BMW S 1000 R versus KTM RC 390

BMW S 1000 R

Naked

KTM RC 390

Supersport

Performance AND control: BMW's Power-Naked shows how it's done.

With the new BMW S1000R model year 2021, BMW deliberately refrains from increasing performance. The machine still delivers with 165 hp with more than enough power, the changes compared to the predecessor are more in the areas... weiter

BMW S 1000 R im Test

Gallery

How does A2 Renner from Austria fare on country roads?

The KTM RC 390 is an A2 super athlete from Austria and has been available since 2014. Tanja and Dietmar have taken a used RC 390 under the magnifying glass and show you in a detailed test video, what the little racer so so... weiter

KTM RC 390 im Videotest

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~

RRP 16.000 €

RRP 6.899 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Full of performance ...
.. but still easy to control
high-quality workmanship
cool sound

Pros:

wily curve speedster
on top decent performance
high-quality workmanship
light and easy to master

Cons:

Pillion operation only for emergencies
Sitting position for some people probably too sporty

Cons:

little power at the bottom
Rear shock absorber a bit too soft
Gearbox cold a bit shaky

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.340 mm
Seat : 824 mm
Weight : 164 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Motor design: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 373 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 89 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 266 km

Maximum speed: 172 km/h
Performance: 44 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 37 NM bei 7.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 3 l
Reach: 395 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17

Frame type:
Lattice tube (chromium-molybdenum)

Front suspension:
WP USD 43 mm (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)

Front brake
Single disc, Bybre 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc, 1-piston floating caliper (∅ 230 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!

The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!