SMALL SPORTBIKE SHOOTOUT | RC390 vs YZF-R3 vs CBR300R vs Ninja 300 | ON TWO WHEELS

[@abrahamdelgado7667]

the more reviews I watched the less I know what I want ...

[@danielclint1033]

Abraham Delgado Personally if I were in the market for a 300 cc sport bike, it would be the Honda CBR 300.

[@nunyabusiness896]

ninja 400

[@Bundesligahoffefan]

Just get the ktm, most fun bike

[@andrewleonard3623]

Yamaha R3 for sure

[@evilzinabyssranger5695]

@BaTtLeFiElD ThReELMG I Have a cbr 250r 2012 and i think it vibrates a little after 6.5k rpm. I dont see how it vibrate less than a 2 cilinder except till 6k rpm. TILL 6.5 k rpm its smooth as butter and consumes very little gas. I also think it seat could be better, i rode it for 6 monsths every day and its ok. AFTER THAT i boght a race suit and put a 150 pirelli tire, then i got nut problem and needed to go to a doctor (also im 1, 64 cm height so its on the limit for my leg size). All the leather and the low profile tire plus my size, busted my nut real hard so im still take care o it and visiting doctor after 9 months. BUT if youre a taller guy and doesnt want to go hardcore riding with a race suit, then your balls wont be busted. One thing i have to tell: THERES NO BETTER/FASTER OPTION by its price. It was just i that got bad lucky. And it riders absolutely great with Pirelli Supercorsa, you got more confort btw cause of the special soft compound of the tire. Had i know this before, i would had buy a supercorsa from the beggining so my nut wasnt busted. Sports bike can be HARDSH against nuts.

[@taylorlivingston3502]

The Ninja 300 is a solid, very reliable bike, rode the balls of mine and never failed me once, put 30,000 kms on it in a year. On a 636 now and still love the little Ninja.

[@3mmanueldavila26]

I was thinking about getting a 2014 ninja 300 abs , is it an alright beginner bike ?

[@whatisdoneinthedarkwillbeb9204]

@@3mmanueldavila26 I have a little Honda cbr but anything that size is good for beginners. Dont let this video talk you out of anything the little Kawasaki ninja was their best selling bike for like 25 years for a reason they are good inexpensive bikes.

[@3mmanueldavila26]

whatisdoneinthedark willbebroughttothelight thanks man🖤

[@whatisdoneinthedarkwillbeb9204]

@@3mmanueldavila26 no problem, enjoy whatever you decide on and be safe.

[@ihatechand]

@@3mmanueldavila26 I'm still riding my 2013 250fi ninja (ninja 300 in us/EU market) , and still super good

[@keyboardheroics]

I'm glad there is a review on KZbin that finally recognizes the superb handling of the little Honda CBR's. Too often I see videos where they ride them for great distances in a straight line and complain they are boring and under powered, well duh! They come alive in the corners, a highly enjoyable bike to flick from side to side. Great video.

[@Dismal626]

"I don't know what it is about the Ninja; it just seems like it's trying too hard"... I laughed that

[@mohmayaboy]

Yea that was too harsh on the Ninja which IMO is a beautiful looking machine. Btw i own an R3 and I love it more :P

[@9feetfrog]

That does sound biased

[@DaddyEric222]

YES!! You guys are THE best motorcycle reviewers out there! Glad y'all are back.

[@Wabbit1961]

***** I've ben riding for decades. A couple years back I sold my tricked out 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 sport tourer and bought an old 1986 Yamaha SRX-6. It just puts so many more and bigger smiles on my face pushing the hell out of a really slow bike with crap suspension than it ever did riding my Ninja 1000. Cool factor is a 10 on the SRX also. You guys are too young to remember the Yamaha FZR400. THAT was a track day bike! Yamaha should have put THAT back in the USA, not the R3. Hell, even by today's standards the FZR400 blows the R3 away in every respect. It was even a comfortable mount - and I'm 6'2"! Don't compete with your rivals - blow them out of the water!

[@uncleansanchez]

+Wabbit1961 Yes, the FZR400 was and still is an incredible bike compared to these offerings. I loved 'em. But there's a reason that the FZR isn't being offered here anymore. It's full aluminum chassis, fully adjustable suspension, two disc up front single rear, and inline 4 costs far more to produce than these current singles. I'm guessing the price difference between a modern FZR400 and the current R6 would be minimal which would put a new FZR 400 somewhere in the $10,000+ range.

[@Wabbit1961]

I disagree on that price. If I were to go online and build an FZR 400 from parts it would cost less than $6,000.00 USD. The only thing new would be fuel injection, so add another thousand. Considering Yamaha wants $6,000 for their POS 2015 SR400, well, I'd rather have the FZR for a grand more. At least it has an electric starter... lmao.

[@nishaazhar-tc7xs]

no..powerdrift is best

[@nomadtrails]

As a beginner, I really appreciate this video. In 11 minutes you gave me an unbiased comparison of the options, with no bullshit. Wrap up was perfect. Thanks!

[@jordynhixson655]

I have a ninja 300 and I absolutely love it. I was regretting my decision earlier on and wished I got the r3, but the one thing that I love about the ninja that the r3 doesnt have is reputation. People know a lot more about the ninja than the r3 and can always have confidence about how it can handle on the streets to where the r3 is completely new and there is no known knowledge about how exciting the r3 really is. Senority gets it here and thats the ninja, plus I hear people say that the r3 feels a low slower than the ninja even with the 24cc more, might be a higher seating position and the wind is pushing back against you more since you're sitting straight up to where the ninja has a little bit more of an aggressive seating position than the r3.

[@kobiasnova2964]

I had a ninja 250 and now i ride a r25. I can confirm the r25 has more power even if its barely noticeable. But the suspension is horrible compared to the ninja

[@jaiimg18]

new rider here, just picked up the cb300r. so far so good. good confidence builder. I def plan on keeping it a while. great commuter bike. when I get my skill level up I plan on taking a long trip somewhere. that's my goal for the summer. great video, very informative. made my decision easier. thanks guys.

[@MotorcyclistMag]

Good choice! It sounds like you've got a good plan. Ride safe and enjoy that road trip!

[@RickyLira]

Do some track days, they have beginner classes and its totally worth it.

[@ndperson1]

hope you have fun on your bike and enjoy the affordable riding costs of these bikes (bigger bikes can get spendy). i have enjoyed my r3 but took vaca off a year ago this summer to ride in Yellowstone with it and now it is on recall and am not supposed to ride it which stinks

[@dne43v3r]

+Jonathan Bauer does the lack of ABS make it not a good bike for beginner riders?

[@ndperson1]

I couldn't say, I guess I learned 20 years ago and it wasn't an option, I almost in some ways feel it is better to learn braking with a small bike without abs than going from a small bike with abs to a bike bike with super touchy brakes cuz the supersports have really strong brakes

[@33BRR]

Great reviews. I am glad I bought the CBR300R. It's absolutely perfect for commuting, which is what I primarily use it for.

[@abhi90085]

+Ari Henning what about the build quality?

[@masyola5280]

If 300cc is small bike, then what bike is my 150 cbr? Micro bike?

[@matteo.bassini5819]

Yeah I dont understand these guys. 300cc is small and is so bad, but then jump on a MSX125 and suddenly they're having fun. I'm sorry but I have more fun on a 300cc bike than an MSX125 (grom).

[@Yacerex]

I have a Honda 110cc. So its an ultra-micro bike i guess.

[@NihaytiBerozgaar]

Yacerex 😂😂😂😂

[@nomadtrails]

haha here in Vietnam my Yamaha 150 is the baddest bike around (until someone on an import rolls up) hahahaha

[@royceeapen]

SaigonVlog i own r15 v2 and its the best 150cc bike

[@aviduke]

i just bought a cbr 300r, 4 years ago i had the 250. what an improvement in overall torque, also first gear is usable now unlike the 250. i found the cbr300 easier to handle than the rc390 and not a firm in suspension, it was also £2000 cheaper so that was a huge factor. I also the torque spread of the 300 compared to the rc390 which seemed to have more of a powerband compared to just twist and shit at 9500 on the honda. it's my 12th bike so not a novice and i really enjoy it. vibes are a lot over 75mph/7500 revs. i did really like the ninja 300 but found that i really wanted to wind it up to feel tjhe high end surge, it also felt stiff @ the rear end than the cbr300 but the ninja parrallel twin was wonderfully smooth. Cbr300, sexy, lightweight, low seat, agile handling, its like a 100 mph bicycle, that to me is fun

[@Everendlesss]

I got a 2017 R3 as my first motorcycle in Oct. 2019, and I am extremely happy with my choice. I am literally having hard feelings wanting to upgrade. When I can have more than one bike in my life, I will definitely own a current year R3 for city commuting. I absolutely love my R3.

[@jg1468]

I had the ninja 300 2014 my weight about 140lb. For a beginner and experienced rider this thing is fun and fast enough for streets and highway.I topped it out at 120mph going down hill on flat land I get to 110 to 115 easy! People talk crap about 300s but they are fast and will get you speeding tickets😂.I had no issues passing cars on the highway. Amazing on gas and you get there faster.

[@aqualinespirit90]

Exactly! I got 300 as well and 0-60 in about 6-6.5 sec ( 5.5 sec on paper, but I aint pro ) which as fast as the old bmw M3s and old golf gtis. That is still fast. These bike journalist don't take anything under 900cc seriously lol, they even complain about the power of the 600cc sportsbike ( zx6r,R6,etc ) lol.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Friend of mine raced motorcycles professionally for several years. Legit fast guy. He put 100,000 miles on a Ninja 250 after retiring from pro racing. He finally decided to get something else after blowing two engines (MT09). He also took the 250 to the track a lot. A guy who can totally handle 200 horsepower,and he chose 25. He's also cheap.

[@panhaveng6788]

Well , r3 is my choice

[@martinmartinmartinnmartin1380]

Obviously!

[@panhaveng6788]

lol ... It's my most favourite brand ! i'm a fan of Yamaha , Japanese bike !

[@justacrlon3963]

if only it had that ABS

[@martinmartinmartinnmartin1380]

European model does have ABS

[@kimjong-un2001]

justa crlon Keep hearing it dosnt have ABS, the R3 im currently renting in Thailand has it

[@pointeprincess302]

Thank you so much for posting this video! After doing tons of research, these exact four bikes are what I've narrowed down to be the best for my first bike. Seeing them in a side by side comparison like this has really helped make my decision. Thanks for being so thorough!

[@JoshuaTootell]

What did you get?

[@Unb3arablePain]

Fuck it I'll take the Ninja just because it gets 70mpg compared to the R3's 55mpg. I'm using the bike for commuting back and forth from campus to my apartment.

[@phishinglikeaboss]

Unbearable Pain how far?

[@Unb3arablePain]

phishinglikeaboss like 3 miles

[@23pyromaniac]

Unbearable Pain I commute a few days a week to uni on my Ninja 300 too, but like 30-40 kilometres. Great bike, I do want something more powerful tho.

[@JerryAlvin20]

Hmmm... I get about 77mpg.. I own the 2011 Honda cbr250r. Its a 3 gallon tank. Not bad.

[@kiddeath921]

JerryAlvin you shoud upgrade to the cbr300r i heard honda got rid of the vibration at 6-7k rpm. This is the bike i want to get. Other than the ninja but the ninja 300 has no torque and in the city that is bad!

[@AzTechGFX]

What i concluded from the opinions is that the CBR would be the best for the price if you're looking for something that is really nice handling. I owned it for a year and it is a wonderful little bike, Im never going to sell mine for the fact i'll always enjoy a run through some twisties.

[@johnharris7353]

Always enjoy Zack and Ari I read Motorcyclist frequently I'm 63 been riding for 3years started on '84 Honda 650 now on my "new" '97 Honda Black bird would not trade it for anything. Got to have some power! These smaller bikes are great but too small for me

[@dcvingeklipz99]

I’m loving my 2017 R3. Glad I went with Yamaha.

[@murdepierre]

Francois here - from HOW IT'S MADE fame. Glad you are back! I really enjoyed this cause I love small bikes - Remember I own a rare NINJA 400! Well done to all - great footage... drone shot ! Awesome!

[@luizdiaz5196]

I admit the r3 has a great looking front end but the tail and the rear wheel set up betrays the over all look. In my humble opinion, the KTM is the best looking bike here. The trellis frame, the orange juxtaposed to the matte black, not to mention that it breaks away from the japanese style with its sharp angular lines. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@ARavingDude]

+Luiz Diaz i agree apart from the front of the R3, it looks more like a sport bike than a supersport. the r125 looks faster.

[@404-n9l]

Agree,RC390 really stands out in every aspects among those typical japaneese MCs ,its cutting edge design really a Head turner but dont you think that the reviewer in this video is a Shit Head enough to call KTM ugly ?

[@carlitoxb110]

Ktm is a beauty, its like nothing else on the road

[@bartsimpson3868]

+DamnFuckerr i also think the KTM looks ugly, i looks like the modded version of some old sportsbike....not everybody likes multicolored sportsbike...many people look for sophistication...

[@slacinace]

My grandma tells me that last line. But I kind of disagree with literally everything you said.

[@gstehouwer]

You guys rock. I hope you get a lot more exposure with this new series, you sure deserve it.

[@KarthikAnjanappa1125]

Well you guys forgot to mention the torque figures where the RC blows away the competition with 36nm torque !!!! And also the stock Metzler sportec m5 tyres *.* I think the rc390 eats away it's competition with a gel seat and tall fit rider. Loved the review !

[@gstehouwer]

Karthik Anjanappa Yeah well, it's also got the lowest redline and the highest price. It would still be my bike of choice for sure though..

[@KarthikAnjanappa1125]

Gert-Jan Stehouwer yup that is sad , that's only because it's a single cylinder but after all it is the only bike here comparable to a 2stroke so it's win win right ?

[@gstehouwer]

Karthik Anjanappa Haha, 2 stroke is not exactly my cup of tea. And the single cylinder and biggest displacement is what gives it the best torque values of the group. If it would rev higher it would have a lot more power but it's limited because of the euro lincence rules.. But a cool bike never the less.

[@praneethaditya676]

Also , KTM comes with ABS as standard.

[@gstehouwer]

praneeth aditya I'm pretty sure so do the CBR and the Ninja.

[@AlexBarclayCalifornia]

Not a sport bike guy (owned everything but) my friend sold me a 15' CBR300R for a deal and I really enjoy short trips around town and occasional canyon riding (LA area). It's made me start to like sport bikes and will probably eventually upgrade to a 600. The small size of the 300 makes it fantastic for splitting lanes in SoCal too.

[@dherajkotla7563]

Probably the best review ever.......you guys made my day....😍😍😍

[@milo963]

Good show, as the parent of a new rider it is a great time to be a beginner. I was all set to shop for an R3 but the Honda sounds like it would be a great errand bike for me and a great learner for the kids. Thanks guys, that was fun.

[@hadescorp1475]

Just picked up 2016 KTM RC390 :) Its as good as the review Planning to keep this for a long time

[@IDontKnow-bb6mt]

Same here, just picked my RC390 up. This thing is a little beast!! Cannot wait to get her on the track.

[@sergioferreira5771]

look out for loose screws!!!!

[@borarider669]

How is it guys ???

[@frankcastle9691]

Hades Corp I got a 2017 R3 only because of the price.

[@douglasburcham5081]

just got a 2017 rc390 as a first bike and I gotta say I freaking love it! I doubt I'll ever be getting rid of it

[@GETUPANDGO]

I love smaller bikes more and more, so much fun to flick around

[@NiirTheRaccoon]

RC 390 is a beautiful bike. I would take that one, I like the more aggressive, more powerful bikes like that. A little pricey, though.

[@wanchooo29]

T'khota Tia looks like you didn't listen to the guy.. He said brakes are not good..

[@awsombuttfacemonkey]

wanchooo29 just like the r3

[@rutwikhiwalkar6067]

Well as the bike is manufactured in india I’m paying 3800$ including taxes and r3,ninja 309 are atleast 1200$ more

[@mrvk699]

rC 390 has fking Great Brakes !! Steel braided lines and 320MM Rotors with ByBRE Callipers is Actually Pretty Amazing

[@jogeshpradhan4633]

@@mrvk699 yessss

[@JETZcorp]

My beginner bike choice is the Kawasaki S3. By the numbers (power, weight, price), it fits with this group quite well, in spite of being from the 70s. It was one of the best-handling bikes made at that time, and the two-stroke sound is absolutely outrageous. Best of all, when you feel like you want more power, you can double the horsepower of an S2 or S3 without adding weight or even making it unreliable.

[@Harvieowen]

SOOOOO glad y'all are back! Give me the little Yammey.......with a turbo. ;)

[@Pinprix]

Im thrilled you guys are back! Love your comparisons and personalities! Wondered where you went, can't wait for the 1 liter comparison with the all new bikes!

[@BoardWalkToke]

The look of the Ninja 300 is pretty damn decent. You needed to get it in green maybe? I went to every dealership in SoCal before I got my Ninja and everyone gravitated towards the rows of Ninja 300s at these dealerships. The Ninja 300 "trying too hard" is what I like about it. It makes me feel like I don't need to upgrade to a bigger bike when ever I see an R6 for example. It blends in well. After 4000 Miles put into it I can say that it is a marvelous bike. It is comfortable, looks sexy, great millage, you can whip the bike around easily, forgiving to new riders, and it is extremely fun. Great beginner bike essentially. Edit: And the mods you can do to this thing are endless. Take Spacep0d's Ninja 300 for example (He's a motovlogger, check him out).

[@brianchang4845]

Proud owner of a 2015 Rc390 great bike and also threw the ktm comfort seat which makes it so much more comfortable!

[@manjulwalia1995]

ktm is so expensive on other countries $5599/ here in india its $3681.55 on road

[@manjulwalia1995]

i know dude :)

[@manjulwalia1995]

i am just saying that RC 390 is the best considering the price tag :)

[@dherajkotla7563]

+Manjul Walia nope.....rc 390 costs 2.30 lakhs on road price

[@proton353]

In India RC390 is the cheapest among the four and Ninja is the costliest where the R3 is the second costliest.....that's my many locals can afford a KTM that's one of the resob why I hate it...

[@sumitmhatre8419]

+Pratap Roy yeeep

[@elle8062]

Bought my RC390 because of this video few years ago Got new R6, R1M, and H2 after RC390 Keeping all these motorcycles and waiting for my 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 Speciale Can't wait to see my new bike, arriving on 2018 March apparently I love riding motorcycle :)

[@skyline44512]

I totally disagree with the "logic" in their conclusion. I don't see the KTM selling well in the US anyway but what they said about it seems accurate. However, "if you want a high-revving twin you get an R3...if you want easy beginner life you get a CBR300." So the Ninja has a higher redline than the R3 and handles better, but you get the R3? The CBR and Ninja seem equally suited to beginners, with the R3 not being much different. I see the Ninja as superior to the CBR in every way, which was a disappointment because I am a huge Honda fan and long-time CBR600RR and 1000RR owner. I can't see ANY reason to buy the CBR300R over the Ninja 300. They also talk about looks as if they are facts not opinions. Most people I have talked to think the Ninja is the best looking of these bikes, and I feel the same. I like the R3s looks, but not as much as the Ninja, and I feel the CBR is very plain looking. No consideration given to the R3s lack of ABS? ABS is huge for preventing new riders from going down from a panic brake grab or braking on any loose surface. Also, the R3 carries less fuel than the Ninja 300. Less fuel = lower wet weight to advertise, as well as reduced range. I just don't see a lower revving R3 with a shorter range, worse handling, more aggressive position, and no ABS being better than the Ninja 300, which is unfortunate because if it handled better and was significantly faster than the Ninja 300 I would pick one up in a heartbeat. I think what this class needs is slightly more powerful small displacement I4, like a CBR250RR, or Kawi could make a ZX3R. This "R3" should probably be called an FZ3 or something and they could throw in a 250 or 300cc R3 I4. Higher redlines, smoother power, that would make for the perfect small bike for me while still being beginner friendly.

[@COMB0RICO]

Awesome comment! Thanks from Texas.

[@theofficialmvb]

Hands down, best in depth review for next era in entry level sports bikes!!!! Awesome vid!!!

[@bowches]

original 90s CBR 250 put 45 HP and went nearly 120mph, inline 4 cylinder. That 250 was another level compared to these bikes...I think because of emission

[@Daschickenify]

Its not because of emissions that those bikes died off, its because people didn't see the value in a tiny screamer, they went to the bigger bike which were about the same price. As someone who owns a four cylinder CBR 250, they are fucking awesome. I can't wait for four cylinder 250s to make a comeback. If that ever happens...

[@cazgerald9471]

The best line of this video was "great time to be a motorcyclist in general"

[@phrenzy1]

The problem is that all these bikes are built for European/Asian/Australian etc. power restricted learner laws. I actually really think that there would be a gap in the market for something like a 400cc 4cyl with a 20,000rpm redline (like the old mc22 cbr250rr) and say 60 horse. Something super light and nimble with decent suspension and breaks that fills the gap between these and a real 600 that has all the aggressive qualities of a real street bike. I love my gsx-r600 but I ride some really really tight twisty stuff where I live and my old ninja 250 and later cbr250r used to eat it up where as it's a little more push and shove with the gsx-r. If you really want sport bike handling and breaks there's nothing really between the ktm and a cbr600 say, the intermediate bikes like the ninja 650 don't really do it since they are as heavy or heavier than the 600s, without the handling and position and power. Even a 4cyl free revving 300 in a slightly more aggressive and upgraded chasis of the ktm with say 50hp would be great. The small bore 4's that rev to high heaven are brilliant fun, particularly on the street where you cash unwind them without doing some crazy speed and you get all the fun benefits of a tiny super handling flickable bike. They used to do it, so why not now?

[@chaitanyachiplunkar500]

You guys are awesome! I really feel to be in your vicinity while watching your content since one and half decade. 👍" real life fast and furious " Very well balanced, relevant, spot on, valuable content which gives great feel. Kudos🎉keep up the good work.

[@hunterbelch2524]

i wish there was a video about the possible mods you could put on each bike and then reevaluating them with their gross cost. that way its not like which bike was born better, but which bike can be better (and affordable)

[@Mike_and_Life]

Hunter Belch you're looking for revzilla reviews... they do that in a lot of their bike reviews.

[@garretthegun4982]

Bought an 2017 R3 ABS, couldn’t be happier, only gripe is the squishy front end. Was able to adjust and stiffen rear.

[@bernardomotard]

for the price of the rc390 you can almost get an mt-07 with nearly double the power, still being an amazing beguiner bike

[@naufalrafdi1318]

ktm sucks on sportbike

[@adrianbedolla2458]

Naufal Rafdi the rc8 was cool

[@AlexDeese]

I've missed On Two Wheels. So Glad You Guys are back! :D

[@vetiarvind]

Here in India, the KTM is the least expensive of the group cuz it's manufactured here and comes to around $4000 (2.5 Lakh Rs). I guess the honda is also around the same ballpark. But the Metzellers do great in wet and slightly cold conditions. However, I've heard some people say it's clutch is a bit hard, but haven't compared to the Ninja 300 (previously owned a 250, which was pretty smooth) or the Yamaha. CBR300R seems like a good all-rounder and might be more comfortable than the KTM in the city.

[@sigh9032]

Booked a Ninja300 BSVI recently, was waiting for a year for R3 BSVI, still no news yet Not into KTMs, I like the bikes but i dont see them as a reliable option, plus my cousin owns a 390 ADV and i dont like the vibrations peeking out from 6K.

[@Sup3rSaiy3n]

Incredible video. I'll also add that with an Akra the CBR300R sounds the nicest and loudest.

[@alexcaymans]

why is it every other review says the r3 handles great?

[@user-hs2hd7wp9g]

You should've reviewed them with the same tires, they make such a difference in handling.

[@ferarry13]

I really wana get the R3 for next year, and then trade it in for a Ducati 848 evo. imo the panigale isnt as good looking, no matter how you look at it, and the 848 is just spectacular in every way.

[@jonsdaniel]

Syko I want an 848 eventually too, you can get them for like $6,000 which isn't bad at all. Best looking Ducati imo

[@ferarry13]

Jon Daniel yeah definitely the best looking ducati, but i only found 2008 models for around 7.5/8k i like the Evo better tho

[@jonsdaniel]

Yes the Evo is much better looking, the undertail exhaust is sick

[@danielfb3]

+Syko the evo is so cool but i kinda also like the 1198 and the 1098

[@jonsdaniel]

All Ducatis are awesome lol

[@44billbob]

Awesome to see On Two Wheels back!

[@spacep0d]

Very nice review! I think Julia was the one in the black helmet and the ponytail hanging out the back of the helmet? :D Hey Julia! Zack and Ari, I always enjoy your articles and am a long-time reader of Motorcyclist (and other bike mags). Loved the combo of track and street footage and your candid commentary. I am so glad that this is such a competitive, active market now. Gone are the days when all we had was a venerable (and carbureted) Ninja 250! I owned one of those around 2000, but sold my GSX-R to get a 2013 Ninja 300. I'm enjoying my 300...erhm....ZX-3R, immensely. :) Yes, I actually made a ZX-3R sticker set for my bike and even showed it to Kawasaki at one of their Kawasaki and Koffee events in Irvine. They got a kick out of it. I also mentioned to them that I'd love to see a lightweight sportbike in a triple, between 300-500cc. Imagine a Triumph 375R triple with available top-shelf parts, e.g., Öhlins, Brembo, quickshifter, etc. Let me know if you want to try my bike with its numerous and tasteful performance mods, including a full exhaust and the first-ever Flash-Tune custom ECU and quickshifter for this model. FT dyno'd it at 40.2 HP. I live in Santa Clarita right near Bouquet Canyon/San Francisquito. Everyone who's ridden it ranks it highly, and it kinda shows what you can do with one of these bikes as a starting-platform. In fact, the reason I added so much to it was precisely to see what was possible with a lightweight sportbike. While I sometimes still want more power on the freeway, the thing is a gem in the canyons. You may want to mod a lightweight sportbike of your own (as you've done in the past with a Ninja 250)-but the offer stands anyway. Here's a big ol' thumbs-up!

[@SineOccasu]

***** You summed it up perfectly.

[@owenwales4328]

***** Thought I'd find you here! I definitely share your frustrations regarding smaller cc ''sport bikes''. I wish they actually were just that - Sports bikes. KTM have proved its possible with lower bars, taller seat, sporty foot position as well. If the CBR 500 was set up like this, or the ninja 300 from stock then I'd buy them in a heartbeat. I love what you've done with the 300 but for most people I don't think its really worth the money to invest that much into it. The KTM is the cheapest of the bunch in the UK (not including the CBR 300), so the only thing putting me off is that its made in India, so not really a European bike at all. The build quality doesn't feel all that great, and there are lots of reports of stalling issues, and missed gears. I'm in the market for this kind of bike, and I guess the fact that I can't commit to one or the other is kind of a good thing, but it makes things so much more complicated!

[@spacep0d]

Owen Wales I think as this market becomes known to be viable, there will be more room for niche lightweight sportbikes that aren't classed as 'beginner' bikes by-design. There will be a few choice lightweights with top-shelf parts, kinda like what Triumph offers optionally for the 675 in its 'R' version. I would not be at all surprised if Kawasaki (or another marque) offered their lightweight in a 'sport' edition with the accompanying badges and with a more aggressive riding-position, better/adjustable suspension, better tires, clip-ons, etc. right out of the box. I am surprised they're not already doing this, even though we're seeing an evolution in the quality of lightweight sportbikes; driven by competition. Kawi needs to make a proper ZX-3R, around 375-400cc, better suspension, better head bearings, clip-ons, adjustable levers and a TRIPLE engine....and offer it for about $5999 or so. It would be more expensive than a 300 or R3, but cheaper than an FZ-07 and a bonafide sportbike. I know that there are riders of all experience-levels who would be seriously drawn to this bike! One common objection is 'just get a sportbike', but then there's added cost, height, weight and arguably more bike than is needed for canyon-strafing, commutes or street-riding. The niche is there. Some manufacturer needs to exploit it, but I think it's inevitable. Hell many of us wondered why there weren't more start bikes of better quality in America....and now that there are, they'd going quite well. I am so not surprised. ;0 I also think that it would be a crime for Yamaha not to offer their FZ-09/MT-09 in a sportbike chassis and trim. ;)

[@horsemeat24]

***** UFO on his shoulder 5 17

[@wolfgangrembeck2171]

got the rc 390 i rode the others and i have to say the only things i don't like are: -brakes (fixed with steel brakelines) -dashboard (info you want is a little small) -windshield (hard to clean)

[@dudeshark2471]

I personally really like the ninja's looks but the yamahas just look so dope

[@tyrancehenderson9801]

Obviously a Honda commercial just reaffirming what I want 🥰🥰🥰

[@krysistheabyss]

if the rc390 had a 4 gallon gas tank it would be sitting in my garage right now, but i dont want to fill up every 120 miles if im lucky.

[@jessaphillips2846]

i'm curious if the cbr's suspension would work on the r3 that would make the ultimate learner bike unfortunately its probably so expensive that nobody is going to try it

[@Nalopotato]

As soon as one guy said the Ninja 300 was ugly...I stopped listening. They all look fantastic, especially compared to the older models.

[@sci-fyguy7767]

Then he says the ninja 300 is “trying too hard”??? WTF kind of stupid comment is that? It’s like the guy went into this review with something against the 🥷 ninja.

[@mikkelharving256]

So nice that you're back, keep it up!

[@kunalkhatri4432]

Rc 390 costs even less than 4000$ in India Yes, It's the cheapest here.

[@diljith.cjithu8703]

It's because of Bajaj tie up in india.... And they import it to Europe from here nowadays...

[@pranshudwivedi0003]

Aur r3 3,80,00 and 300 costs 3,35,000

[@vasanthtendulkar6648]

2017 small bike and super bike shootout, when will you release ?

[@Nimo-hd3zi]

What? You said KTM RC is ugly? Ohh cmon

[@jackallen6261]

I know right? But I have an R3 and I recently looked at an RC 390 in person at the dealership and started to question my choice, the RC 390 is better looking in person than it looks on the videos.

[@Nimo-hd3zi]

+Jack Allen In my opinion the RC 390 is the best looking bike on this list...

[@jackallen6261]

+Traid1797 Yeah, even as an R3 owner I have to agree with you. The RC390 is an awesome looking bike.

[@Nimo-hd3zi]

+Jack Allen Could you tell me the differents between r3 and r25?

[@jackallen6261]

+Traid1797 the R3 is 321 cc and the R25 is around 250cc.

[@robbieracer3294]

This is how my friend started his bike collection, he was going to buy an R1, bought four 300s instead. Now he has five bikes in less than two years for the cost of two liter bikes

[@suryar7623]

Me watching this in 2021😐😐😐

[@gr82briding]

Cheers for the review and good to see you guys back.

[@cott10r]

the 300 ninja is trying to hard???? what kind of comment is that? its a sharp looking bike, excellent engine, sized just right for a fledgling rider or a seasoned pilot, & i'll ad tough, my wife uses hers for sport touring & has road hers to hell & back & that thing hasn't missed a beat.

[@gamebred8513]

cott10r fanboy

[@xxdlyxx1120]

Ninja 300 is a solid and Sharpe looking bike. I've never rode the others but will say this my opinion is the ninja 300 is way better then they give credit for.

[@blazinbeaches]

cott10r Agreed. I think the ninja looks the best out of all of them, by far.

[@Mike-dy8sj]

That kind of comment is called an opinion. Which is exactly what all your comments were. There are no facts when speaking subjectively. One thing that is a fact though. The word you tried to use is spelt rode. And it's the wrong word anyway. The correct word in that sentence would be ridden. Which is something I learned in grammar school. So I'm not surprised you don't understand your opinions do not affect others. Just because your wife's skill set is so limited that she isn't extremely limited by this motorcycle. Doesn't mean anyone else shouldn't believe it's terrible.

[@cott10r]

Mike Labonte Thanks for the engrish lesson mike & btw, my wifey could prob ride circles around you. do to her stature the 300 ninja ergo's & seat height suit her perfectly for long distance use, she is vertically challenged. she rides a 08 gsxr 750 as well but 1200 mile weekends just are a no go. so whats your experience with the 300?

[@cott10r]

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! new "on two wheels" i love these vids, keep making them!!!

[@bean.011]

what about the R3 vs the CBR500R.. Any thoughts?

[@Joe_Rebel]

+GabsBean Cbr500r is better in all aspects pretty much. Probably even gas mileage.

[@ndperson1]

depends what you want, my dad and I got both of them at the same time this fall. we find my r3 more fun, but the cbr is more of a big bike. So mine is funner in the twisties, while his has more of the big bike feel that works nice with the interstate. Honestly, neither pulls away from the other. Cbr has a bigger motor, but is bigger, so they bout even out other than maybe at really high speeds. I have usually rode 600s before this, but got a r3 because I was tired of having used unreliable bikes (want to do some longer trips). Other places it is probably easier to get used bikes that aren't beat to hell or cost almost the same as new. Ironically, having a little sport bike for the first time (have had ninja 500s and cbr 600s, along with some mid sized cruisers) in the past, I really like the feel of a small bike. I just wish they actually made a 4 cylinder 250 or 400cc supersport here, as for me they would be about perfect (love the small size)

[@benjaminsamuel7297]

+Fudge You Ninja has best economy and largest tank

[@Joe_Rebel]

Benjamin Samuel For highway nope, the gears are really short so cruising is high rpm. The cbr500r would also have a bigger tank since it's a bigger bike over all.

[@benjaminsamuel7297]

+Fudge You but for a beginning bike ninja is better

[@Tay675]

Your guys reviews are awesome and the MC garage has great practical information every rider should know.

[@esatd34]

Thats right, CBR is CBR

[@ryano2609]

Esat'ın Maceralar

[@pauljohnson8308]

Nice work Ari and Zack! Great review on the bikes. Thanks for all your hard work. See you at the track! PJ

[@d86records9]

In this class of bike, your not really trying to get amazing performance,,real performance is at the next level up in motorcycles..It should be about what style you like, and cost. Thats why I bought the cbr300r,, i wanted the R3 but in thailand it was almost 1500 dollars more... CBR has been a joy to ride to work everyday, although it does feel a bit underpowered at times, at least you can rev the shit out of it, shift gears a lot and have some fun

[@totomoser]

Ninja 300 is the way to go ! Best looking 300 cc bike, likes to rev all out and feels super planted with the right tires. Did ride my little Ninja pretty hard for 2 years and never had any problem with it. Even though I'm on a 600 now I kinda miss the little green beast.

[@hollywood84660]

You need to adjust the microphone in Ari helmet or the audio settings.

[@tuono.thierry]

Yeah that was a bummer for me...

[@Honezjr]

I think it's settled. The R3 is going to be my first bike.

[@testchannel2735]

You guys pretty much bashed the ninja? The ninja is if you want a mix off all 3 it's the best looking bike there just not in white... Green is best for ninja's

[@oneshortgamer2540]

Well you didn't mean to bash it, but you did if competition has grown around it then why ninja 300 is best selling kawasaki bike?

[@edward1937]

Test Channel if any , I'd say the 300abs

[@MrOudoum]

I like the R3 and the Ninja 300, but I decided to buy the Ninja with the new 2015 SE design. And with the Ninja I have 100Km more range than the R3. But first I will test ride both, maybe I will change my decision, but i think it wont change.

[@_baller]

R3 or RC the end

[@johnderemiah7553]

Excellent review for the seasoned track and canyon rider. However, I thought these bikes were marketed to the entry level rider. Things like, how these bikes are on the freeway, laden seat height, gauge information, and cost would have been good to hear about.

[@zachk7142]

Ninja 300 for the WIN!!!

[@Abhiramphilosophy]

Kundi

[@Monetprays]

You guys helped me make my decision ❤️

[@TheNobleLoyalist]

Terrible microphones! I cant even continue to listen to this review. How is it that people doing 150mph on sportbikes and talking via go pro micrphone video blogging come through perfectly clear.

[@petar470]

Cause they have a mic plugged into their go pro, and that mic is inside the helmet so there is a little bit or non wind noise.

[@Supernova12034]

God these tiny bikes sure bring back memories....ahh those beginner years on motorcycles

[@prashkota]

Yamaha Always Best. Love Yamaha

[@NarwedH]

Drive a CBR 600 F4i as my primary bike. Bought a 2009 ninja 250 last winter as a project and had great fun on it! So fun driving the shit out of a small bike.

[@kens97sto171]

No ABS availiable on the R3.. Major FAIL. Also a fail on the FZ07. One i would consider for myself. Brakes and tires are easily changed, honestly so is supsension parts. Honda is an awesome machine too. But little low on power, and sounds like a lawnmower. I'd take the Ninja 300. Most support, been around a long time.. Looks awesome to me.

[@wheeltrouble]

kens97sto171 "If loud pipes save lives, imagine what learning to ride will do."

[@kens97sto171]

Wheel Trouble anti lock brakes are like a condom I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Even an expert rider can grab a handful of brakes on a surface that is more slippery than they believe that it is. out on the streets we are not riding on a prepared surface. Come around the corner pile of wet leaves you're going to wish you had abs.

[@wheeltrouble]

I was referring to your crack about the Honda sounding like a lawnmower, not the brakes. The sound doesn't matter much, so long as the ride is fun. If you're getting passed by a Grom in the corners, then who cares what your bike sounds like?

[@briguio6569]

kens97sto171 if you live in Indonesia, you can get the ABS version. :D

[@truantray]

Marco Marpaung only NA doesn't get ABS on the R3. It's ridiculous in 2015 it's not even optional.

[@harishkumarko]

Your reviews are fantastic! Sad to see you don't have as much views you are supposed to get.

[@utkarshsrivastava8361]

ktm exhaust note is so bad that I won't buy it just because of that .. not sport bike like sound

[@shiftedstorm]

Remember these exhaust notes are all stock exhausts. Aftermarket exhausts will change it.

[@mitsos858]

i wont buy it cuz of the headlights i realy hate them im going for the ninja

[@peterpapawym4098]

And the ktm exhaust is a pain to change

[@utkarshsrivastava8361]

r3 is a good option ,ninja is very exoensive in india.. ktm is much cheaper here.. approx 3000$ for ktm,4500$ for r3 and 5500$ for the ninja *(Us dollars)

[@entitykeeper8869]

Hey Ari, when are you guys going to review the 1,000cc naked bikes?

[@ankitraj-yo1fl]

In India you get KTM RC390 in 3500 us dollar

[@Maseeha171]

ankit raj it's locally manufactured so I guess you can't expect the same quality

[@Kezbeh]

India have production in ktm bike so less tax ,thats the reasn

[@Siper2]

Thrilled to be seeing you guys again! You ought to pair up with MotoGeo sometime, two of my favorite bike channels! :D

[@lilchuck6961]

Ktm rc 390 is cheap in india.....compare to others bike that you mentioned.

[@user-uv8hy3kg8s]

love your reviews guys , great talent and you make sense and say it like it is

[@monopolymoney2703]

I love my ninja 300 on the street.

[@jezuz12345]

GREAT review! Thanks! I'm sure the KTM would be my choice, girlfriend likes it as well, so we might end up getting one for her to start riding. I'd also like to see the Hyosung GT250R on this test and listen to your opinions about it, you seem to do a well educated and thorough test and review on bikes.

[@adrianbboy111222]

kawasaki Ninja 300 The best !!!!!! that´s it!

[@Snacksu]

I'm really glad I waited. It's been a year since I got my motorcycle license. I think yamaha r3 will be my choice. Hopfully by christmas Ill have enough to buy it.

[@vishalverma_zero19]

in India, KTM is the cheapest of that lot.

[@yuenlucia5454]

as KTM is made in India.

[@cmj20002]

I am looking at an R3, as a new rider it appeals to me the most.