I'm also going to have to agree. A few weeks back I borrowed a 50cc scooter and was just pinning the hell out of it. I was only going 35 mph tops, but wow it was so fun haha.
I've probably watched and read just about every review on this bike I could lay my eyes on. But you sir have produced one of the best reviews I've found so far. Very practical info here, and I especially enjoyed the opinions you bring to the table as a rider transitioning from bigger bikes.
Awesome review. I'm buying mine next week here in Brazil, never had a bike before, gonna use it to go to work and go to some nearby cities in the weekends. Can't wait, and I'm glad you're enjoying it!
This has to be one of the best user/owner reviews of the new Ninja 300! Very informative even for a prospective new rider/buyer looking into this bike. You touched on all the key aspects of the ride quality, handling, motor and even a great little sampling of how she sounds! Fantastic!! A couple questions if you could: 1. What about the ABS model (why did you choose the non-ABS equipped version?) 2. What is your height/weight? Reason I ask is because the old 250 looked like a "toy". Thx much!
It's nice to see a review from someone going from owning a faster bike to a smaller more economical bike. I've often considered that route myself. Finally someone that appreciates the pleasure of riding a slow bike fast rather than a fast bike slow. There's nothing like power wheelies on liter bikes but you have to love that the little 300 list price is under $5000 and gets over 60MPG... What a great little ECO bike but I'd rather have better brakes than a slipper clutch.
Absolutely. I love this bike. My plan is to keep it permanently, and then get a second bike for longer-distance touring. Tips on clutching is hard, but if I get a decent camera this spring, I might be able to do a video. The slipper-assist function makes it really easy, though. Its best to 'blip' the throttle as you shift, but that's a more advanced technique for when you get used to the bike. And the only change I've made to the suspension is to adjust the rear to '4' from '2'.
Hi Riedert. I've been looking for a small cc "sporty" ride, and was looking at the Ninja 300 for a while. You did a great job on selling it to me. Bought one last week, up here in Montreal Canada, and taking possession in two days. Was able to bring in a Leo Vince Cobra exhaust from Italy, and already have the Power Commander V, and K&N filter ready for install. Really looking forward to see what this little guy has to offer. Thanks again for your objective review. Keep the shiny side up ;)
I just bought a 2015 model kawasaki green and absolutely love it. It's my 1st street bike and I couldn't be any happier with it looks great and handles real smooth.
OfficialKalinox no I'm in the US. I actually also started riding on a 125 cc pit bike I used it like crazy in the street even though I wasn't supposed too. But u can't go wrong with the ninja 300 it's a pretty easy bike to learn on.
OfficialKalinox im 20 and i have a 125 on a cbt u can wait till your 19 and you can get the A2 and get a 250 or 300 or even a 600 but restrict it and in 2 years take the A and you can unrestricted it at 21 OR do what I'm going to do stay on a cbt and 125 until you are 24 and take a DAS .... hope i helped have fun :D
OfficialKalinox one more thing the cut is about £100 an A2 is about 600 then another 500 when you want to get a full license or wait till you are 24 and its still 500/600 maybe less as you have a lot of experience since you will have been on a 125 for 6 years although you will need to retake the cut every 2 years ( it all depends how much money you have)
Yup, this is pretty much it. You can read up on wikipedia, but the basic idea is just that it prevents the clutch from letting out all at once when the rear wheel is going much too fast for the rpms. At the extreme end, this helps keep the rear wheel from locking up if you accidentally drop too many gears; more normally, it's a kind of aid to rev-matching. I have to say, I find it quite handy.
Never ever though I would lust after a 300... Your review is mesmerizing. 40hp just about! That's almost as much as my FZR600 had, and that thing was fast! I totally love how riders like yourself are describing this bike and how its powerband is a good thing.
Thanks for the upload. Best review ive found yet. Im a new rider and was looking at the 250 until I found this one. Im thinking this is the one I will go out and buy. Thanks again
I do not have the bike anymore. I actually had two bikes after this one -- a GSX650F and then a Triumph Daytona. However, I no longer ride, as I was t-boned by a van that ran a stop sign in 2015, and my foot was crushed.
Probably some mook on his cellphone. Cellphone use among drivers is out of control, it's crazy man. We're at a point now where Tesla drivers are caught driving WHILE THEY ARE ASLEEP and they don't lose their license. WTF!?!?!?!?
Fantastic review. For a first bike i've been debating about many models. But it reassuring that even experienced riders buy this ninja. Which means i wont get bored with it later on. I'm not a speed freak but like sporty looking bikes. Great review and if you have time, I have a suggestion to do a riding and talking video blog/review. I've seen some people even take one with their ipod touch in their helmet. Amazing review cheers
thanks again for answering my questions man, im looking forward to getting one of theses in the next 2 months ;) they look extremely fun and cool to have.
Nice review. Am thinking of getting a road bike. Had my eye on an '08 250, but now wanting one of these! Also, being able to disengage the clutch with 2 fingers is a good thing. Allows you to still grip with 2 fingers to help maintain control. Most dirt guys do that. Some even just use 1 finger to pull the clutch!
bought this bike, coming from the ugly as shit Ninja 500EX, and I wanna say wow! it's just as quick! if not quicker! after doing the Power Commander V and Yoshi R77 Full Exhaust, the throttle is way more responsive than my carbureted 500EX, in which you can twist the throttle all day and it won't jerk you back, this 300cc sure as hell packs a punch. the engine braking on this thing is very powerful too since the bike is so light. It sure takes some getting used to, but it will sure help me fine tune my throttle control, which would be needed when I move up to the 600cc or liter class. awesome review!
Thanks for the info! A lot of threads in various 300 forums say that the 300 is fine on the interstate, but I have been worrying about the stress of the engine if I'm always going 80 mph and my bike has to carry my heavy body with it. Yes, I will primarily use my bike only on the interstate. I do want to take it to the twisties once in a blue moon. (I have a 6-speed car that I bring to the twisties, and although going through the gears can be fun, I want to shift less now.)
Hi Riedert, Congratulations on your new bike. You could never go wrong with a Kawasaki. The color of the bike is simply outstanding & it doesn't look any lesser than a Super model. I'm like WOW, you should be having a wonderful time with this bike. Be safe & happy riding :)
Hi again. I went out and ran it up to 80 on the beltway; she turns just a hair below 9k. Felt totally stable and happy at that speed, and in the meat of the power band still, so able to pull away without downshifting. Totally different from the 250 at those speeds. Hope that helps!
The clutch takes a little getting used to as far as the pull goes. The slipper function is nice for any rider level in my opinion. Just picked up mine today and had to do a good bit of freeway and detoured onto a nice twisty canyon road so I did get a good feel for the bike without getting carried away having new tires and whatnot. If you really want to get into a street bike you won't be disappointed with this one. I think it's just going to be a great all around bike...
Hi Kevin. I'm 6'1", and I started on a 250, and rode it for 4 years. Then I bought a Triumph, and sold it for the 300. So you can see that I don't have a problem with small bikes, even for someone our size. However, it does depend on the kind of riding you do. Because I went from riding mostly in DC to now commuting on the interstate, I actually just sold the 300 to get something a little bigger/heavier (more stable). So more than objective size, it's about finding the right bike for you!
Thanks! The 2014s are coming very soon, but there is likely to be no real change except color. They have already been announced in Canada, and that is the situation there. There is a recall on the ECU for a common stalling issue, and so hopefully the new bikes will have the new part, but even if they do, the recall is a free swap, so no big deal. So if you're super-patient, you may wait around just to see what colors the US gets, but if you're dying to get a bike, I'd say go for it!
Watching this video is making me crave getting this bike... I've been bouncing back and forth for a while but this seems like the best first bike and possibly only bike for me for a while. Love the idea of a flippable and nimble bike cause I have some crazy roads around here that are windy and fast. Great place to learn how to handle one. Also subbed :)
I got mine in WV -- at Romney Cycles. They had some of the first ones in the area, and actually got me a good price unlike the DC area dealers. Good guys out there. Good luck with your search!
Yup, Scorpion. In the video is my backup helmet -- a Scorpion EXO700 Engine graphic, and my new primary helmet is a Scorpion EXO1000 (although my old helmet is a Shoei, but the RF1100). I would love an SV650 as a light-duty touring platform! That being said, if you could handle being slightly less comfortable, I find the 300 more fun. Got it's just so fun to wring out! :-)
They are usually a couple hundred bucks or so. They're basically rubber pieces that stick out an inch or so further than the fairings, so that if you drop your bike, they take the impact instead of your fairing or engine case. Some of them require you to cut the fairing, but some don't; either way, it is typically recommended that you let a mechanic install them because they bolt into the engine casing. But if you are mechanical, they're pretty easy.
I LOVE my Kriega luggage. I have the US10, US20 and the R25, and use them all, all the time. If I get some free time, I can do a quick review, but I think others have probably done that as well. We'll see. Anyway, totally recommend all their stuff. It's a totally modular system, so all of the pieces work together. I used the 20+10 combo for a 1300 mile trip from DC to IN and back, and an 800 mile trip through WV. Good stuff!
I upgraded to HH Sintered pads, and that helped quite a bit. To get much better, you'd need stainless brake lines, but the benefits for the cost may be pretty narrow at that point.
Thanks! It is hard to recommend a new bike to a new rider, but this isn't a bad one. It's relatively cheap, and it's super-light, so it's easier to keep off the ground if you get off balance. You might want to invest in frame sliders, since the most common damage to a first bike is just dropping it in a parking lot. If you haven't already taken the MSF course, I highly recommend that as well. Good luck!
Yeah dude. Tail packs are great -- no worries about scratching your tank like a tank pad, and out of your way. I use a Kriega US20 or US10. Kawasaki also makes a pack specifically for the 300, but it's a little smaller, so no laptop or anything. And there are plenty of other, third party brands like Cortech as well. I can't recommend Kriega enough though -- brilliant stuff!
I think it is probably equivalent to my Street Triple, but I wouldn't call either one of them particularly comfortable. They do the job well for a bike that's so much fun. The one thing I am realizing, though, is how much vibrations come through the pegs. Still better than the 250s, but more than I thought there was. That's mainly noticeable at prolonged highway speeds though, so won't be an issue for most of my fun riding. But my back has done well with it. Good luck with the search!
I commute on the highway, and it is more comfortable than my Streety was. The fairing and windscreen work very well. No speed wobbles, and no discomfort. Now, I haven't taken it on extended freeway runs (my commute is 30-45 mins), and I probably won't -- I just generally, as a rule, don't travel on the interstate, because it's boring. But at 65-80mph, the bike is happy, stable, and right in the power band. Hope that helps!
New, they are still going for MSRP, which is $4799 + dealer fees. Many people are paying close to $6k out the door for them. I've started to see used ones pop up for around $4k.
Thanks so much for the "experienced" perspective - been shopping for a commuter to replace my old UJM and it's been so hard to find a review that doesn't focus on new-rider-accessibility.
No problem at all on the highway. It loves to be between 55 and 80mph. Once you're going about 65 and above, gas mileage decreases as the engine is working pretty hard, but it's smooth and easy riding. The touring windscreen also helps!
Nice! I'm looking forward to hearing more real-world reviews of the 500. Since I like the high-strung nature of the 300, I probably would have gotten it anyway, but had I waited, I at least would have made sure to ride both before buying. Good luck!
Wish I did, but I haven't even seen the 500 in person yet. Based on engine configuration, they will be very different bikes. You'll ride the Honda with torque, shifting short, but having a lot more grunt on bottom. The Ninja, on the other hand, likes to have its neck wrung. The Honda will likely be a bit faster, but is also heavier, and will be harder to keep on the boilerplate. I really want to get a ride on one to compare!
Yup, I pretty much agree with smashrine. If you are planning lots of interstate time, or lots of two-up riding or with luggage, you may prefer the 650, as it will be less phased by extra weight and have a little more oomph above 70mph. But I prefer the 300 overall, as I think it is more fun in every other context.
I just noticed you said 'on the highway'. I WOULD recommend the following: don't get on the highway until after you've really warmed and cooled the bike 3-4 times. Then, although such a short distance is probably fine, if there is any way to take back roads instead, do that. The only thing I think is worrisome is holding the revs steady, just like the highway requires. If you do have to do it, maybe take some exits and then get right back on, so you can decel/accel regularly.
I'll check tomorrow to give you a definitive answer, but yes it's def. below 10k. 6th gear is quite tall, so it feels very calm at interstate speeds. If I remember correctly, I was running in the 7k range at 70mph, and the acceleration from 70-80 is good and smooth. I'll jump on the beltway tomorrow and report back.
I tend towards a mixed break-in. I want to give her enough good heat cycles early on to seat the rings, so I get some solid acceleration, but never holding one rpm level for long and never banging it off the rev limiter. Basically, I try not to be 'hard' on the engine, but I also don't want to be 'soft' on it. In general, my opinion is that break-in can be done just about any way other than lugging the engine or tearing into it, and the bike will be fine. Do what you're comfortable with!
3:07 you commute to D.C. that's awesome. I'm from Maryland so D.C. isn't that far away. only about 20 minutes or so. i hope you post more vids of you riding the bike!
Yup, this is a great machine to learn on. More expensive if you drop or lowside it than, say, a 5 year old 250, but more fun as well. And yeah, sticking with it for a good while is a great idea. For riding on the street, I find anything as powerful as the CBR frustrating, which is why I sold my 675. The Ninja is WAY MORE FUN on the street, so I wouldn't be too anxious to upsize. Enjoy!
Thanks! My 300 does not have ABS. In the states, ABS only comes on the green SE. I tend to think that the 300 is a better first bike, unless the beginner is either 1) huge (like 250lbs), or 2) planning to ride mostly on the interstate or for long trips. Since you are quite small, the 300 should actually be perfect for you (you'll be much more likely to lose your balance and drop the 650, due to your height). So, unless you're looking for a small touring bike, I highly rec. the 300.
I watched yours before I bought mine dude! And you know, I don't downshift into first without stopping very often, so I hadn't thought about that very carefully; I'll have to go out and play around with it today.
Hey thanks for the review! I'm also a DMV area guy looking to get a white Ninja 300. At 6'2", 230lb, I sat on one yesterday and was surprised that I actually "fit". I'm sure rearsets or handlebar adjustments in the future could improve ergos, but since I haven't taken it on the road yet - what is the comfort like for a guy your size after riding it for a while? Numb butt? Numb hands? Sore back?
@ReassuringSmile a couple things: not all 600ccs are supersports. I don't have nearly the negative reaction to advising someone to start on a Ninja 650 or FZ6. BIG difference between those and their supersports siblings. And for those who actually rec a supersports, I simply think they are wrong. But that again is IMO, and it's each persons decision!
I actually got my first service included with the bike, so I did take it to the dealer. If they hadn't done that, I would have done it myself. Esp. with the new filter, changing the oil should be super easy, and other than that, you just need a good, thorough safety-check. My only advice would be to make sure you get it done before too long, as you don't want all of that metal crap floating around in your oil for too long. Good luck!
Oh yeah. I ride 20 miles on the interstate to work, and it still has a lot left at 70-75. It won't lurch forward at those speeds, but it will easily climb into the 80s and 90s, especially if you pop it down into 5th. Full power in top gear will put you just into the triple digits, so power is not an issue on public roads!
Totally comfy on the highway -- especially if you swap out the front sprocket for a 15t. It does an actual 60mph at 6800rpm, no buzziness or stress. I do it everyday. As for whether you would like the switch, that really depends on how much you like the character of the 650. It has a lot more torque than the 300, but I like the 300's intense personality better. It just begs to be wrung out!
Below I said that I don't follow the 'easy break-in' method. Not only that, but Kawi puts that same recommendation on every bike, from the 250 to the zx14. A little math tells you that this is crazy, as the engine is doing very different things at that rpm level on those different machines. So you should do only what you feel comfortable with, but I never kept it below 4k; that's practically lugging the engine, which IS bad for a new engine. But opinions vary, so it's up to you!
@ReassuringSmile Yes. Insurance is MUCH much higher. Depending on age and record insurance on the R6 can be disabling. Whereas my total coverage on the ninja is $20/mo.
Yup, I agree with the other response. This is very likely a better learning bike. However, SOME 600s aren't terrible to learn on, so long as they aren't supersports. I tend to think that a gixxer, zx6, r6, Daytona etc are death-traps for a new rider. But the Ninja 650, FZ6 and the like aren't as bad. So if you think you might do lots of 'touring' on your learner bike, you might look at that middleweight class; otherwise, I think you just can't go wrong with the ninjette!
Hi Cody. The r6 and cbr are VERY different bikes from the 300. Not just bigger -- but race-replicas. I would never recommend a supersport for a first street bike -- they are just too unforgiving in many ways. If you were looking for larger bikes to compare the 300 to, I'd look at the new CBR500R, the Ninja 650 and the Yamaha FZ6R. These are the non-supersport mid-size bikes, and they all make pretty decent starter bikes. The 300 is totally sufficient, but the others ARE bigger.
How do you keep warm when you ride during the fall and winter? I live in NY, bought mine last month and am definitely looking to enjoy it as much as possible
The gear, man. I'll ride through the winter -- never met a temp I wouldn't ride in -- but you MUST have the gear. For me it goes: thermal base layer, top and bottom; jeans and long sleeves; windproof mid layer; insulated glove and boot liners; riding boots, armored overpants, jacket and riding gloves; balaclava; and helmet. Ridden down to the teens for up to an hour. It was cold, but not miserable. Be careful on the cold tires and cold road, though; the tires do not grip well in the cold.
i AM a beginner rider and will buy my first bike in january 2013 ... i sat on the 2013 ninja 300 and guys it felt SO GOOD ... its not too small not too big and you just sit extremely comfortable on it (i'm a average large 19 year old) ... its too expensive for me though since i still go to school so i will stick to the ninja 250 :)
I would also like to say thanks fore upload. I had a triumph tt600 for a while and this is going to be my new bike. Been worried that going from the power and tq of the tt600 would suck. But now I'm even more excited about picking this up in about a month. On a side note street triple is like my dream bike well that or a buell xb9r currently. So when you said you sold it I died a little lol but love the vid
Slipper clutch won't allow the bike to go into the gear you choose if the revs don't match the speed you are going. So instead of the rear tire locking up, the slipper clutch engages.
Stock, it is. If you watch my First Long Term Update vid, you'll see that I decided it was pretty much worthless, and so switched out to a 15t front sprocket. But other people seem to like the ultra-aggressive first gear. It definitely makes it jump off the line. But I prefer to have usability over aggression, hence the sprocket change.
Thanks dude! I didn't actually negotiate much. I just called every damn dealer within a couple hundred miles, and was willing to pit them against one another and drive to the middle of nowhere to get the best deal. So I got it in the WV mountains in late fall, when bikes stop selling. So yeah, they ARE selling well, and in a metropolitan area, it will be very difficult to get it for that price.
On the 300 there is a fuel gauge, so you can tell when you're out of gas exactly like in a car. However, in any motorcycle I recommend keeping track of your mileage. I tend to fill up at around 200 miles just to be safe.
LOL, How many mpg does it get compared to the Honda CBR250r that gets 77mpg? I am looking at a Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic, or a Switchback. I want to use those kind of cruisers for long distance riding since I live here in Arkansas, and looking at going on Patriot Guard and Rolling Thunder missions with the cruisers, and using the Ninja 300 for commuting back and forth to work on good days.
No small bike is excellent for long rides, but the 300 is no worse than a middleweight. I ride 200-300 mi/day regularly, and I will be riding from DC to IN and back in May. It's not a touring bike by any means, but you can definitely do it. Just avoid the interstates if you can. For the second question: what do you mean break down? Are you wondering how long the engine will last? If so, this engine will easily go over 100,000 miles if taken care of. It's bomb-proof!
Probably not. You always have to go by the individual exhaust, but no one that I've seen has had any success getting any power gains out of a slip-on for this bike, so there is no remapping needed. The stock curve is pretty good. However, if you use a full exhaust, which is the only way to get more power out of the bike, then you absolutely have to remap if you don't want to trash your engine.
I've got a buddy who is picking one of these up in March. I was curious to see what other riders thought. Great review. Excited for him. Think this is going to be a great buy for a first bike and also think it'll last him a few seasons before (if) he's ready to upgrade. Cheers.
I added the short ride I did, Mike; it's linked in the comments. While I don't think you can see or hear the clutch 'issue', if you listen closely when I'm DOWNshifting, you'll notice that sometimes I don't rev-match perfectly and there is a 'sliding' into the gear. That is the slipper function, and it works very nicely on downshifting. The issue, then, is that it does the same thing upshifting, if you don't rev-match perfectly, but I don't think that happens in this video. Hope that helps!
Haha. I don't even know what that is! I do hope to get a decent camera this spring, though, and do some more videos. I'll record some of my favorite routes in the mountains, and my first track days. Totally jazzed.
That's the same as my commute. If you are buying it SPECIFICALLY for that purpose, you MAY want to look at a 650 or FZ6R or similar. The 300 does it just fine but that's not its strength. I put up with it on the interstate because I love it in the twisties. But if I were buying a bike just for the interstate commute, I'd probably go with the FZ6R. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I do have one question though. You mentioned that you had to travel over 100 miles to get from the dealership with your bike. How was your break-in procedure? Did you break it in by the book, hard, or mixed. I will be purchasing a 2012 ninja 250 or the ninja 300 in a week or two. I will have to travel about 40-50 miles on the highway to get from the dealership. So, just was wondering what would be the best method to go about doing this. Thanks in advance.
What helmet is that? I thought it was the Shoei Qwest Neuron but it almost looks like a Scorpion?! Nice review! I ride a 2004 sv650s and am debating selling it for the Ninja 300. Unfortunately I don't have the $ or the space to store two bikes or thats what i'd do!
great video! This past summer my 08 ninja 250 was stolen... im looking to get another bike once the snow melts. Ive been riding for a couple years now and i think i want to get a bigger displacement bike. Do you think the 300 is a big enough jump ? Or is it very similar to the 250? Thanks!
Nope, no reserve switch, as there is a full fuel gauge which gives you plenty of warning. After you get down to the last bar, it starts flashing at you when you have .9 gallons left. Thus, even if you ignored getting low (down to 2 or 1 bars), once it starts flashing you can easily go 45-55 miles more. Mine usually starts flashing around 180-190 miles; I typically fill up around 200 miles, and still have .7-.8 gallons left in the tank.
At speed, no problem. But on these slow roads, shaded by the trees and only upper-60s, I can def. tell a difference in the stickiness of the tires. Could on my Streety too -- after some high-speed riding, or in really warm weather, felt like they were glued; but in those 'cooler' conditions, just a little more skittish.
Thank you. I'm very interested in getting one. I have a friend who is also getting one, but he's getting a 250r. Would you recommend I do the same or go with the 300? Ive had a little experience with dirtbikes. But this will still be pretty new to me. Thanks!
It depends on what you want to do with it. The Honda (assuming the power estimates and everything are accurate) will be closer to the 650 class, which means that it will give you more straight line speed easier, will be more comfortable for long trips, and will probably be less economical (hard to keep from twisting the wrist!). But with the Ninja, you may actually get to the point (if you are serious about riding) where the bike is the limiting factor. The smaller engine DEMANDS skill.
Hey, great video! I actually checked out your videos before I bought my bike over the weekend. Im also in the DC metro area, but had to go all the way to WV to buy it in white. Do you ever go on weekend rides with people? I dont know many bike riders, so it would be awesome to get a group together and take some country weekend road rides.
By far one of the best reviews I've seen. Yeah, biased, but you covered so much, positives and negatives, plus what other people have said. Have a V Star 650, and would rather have a Ninja 300. Bigger engine doesn't mean better.
Got it today black non abs model.Drove it home from dealer about 35 miles in max wind over a bridge too. Scary as fuck on a dual span bridge with 30 mile an hour crosswinds. I made it , not dogging it but not observing below 4000 rpm either. I will drive it gently for a while .
If you like sport bikes, I would say this is the ultimate beginner bike. However, there won't be any used on the market for awhile, and I always advise new riders to start on a dinged up used bike. It hurts too much to drop or low-side a brand new bike! But the bike itself is just about perfect for a beginner. The 250 is also good, as well as the CBR250. But the 300 will keep you entertained for longer, hopefully keeping you from moving up before you're ready. Good luck!
Hmm, that's definitely a fueling issue, so should be easily fixed. My guess is your idle is set too low. Have you tried adjusting the idle? If not, then get your manual out and find the idle control on the left side of the bike. If yours was set too low, then just turn it up (I found the bike is happiest with idle set around 1.5k, which is higher than the manual says). If I'm right, then once it's set properly, the rpms won't drop as dramatically when fueling is cut and it won't stall. GL!
Not at all. It stalled exactly once, but I had the idle set too low, and I was riding two-up, so I clutched too early, just to smooth out the decel for my passenger. Small-displacement, FI bikes tend to have trouble with cutting out on decel because: (1) people sometimes don't have their idle set high enough; and (2) they clutch when the rpms are still really high. If you set the idle right, don't clutch until you ought, and ESPECIALLY if you learn to blip the throttle, shouldn't be a prob!
Oooohhh, tough. I haven't seen the 500 in person, so hard to say. I am a big fan of revving bikes to the moon, so I'm a little concerned about the Honda powerplants recently. They put a low rev-limiter on it and intend for it to be ridden with torque (like the NC700). I don't think I would be a big fan. But the size is perfect, and may actually be able to handle decent little two-up rides, which the 300 really can't (comfortably!). I'll be interested to hear about it for sure.
Nice to see somebody who can admit and appreciate that going slow on a fast machine is less fun then going fast on a slower machine!
I'm also going to have to agree. A few weeks back I borrowed a 50cc scooter and was just pinning the hell out of it. I was only going 35 mph tops, but wow it was so fun haha.
I've probably watched and read just about every review on this bike I could lay my eyes on. But you sir have produced one of the best reviews I've found so far. Very practical info here, and I especially enjoyed the opinions you bring to the table as a rider transitioning from bigger bikes.
Kawasaki should pay you for this video, it's what sold me.
Otter Get Up and Ride , how's it going for you? 👍
It sold me too lol
im about to get 1 for my gf
Awesome review. I'm buying mine next week here in Brazil, never had a bike before, gonna use it to go to work and go to some nearby cities in the weekends. Can't wait, and I'm glad you're enjoying it!
This has to be one of the best user/owner reviews of the new Ninja 300! Very informative even for a prospective new rider/buyer looking into this bike. You touched on all the key aspects of the ride quality, handling, motor and even a great little sampling of how she sounds! Fantastic!! A couple questions if you could: 1. What about the ABS model (why did you choose the non-ABS equipped version?) 2. What is your height/weight? Reason I ask is because the old 250 looked like a "toy". Thx much!
It's nice to see a review from someone going from owning a faster bike to a smaller more economical bike. I've often considered that route myself. Finally someone that appreciates the pleasure of riding a slow bike fast rather than a fast bike slow. There's nothing like power wheelies on liter bikes but you have to love that the little 300 list price is under $5000 and gets over 60MPG... What a great little ECO bike but I'd rather have better brakes than a slipper clutch.
Thank you so much for doing a review as an experienced rider. I have 32 years on 2 wheels and have been searching for a review like this.
Absolutely. I love this bike. My plan is to keep it permanently, and then get a second bike for longer-distance touring. Tips on clutching is hard, but if I get a decent camera this spring, I might be able to do a video. The slipper-assist function makes it really easy, though. Its best to 'blip' the throttle as you shift, but that's a more advanced technique for when you get used to the bike. And the only change I've made to the suspension is to adjust the rear to '4' from '2'.
Hi Riedert. I've been looking for a small cc "sporty" ride, and was looking at the Ninja 300 for a while. You did a great job on selling it to me. Bought one last week, up here in Montreal Canada, and taking possession in two days. Was able to bring in a Leo Vince Cobra exhaust from Italy, and already have the Power Commander V, and K&N filter ready for install. Really looking forward to see what this little guy has to offer. Thanks again for your objective review. Keep the shiny side up ;)
I just bought a 2015 model kawasaki green and absolutely love it. It's my 1st street bike and I couldn't be any happier with it looks great and handles real smooth.
Did u buy it in UK? If yes what licence do you need as i am 18 and i am considering buying 125cc for experience.
OfficialKalinox no I'm in the US. I actually also started riding on a 125 cc pit bike I used it like crazy in the street even though I wasn't supposed too. But u can't go wrong with the ninja 300 it's a pretty easy bike to learn on.
OfficialKalinox im 20 and i have a 125 on a cbt u can wait till your 19 and you can get the A2 and get a 250 or 300 or even a 600 but restrict it and in 2 years take the A and you can unrestricted it at 21 OR do what I'm going to do stay on a cbt and 125 until you are 24 and take a DAS .... hope i helped have fun :D
OfficialKalinox one more thing the cut is about £100 an A2 is about 600 then another 500 when you want to get a full license or wait till you are 24 and its still 500/600 maybe less as you have a lot of experience since you will have been on a 125 for 6 years although you will need to retake the cut every 2 years ( it all depends how much money you have)
Yup, this is pretty much it. You can read up on wikipedia, but the basic idea is just that it prevents the clutch from letting out all at once when the rear wheel is going much too fast for the rpms. At the extreme end, this helps keep the rear wheel from locking up if you accidentally drop too many gears; more normally, it's a kind of aid to rev-matching. I have to say, I find it quite handy.
That's exactly what I plan to do with it! I have a motocentric tail bag and tank bag, just gotta get the saddlebags and I'm good to go!
Best Ninja 300 review I've seen so far, also like your choice of white which has just enough black trim to offset the white nicely. Thanks.
A very good review man :)
Probably the best review on ninja 300 by so far
Never ever though I would lust after a 300... Your review is mesmerizing. 40hp just about! That's almost as much as my FZR600 had, and that thing was fast! I totally love how riders like yourself are describing this bike and how its powerband is a good thing.
Thanks for the upload. Best review ive found yet. Im a new rider and was looking at the 250 until I found this one. Im thinking this is the one I will go out and buy. Thanks again
I do not have the bike anymore. I actually had two bikes after this one -- a GSX650F and then a Triumph Daytona. However, I no longer ride, as I was t-boned by a van that ran a stop sign in 2015, and my foot was crushed.
riedert Oh, sucks dude :/ you still can't ride ?
How is your foot doing?
riedert how’s that foot been doin mane
Probably some mook on his cellphone. Cellphone use among drivers is out of control, it's crazy man. We're at a point now where Tesla drivers are caught driving WHILE THEY ARE ASLEEP and they don't lose their license. WTF!?!?!?!?
Wow that doesn’t help me wanting to start
Fantastic review. For a first bike i've been debating about many models. But it reassuring that even experienced riders buy this ninja. Which means i wont get bored with it later on. I'm not a speed freak but like sporty looking bikes. Great review and if you have time, I have a suggestion to do a riding and talking video blog/review. I've seen some people even take one with their ipod touch in their helmet. Amazing review cheers
thanks again for answering my questions man, im looking forward to getting one of theses in the next 2 months ;) they look extremely fun and cool to have.
Nice review. Am thinking of getting a road bike. Had my eye on an '08 250, but now wanting one of these!
Also, being able to disengage the clutch with 2 fingers is a good thing. Allows you to still grip with 2 fingers to help maintain control. Most dirt guys do that. Some even just use 1 finger to pull the clutch!
bought this bike, coming from the ugly as shit Ninja 500EX, and I wanna say wow! it's just as quick! if not quicker! after doing the Power Commander V and Yoshi R77 Full Exhaust, the throttle is way more responsive than my carbureted 500EX, in which you can twist the throttle all day and it won't jerk you back, this 300cc sure as hell packs a punch. the engine braking on this thing is very powerful too since the bike is so light. It sure takes some getting used to, but it will sure help me fine tune my throttle control, which would be needed when I move up to the 600cc or liter class. awesome review!
Super happy I could be your 200th subscriber!
Thanks for the info! A lot of threads in various 300 forums say that the 300 is fine on the interstate, but I have been worrying about the stress of the engine if I'm always going 80 mph and my bike has to carry my heavy body with it. Yes, I will primarily use my bike only on the interstate. I do want to take it to the twisties once in a blue moon. (I have a 6-speed car that I bring to the twisties, and although going through the gears can be fun, I want to shift less now.)
Hi Riedert, Congratulations on your new bike. You could never go wrong with a Kawasaki. The color of the bike is simply outstanding & it doesn't look any lesser than a Super model. I'm like WOW, you should be having a wonderful time with this bike. Be safe & happy riding :)
Hi again. I went out and ran it up to 80 on the beltway; she turns just a hair below 9k. Felt totally stable and happy at that speed, and in the meat of the power band still, so able to pull away without downshifting. Totally different from the 250 at those speeds. Hope that helps!
The clutch takes a little getting used to as far as the pull goes. The slipper function is nice for any rider level in my opinion. Just picked up mine today and had to do a good bit of freeway and detoured onto a nice twisty canyon road so I did get a good feel for the bike without getting carried away having new tires and whatnot. If you really want to get into a street bike you won't be disappointed with this one. I think it's just going to be a great all around bike...
Hi Kevin. I'm 6'1", and I started on a 250, and rode it for 4 years. Then I bought a Triumph, and sold it for the 300. So you can see that I don't have a problem with small bikes, even for someone our size. However, it does depend on the kind of riding you do. Because I went from riding mostly in DC to now commuting on the interstate, I actually just sold the 300 to get something a little bigger/heavier (more stable). So more than objective size, it's about finding the right bike for you!
Thanks! The 2014s are coming very soon, but there is likely to be no real change except color. They have already been announced in Canada, and that is the situation there. There is a recall on the ECU for a common stalling issue, and so hopefully the new bikes will have the new part, but even if they do, the recall is a free swap, so no big deal. So if you're super-patient, you may wait around just to see what colors the US gets, but if you're dying to get a bike, I'd say go for it!
Watching this video is making me crave getting this bike... I've been bouncing back and forth for a while but this seems like the best first bike and possibly only bike for me for a while. Love the idea of a flippable and nimble bike cause I have some crazy roads around here that are windy and fast. Great place to learn how to handle one. Also subbed :)
I got mine in WV -- at Romney Cycles. They had some of the first ones in the area, and actually got me a good price unlike the DC area dealers. Good guys out there. Good luck with your search!
Yup, Scorpion. In the video is my backup helmet -- a Scorpion EXO700 Engine graphic, and my new primary helmet is a Scorpion EXO1000 (although my old helmet is a Shoei, but the RF1100). I would love an SV650 as a light-duty touring platform! That being said, if you could handle being slightly less comfortable, I find the 300 more fun. Got it's just so fun to wring out! :-)
They are usually a couple hundred bucks or so. They're basically rubber pieces that stick out an inch or so further than the fairings, so that if you drop your bike, they take the impact instead of your fairing or engine case. Some of them require you to cut the fairing, but some don't; either way, it is typically recommended that you let a mechanic install them because they bolt into the engine casing. But if you are mechanical, they're pretty easy.
I LOVE my Kriega luggage. I have the US10, US20 and the R25, and use them all, all the time. If I get some free time, I can do a quick review, but I think others have probably done that as well. We'll see. Anyway, totally recommend all their stuff. It's a totally modular system, so all of the pieces work together. I used the 20+10 combo for a 1300 mile trip from DC to IN and back, and an 800 mile trip through WV. Good stuff!
I upgraded to HH Sintered pads, and that helped quite a bit. To get much better, you'd need stainless brake lines, but the benefits for the cost may be pretty narrow at that point.
Thanks! It is hard to recommend a new bike to a new rider, but this isn't a bad one. It's relatively cheap, and it's super-light, so it's easier to keep off the ground if you get off balance. You might want to invest in frame sliders, since the most common damage to a first bike is just dropping it in a parking lot. If you haven't already taken the MSF course, I highly recommend that as well. Good luck!
Thanks! I'm actually already on to my next bike now (I know, I'm moto-ADD), but I do love the 300. Fantastic ride.
Yeah dude. Tail packs are great -- no worries about scratching your tank like a tank pad, and out of your way. I use a Kriega US20 or US10. Kawasaki also makes a pack specifically for the 300, but it's a little smaller, so no laptop or anything. And there are plenty of other, third party brands like Cortech as well. I can't recommend Kriega enough though -- brilliant stuff!
I think it is probably equivalent to my Street Triple, but I wouldn't call either one of them particularly comfortable. They do the job well for a bike that's so much fun. The one thing I am realizing, though, is how much vibrations come through the pegs. Still better than the 250s, but more than I thought there was. That's mainly noticeable at prolonged highway speeds though, so won't be an issue for most of my fun riding. But my back has done well with it. Good luck with the search!
I commute on the highway, and it is more comfortable than my Streety was. The fairing and windscreen work very well. No speed wobbles, and no discomfort. Now, I haven't taken it on extended freeway runs (my commute is 30-45 mins), and I probably won't -- I just generally, as a rule, don't travel on the interstate, because it's boring. But at 65-80mph, the bike is happy, stable, and right in the power band. Hope that helps!
New, they are still going for MSRP, which is $4799 + dealer fees. Many people are paying close to $6k out the door for them. I've started to see used ones pop up for around $4k.
Thanks so much for the "experienced" perspective - been shopping for a commuter to replace my old UJM and it's been so hard to find a review that doesn't focus on new-rider-accessibility.
No problem at all on the highway. It loves to be between 55 and 80mph. Once you're going about 65 and above, gas mileage decreases as the engine is working pretty hard, but it's smooth and easy riding. The touring windscreen also helps!
Nice! I'm looking forward to hearing more real-world reviews of the 500. Since I like the high-strung nature of the 300, I probably would have gotten it anyway, but had I waited, I at least would have made sure to ride both before buying. Good luck!
Wish I did, but I haven't even seen the 500 in person yet. Based on engine configuration, they will be very different bikes. You'll ride the Honda with torque, shifting short, but having a lot more grunt on bottom. The Ninja, on the other hand, likes to have its neck wrung. The Honda will likely be a bit faster, but is also heavier, and will be harder to keep on the boilerplate. I really want to get a ride on one to compare!
Yup, I pretty much agree with smashrine. If you are planning lots of interstate time, or lots of two-up riding or with luggage, you may prefer the 650, as it will be less phased by extra weight and have a little more oomph above 70mph. But I prefer the 300 overall, as I think it is more fun in every other context.
Yup, will def. upgrade to the Rosso IIs before my first track day this season. I've gotten used to the brakes though.
Sounds perfect, dude. Small, comfy, perfect for city speeds, cheap to buy and insure. Sounds just right!
I just noticed you said 'on the highway'. I WOULD recommend the following: don't get on the highway until after you've really warmed and cooled the bike 3-4 times. Then, although such a short distance is probably fine, if there is any way to take back roads instead, do that. The only thing I think is worrisome is holding the revs steady, just like the highway requires. If you do have to do it, maybe take some exits and then get right back on, so you can decel/accel regularly.
Still 20 degrees and snowy here. Can't wait for spring
Awesome review man, thanks for posting. Love these bikes
I'll check tomorrow to give you a definitive answer, but yes it's def. below 10k. 6th gear is quite tall, so it feels very calm at interstate speeds. If I remember correctly, I was running in the 7k range at 70mph, and the acceleration from 70-80 is good and smooth. I'll jump on the beltway tomorrow and report back.
I tend towards a mixed break-in. I want to give her enough good heat cycles early on to seat the rings, so I get some solid acceleration, but never holding one rpm level for long and never banging it off the rev limiter. Basically, I try not to be 'hard' on the engine, but I also don't want to be 'soft' on it. In general, my opinion is that break-in can be done just about any way other than lugging the engine or tearing into it, and the bike will be fine. Do what you're comfortable with!
3:07 you commute to D.C. that's awesome. I'm from Maryland so D.C. isn't that far away. only about 20 minutes or so. i hope you post more vids of you riding the bike!
Yup, this is a great machine to learn on. More expensive if you drop or lowside it than, say, a 5 year old 250, but more fun as well. And yeah, sticking with it for a good while is a great idea. For riding on the street, I find anything as powerful as the CBR frustrating, which is why I sold my 675. The Ninja is WAY MORE FUN on the street, so I wouldn't be too anxious to upsize. Enjoy!
Thanks! My 300 does not have ABS. In the states, ABS only comes on the green SE. I tend to think that the 300 is a better first bike, unless the beginner is either 1) huge (like 250lbs), or 2) planning to ride mostly on the interstate or for long trips. Since you are quite small, the 300 should actually be perfect for you (you'll be much more likely to lose your balance and drop the 650, due to your height). So, unless you're looking for a small touring bike, I highly rec. the 300.
I watched yours before I bought mine dude! And you know, I don't downshift into first without stopping very often, so I hadn't thought about that very carefully; I'll have to go out and play around with it today.
Hey thanks for the review! I'm also a DMV area guy looking to get a white Ninja 300. At 6'2", 230lb, I sat on one yesterday and was surprised that I actually "fit". I'm sure rearsets or handlebar adjustments in the future could improve ergos, but since I haven't taken it on the road yet - what is the comfort like for a guy your size after riding it for a while? Numb butt? Numb hands? Sore back?
@ReassuringSmile a couple things: not all 600ccs are supersports. I don't have nearly the negative reaction to advising someone to start on a Ninja 650 or FZ6. BIG difference between those and their supersports siblings. And for those who actually rec a supersports, I simply think they are wrong. But that again is IMO, and it's each persons decision!
I just watched your review twice it's that good. Very informative thank you.
I actually got my first service included with the bike, so I did take it to the dealer. If they hadn't done that, I would have done it myself. Esp. with the new filter, changing the oil should be super easy, and other than that, you just need a good, thorough safety-check. My only advice would be to make sure you get it done before too long, as you don't want all of that metal crap floating around in your oil for too long. Good luck!
Oh yeah. I ride 20 miles on the interstate to work, and it still has a lot left at 70-75. It won't lurch forward at those speeds, but it will easily climb into the 80s and 90s, especially if you pop it down into 5th. Full power in top gear will put you just into the triple digits, so power is not an issue on public roads!
Totally comfy on the highway -- especially if you swap out the front sprocket for a 15t. It does an actual 60mph at 6800rpm, no buzziness or stress. I do it everyday. As for whether you would like the switch, that really depends on how much you like the character of the 650. It has a lot more torque than the 300, but I like the 300's intense personality better. It just begs to be wrung out!
Below I said that I don't follow the 'easy break-in' method. Not only that, but Kawi puts that same recommendation on every bike, from the 250 to the zx14. A little math tells you that this is crazy, as the engine is doing very different things at that rpm level on those different machines. So you should do only what you feel comfortable with, but I never kept it below 4k; that's practically lugging the engine, which IS bad for a new engine. But opinions vary, so it's up to you!
@ReassuringSmile Yes. Insurance is MUCH much higher. Depending on age and record insurance on the R6 can be disabling. Whereas my total coverage on the ninja is $20/mo.
Thanks for the great video. I'm a mod on the 300 forum and sold my 1000RR recently since it wasn't seeing any miles.
Yup, I agree with the other response. This is very likely a better learning bike. However, SOME 600s aren't terrible to learn on, so long as they aren't supersports. I tend to think that a gixxer, zx6, r6, Daytona etc are death-traps for a new rider. But the Ninja 650, FZ6 and the like aren't as bad. So if you think you might do lots of 'touring' on your learner bike, you might look at that middleweight class; otherwise, I think you just can't go wrong with the ninjette!
Hi Cody. The r6 and cbr are VERY different bikes from the 300. Not just bigger -- but race-replicas. I would never recommend a supersport for a first street bike -- they are just too unforgiving in many ways. If you were looking for larger bikes to compare the 300 to, I'd look at the new CBR500R, the Ninja 650 and the Yamaha FZ6R. These are the non-supersport mid-size bikes, and they all make pretty decent starter bikes. The 300 is totally sufficient, but the others ARE bigger.
How do you keep warm when you ride during the fall and winter? I live in NY, bought mine last month and am definitely looking to enjoy it as much as possible
The gear, man. I'll ride through the winter -- never met a temp I wouldn't ride in -- but you MUST have the gear. For me it goes: thermal base layer, top and bottom; jeans and long sleeves; windproof mid layer; insulated glove and boot liners; riding boots, armored overpants, jacket and riding gloves; balaclava; and helmet. Ridden down to the teens for up to an hour. It was cold, but not miserable. Be careful on the cold tires and cold road, though; the tires do not grip well in the cold.
i AM a beginner rider and will buy my first bike in january 2013 ... i sat on the 2013 ninja 300 and guys it felt SO GOOD ... its not too small not too big and you just sit extremely comfortable on it (i'm a average large 19 year old) ... its too expensive for me though since i still go to school so i will stick to the ninja 250 :)
I would also like to say thanks fore upload. I had a triumph tt600 for a while and this is going to be my new bike. Been worried that going from the power and tq of the tt600 would suck. But now I'm even more excited about picking this up in about a month. On a side note street triple is like my dream bike well that or a buell xb9r currently. So when you said you sold it I died a little lol but love the vid
Slipper clutch won't allow the bike to go into the gear you choose if the revs don't match the speed you are going. So instead of the rear tire locking up, the slipper clutch engages.
Stock, it is. If you watch my First Long Term Update vid, you'll see that I decided it was pretty much worthless, and so switched out to a 15t front sprocket. But other people seem to like the ultra-aggressive first gear. It definitely makes it jump off the line. But I prefer to have usability over aggression, hence the sprocket change.
Thanks dude! I didn't actually negotiate much. I just called every damn dealer within a couple hundred miles, and was willing to pit them against one another and drive to the middle of nowhere to get the best deal. So I got it in the WV mountains in late fall, when bikes stop selling. So yeah, they ARE selling well, and in a metropolitan area, it will be very difficult to get it for that price.
On the 300 there is a fuel gauge, so you can tell when you're out of gas exactly like in a car. However, in any motorcycle I recommend keeping track of your mileage. I tend to fill up at around 200 miles just to be safe.
LOL, How many mpg does it get compared to the Honda CBR250r that gets 77mpg? I am looking at a Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic, or a Switchback. I want to use those kind of cruisers for long distance riding since I live here in Arkansas, and looking at going on Patriot Guard and Rolling Thunder missions with the cruisers, and using the Ninja 300 for commuting back and forth to work on good days.
No small bike is excellent for long rides, but the 300 is no worse than a middleweight. I ride 200-300 mi/day regularly, and I will be riding from DC to IN and back in May. It's not a touring bike by any means, but you can definitely do it. Just avoid the interstates if you can.
For the second question: what do you mean break down? Are you wondering how long the engine will last? If so, this engine will easily go over 100,000 miles if taken care of. It's bomb-proof!
Probably not. You always have to go by the individual exhaust, but no one that I've seen has had any success getting any power gains out of a slip-on for this bike, so there is no remapping needed. The stock curve is pretty good. However, if you use a full exhaust, which is the only way to get more power out of the bike, then you absolutely have to remap if you don't want to trash your engine.
I've got a buddy who is picking one of these up in March. I was curious to see what other riders thought. Great review. Excited for him. Think this is going to be a great buy for a first bike and also think it'll last him a few seasons before (if) he's ready to upgrade. Cheers.
Totally. I put my 30L of Kriega storage on the tail to go to Indiana and back from DC. I'm sure you could also fit any one of a bunch of saddlebags.
I added the short ride I did, Mike; it's linked in the comments. While I don't think you can see or hear the clutch 'issue', if you listen closely when I'm DOWNshifting, you'll notice that sometimes I don't rev-match perfectly and there is a 'sliding' into the gear. That is the slipper function, and it works very nicely on downshifting. The issue, then, is that it does the same thing upshifting, if you don't rev-match perfectly, but I don't think that happens in this video. Hope that helps!
Haha. I don't even know what that is! I do hope to get a decent camera this spring, though, and do some more videos. I'll record some of my favorite routes in the mountains, and my first track days. Totally jazzed.
That's the same as my commute. If you are buying it SPECIFICALLY for that purpose, you MAY want to look at a 650 or FZ6R or similar. The 300 does it just fine but that's not its strength. I put up with it on the interstate because I love it in the twisties. But if I were buying a bike just for the interstate commute, I'd probably go with the FZ6R. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I do have one question though. You mentioned that you had to travel over 100 miles to get from the dealership with your bike. How was your break-in procedure? Did you break it in by the book, hard, or mixed. I will be purchasing a 2012 ninja 250 or the ninja 300 in a week or two. I will have to travel about 40-50 miles on the highway to get from the dealership. So, just was wondering what would be the best method to go about doing this. Thanks in advance.
What helmet is that? I thought it was the Shoei Qwest Neuron but it almost looks like a Scorpion?! Nice review! I ride a 2004 sv650s and am debating selling it for the Ninja 300. Unfortunately I don't have the $ or the space to store two bikes or thats what i'd do!
great video! This past summer my 08 ninja 250 was stolen... im looking to get another bike once the snow melts. Ive been riding for a couple years now and i think i want to get a bigger displacement bike. Do you think the 300 is a big enough jump ? Or is it very similar to the 250? Thanks!
My guess is about the same. The real point is spreading out the gears, and making 1st gear in particular more useable (taller).
Nope, no reserve switch, as there is a full fuel gauge which gives you plenty of warning. After you get down to the last bar, it starts flashing at you when you have .9 gallons left. Thus, even if you ignored getting low (down to 2 or 1 bars), once it starts flashing you can easily go 45-55 miles more. Mine usually starts flashing around 180-190 miles; I typically fill up around 200 miles, and still have .7-.8 gallons left in the tank.
At speed, no problem. But on these slow roads, shaded by the trees and only upper-60s, I can def. tell a difference in the stickiness of the tires. Could on my Streety too -- after some high-speed riding, or in really warm weather, felt like they were glued; but in those 'cooler' conditions, just a little more skittish.
Thank you. I'm very interested in getting one. I have a friend who is also getting one, but he's getting a 250r. Would you recommend I do the same or go with the 300? Ive had a little experience with dirtbikes. But this will still be pretty new to me.
Thanks!
It depends on what you want to do with it. The Honda (assuming the power estimates and everything are accurate) will be closer to the 650 class, which means that it will give you more straight line speed easier, will be more comfortable for long trips, and will probably be less economical (hard to keep from twisting the wrist!). But with the Ninja, you may actually get to the point (if you are serious about riding) where the bike is the limiting factor. The smaller engine DEMANDS skill.
Hey, great video! I actually checked out your videos before I bought my bike over the weekend. Im also in the DC metro area, but had to go all the way to WV to buy it in white. Do you ever go on weekend rides with people? I dont know many bike riders, so it would be awesome to get a group together and take some country weekend road rides.
By far one of the best reviews I've seen. Yeah, biased, but you covered so much, positives and negatives, plus what other people have said. Have a V Star 650, and would rather have a Ninja 300. Bigger engine doesn't mean better.
I really like the look. Wonder where you'd put frame sliders though?
Got it today black non abs model.Drove it home from dealer about 35 miles in max wind over a bridge too. Scary as fuck on a dual span bridge with 30 mile an hour crosswinds. I made it , not dogging it but not observing below 4000 rpm either. I will drive it gently for a while .
If you like sport bikes, I would say this is the ultimate beginner bike. However, there won't be any used on the market for awhile, and I always advise new riders to start on a dinged up used bike. It hurts too much to drop or low-side a brand new bike! But the bike itself is just about perfect for a beginner. The 250 is also good, as well as the CBR250. But the 300 will keep you entertained for longer, hopefully keeping you from moving up before you're ready. Good luck!
Hmm, that's definitely a fueling issue, so should be easily fixed. My guess is your idle is set too low. Have you tried adjusting the idle? If not, then get your manual out and find the idle control on the left side of the bike. If yours was set too low, then just turn it up (I found the bike is happiest with idle set around 1.5k, which is higher than the manual says). If I'm right, then once it's set properly, the rpms won't drop as dramatically when fueling is cut and it won't stall. GL!
Not at all. It stalled exactly once, but I had the idle set too low, and I was riding two-up, so I clutched too early, just to smooth out the decel for my passenger. Small-displacement, FI bikes tend to have trouble with cutting out on decel because: (1) people sometimes don't have their idle set high enough; and (2) they clutch when the rpms are still really high. If you set the idle right, don't clutch until you ought, and ESPECIALLY if you learn to blip the throttle, shouldn't be a prob!
I've only gone up to about 85, which is no problem on the bike. Several folks have done a GPS verified 105 with more pull left. Plenty fast!
Oooohhh, tough. I haven't seen the 500 in person, so hard to say. I am a big fan of revving bikes to the moon, so I'm a little concerned about the Honda powerplants recently. They put a low rev-limiter on it and intend for it to be ridden with torque (like the NC700). I don't think I would be a big fan. But the size is perfect, and may actually be able to handle decent little two-up rides, which the 300 really can't (comfortably!). I'll be interested to hear about it for sure.