2015 Beginner-ish Sportbike Shootout 

I still say the ninja is the bike newbs should get, get a used one and sell it for the same price you paid or more after you learn on it and then get a CBR 600 DOUBLE ARRRR!

After asking RU-vid like 2 months ago what bike I should get as a beginner who only has $5k, most people suggested I get the Yamaha R3 but after a little search on Craigslist I ended up with a 08 Aprilia shiver 750 with only 6831 miles for that same $5k and I love it!

Having to go to another web site to see the results of a shoot out review is irritating. I don't like to be "corralled" like I'm some huckster.

I was hoping more out of this shootout. You were very vague on the details on each bike. You didn´t say which bike handles better, how they brake, ect. As far as the eingines go, ok the Honda is underpowered, but how to the engines on the KTM, Yamaha and Kawasaki comprare to each other? A little more info, would have been nice.

1:51 - Is it normal for dead people to lie on the side of the road like that?

As a CBR250R owner this makes me kinda sad for Honda, its not a track bike but it does so well on economy I can't even believe it. Power may be lacking to some but hey it does great in its own right!

I am tired of hearing Honda being in last place....ahhhhhhh

Your guys video looks like a movie with all the aerial footage. Very cool!!!

That slipper-clutch gets it for me. The Yamaha is gorgeous, but the Kawi wins for me. Can't beat the slipper-clutch. Plus, the extra mileage from the bigger tank is definitely nice. Not sure what's up with Honda. They seem so bland. Even their supersports aren't that exciting.

I wish all this was available 4 years ago when I got my Ninja 250R. It's amazing what some competition in the market will do to improve these beginner bikes so much.

well ive got the cbr 300 and i love it, light and my tiny legs can still reach the ground and plenty of power, i can keep up easily in group rides and overtaking on highways is easier and faster then my car

I would never say anything about the Ninja because it is still sets the stage for the other bikes. I just got my new R3 and right away I'm changing those sorry tires. They ride like a truck, but the suspension seem compliant enough. After the first 100 miles, I can say it has exciting power and the bike looks as good as any other sportsbike, no matter the size. Since I always buy black bikes, you tend to not lose the lines as you do with the other colors. It is a full size bike, but it isn't a large bike by any means. It requires tank bags with straps (no metal tank), but it looks good with the Cortech mini-bag with a single strap tied to the underside of the seat. Here is what sets it apart beside power: the seat was comfortable for the 100 mile trip, there is no vibration in the hands or feet at any RPM. I agree tall riders will have to adapt to the higher pegs, but don't all sportsbikes have high pegs. About the RC-390, I think as a pure track bike, it is head an shoulders above the others because it is set up when you buy it. The only negatives I've heard about it is the high seat (short riders will have a challenge). The other item was the noticeable vibration from the single thumper. I think the answers are simple: Track 390, Street R3, all around use Ninja 300. No matter how much you like the Honda, it's just too slow to compete with the other three.

yamaha R3 with an MT07 engine would be so much win!

My Versys 300X has that Ninja 300 engine. It pulls from 4000 rpm, has 4.5 gallon tank and gets 60+ mpg. It's a great, fun, inexpensive way to enjoy motorcycling.

i had a dt50,rd125,cm125.rg250,xs400,cbr600,gsxr750.plus lots of other cheap bikes.its best to take your time,moving up.they all seemed great at the time,great fun

Yamaha and Kawasaki are fucking beast... Their appearance and performance are unbeatable by other manufacturers!!!

awesome video and audio quality..keep it up guys

Troy you're killing me! What's the verdict? If you're unsure let me race the hell outta all of them @ Chucky! LOL

What a stupid video. 'Ohh yeah the Honda is the weakest one, it lags behind the others...' Of course it would, you said it yourself at the beginning of the video that it has by far the smallest engine of the lot. And when is power the only deciding factor in getting a bike??

fine video. good images congratulations

I love that the KTM clearly has scrape marks on the belly pan from being dragged. With small test riders.

I had the 2013 Ninja 300. They are right about it being great on gas and having a long range. The 2013 Special Edition paint/sticker scheme was beautiful. Not sure Kawasaki they threw that away. Really fun bike. Liked the dual analog/digital gauges. Seat was really hard. They are also right about grabbing some throttle and not worrying. Thing often seemed like it was going 90 mph but I would look down and it was only doing 40 mph. lol

This is ok, but it tends to get boring. I want you to show drag races, roll races, or quarter mile tests for these bikes in comparison tests like this. even if they are beginner bikes, I would still like to see it, and I'm sure many other viewers would too.

Just watched your naked, standard test. This one is more recent, and the video quality has definitely improved. Kudos!

I will go with the KTM. That bike has the dynamics of a race bike unbeatable at that price !!!

I still prefer the old CBR250RR MC22 over any of these newer beginner sport bikes. Though it was never released in the states back in the day I think Honda should be looking to the past and seriously consider releasing a revamped CBR 250/4.

These may be competent bikes but it's hard for me to get excited about them. For one, a big appeal with bikes is their sound and these all sound teeny. After my experience starting on a125cc, which was so underpowered I couldn't keep up with traffic and almost turned me off riding, I don't see the point in starting on such small bikes unless you have no self control.

KTM rc390 is the best for me of the bunch

The only problem with any of the bikes is the insurance costs. Even the CB300F Honda is classified as a sport bike. I own a Honda 300F and am very satisfied with the power. the ridding position is much better for long rides. But, that being said, ride them all and make your choice and have fun.

That was awesome, gentlemen.

i was doing 183 kph (113 mi/h) on the highway and did 377 km (234 miles) with a full tank on my Ninja 300.

love to see benelli 600i n gt600 review from motorcycle.com

if the rc390 had the tank size of the ninja or even r3 id pick one up without hesitation. the only problem is the gas tank is not enough

Great comparison, but damn those sidebrns Troy!!

I started on a fz8, 2000 miles later I got my 14'r1 and I love it anybody could start on a litre bike really

I am no racer but i love bikes more than cars

Guys the KTM rc 390 is not for competition, there's the ktm rc cup bike but is totally different than the standard version

The R3 looks like a 1999 model R6 with the dated boy racer paint scheme to match. The Ninja 300 and the CBR 300 are the lookers of the bunch.

the Ninja won this test however idk as a ninja 300 owner, I am kind of disappointed in it... yeh its good in the twisties but it does have its limits i find myself hitting my pegs in corners well before i feel like ive leaned as far as i could.. It is slow in the straights but that's obvious.. 0-60km it's quick after that anything else will just fly past. I find myself just 8 months in really considering something more powerful and really after 2 months i was wanting something better...

1:52 sniper

I think the best looking bike ever was the NSR. Too bad Honda never brought that beauty over.

Toward the 600 vs 300 I think if you've rode dirtbikes for a few years starting on a 600 is second nature but if you've never been on anything that's where the 300 has its place.

I know the KTM Duke does not have a fairing but in my book it is still a beginner-ish sport bike. From what I understand, the Duke is suspended differently and is a bit quicker in a straight line than the RC390 due to being slightly lighter. The top of my list is the new R3 or the Duke. Thanks

I think the R3 has it in the bag for looks, the ninja stock exhaust is a little bulky for me, if i got a new exhaust for it, I would definitely go for the Ninja

I like.. Ish this video👌

Im still getting the 390... looks more badass and has more hp.

I'm 5'10 190lbs will ninja 300 be okay for my height and weight?

Nice... Looks like my Ninja 300 is still a contender.

The best beginner bike is a used Buell Blast. You can get one for $1200 or less. They get 60 mpg, have excellent brakes, have more torque than a garden tractor, practically no maintenance and if it falls over who cares? If you are not a beginner, anyone who rides a Buell Blast will instantly feel like a beginner.

Picking up my Yammy love it.

I believe the Kawasaki 300 is the best one overall for street riding. Its very forgiving in many ways. If you pop the clutch, you wont wind up road rashing and many forgiving things . What these guys fail to teach to new riders is to not be a squid. Always wear your gear and DON'T skimp on pricing on gear. save up get the best so one day it can save your life. Also never ever ride without a GPR Stabilizer or you will pay dearly WHEN a tank slapper happens. Also what these guys fail to include is that these bikes are very good for beginner riders. You can learn the ins and outs of riding, control, safety along with learn about the bike itself. Always make sure that the bike you buy has ABS breaking from dealership. If it doesn't, save up some more and buy one that does have it. Some dealerships don't install it so buy it after-market and have a professional reputable mechanic install it. It can save your life along with your bike and its usage wear and tear. I test drove all these bikes in this video and IMHO, I believe the Kawasaki 300 is the best fitting for overall street bike and Urban bike. If you want to install great tires for street and urban riding get the S20 EVO. The S20 EVO are affordable high quality good gripping tires.

Has anybody seen Wall-E? KTM's RC 390 looks MUCH like Mo. LOL

KTM is beautiful, but I'm curious about the Honda, I own a low cc Honda and I grew out of it's slowness quick. I'm about speed and power.

Love these small CC bikes.

This sis what makes no sense to me. Most experienced riders aren't going to buy any of these. They enjoy the power. So really it seems like they're only for newer riders. But what's the point of spending 4-5k on a new beginner bike when you can get one for half the price on Craigslist and be pretty sure you'll get your money back? That or you could find a decent 600 for the same amount of money.

Thank for video. Hehe I got RC390. Haha yeah. I am waiting for this video.

There isn't any better motorcycle. they all are good.. the winner is always going to be the brand who sponsor the reviewer.

The Honda is too weak, KTM doesn't look so good, i like the Yamaha Look and Kawasaki performance, so plz do a drag test or something to choose between the Yamaha and the Kawasaki

Azusa is a road meant for 600cc and larger supersports. GMR is meant for small cc bikes. Why not ride that and see how it can handle the tighter twisties? Or take them to Malibu about an hour away to test the suspension and flicakbility on Tuna Canyon or Latigo? Azusa is a lame place to test anything smaller than a 600cc sportbike.

i think either the Yamaha or the ninja cause i like the styling on it but i also like how much gad you can hold in the ninja

Get a zxr250 or cbr250rr. Twin front discs and proper supersport handlebar height. I have the zxr250. It is the best first bike if you can find one. Get my Full licence in a couple of weeks and will upgrade to either a zx6r or r6.

The honda may be « underpowered » but im sure in 10-15 years, it will still work like a new one. I think they all have thier place on the market. Some like something more powerfull but some just want to cruise and enjoy the ride. 50cc or 1000cc, as long as it’s fun and you ride safely.

Motorcycle.com is never the first video I'll watch on a motorcycle. Their "reviews" are usually too cursory, and are usually just short statements by the test riders. As other commentators have stated, in a "shootout," there needs to be more direct comparisons. Also, the way they try and bait viewers into visiting their website to see the conclusions is pure cheese. Their production value is decent though, so there is potential for good videos.

Wish you had this review for the 2017 models. Maybe it fairs the same? I'm still deciding on either the R3 or the Ninja... I had been leaning more towards the R3 (because of the styling) until I sat on both(brand new) at my local dealership. The R3 gas tank pushed against my crotch uncomfortably whereas the Ninja did not. However I only just sat on them without a test ride.

soo the winner of this shootout is yamaha R3

the dead body on the side of the road @ 1:53 😂

Great vid, great sound (finally :D). Best information.

Where is the rest of this video? they say they've commuted and been on the streets... so where is it?

The cbr needs hondas Vtec.

I thought about getting the Ninja 300 with ABS but now I am thinking about the R3 with an after market exhaust cause idk if I like that stock sound

Thanks guys for all the info and the video, subscribed to your channel.

1:50 That guy looks like he died XD

Nice vid!

Hey, what's the matter? You've got wrong Honda! 250 cc single is ancient already! The Honda CBR300R with the parallel twin is the right bike for this test.

I learned to ride on a 1974 rd350 and than a 85 rz350. still have the 74 and wouldn't trade it for anything. But I'd be curious as to how well these modern bikes would measure up?

Drag race please!!!!!

The Kawasaki is not your "only choice if you want to go somewhere". Just under 4 gallons is totally fine for these bikes unless you've got them at WOT the whole time, in which case you're ready for a bigger bike. Most current ~200 horsepower liter bikes only have about 4.5 gallon tanks. At 3x the output and even over 3x the engine size (1299 Panigale) with 4.5 gal tanks I think they got these tank sizes just fine. These are also sport bikes - a couple of you guys must be touring / cruiser types or something since fuel capacity is the last thing supersport/superbike riders give two shits about. You're also focusing way too much on power and not on rideability which is what sport bikes in this segment are all about. I generally agree with most of your reviews but this one was pretty sub-par guys.

Here is a thought. Quit riding bikes around town while following the video van. We can do that. Dyno every bike you test. Take every bike to a drag strip with professional rider. You will never gain popularity until you do what the pros do. Americans want 1/4mi times , Horsepower/Torque Numbers and Top Speed. Very little info about making a purchase from you Vanilla Road Test. Step it up guys!

Next time bring TVS Apache 310RR & Benelli 302r in this shootout ..

From a 55 y.o. biker... Regardless of the good looks... I really wonder how any of these (or all of them) would are against a 1970's HondaCB350Four, or a Kawasaki KH400, or a Yamaha RD350... not to mention Suzuki's GT380! Now come the Italians: Benelli 250 2C (2stroke twin) Moto Morini 3 1/2 (350 V-twin) Ducati 350 GTV and Moto Guzzi-V35. Just for fun, guys, Google the performance tables from the bikes from the 1970's compared to the featured bikes, see how we used to have fun in the 1970'2 ! %^D

KTM RC 390 is monster 2015 model

Utility wise.. Goes to Honda CBR 300. Built to last forever.

wt about suzuki? every video I've seen they never mention any of the beginner suzuki bikes. anyone know why?

damn shame when u get passed by a 300 on a track when u riding on a 1000 lmao

i would have liked if you would have talked about comfort some more, i hear the R3 isn't very suited for tall riders (like above 6')(i'm 6'3"), it seems that small engines seem to be made only for small bikes and small people.

It scare the ninja is all around great starter bike the best in its class from my point of view

Honda BR 300 R: 300cc, 31HP@8500rpm, 6 spd., 164 Kg Morini 3 1/2 Sport: 350cc, 39hp@8500rpm, 6sp., 144 Kg Moto Guzzi V35 Imola: 350cc, 34hp@7500rpm, 5sp, 160 Kg, Ducati Pantah 350: 350 cc, 40hp@960rpm, 5sp., 177 Kg. At this point top speed is irrelevant, but those old bikes were sooo enjoyable to an 18 y.o. !!!

lack of power is like, not important its faster than any car on the road and waaaaay faster than your allowed to go at least in the usa

What is up with the main guy that's talking side burns lol.

who win ?

For me 1. Ninja 2. R3 3. KTM 4. Honda

I'll be picking up my 2017 Ninja 650 soon. Does your channel do any "shootouts" with bikes in that class?

Anyone else pick up a reallly good weezer song a round 6mins

No offence please but it definitely feels like a review made by some kawasaki fan boys. There's no mentioning about any in depth details of the bikes. Just the same statement the ninja does things better. Its the only review which provides an upper hand for the kawasaki even when the yamaha and ktm outperforms it interms of performance and handling.

I learned to ride on a cbr500r

cbr 1000rr best beginner

didn't bring the cbr500r along?

ktm' vibrates like hell.

read all the reviews. please suggest me one of these bikes which wld have the best of both world types. i dont want it to be the fastest but with good pickup will do.

Yes!!!