I impulse bought a 2013 Ninja 300 because I loved it's angular looks and bright green paint. It was a lot of fun and a real head turner. Because I'm used to larger bikes, later in the year I traded in the 300 for a 2013 Z1000. Of course the Z1000 is a complete and total rush to ride, but hopping on the Z for a spin is a far more serious matter. I could jump on the 300 and throw it around town with no worries, but a simple mistake on the Z like accidentally popping the clutch at a stop can put you in the hospital. The seriousness of the Z takes a bit of the fun out of riding. You can really wrap out the 300 and feel like you are going a lot faster than you are, then look down at the speedo and realize you are only doing 45 mph. lol. Hard to get into too much trouble. Sometimes it can be more fun to take a smaller machine to its limits daily, than to ride a larger machine that you rarely, if ever, get to max out. So... they are both great. You really can't miss with either. Just depends on if you need that max performance. Most people don't. They just want to have safe fun.
All the 250/300 hate... A 250 is a GREAT beginner bike to start on. Great to get a new rider into the whole world of motorcycling. It's great on gas, won't kill you if you whiskey throttle, cheaper to insure, and cheaper to purchase. And they hold their value pretty well too, so when the time comes to want more, sell it and upgrade. I learned on a 250. I'm now on a 636. There's nothing wrong with starting on a 250. Starting on a 600 isn't for everyone, and definitely the same goes for a liter bike. Keep the rubber side down!
same story here bud, started on a 08 250 and now on a 13 636. I loved the 250 so much but have even more love for my 636! The best part of upgrading is now the 250 is my wifes bike to start on!
SurvivalJake23 incidentally, i started on a 984 cc, and am looking to upgrade to a ninja 300 or r3 [assuming ktm continues to deny us americans the duke 390, which they have promised for the past three years now]. sure big bike can be fun because they're fast, but how often do you really go that fast? having a bike that can do 180 is kinda irrelevant when you hardly ever do more than 100. and meanwhile a tiny bike is lighter and therefore quicker and easier around the corners [and unless your home and work are at either ends of a drag strip, you'll probably be turning everyday. every single time you ride]. also i don't see why speed is the only thing people consider when looking at bikes. you don't consider that when buying your little shitbox cars, so why on bikes? the people that insist on starting out on 600 cc sportbikes seriously puzzle me. it's like if someone said "I've never driven a car before, what should I start out driving?" and the response is "definitely a v12 vanquish. anything less and you'll be bored in a week. if you were a real man, you would've started out in a veyron, like me!"
methamphetasaur Interesting points you've brought up, especially about the parallels between starting driving/riding. You're completely right; no one goes around asking what car - performance wise - to start on. However, at least in my opinion, motorcycling differs because it's more than just riding. It's a lifestyle. There have been times when I've had to use my 636's power to get out of stick situations. Ones where slowing down didn't seem like a good option, and, even in 6th, I still had the power needed to maneuver where I had to. People getting into sports bikes are into them partly for the speed as well. My hope is that the speed comes out on the track rather than on the street. I won't lie, sometimes on back roads with ZERO traffic, I'll let my bike breath some. I think the car question does come into play when you get into those interested in performance modding and tuning. There are forums and discussions started on the potential of x car vs x car. Then you'd get the "don't get this turbo, adding 50hp, when your end goal is to have 150hp and make it a weekend warrior". It differs too, and most of the time forum members know each other decently enough to know when someone's a nut, or someone's responsible. Not everyone is a tuner, and not everyone wants to be a motorcyclist. Driving has evolved as a necessary means of transportation outside cities that are clumped into a tiny space. Whenever you get your Ninja 300, or equivalent, or whichever bike, enjoy! Keep the rubber side down and ride safe.
LifeRocket7 ~because it's more than just riding. It's a lifestyle.~ Maybe for some, but I can't really agree with that, at least not wholeheartedly. I ride my bike nearly every day, even in negative degree weather [i only drive my car on days that it snows], but i would not consider it my 'lifestyle'. i don't belong to any groups/clubs, i don't know even a single other person who owns a motorcycle, and a certainly don't consider myself a 'biker'. i think you hit the nail on the head with the whole weekend warrior thing, though. if you were one of those people who only put like 1000 miles a year on a bike, only riding in 70+ degree non-rainy weather; using a bike as an escape-mobile from your dodge dart or hyundai elentra or scion whatever-the-shit, having something that is not faster than those kinda isn't so fun i guess. i suppose if all you want to do is go from your home at super cool triple digit speeds to the bar for bike night so you can show off your super cool liter bike to other super cool liter bike dudes and back, then understandably you definitely need said liter bike [but really what are you even doing with a pussy ass liter bike anyway, you should probably get a zx14 or hayabusa or something]. But all that just seems silly to me. in my opinion, it is WAY more fun riding a 250 at the limit of its capabilities than a liter bike at about 30 percent of what it is capable of. unless you live near a track and go to track days [and are good at riding a bike fast], you will never get everything out of it, so i just don't see the point, myself. i realize this might come off as a bit rant-y, but it's not meant to be. i honestly don't care that people think they NEED to start out on 600s, if people want to start out on the biggest, most powerful bike they can find because they think they will "grow out of" [wat?] a smaller bike, then fucking have at it. you do you, and don't worry about other people. it's just that personally, i don't think i'll ever really be able to understand that kind of thought process.
methamphetasaur You sound like a cool person to ride with. Yeah for sure, I definitely agree with riding 100% of the 250/300/390's ability compared to a mere 30% of a 600 or less of a liter bike. I really enjoyed, and encourage others to learn on a 250, riding a 250. Especially as a new rider. It was comforting knowing that if I made a mistake, like semi-whiskey throttle, the bike won't kill me. Do you ride for the pure enjoyment, along with the benefits of insurance and gas? Would you consider yourself a motorcyclist, rather than a biker? I think the "biker" term has been twisted in a negative fashion and is somewhat bitter coming off people's tongues. Biker? Tattoos, alcohol, overly loud exhausts, 120mph+ wheelies down the freeway, no gear, no care, organ donors, etc (I don't have a problem with tattoos, organ donors, or responsible consumption of alcohol). Luckily I don't get snow over here. It's riding weather 22/6. I'm less likely to ride in the rain though. Nationwide/world wide, there are a lot of knuckleheads who are oblivious and care about their phones more than their lives - so it seems - so I'd much rather stick to my cage on rainy days. However, when it's nice - basically just dry - I'll ride. There are some decent roads behind where I live. Cruising down those is always awesome. I agree. I'll never be able to wrap my head around the peer-pressured mentality of needing to start on something bigger than a 250.
Holy crap are comments about not buying a sub-600cc hilarious. Seems like they're frequently made by clueless poseurs who are more interested in bike nights and 'the scene' than track days, commuting, and road trips. If a person doesn't do a lot of freeway riding, there's no need for a 600+ cc motorcycle. I started out on a 750 CB Four then later rode a 883 Sporster, 1200 Superglide, Valkyrie, SV1000 (taught my wife on that), 1050 Sprint ST, 955i Speed Triple, 675, 1098, Diavel, and some other bikes between. I prefer power, but it's purely for thrill factor. Anyone saying otherwise is full of crap. The only time the light weight of a small bike is an issue is in heavy wind. Otherwise, they're generally easier to handle in all conditions, have vastly better fuel economy, dirt cheap insurance, and are easy to resell. If you aren't an egomaniac looking to pose, a small bike is a wise choice, financially.
Nope.. 2 totally different beasts.. Different pull on higher gears, different sound, different ergonomics.. Aside from the fact that in US there is no such a difference in price..
I actually made this exact decision in a dealership. I went in to buy the 1000, and left with the 300... BUT- I made that decision based entirely on 1 factor- I use my bike to commute, 5 days a week, and barely ever get to take it out on weekends. The 1000 is MUCH better for everything BUT commuting. The light weight and gas mileage + 1/2 price = 300 Ninja : #1 commuting bike. I have owned many bikes including 2 ex250s, the 300 is 200% better than the old bike. It's really impressive.
I could never ride with her. I would crash my bike on the first turn. Id be way too distracted. Great review and test run. Thank you for the information and great presentation.
My first Ninja was the 250 and I loved it. I learned a few lessons though. I grew up on a farm and had Yamaha Enduros and I tore it up everywhere I rode. My dad got a little pissed when he went to cut hay one day and my trails had killed more alfalfa than what I should have done. They were awesome bikes. Then I grew up, got married, had 2 kids, and in 2005 I spotted the 2003 blue/yellow Ninja at the dealer,(while purchasing a Yamaha Zuma for one of the boys) it had been a first bike for a cop, low miles, great price, so I traded in my old '80 Enduro for the Ninja. Biggest issue for me was realizing that sport bikes don't have knobby tires to grab loose sand or gravel or anything but luckily I was pretty much stopped before I ended up on the ground with it. Next issue I hadn't thought of was that the Ninja was a LOT heavier than the enduro. I'm female and as I've aged, I've lost all the strength I once had so I've had to look for help to pick it up twice. So always know the surface you are on. The other thing is that they don't turn like the enduro. I got used to that after a couple of days but also learned that unless I'm turning a corner, you lean more than you steer. In June, I traded in the old 250 for the 300se WITHOUT the ABS because if I need to brake that hard, I want to know that I have a chance at stopping. After riding for over 40 years, starting out on a minibike when I was 8, with a hand brake and centrifugal clutch, ABS was not important to me. I love my 300 but I'm hating that winter weather is close and it's too cold to enjoy a ride right now. Hopefully there will still be a few nice days left!
+survivrs Lift weights at the gym to build muscle. It's never too late. I've read a 90 year old guy starting when he was 87 and is really strong now. Muscle can always get stronger, so long as you work them out and eat/drink clean. *Age* literally *doesn't matter* here. *Mindset* (negativity or positivity) *matters, 100%.* :)
Northaleus Velanthor I really appreciate what you said. I've had a lot of health issues, especially the last 4 years. I hate that I'm not strong like I used to be, and because of problems with my back, I can't work with weights unless I just worked on legs. I think I'll just enjoy this for as long as I can and hopefully get as much back as I paid for it.
I love that Kawasaki has three levels of sport bike that don't kill your back alongside their super sports. The 300/650/1000 are great for older sport bike enthusiasts and those who have back problems.
Apples and oranges but it shows you don't "need" a liter bike to have fun. Entertaining video on one of my favorite roads. Angeles Crest has something for everyone regardless of what you throw your leg over...
Very nice review guys! I especially liked the little history lesson of the 250 at the beginning. I wish Florida had nice roads like California! I would love to see how my 300 feels on twisty roads with all the modifications I have! Anyways, keep up the good work!
Shes Gorgeous! It was a good laugh to hear them say "You could go like 400 miles in a day on this" in regards to the Ninja 1000, I do 400+ mile daily trips on my 2012 ZX6R Using the factory seat. Just need to remember that you don't need to squeeze the life out of the hand grips and you're golden.. You have to stop every 150 - 200 Miles anyway for gas, turn that into your rest break and get a bite to eat, relax. Ride safe everyone!
I ride my baby Ninja more than my XJ700. Super fun, but gets no where near 70mpg. Rider size and throttle control aside, it pulls mid 50s on a good day. Changing out that pig OEM exhaust puts the ABS model at about 380lbs. It's a cornering dream.
I ride a ninja 300 at the moment, and i quite often go on big group rides with much larger bikes. I still manage to keep up! I mean im going as hard as i can on it but it keeps up!
I was just at tail of the dragon a few months ago and I saw a guy on a Ninja300 pass a guy on an R1 during the tight turns! haha gotta love those little bikes!
One of the best comparing bike videos. I have a ninja 300 but i would have to choose the 1000. Dont like the slow break but its got alot of horse power
hmm. I'm 19, and in a few days i will be getting a black 300 with abs. it will not only be my first bike but my first vehicle in my name paid for with my money. I'm glad everything online I've seen has been reassuring because i would like this to be a good experience, especially when it warms up a little here on the east coast soon. (hopefully) wish me luck.
Nice review! Very refreshing, I grew up on an "86" 900 Ninja, so have a soft spot for Kaws, even though I currently ride a Honda CB1100 ....would love to have one of the Kawasaki's.....not allowed to have two....keep up the good work.
So...I really enjoyed this video and this is the first video I have seen in this channel. I will say, it was entertaining for sure. For Heather, it is nice to have a channel that just doesn't pick a girl solely for looks. In this case, she knows what she is talking about and I love that very much. Favorite quotes: Matt: The fif Heather: pie pie pie LOL cracked me up.
It really doesn't matter what bike you start out with, depends on the person, i don't recommend anyone i know to buy low cc bike brand new, rather buy 15 year old 600cc and learn with it, drop it, it's okay, and cause it's old, it needs maintenance and you pick up easy how to fix it.
Smaller bikes really are the most fun you can have on the roads nowadays, especially in the UK, you will struggle to make the most of your litre bikes engines on our country roads, so the smaller bikes market is upcoming. Some of my best rides have been on sub-400cc sports bikes.
I started on a 2009 Ninja 650r, it was a perfect beginner bike for me, the riding position and engine size perfectly complimented my 5'9 220 pounds. I rode that bike for 3 years without getting bored and would still have it if I didn't have to move.
How did you find shifting on the 1000? I find shifting on mine is very clunky unless I get things just perfect, especially releasing the throttle just the right amount.
Could affordable custom shifters help you ?? Just a suggestion, I'm a noob, and never been on a liter bike ever !! TH-camrs suggest custom shifters for convenient shifting..
it's amazing side by side they can barley be separated .Im looking at getting my first bike in a few weeks and was worried a 300 may look and feel too small and also grow out of it quickly but from this it looks good .Im torn between getting a 300/400 or straight to a 600ish bike
I had the same issue as you, i was divided into a 300 sportsbike or 600 naked, but since i really like sportsbikes i bought the ninja 300 so i can gain experience and later will buy a 600cc sportsbike when i feel im prepared. In my opinion a 600cc sportsbike is too dangerous for a beginner to start with. What did you end up buying?
Nice review. I plan on possibly getting a 2016 Ninja 300 one day. :) I haven't ridden before, so it'll be a while. :P Anyway, off topic: The pitch of the guitar solo in the song at 9:32 reminds me of Slash from Guns N Roses. In one part it sounds a little like one of the solo's from November Rain: 9:41
i really miss the old 400CC racing bikes that was popular in the 90s, i would smoke a ZX3R each day with an old GK76 GSXR 400cc or a Honda VFR400 NC30 from 1990! I really believe that the is a huge gap from todays 300cc to a 600cc, going from a 300cc to a litre bike is inzane no matter how many people has done it without crashing, remember many beginners get themself killed becuse the Power gap so so fucking different! The 300cc ish from today is fun, but i know that people get the lust of a little more power after a couple of months on one of them!
I never had problems with riding my 2012 zx10r after long trips. If you having problems after 30mins then something is wrong. In either case I'd love to also own a 300. I love the looks of it
Awesome video but it's like comparing a Nissan 370z vs Nissan GTR. Both great machines, yet one is three times the price of the other. I like the competitive nature and I was pretty shocked to see the 300 pull ahead for a sec! But for a daily commuter that still has the fun factor, amazing build quality, and attractive price I'd have to go with the 300.
I am about to start my journey into motorcycling. I'm from the UK so I have to spend some time with 125 for a little while, but I was looking at the Ninja 300 as the bike I would get after that.
Its been a couple months, did you get your 250? If so, is it everything you wanted? I kept my 250 for more than 3 years before I got a Ninja 636. I'm glad I waited because I learned so many lessons on my 250. I have never dropped my 250 in 3 years because I learned what to watch out for and I plan to use that knowledge on my 636.
@kosmosleha DFI gas only relatively recently made its way into motorcycle usage. It then it was only saved for high end bikes. On an inexpensive entry level bike it was almost unheard of.
Where does she put all that food?! Nice review guys. I don't suppose you want to do a comparison between the ninja 300 and ninja 500? I want to know if the +200cc makes up for all the new fangled gadgetry.
I impulse bought a 2013 Ninja 300 because I loved it's angular looks and bright green paint. It was a lot of fun and a real head turner. Because I'm used to larger bikes, later in the year I traded in the 300 for a 2013 Z1000. Of course the Z1000 is a complete and total rush to ride, but hopping on the Z for a spin is a far more serious matter. I could jump on the 300 and throw it around town with no worries, but a simple mistake on the Z like accidentally popping the clutch at a stop can put you in the hospital. The seriousness of the Z takes a bit of the fun out of riding. You can really wrap out the 300 and feel like you are going a lot faster than you are, then look down at the speedo and realize you are only doing 45 mph. lol. Hard to get into too much trouble. Sometimes it can be more fun to take a smaller machine to its limits daily, than to ride a larger machine that you rarely, if ever, get to max out. So... they are both great. You really can't miss with either. Just depends on if you need that max performance. Most people don't. They just want to have safe fun.
Kind of sad that the 300 looks better than the 1000.
but it dose not? lol get a style
ThunderWindz wow.. dude get a grammar..
my native language is norwegian, not english..
thomas edqvist
oh, so you're saying you're the latter then. Thanks for clearing that up.
I like how the subject has changed.
i wish i had one of those....and the bikes are cool too.
That is one sweet as body. I'd love to ride on top.
Eh, the girl is alright too i suppose.
New Reviews on a lot more more bikes will be coming starting in January.
Glad everyone is enjoying this.
Start in January... 1 year ago... No new episodes for 2 years... Doesn't add up.
Shawn Chad I think they got divorced.
this video is proof that he is a total tool.
I bet Heather gives great helmet.
Ahhhhhh I see what you did there.
I'm dying LMAO!!! Spaceballs FTW!!
+poopa718 'no sir ! I did not just see you playing with your dolls again' lol
+Michael Gardner i dont think ive ever laughed so hard hahahahaha
Michael Gardner i thought his name was john ?
All the 250/300 hate... A 250 is a GREAT beginner bike to start on. Great to get a new rider into the whole world of motorcycling. It's great on gas, won't kill you if you whiskey throttle, cheaper to insure, and cheaper to purchase. And they hold their value pretty well too, so when the time comes to want more, sell it and upgrade.
I learned on a 250. I'm now on a 636. There's nothing wrong with starting on a 250. Starting on a 600 isn't for everyone, and definitely the same goes for a liter bike.
Keep the rubber side down!
same story here bud, started on a 08 250 and now on a 13 636. I loved the 250 so much but have even more love for my 636! The best part of upgrading is now the 250 is my wifes bike to start on!
SurvivalJake23 incidentally, i started on a 984 cc, and am looking to upgrade to a ninja 300 or r3 [assuming ktm continues to deny us americans the duke 390, which they have promised for the past three years now].
sure big bike can be fun because they're fast, but how often do you really go that fast? having a bike that can do 180 is kinda irrelevant when you hardly ever do more than 100. and meanwhile a tiny bike is lighter and therefore quicker and easier around the corners [and unless your home and work are at either ends of a drag strip, you'll probably be turning everyday. every single time you ride].
also i don't see why speed is the only thing people consider when looking at bikes. you don't consider that when buying your little shitbox cars, so why on bikes? the people that insist on starting out on 600 cc sportbikes seriously puzzle me. it's like if someone said "I've never driven a car before, what should I start out driving?" and the response is "definitely a v12 vanquish. anything less and you'll be bored in a week. if you were a real man, you would've started out in a veyron, like me!"
methamphetasaur Interesting points you've brought up, especially about the parallels between starting driving/riding. You're completely right; no one goes around asking what car - performance wise - to start on. However, at least in my opinion, motorcycling differs because it's more than just riding. It's a lifestyle. There have been times when I've had to use my 636's power to get out of stick situations. Ones where slowing down didn't seem like a good option, and, even in 6th, I still had the power needed to maneuver where I had to. People getting into sports bikes are into them partly for the speed as well. My hope is that the speed comes out on the track rather than on the street. I won't lie, sometimes on back roads with ZERO traffic, I'll let my bike breath some.
I think the car question does come into play when you get into those interested in performance modding and tuning. There are forums and discussions started on the potential of x car vs x car. Then you'd get the "don't get this turbo, adding 50hp, when your end goal is to have 150hp and make it a weekend warrior". It differs too, and most of the time forum members know each other decently enough to know when someone's a nut, or someone's responsible. Not everyone is a tuner, and not everyone wants to be a motorcyclist. Driving has evolved as a necessary means of transportation outside cities that are clumped into a tiny space.
Whenever you get your Ninja 300, or equivalent, or whichever bike, enjoy! Keep the rubber side down and ride safe.
LifeRocket7 ~because it's more than just riding. It's a lifestyle.~ Maybe for some, but I can't really agree with that, at least not wholeheartedly. I ride my bike nearly every day, even in negative degree weather [i only drive my car on days that it snows], but i would not consider it my 'lifestyle'. i don't belong to any groups/clubs, i don't know even a single other person who owns a motorcycle, and a certainly don't consider myself a 'biker'.
i think you hit the nail on the head with the whole weekend warrior thing, though. if you were one of those people who only put like 1000 miles a year on a bike, only riding in 70+ degree non-rainy weather; using a bike as an escape-mobile from your dodge dart or hyundai elentra or scion whatever-the-shit, having something that is not faster than those kinda isn't so fun i guess. i suppose if all you want to do is go from your home at super cool triple digit speeds to the bar for bike night so you can show off your super cool liter bike to other super cool liter bike dudes and back, then understandably you definitely need said liter bike [but really what are you even doing with a pussy ass liter bike anyway, you should probably get a zx14 or hayabusa or something].
But all that just seems silly to me. in my opinion, it is WAY more fun riding a 250 at the limit of its capabilities than a liter bike at about 30 percent of what it is capable of. unless you live near a track and go to track days [and are good at riding a bike fast], you will never get everything out of it, so i just don't see the point, myself.
i realize this might come off as a bit rant-y, but it's not meant to be. i honestly don't care that people think they NEED to start out on 600s, if people want to start out on the biggest, most powerful bike they can find because they think they will "grow out of" [wat?] a smaller bike, then fucking have at it. you do you, and don't worry about other people. it's just that personally, i don't think i'll ever really be able to understand that kind of thought process.
methamphetasaur You sound like a cool person to ride with. Yeah for sure, I definitely agree with riding 100% of the 250/300/390's ability compared to a mere 30% of a 600 or less of a liter bike. I really enjoyed, and encourage others to learn on a 250, riding a 250. Especially as a new rider. It was comforting knowing that if I made a mistake, like semi-whiskey throttle, the bike won't kill me.
Do you ride for the pure enjoyment, along with the benefits of insurance and gas? Would you consider yourself a motorcyclist, rather than a biker? I think the "biker" term has been twisted in a negative fashion and is somewhat bitter coming off people's tongues. Biker? Tattoos, alcohol, overly loud exhausts, 120mph+ wheelies down the freeway, no gear, no care, organ donors, etc (I don't have a problem with tattoos, organ donors, or responsible consumption of alcohol).
Luckily I don't get snow over here. It's riding weather 22/6. I'm less likely to ride in the rain though. Nationwide/world wide, there are a lot of knuckleheads who are oblivious and care about their phones more than their lives - so it seems - so I'd much rather stick to my cage on rainy days. However, when it's nice - basically just dry - I'll ride. There are some decent roads behind where I live. Cruising down those is always awesome.
I agree. I'll never be able to wrap my head around the peer-pressured mentality of needing to start on something bigger than a 250.
Holy crap are comments about not buying a sub-600cc hilarious. Seems like they're frequently made by clueless poseurs who are more interested in bike nights and 'the scene' than track days, commuting, and road trips.
If a person doesn't do a lot of freeway riding, there's no need for a 600+ cc motorcycle. I started out on a 750 CB Four then later rode a 883 Sporster, 1200 Superglide, Valkyrie, SV1000 (taught my wife on that), 1050 Sprint ST, 955i Speed Triple, 675, 1098, Diavel, and some other bikes between. I prefer power, but it's purely for thrill factor. Anyone saying otherwise is full of crap. The only time the light weight of a small bike is an issue is in heavy wind. Otherwise, they're generally easier to handle in all conditions, have vastly better fuel economy, dirt cheap insurance, and are easy to resell.
If you aren't an egomaniac looking to pose, a small bike is a wise choice, financially.
Nope..
2 totally different beasts..
Different pull on higher gears, different sound, different ergonomics..
Aside from the fact that in US there is no such a difference in price..
Seemed like a cross between a music video and a geography lesson rather than a motorcycle video
3 things on that screen i'd like to get my leg over...
+John Doe oh hi dick
+john tucker #mademyday :DDDDDDD
OMFG :DD
id love to get a piggy back ride from him too
john tucker what? the the dude and the 300?
I actually made this exact decision in a dealership. I went in to buy the 1000, and left with the 300... BUT- I made that decision based entirely on 1 factor- I use my bike to commute, 5 days a week, and barely ever get to take it out on weekends. The 1000 is MUCH better for everything BUT commuting. The light weight and gas mileage + 1/2 price = 300 Ninja : #1 commuting bike. I have owned many bikes including 2 ex250s, the 300 is 200% better than the old bike. It's really impressive.
(for perspectives sake, the OTHER bikes I've owned include CBR11xx, Buell XB12s, Ducati M900 & VFR750)
i hated the look of the ninja 250 to be honest but this new 300 looks stunning! definitely looks like an awesome bike for a learner
This is more a review of Southern California roads than of these motorcycles.
I think the 300 is a good looking little bike real close to the cbr's
That ninja 1000 gives off the feel of a sport tourer i think.
Awesome comparison. Responsible riding is fun and you guys did a great job of showing what that's all about. Thanks for the video !!
That was like comparing corvette to a mazda mx 5!!
is ike a honda nsx vs del sol
I could never ride with her. I would crash my bike on the first turn. Id be way too distracted. Great review and test run. Thank you for the information and great presentation.
My first Ninja was the 250 and I loved it. I learned a few lessons though. I grew up on a farm and had Yamaha Enduros and I tore it up everywhere I rode. My dad got a little pissed when he went to cut hay one day and my trails had killed more alfalfa than what I should have done. They were awesome bikes. Then I grew up, got married, had 2 kids, and in 2005 I spotted the 2003 blue/yellow Ninja at the dealer,(while purchasing a Yamaha Zuma for one of the boys) it had been a first bike for a cop, low miles, great price, so I traded in my old '80 Enduro for the Ninja. Biggest issue for me was realizing that sport bikes don't have knobby tires to grab loose sand or gravel or anything but luckily I was pretty much stopped before I ended up on the ground with it. Next issue I hadn't thought of was that the Ninja was a LOT heavier than the enduro. I'm female and as I've aged, I've lost all the strength I once had so I've had to look for help to pick it up twice. So always know the surface you are on. The other thing is that they don't turn like the enduro. I got used to that after a couple of days but also learned that unless I'm turning a corner, you lean more than you steer. In June, I traded in the old 250 for the 300se WITHOUT the ABS because if I need to brake that hard, I want to know that I have a chance at stopping. After riding for over 40 years, starting out on a minibike when I was 8, with a hand brake and centrifugal clutch, ABS was not important to me. I love my 300 but I'm hating that winter weather is close and it's too cold to enjoy a ride right now. Hopefully there will still be a few nice days left!
+survivrs Lift weights at the gym to build muscle. It's never too late. I've read a 90 year old guy starting when he was 87 and is really strong now. Muscle can always get stronger, so long as you work them out and eat/drink clean.
*Age* literally *doesn't matter* here.
*Mindset* (negativity or positivity) *matters, 100%.* :)
Northaleus Velanthor I really appreciate what you said. I've had a lot of health issues, especially the last 4 years. I hate that I'm not strong like I used to be, and because of problems with my back, I can't work with weights unless I just worked on legs. I think I'll just enjoy this for as long as I can and hopefully get as much back as I paid for it.
I love that Kawasaki has three levels of sport bike that don't kill your back alongside their super sports. The 300/650/1000 are great for older sport bike enthusiasts and those who have back problems.
thanks for the review. i'm going for the ninja 300. i was actually considering the cbr 250 but, i think i'll go with ninja 300.
Matt, I certainly hope you're Hittin That ??? !!
Id hit that for nothin as bad as i need the money
Damn Heather! thanks for making this video more interesting ;)
Apples and oranges but it shows you don't "need" a liter bike to have fun. Entertaining video on one of my favorite roads. Angeles Crest has something for everyone regardless of what you throw your leg over...
Yah well I have go the zx10,000rr twin turbo Kawagatti... it's pretty quick
This is a SUPER well done video. I was very surprised to see a default picture and no cover art.
What a brilliant video, great quality and very enjoyable
Nice rides, all three of them... :D
czierwo yea i agree, he's a hunk
Very nice review guys! I especially liked the little history lesson of the 250 at the beginning. I wish Florida had nice roads like California! I would love to see how my 300 feels on twisty roads with all the modifications I have! Anyways, keep up the good work!
Shes Gorgeous! It was a good laugh to hear them say "You could go like 400 miles in a day on this" in regards to the Ninja 1000, I do 400+ mile daily trips on my 2012 ZX6R Using the factory seat. Just need to remember that you don't need to squeeze the life out of the hand grips and you're golden.. You have to stop every 150 - 200 Miles anyway for gas, turn that into your rest break and get a bite to eat, relax. Ride safe everyone!
"The good thing is we already to a test run and we picked out our favorites. We'll save that for later" *skips to later* lol
Wait...that's illegal
I ride my baby Ninja more than my XJ700. Super fun, but gets no where near 70mpg. Rider size and throttle control aside, it pulls mid 50s on a good day. Changing out that pig OEM exhaust puts the ABS model at about 380lbs. It's a cornering dream.
These two should make a 15 minute and 48 second video comparing the Lamborghini Veneno and the Toyota Sienna.
A lifetime Kwacka rider,a big market for both those models but im happy being stuck in the 70's to the 90's....
amazing review!! this is the kind of reviews the motorcycle community needs. A+!
I ride a ninja 300 at the moment, and i quite often go on big group rides with much larger bikes. I still manage to keep up! I mean im going as hard as i can on it but it keeps up!
I was just at tail of the dragon a few months ago and I saw a guy on a Ninja300 pass a guy on an R1 during the tight turns! haha gotta love those little bikes!
@Heather, How do you maintain that figure if this what you like to eat? Great review guys. Thanks.
No mention of the Ninja 650. I wonder why.
That's one bad ass chic
get the CBR 650F(inline 4) or the Ninja 650(parallel twin which is outdated) and you can settle right between the two bikes showcased here.
I did have the 2014 cbr 650f and got a 2018 Ninja 1000. The cbr was a lot more fun on the twisties.
@@MridulJK bcoz of the weight?
Great review. Thanks for taking the time and posting
One of the best comparing bike videos. I have a ninja 300 but i would have to choose the 1000. Dont like the slow break but its got alot of horse power
hmm. I'm 19, and in a few days i will be getting a black 300 with abs. it will not only be my first bike but my first vehicle in my name paid for with my money. I'm glad everything online I've seen has been reassuring because i would like this to be a good experience, especially when it warms up a little here on the east coast soon. (hopefully) wish me luck.
Wishes sent. I'm 19 also, and I've been looking to get a ninja. Let me know how it goes man, ride safe.
Nice review! Very refreshing, I grew up on an "86" 900 Ninja, so have a soft spot for Kaws, even though I currently ride a Honda CB1100 ....would love to have one of the Kawasaki's.....not allowed to have two....keep up the good work.
So...I really enjoyed this video and this is the first video I have seen in this channel. I will say, it was entertaining for sure. For Heather, it is nice to have a channel that just doesn't pick a girl solely for looks. In this case, she knows what she is talking about and I love that very much. Favorite quotes:
Matt: The fif
Heather: pie pie pie
LOL cracked me up.
It really doesn't matter what bike you start out with, depends on the person, i don't recommend anyone i know to buy low cc bike brand new, rather buy 15 year old 600cc and learn with it, drop it, it's okay, and cause it's old, it needs maintenance and you pick up easy how to fix it.
When she was listing all the food she wanted all I could think was "She gonna have some diarrhea later". lol.
In love with both these bikes
just watched this review and really enjoyed it. but guys need to get some more reviews on the tube!
Smaller bikes really are the most fun you can have on the roads nowadays, especially in the UK, you will struggle to make the most of your litre bikes engines on our country roads, so the smaller bikes market is upcoming. Some of my best rides have been on sub-400cc sports bikes.
I started on a 2009 Ninja 650r, it was a perfect beginner bike for me, the riding position and engine size perfectly complimented my 5'9 220 pounds. I rode that bike for 3 years without getting bored and would still have it if I didn't have to move.
How did you find shifting on the 1000? I find shifting on mine is very clunky unless I get things just perfect, especially releasing the throttle just the right amount.
Could affordable custom shifters help you ?? Just a suggestion, I'm a noob, and never been on a liter bike ever !! TH-camrs suggest custom shifters for convenient shifting..
I think the 650r would have been a good mentionable in the review, as it is a good middle ground for these bikes.
Love the video, guys. I wish you guys get more views
it's amazing side by side they can barley be separated .Im looking at getting my first bike in a few weeks and was worried a 300 may look and feel too small and also grow out of it quickly but from this it looks good .Im torn between getting a 300/400 or straight to a 600ish bike
I had the same issue as you, i was divided into a 300 sportsbike or 600 naked, but since i really like sportsbikes i bought the ninja 300 so i can gain experience and later will buy a 600cc sportsbike when i feel im prepared. In my opinion a 600cc sportsbike is too dangerous for a beginner to start with.
What did you end up buying?
We have some great roads to ride on here in Australia but godamn Socal has some wicked looking roads, have to save up and go stateside for a cruise
Nice review. I plan on possibly getting a 2016 Ninja 300 one day. :)
I haven't ridden before, so it'll be a while. :P
Anyway, off topic: The pitch of the guitar solo in the song at 9:32 reminds me of Slash from Guns N Roses.
In one part it sounds a little like one of the solo's from November Rain: 9:41
i really miss the old 400CC racing bikes that was popular in the 90s, i would smoke a ZX3R each day with an old GK76 GSXR 400cc or a Honda VFR400 NC30 from 1990!
I really believe that the is a huge gap from todays 300cc to a 600cc, going from a 300cc to a litre bike is inzane no matter how many people has done it without crashing, remember many beginners get themself killed becuse the Power gap so so fucking different!
The 300cc ish from today is fun, but i know that people get the lust of a little more power after a couple of months on one of them!
Great video I'm 15 and got a 2007 Kawasaki ninja 500
I wonder what are the music tracks they used for this video.
hot chick
Show...Lindas.
@EletroBoy Motovlog: yamaha fazer gauge as an avatar, nice!
Hot chick
I never had problems with riding my 2012 zx10r after long trips. If you having problems after 30mins then something is wrong. In either case I'd love to also own a 300. I love the looks of it
I really want that ninja 300... its gorgeous
Yep, she works out.. 3:15
9:08 & 11:06 Nope.
Dave Sonawane Nope? Dem triceps brah...when you burn calories, you can afford to pig out on that shit _one time_ for a youtube video =3
Hadgerz We can all pig out once in a while. And when I say that, I mean like once every 2 months.
Great ad, Kawasaki.
True story Derek! hahaha shit was hilarious, I felt bad for that guy hahaha
Heather and matt drives and tests motorcycles very good.
Nice. .video. .
Good description with good talk.
Thanks. .
I go from a 300 to a 1000 and thammm these two bikes are amazing
More video of Heather would be amazing
No videos after this 8 year old one?
she became a housewife
@The Grinch one light is aimed higher than the other. So when only one light is on it is low beam. When both are on it is high beam.
Awesome video but it's like comparing a Nissan 370z vs Nissan GTR. Both great machines, yet one is three times the price of the other. I like the competitive nature and I was pretty shocked to see the 300 pull ahead for a sec! But for a daily commuter that still has the fun factor, amazing build quality, and attractive price I'd have to go with the 300.
The weird thing is.. i like being uncomfortable while ridibg my zx10
I am about to start my journey into motorcycling. I'm from the UK so I have to spend some time with 125 for a little while, but I was looking at the Ninja 300 as the bike I would get after that.
I would recommend getting a 600..kawasaki zx6r or cbr 600rr... 125 to 300 would be a waste of money IMO
TheDeeTV you might be right. I will see when I get there. I would probably want to test ride a few before I invest. Thanks for the comment
Have the z 1000sx its a perfect bike for lot of kms or a everyday bike...very comfortble and still good on power...
Very awesome work, 300 is the best!
Nice video. Very fun!
Super model biker girl, never thought I'd see that outside of the movie theater.
Thank you,you've helped me find the perfect bike for me
I'm planning to start on a ninja 250 and then when I'm comfortable and hopefully can afford one, I'll get a gsx 600 or 750
Its been a couple months, did you get your 250? If so, is it everything you wanted? I kept my 250 for more than 3 years before I got a Ninja 636. I'm glad I waited because I learned so many lessons on my 250. I have never dropped my 250 in 3 years because I learned what to watch out for and I plan to use that knowledge on my 636.
So would the ninja 300 be any good for a road trip? Like a 400 mile road trip
nice review, heather size does matter, I will take the 1000 on a long trip any day of the week
@kosmosleha DFI gas only relatively recently made its way into motorcycle usage. It then it was only saved for high end bikes. On an inexpensive entry level bike it was almost unheard of.
I’m buying one if those liter bikes just got my finds lined out today and I have one waiting time to load up go get that bad boy!
"There's no denying that the best views are from the top" yes! Especially with a hot chick :)
Which bike would you recommend a first time buyer using to take a road test on at the DMV?
Thanks for the loud intro, I didnt need those speakers anyway.
nice bikes. the 1000 is better i think but i gotta say heather is just stunning.wow.
what do you recommend me to stay alive, ZX-6R or NINJA 1000?? (Upgrading from a Ninja 300), thank you!!!
Turbo Busa, or H2r.
dont like susuki they are ugly as shit, and h2r is illegal on the street, anything else?
Is joke. You asked for a bike that you'll likely stay alive on, and I gave the opposite.
yeah i know you trolling so i trolled back, also i dont have the budget to those hiperbikes, my original question was not a troll by the way
Bought a ninja 1000. Will never go back. ZX-6 and ZX-10 and the other super sports just aren't useful on the street. Too race orientated.
Hourglass. Yes.
i got a 2015 kawasaki ninja 300 abs model yesterday i went over a hundred no problem and also its the best motorcycle i ever had
she's the shit. cheeseburger, chili cheese fries, milkshake, pizza... My kinda gal.
hahahaha xD
RIP 😞 ..good channel ...
10:48 or so, is that the place that is featured in the twist of the wrist II video?
I would like to see you talk more about fuel consumption. overall good coverage.
entertaining and informative vid. thanks for uploading :)
I like the look of the 300. But I'm 6'2'' so I'm thinking about getting a 2003-2006 600
Ever ridden a cbr250rr? I smoke the ninja 300 on straights, and corners? A ducati 899 couldn't catch me till the straight
Where does she put all that food?!
Nice review guys. I don't suppose you want to do a comparison between the ninja 300 and ninja 500? I want to know if the +200cc makes up for all the new fangled gadgetry.