. Grant it if I was going to buy a street bike I would choose the bigger bike, there's just not that many places to drag a knee on the street safely and horsepower and wheelie rushes are intoxicating, but for the track totally unnecessary, which is what this video was about, ,heck the guy ended up setting a track record, I think he made a good choice.. But it also can translate to street riding because many street riders don't learn top notch cornering skills. Just look at how many video's there are of people running off the road, many of them are do to lack of skills, it's really easy to go ballistic by twisting the throttle and learn the 'other' skills, Anyway, imho. Peace and keep the rubber side down.

[@robcorsi8229]

@@raynic1173 so well said. so well

[@mattbowman3641]

100% with ya on that!!

[@6Twisted]

300lb = 136kg

[@gauravb997]

The most important comment :D

[@endomobo359]

Learn freedom units you ingrates

[@tundraman3664]

@leo is in the house no dentist having ass

[@-Cristian_12]

Cool bike, still not understanding why KTM discontinued the RC8R instead of putting some new tech on that bike, still best looking bike for me

[@mrviiiii]

They did it because they think that 1000cc supersports doesnt have anything to do on public roads... Theeeen they release the superduke

[@nayr8453]

CEO has his head lodged firmly up his own ass.

[@-Cristian_12]

The Mavi I know they say they will focus on motogp and a bike powerful bike should not be in the streets, probably they were not doing so well in sales

[@nayr8453]

The SuperDuke 1290 is just as dangerous in the wrong hands on public roads, perhaps even more so as the power comes on much earlier.

[@PilatuS23]

The came back from that anyways. There should be a new model like the RC8R in the future.

[@homefront3162]

Those Stickers add so much acceleration

[@vwgti303]

Ari Henning Please, I put a Penske sticker on my SV1000 and had to ride it on one wheel for miles.

[@DmentedSound]

Glad to see you stayed the course! these are super fun little bikes. I haven't had an issue with my RC390 (maybe i should race it more).

[@caluzzucarrazzi5549]

Dude this is such a nice bike, you've done such a great job with it. I want one now.

[@Obee270]

So... When is the R3 race bike walk-around coming? 🤔 I'll be picking one of those or a Ninja 300 in the next year as my dedicated track bike.

[@furiousstrawhat8526]

Dejas Monroe here's my suggestion, don't, wait a bit more for Honda's entry level, the cbr 250rr beat the shit out of the entry level market.

[@daltonwilliams6297]

How in the world did you get such clear audio in all that wind 😂 anyways great video keep it up guys, this will always be my favorite channel 👍🏼

[@JustinSane50]

I wanted to hear it 😓

[@willsherriff3711]

grownsimbaa it's only a boring single cylinder 4 stroke go and start you're lawn mower up and it will sound similar

[@rahulk1203]

Just watch the track race video- link in description.

[@JustinSane50]

rahulk1203 Yeah I watched it, great video but I was after a start up without the wind noise etc.

[@willsherriff3711]

grownsimbaa the noice it makes really isn't worth worrying about, it's a single cylinder 4stroke, get over it

[@Dannyyzeee]

Will u do realize 4 banger means 4 cylinder not 4 stroke

[@Keeladron]

Nice motorcycle, a lot of love in that machine, good work! I personally love it, colour scheme and decals all look really well placed and clean. Keep up the amazing work and stay safe out there!

[@krazed0451]

Andreani make some fantastic cartridge kits at a good price, nice to see them getting some more air time as they are somewhat unheard of :-)

[@race-technika]

Hey Ari! Nice walk around video, nice explanations on all the work done! Amazing stuff. Have you considered hybrid ceramic bearings? Judging by the advertised qualities, they really should be great for a small displacement/horsepower bikes. Could you please do a video on that?

[@Simarjeet]

Hey buddy... i have been your subscriber for quite a while now... can u do video to explain how different riding modes work n what is actually technically going on in the bike when we switch riding modes....cheers

[@gronkgrunk]

Yes! Thanks for putting up this vid, Ari. Bike looks sick with all the added on goodies. I agree it would look awesome with the side fairings removed. Greetings from Malaysia!

[@vivek1393]

Must. Not. Be. Jealous. Great video guys. Ari is one rider I've always looked up to. Feels epic to know one of his bikes is what I have!

[@LunchBXcrue]

I have a quick shifter on my 2020 street triple r and yeah they totally do spoil you. But theres nothing like that up interrupted acceleration, it just feels and sounds so good. I love the triple motor sounds so.

[@yatishvasa3560]

it is super cool sir. no wonder you smashing all the lap records. godspeed.

[@DailyRevsManila]

you've managed to get that bike lighter than it was! nice!!!

[@karmapolice5532]

ari man... we more of your racing videos .. we love you brooo..

[@CanadianMotoGal]

Excellent walkaround and nice & concise given all the mods done. Super edit as well 👌. Shame it's had so many issues but love how it's been so well done mod wise.

[@petergriffin4629]

I really liked hearing him say, that he prefers to ride a slow bike fast over riding a fast bike slow. That's my philosophy as well.

[@unknown_channel_name]

That is a nice video and the way to customized your RC390 is just sick. But i want to point out one thing that the stock RC390 produced 43hp-44hp out of the factory, you can also get a little more out of your bike there.

[@digvijayjagtap3776]

Bro 42 hp on wheel not on crank

[@lostfound8112]

huge fan of your vids..I have an r3 and have a blast on it...might get a zx6 soon but never regretted my purchase

[@ErichWilhelmVW]

I'm going to feel silly writing this and posting it, but thank you for the video! I'm a HUGE fan girl of the RC390 and can't wait to actually get one. I appreciate watching what you can do on that thing. Side note, I've been hearing about KTM making a consumer version of the RC16, any chance you guys would be covering that?

[@mw6563]

Great video and mod explaination. Picking tires for my sons RC and have a question. You decided on a wider 160 rear but admit that setup did not use the extra width. Why not stay with the 150 then???

[@thecoolermaster55]

Considering you've had so many reliability issues with the bike, why have you chosen to stick with it? I understand that the RC390 is a pretty sporty small displacement bike out of the box, but it seems like with all the importing of parts and repair work you've had to do that I'm questioning​ if it's all worth it. If you did it again would you stick with it or choose a different bike?

[@reduardocc]

Kennedy Cook: I had the exact same question in my mind when I saw the video

[@manincastle]

Because he is winning races and braking lap records with it.

[@reduardocc]

Loud and clear!!!

[@thecoolermaster55]

Ari Henning Yes, yes it does lol

[@HeroRR]

Ari, if the CBR350RR comes to the states, would that be a bike you would consider?

[@EstebanAGaido]

"I´d rather be fast in a slow bike than slow in a fast bike."

[@thesurfingwolf4793]

Great video, really enjoyed, it thanks man!

[@Lancaster604]

The trumpet style pipes. No kidding when they said "trumpet" lol

[@clivebanks8400]

Hilarious. Identical build to mine here in little old NZ. Right down to the Bridgestones because Pirelli are awesome but too expensive. Keep up the good work.

[@theranpan_]

The one disliked is KTM because you did better than what they could do!

[@nikko5354]

wow it is very informative video sir. keep it up. proud ktmd390 user from philippines.

[@2WR]

Thanks for the walk around!

[@AskJoe1]

4:33 reaching for that clutch lever still? haha

[@mrad4234]

Thanks for the cut sheet of mods and explanations!

[@mustafaali-gf5tp]

Hey, could you please tell me on what sprocket setup ua running on?Great vid btw, appreciate it.

[@InvictvsNox]

Interesting that you mentioned the Power Commander 5. Have you considered their Power Vision CX that actually flash tunes the ECU itself with one of Dynojet's own mappings instead of the add-on PCV? They may not make one for this bike yet, but I had to ask since most mechanics I've spoken to tend to not recommend piggyback devices since they bypass the O2 sensors.

[@ChevyGuy70]

Great job on the bike. It looks great.

[@ShiningQuasar13]

i agree to the statement of riding a slow bike fast then a fast bike slow. i have an r6 but i remember riding a tw200 for a safety course and it was fun even tho id go 15mph max. Looks nice and fun.

[@MrRoxx17]

Man, what a dream bike!

[@charged]

Thanks for the video. Will we be seeing anything more on the Z125 you were upgrading?

[@sahalkhan2133]

+Ari Henning Sweet cornering at sonoma!

[@Sqagg]

Great video! Very interesting. I agree with you on the riding a slow bike fast thing

[@RR821212]

It's very nice to see this walkaround video with a lots info. How about the Yoyodyne slipper clutch? It's working well?

[@nikolager23]

Nice fairing Ari what's the tiny exhaust looking thing under your seat is it nitro or something I've seen it on some bikes mounted on top of the exhaust and also the abs comes stock on the rc390?

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Very nice mate. Makes me keen to try out one on the street.

[@akshayrajivale9344]

The video Ive been waiting for, thanks for info ari. The bike looks neat😍

[@1xRacer]

awesome vid, now onboard laps!

[@Bi6M4C]

I recently got 25 and started riding this summer on a sv650 2009. In my area are some nice tracks and I really wanna improve my riding so I'll be safer. my uncle is racing for over 30 years now and always tells me the track is the place were u improve the most and the 'safest' so I'm thinking about building a track bike. these rc 390's are awesome and I'm thinking about starting on one of these. I don't get why so many people start on 600 or 1000cc although it's way better to jump on a smaller one to learn how to behave yourself with speed in corners for example. the only downside I'm 1.96m (6'4?) tall and I'm afraid that the 390 will look like a bicycle when I'm on it 😅

[@FamousAndYouKnowIt]

My favorite RC 390 video... bike looks so much better with race fairings.... Just. So. Much. Want.

[@JensEskildsen]

Awesome little bike..

[@emlaslo]

Hi Ari, When are you going to do a walkaround of your new lightweight project ? Maybe add some comparison between the lightweight bikes you have already raced. Since it's the first time I comment on some of your content, I wanted to thank you for all the bits of advice. For sure the best you can find on KZbin today. Keep going man !

[@GoodGuyBiker]

Shout out to Trex Racing for sure good stuff!

[@michaelhelpern9002]

Been watching you for a few years! I rolled my Ninja 300 Sunday at PBIR and now rebuilding. What do you suggest for suspension (Front & Rear), clip-ons, breaks, master cylinder, rotors, chain and sprockets, open to any / all ideas, but trying to keep it PanAmericaSBK Super Street Legal…. I’m 6’2 ~195pds. Figure we would have a similar setup…

[@neosarath220]

Ari hope you put up a video on your project R3 when it completes.

[@angrybird29]

craze video man, much love from india.

[@ShockTech326]

Ari, big fan... for somebody relatively new to track riding (7 trackdays, mid-intermediate), how do you feel about stepping down from a 600 to a 300? They seem like tons of fun and less "overwhelming" for somebody new such as myself.

[@tron121]

Yup yup. I have more fun on my 390 then my r6. I'm grinning ear to ear on the little bastard.

[@RumblestripDotNet]

My old 95 Honda RS 125 made the same power but only weighed 155lbs! I do miss that bike. That and my RZ500. Something about the two stroke life! :D

[@peterzebot1795]

your RS 125 made 41 horsepower? LOL sure it did.

[@THECHEMICAL5]

peter zebot stock they have 24.8kw/34bhp, so 41bhp from a well tuned rs125 isn't unheard of, especially with an aftermarket exhaust system and good fueling/a few modifications here and there could achieve that 41bhp very quickly

[@THECHEMICAL5]

unlike the later 2000's restricted eurospec models that stock only produce 15-20bhp

[@johspwn]

2 Strokes makes more horsepower but less torque :D Edit i had a 79cc Suzuki dirtbike it made around 30 hp on the wheel

[@MrKdr500]

Aprilia RS125 in last few days was around 60bhp! talking about race bikes here not street bikes.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Great mods, cool bike. Imagine if KTM built a 390 V twin! Zach likes to ride fast bikes fast while talking and giggling...

[@nandkumarnair8928]

Hi, big fan..lots of love from India! U guys are amazingly talented and its a treat to watch your videos. I m a budding motorcyclist and would someday like to meet up with u guys n have a chat or maybe get to pose on any of ur bikes. Take care...ride safe!

[@wazza6262]

Good bike mate! also your detail and video! love it!

[@imbackinthegame3611]

Love your RC! I got the 390 Duke and put an K&N Airfilter on it do i have to do a Mapping ?

[@guoseph]

Dude you totally didn't do any walking, it should be called a stand around video ;) Just kidding, really enjoy the videos you guys put out. Question: No steering damper? Also with your suspension and geometry changes does it steer quicker than stock? (You mentioned faster transitions so I assume quicker) Looking forward to Gromkhana 3!

[@isurid1]

The quick throttle was the big one for me. That stock throw was foreeeeeeeever. Driven has a gp shift solution but I think the Tyga rearsets are better made though doesn't look as adjustable(?) (do they have a gp shift?) Where did you have your dyno done?

[@isurid1]

Oh man your own dyno, that's epic. The Driven rearsets haven't held up well on the shifter side. I had to remove it for tech inspection and show that it was just hoopty and not broken. A little shim may shore it up though.Thanks for the response!

[@dremyofit6719]

💝this set-up, you thr man!

[@TheTWRider]

6:11 "I've got crash protection because that does occasionally happen. Thankfully that hasn't happened to me yet." 0:45 scuffed axle slider...

[@omarm.g.6403]

Hey ari, would love to know all about exhaust wrap, good/bad what's your recommendations thank you, keep up the good work

[@ferway6295]

Beautiful bike

[@wassupnep]

I think you should mod your exhaust to lower the heat temperature. Simply, by placing the exhaust pipe below the engine instead of factory around the cylinder dead set up.

[@GeoCherian]

That was Delicious...Felt like having a tasty wholesome meal...Really wish if i could hav a lap on your machine!!

[@driffbro3380]

dope setup👍 have fun thanks for sharing.

[@sunandep4103]

Good one... Won't it clog if the radiator fan is removed when over heated?

[@DrLashie]

Hello Ari, I Own and RC 200 2017 model and another bike called Hero Honda Karizma ZMR. The Karizma ZMR is based of the Honda CRF 230L motor. It is Oil cooled and has Honda's PGM-FI. My question, Is it possible to swap the tiny 3 row oil cooler with a computer's Radiator? Since the computer's radiator is available easily here in my country. In India we don't have much access to various motorcycle parts and stuff. Please let me know your opinion. Regards. Abhilash

[@ExpatonTwoWheels]

Nice video! Great cheap racing option.

[@EyeofaMadman]

Ari, BIG FAN!!! Like many, you have blown by me a few times at Laguna Seca in 2016 for the Pirelli Industry Track Day... Just wanted to ask, for the lightweight bikes, is this KTM your choice weapon or do you prefer another bike? If so, what is your choice and the mods to make it yours? I am wanting to run smaller bike than my collection of Superbikes ( MV F4RR, 1299s, etc). I do have 2 RS 125 Aprilias as well. Would the 125's run against the KTM well enough to be competitive???

[@EyeofaMadman]

Yes, the Aprilia RS125 are just stock but not street legal. Track bike only but hardly gets around Chuckwalla in 2:30, where as my best lap on my F4RR is 1:59 so you get my abilities. I think I will use the RS125's as living room art and the other for the race to the restroom on track days. Yes, the pirelli track day was fun, in fact the image used for the track day on the bush.altworks.com site, they used my image on my F3 800 in all black. The Aprilia's in the liter bike either the Tuono or the RSV4, kill it as it appears. I have 2 1299s' and 1 is the Anniversario, then 2 F3 800, and 1 MV F4RR, and I still get my butt passed by Rick Cox on his older model Tuono. Sounds like I should try out the last of the italian Superbikes I dont own, the Aprilia.... Appreciate your time,and still a big fan!

[@dman117zx6]

Did you race at laguna seca this year when wsbk and moto America was there in July?

[@ToanTranHD]

Since you guys done the pre-ride safety check, why not do a pre-track safety check.

[@guiltygearcore]

Great mods!

[@5AXISDLOCKHART]

Cool vid. It might be a good vid topic to explain why more ride height makes a bike transitions faster.

[@AiroRider]

Just out of curiosity, how much did all your mods cost approximately? And what did you pay for the stock bike. I'm interested to know how much money goes into making a stock bike track ready.

[@homefront3162]

Good Video, never rode a 390 but figured it need suspension and brake work, nice to see the details on it actually being done!Look like a blast to ride.... Can You give us an idea on the approximate cost to get it to this level? Thanks again, I watch all your videos Bro...

[@Chromosome1919]

beautiful bike bro! 😀

[@michaelcurnow3524]

Thanks for another great video! I know when your head gasket blew KTM took a look at it, did they come to any conclusions. Also with the problems you've had, including the difficulty of working on the bike, do you feel an R3 would be a better choice? I have a deposit on an RC390, but the more I read the more I wonder if an R3 might be a better choice as a track bike. That and the fact that KTM tells us every month that the bikes should be in by the end of that month :). I really would appreciate your thoughts.

[@michaelcurnow3524]

Thanks Ari, I do like to tinker. Now if KTM would just get the bikes to the dealers I'll be all set.

[@Langdanion]

Hey Ari... I have really been thinking of getting one of these for the track...I have had friends tell me there are engine issues with the 390 motor... have you found this to be true ...? Thank you for any information on your experience with this motor...!!

[@macthomas5340]

talk about a qualified motorcycle journalist...

[@matosian42342]

Ari, I read about issues with the ktm 390cc engines such as oil leaks, fork and cooling liguid leaks, overheating and "mysterious valve problems", that's with non race usage. Had any of these?

[@joshuag6821]

Looks great

[@giff74]

Great looking bike Ari! R3 next?

[@forzerotoo]

I love that you say 'trick' a lot. Reminds me of when I first got into watching Jerry Miculek's gun videos. Want to sponsor my '99 CBR that I MotoVlog with?!?

[@markkuuurainen7190]

How'd you record the sound so well with all that wind? :D Thanks for the video.