Precision or madness ? KTM RC 390 or YAMAHA RD 350 ht ?

hello brothers,

When we are confident about doing anything, we get successful. But sometimes, even the most confident of the guys gets confused.
I am confused right now, and i need valuable suggestions by all of you.

I live in delhi and I have been riding a fully ported Yamaha RX-135 5 speed for the last 7 years.
I have constantly touched speeds of 145+ km/hr, and enjoyed one of the beautiful sounds ever on a bike. It has been a crazy, wild and an amazing journey, But now, i want something even faster, wilder, with much better grip and much better top speed (190-200+ km/hr) as the skinny tyres of my Yamaha is not good enough with increasing traffic in delhi, but with fully ported bike, I can't go for fatter tyres, as it will reduce both the accleration and the top speed and the fun of riding a ported bike will be lost. So, i have decided to buy another bike. My height is 5.4" and my physique is lean and strong. My budget is 4 lakhs.

My requirements are :-
1) top speed in excess of 180-200+km/hr.
2) much better tyres and grip.
3) beautiful exhaust sound.

My final choices are :-
1) KTM RC 390
2) YAMAHA RD 350 ht

KTM gives me metzellers, ABS, brilliant tech, brilliant precision of a proper sports bike package. Don't like the exhaust sound though.
RD gives me crazy powerband, exclusivity and the most beautiful sound of those parallel twins and absoleute madness. But the tyres and the grip are not good enough.
please help me in selecting one of these brilliant machines, thanks in advance.

Re: Precision or Madness ? Ktm RC 390 or Yamaha RD 350 HT ?

Topic Approved. Merged.

RC 390 will not touch 190 kmph in stock conditions. It will be around 180~ max.
And We, at Xbhp, don't recommend you go high speeds unless you do so safely and legally.

RD350 HT is very rare in the second hand market. LT might be more easily available AFAIK.

Out of the two mentioned bikes though, I would suggest RC 390, just for safety reasons.

Other upcoming/ launched bikes you might consider is Yamaha YZF R3, Kawasaki Z250, etc.. Both are twin cylinder bikes.

BTW, just for your interest, have you seen this:---> http://www.motoroids.com/news/this-c...-with-the-new/

Re: Precision or Madness ? Ktm RC 390 or Yamaha RD 350 HT ?

Stick to the "modern" and "safe" 390 and leave rd for us old insane people.

Sent from my XT1033 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: Precision or Madness ? Ktm RC 390 or Yamaha RD 350 HT ?

hello brother,

I am sorry, if i have offended you....but i believe whoever rides a RD will forever be young. So, you can be insane, but you will never be old my friend.
I am also 33, and have been riding a fully ported RX for the last 7 years, so, i think handling an RD won't be a huge problem, I really love to have an RD, but frankly speaking, i want better grip at high speeds, so, i think KTM will be a better choice.

thanks. cheers.

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hello sir,

thank you so much for approving the topic, i accidentally sent it twice, first from mobile, then from laptop.
i am actually giving more priority to KTM for the better grip. But your link at motoroids made me very interested. Its a brilliant idea and even better execution. Will definitely contact him for my plan.

thanks.

Re: Precision or Madness ? Ktm RC 390 or Yamaha RD 350 HT ?

RD is a legend in itself. People who have an RD350 will never trade one for anything else. So, if your heart goes for a piece of history, go for it. But, keep in mind the fuel-emission norms, registration etc. Though RD350 can do fairly in the top speed department, one might not want an RD in 2015 for top speed alone. You can do relaxed high-speed riding on it.
RC390 on the other hand is a modern piece of engineering. Can do 150+ comfortably. Has the safety measures including the ABS. But not comfortable as much as an RD(imo - others may differ).
My suggestion - wait for 2-3 weeks more. Yamaha is planning something on 11th of August. Maybe an R3 will come through. Maybe you can get the best of both the RD and the RC in it!
If not, think what you would have chosen between a Premiere Padmini or a Hyundai i10. Select your bike according to the answer.
Best of luck!

Re: Precision or Madness ? Ktm RC 390 or Yamaha RD 350 HT ?

hello brother,

You are absoleutly right. RD is a legend. There will never ever be another RD. She is definitely much more comfortable than RC 390. But again, the grip and the tyres might not be its positives. Also, registration, and pollution norms can be a headache. It seems, I will have to wait for Yamaha R3 for one month. If it gets launched within one month, I will have a look at her, otherwise, will go with KTM. Will buy RD 350 in the future ( may be after 2 years ).

Thanks brother...
Cheers......