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?

[@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 ?

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@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]

@@danielcombs5286 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

[@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.

[@AskJoe1]

4:33 reaching for that clutch lever still? haha

[@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!

[@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.

[@aizatazlan3997]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@DailyRevsManila]

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

[@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

[@EstebanAGaido]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :-)

[@Lancaster604]

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

[@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).

[@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!

[@macthomas5340]

talk about a qualified motorcycle journalist...

[@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?

[@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!

[@antoniobang2002]

Does anyone know the front and rear tire sizes on it?

[@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.

[@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.

[@caluzzucarrazzi5549]

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

[@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.

[@mrvk699]

The engine has everything ringed out of it. When You over clock the engine by power commander. Engine life is even shortened. But the main thing is Raw Powet it puts through rubber. Not what it's able to produce.

[@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 👍🏼

[@yatishvasa3560]

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

[@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.

[@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 😅

[@theranpan_]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@karmapolice5532]

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

[@shivanksolaris]

whats the top speed and bhp figure for this monster!

[@nikko5354]

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

[@ToanTranHD]

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

[@user-td2lj2pd7h]

Does anybody know what tire sizes he's running on front and rear? I'm curious to test out his set up on the track and canyons

[@nayr8453]

Seems like a LOT of cost to get a 300 track ready. I get you're racing it, and it's not really comparable, but for straight track days I'd opt for a used, cheap 600 instead.

[@Renzsu]

Nayr Nitsua You'd spend the same on parts for that 600, if you want it to be as personally tailored as this smaller bike.

[@nayr8453]

+Renzsu You wouldn't need to modify the suspension on a 600 - 600 stock suspensions may not be perfect, but they are FAR better than what's on the 390. Ari has a lot of shit on this bike that is overkill. This seems like an expensive ass build. Ari has a lot of shit on this bike. It's a cool bike, but I have to wonder if it's really worth it on this platform. I"m not even a 300 hater - in fact, if the 390 was more reliable, I would probably trade my 636 in for one.

[@Renzsu]

I think it just comes down to the fact that he really likes this specific bike. It may have just have the character that meshes with his riding style? I dunno, but when I really like a bike I have, I have no issue in spending money on tricking it out.

[@nayr8453]

It's a sick bike, for sure. Like I said, I'd probably have one by now if they were reliable.

[@mustafaali-gf5tp]

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

[@upsidedowndog1256]

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

[@JensEskildsen]

Awesome little bike..

[@akshayrajivale9344]

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

[@thebeezlie1242]

How do you not lose screws and other parts?

[@thesurfingwolf4793]

Great video, really enjoyed, it thanks man!

[@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???

[@dexterjsullen]

I guess exhaust start up is too much to ask

[@raynic1173]

@420 Friendly and you can't 'paste' the link in your response, your the lazy, inconsiderate A---, just kidding, I hear you!

[@akheelugwekar]

Aren't you thinking of fitting marchesini forged wheels, which would reduce the rotating mass.

[@ErikEmstad]

What's the limiting factor for making power out of this engine, and what's the most a non-factory builder could expect to get?

[@ErikEmstad]

I presume it's all about chasing revs until blowing up the bottom end? KTM's Moto3 engine probably makes 60+ bhp at 14,000rpm. A race prepped 390 is revving to maybe 10,500-11k before big stuff starts coming through the case?

[@mrad4234]

Thanks for the cut sheet of mods and explanations!

[@2WR]

Thanks for the walk around!

[@neosarath220]

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

[@Sqagg]

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

[@HCKsVideoz]

shocked to hear him mention Malaysia

[@gronkgrunk]

GamingTImeHD lol, me too!

[@affiqborhannuddin]

me too!

[@HCKsVideoz]

hahahaha

[@XiiaoKrystal]

It's rare Malaysia mentioned anywhere, any video in foreign country. Proud to be Malaysian 👌👌👊👊

[@FamousAndYouKnowIt]

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

[@5AXISDLOCKHART]

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

[@wingnut123]

Set up a store for those custom exhaust hangers, I'd buy one.

[@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.

[@MrRoxx17]

Man, what a dream bike!

[@iLuminaye]

All in all, how much did it cost building this particular bike. Knowing that it's among the top 5 best sport beginner bikes, people would like to know how much it would cost right? I want to guess about 9,000$ whole since the bike is about 5,500$ new in 2018 and most of the mods seem expensive or... I don't know part prices.

[@kapilaciancio1889]

hey I'm looking for PCV maps for the RC390. I have a slip on with cat and chamber delete. no air box mod but I'm thinking of throwing in a high flow air filter. lmk

[@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...

[@Lstnto311]

Where can I get a "Motorcyclist" tshirt like that? I'd certainly buy one. I'm sure other people would buy one, too.

[@kechrider]

You are in Marrakesh city . It is so windy today.

[@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

[@alterglobo]

Please abund on TYRES! 165 rear? I am trying to decide between the stock 150/60 and 140/70. Please comment more on that. I only want feel, grip and handling, nevermind price/wear/looks.

[@rickrobinson8417]

What kind of pants are you wearing tho???

[@FreshGage]

denny diablo spikerpants

[@NathanChisholm041]

Jeans

[@AndrewBoundy]

Ari - question :-) - if a 195lb, 6'1" guy wanted to learn to race at track days (usually a GS rider) - nothing serious but learn good lines/skills etc. - would the RC390 be a good choice? There's an argument for an older GXR etc. but I am starting to think a smaller bike would be a better learning platform. Also - it is too small for a larger guy?

[@AndrewBoundy]

Thanks! Helps to get a expert opinion - off to look at the $4K classifieds - plus when I drop it, wife doesn't get as mad :-)

[@JoeJoeMoto]

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

[@sunandep4103]

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

[@GeoCherian]

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

[@blackman9390]

What are the option for the front shock for better front end feel. And i hate my rear shock on my 390..how to adjust

[@ChevyGuy70]

Great job on the bike. It looks great.

[@krazed0451]

Some slightly less repetitive backing music wouldn't go astray. It detracts heavily from the video, IMO.

[@winsaints8549]

Pls have a walk around review and what is the best modification of rc200. Thanks...

[@maniakaz]

It looks like someone used the left front axle slider.... Who'd you loan it to that tested them?

[@zainiqbal7721]

I hv Yamaha ybr 125cc carbureted one ...kindly tell me can i install quick shifter on it.

[@seanhayden103]

So I have a MGP GROWLER HALF SYSTEM on my 2015 KTM RC 390 and was curious on if there was a map/tune out there anywhere or what could I possibly do?? Can I just pick up a power commander and hook up??

[@o3tomas]

So you basically can knee drag this thing with a wide open throttle?

[@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.

[@OhYeaMista]

This guy's the real deal

[@GoodGuyBiker]

Shout out to Trex Racing for sure good stuff!

[@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?!?

[@adiladeeb3350]

ALL THE GOOD TRACK TYRES COME IN 120/70 SIZE. CAN I USE THEM. PLEASE REPLY 😥

[@1xRacer]

awesome vid, now onboard laps!

[@blaisejud]

This bike is awesome

[@123ewess]

Can we extand tank fuel capacity?

[@rattletop]

does upgrading to a 320 mm disc require changes to any of the other stock components in front wheel? I mean do i need to change the forks etc to install it?