[Vaughan]

While the only figures we have belong to the R25 that does not stop us from speculating on what the eventual showdown between the R3 and Ninja 300 will look like. I think there are some simple inferences we take from others in the industry. CBR250 demonstrated to us a jump from 250 to 300 through a simple alteration of the stroke. Logically this is what we can expect from the R25.

First the specs, R25 vs Ninja 300.

Engine

R25: 4 stroke DOHC 4 Valve Parallel Twin
N300: 4 stroke DOHC 8 Valve Twin

Displacement

R25: 249cc
N300: 296cc

Power

R25: 35.5 bhp @ 12,000 RPM
N300: 39 bhp @ 11,000 RPM

Torque

R25: 16.3 ft-lbs @ 10,000 RPM
N300: 19.9 ft-lbs @ 10,000 RPM

Weight

R25: 366 lbs (166 kg)
N300: 379.2 lbs (172 kg)

Power to Weight

R25: 10.3 lbs/HP
N300: 9.7 lbs/HP

Now where this gets fun is considering the stroke increase R3 is sure to enjoy. With an 8 mm increase in stroke the CBR jumped from 26 bhp to 30 bhp, thats a 15% power increase. Now if we expect a similar 15% power increase from the R3's stroked motor we would find ourselves at 41 bhp, which would then give us a revised power to weight of 8.9 lbs/HP.

This bike cannot show up soon enough, because you just know Kawasaki is not going to take this violation lying down

 

[u3c307]

CBR300 < R25 < Ninja 300 < CBR300R < Ninja 300R < R3 < RC390 end of story!

 

[YR3]

CBR300 < R25 < Ninja 300 < CBR300R < Ninja 300R < R3 < RC390 end of story!

That is basically the best way to break it down.

 

[Yamahahaha]

It seems like the R25 is trailing behind the Ninja 300 in most of these categories. Numbers don't mean everything, but I have a feeling that a lot of people make buying decisions based on information like this.

 

[barett]

CBR300 < R25 < Ninja 300 < CBR300R < Ninja 300R < R3 < RC390 end of story!

I'm not ready to give RC390 the crown until both it and R3 show up.>

 

[u3c307]

I'm not ready to give RC390 the crown until both it and R3 show up.>

Crown HIM!!! LOL ^.^ (unless BMW comes along with a 300RR lol)

 

[Yamahahaha]

The RC390 is a pretty cool bike. It has so much more power than the other bikes on that list though. Is it really that comparable when it has 390cc?

 

[YR3]

I'm not ready to give RC390 the crown until both it and R3 show up.>

i want to see them go head to head in some performance test.

 

[u3c307]

The RC390 is a pretty cool bike. It has so much more power than the other bikes on that list though. Is it really that comparable when it has 390cc?

Anything that is 300cc - 399cc is consider fair game to me.

 

[YR3]

Yup, being in that range, it's considered to be in the same segment.

 

[barett]

Anything that is 300cc - 399cc is consider fair game to me.

Agreed, what I'm leary about though is the network for KTM's. Not sure about your locale but dealers and places knowledgeable enough for service are SPARSE! thats the only reason I'm not jumping for joy at the 390. Yamaha on the other hand...

 

[YR3]

that's the problem with KTMs they are nice bikes but finding support for them isn't easy, it really comes down to how bad do you really want a KTM....

 

[u3c307]

that's the problem with KTMs they are nice bikes but finding support for them isn't easy, it really comes down to how bad do you really want a KTM....

If the RC390 came out first I would probably test it out and consider it , but would like to wait for the R3/R25. We have like 4 KTM dealers here in 30 minute each way N, S, E, or W so not much of a problem for me if something would to go wrong just get a KTM dealer to pick it up.

 

[barett]

If the RC390 came out first I would probably test it out and consider it , but would like to wait for the R3/R25. We have like 4 KTM dealers here in 30 minute each way N, S, E, or W so not much of a problem for me if something would to go wrong just get a KTM dealer to pick it up.

All our KTM stores are dirt focused. They don't even know what an RC is. Road racing? To them it doesnt exist...

 

[u3c307]

All our KTM stores are dirt focused. They don't even know what an RC is. Road racing? To them it doesnt exist...

That sux some of the KTM are only dirt thank god the ones around me has sportsbike and I tell you the orange color always shine to me. Last time I went to one they had some 1190 RC8.

 

[barett]

That sux some of the KTM are only dirt thank god the ones around me has sportsbike and I tell you the orange color always shine to me. Last time I went to one they had some 1190 RC8.

I was chatting to a guy just yesterday with an RC8, ran into him on the street, a bit squiddish with his tank top, although what really gave him away was the chicken strips stupid powerful bike, have you seen the video of the Super Duke hounding an S1000RR on track? man thats FURY!!!!

 

[u3c307]

I was chatting to a guy just yesterday with an RC8, ran into him on the street, a bit squiddish with his tank top, although what really gave him away was the chicken strips stupid powerful bike, have you seen the video of the Super Duke hounding an S1000RR on track? man thats FURY!!!!

Yeah, Super Duke are nice. I am down for a 1290 R for sure for a commuter bike lol in the future.

 

[YR3]

Yeah, Super Duke are nice. I am down for a 1290 R for sure for a commuter bike lol in the future.

You'll be able to get across the city in no time!