August 11th, 2013, 03:14 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
|
Is the 300 really ready for USA ?
Long story short is that I'll prob take delivery on a 300 Saturday.
Coming off the flawless 250 I'm really disappointed to see that the 300 comes complete with some known probs . Two serious enough that there are recalls. The first prob I saw on this board was plastics that didnt fit tight. Not a deal breaker. Still...Kawi....dont make believe you didnt know about this. Then I read about the ECU prob....and the recall. Next the ABS prob....and recall ( which I'm not sure has taken effect) And there seems to be consistent probs with the steering head bearings deteriorating, dangerously, at about 1000 miles. From what I read...the dealers cant really fix it because they just put back the same Kawi parts( ball bearings) and they wont fix under warranty if you supply your own roller bearings. The 300 board is my source for this info and, in spite of all the hard work the dealer did locating a 300 for me and selling it to me very cheap....look...I dont want a bike to fix...I want a bike to ride. OPinions form 300 owners ? |
|
August 11th, 2013, 03:23 PM | #3 |
Qtr Ltr
Name: Jeremy
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 64
|
It's still the first year, recalls will happen. The 2008 models had a few as well.
|
|
August 11th, 2013, 03:24 PM | #4 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
|
|
August 11th, 2013, 03:52 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Steve
Location: Oswego, NY
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 White 300 Posts: 221
|
I can live with a slight fairing gap only I will notice. I have not been affected by the ECU problems, but will get it replaced anyways. It's not a big deal.
|
|
August 11th, 2013, 03:56 PM | #6 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
|
The problems your hearing about are gonna be exaggerated on the forums. Everyone who has a problem is going to post about it. The people who aren't having trouble are a lot less likely to post.
I haven't had any problems with the fairings popping out, no problems with the brakes, and have only had it stall a few times. I'm getting the ECU replaced anyway, because Kawasaki stands behind their products. Buy a bigger bike if you want, it's cool, but know that the 300 is a great bike.
__________________________________________________
Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
|
August 11th, 2013, 05:55 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Everyone who has a gripe gets online. Those who don't aren't as likely to make sure everyone knows they aren't having any problems. For what it's worth, our 300 has been A-OK from day 1, other than not liking the stock brake pads.
Search for CDI threads if you want to hear about new-gen 250 problems. Or tank holes if you want to hear about pre-gen 250 problems. /moved to 300 general discussion.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
August 11th, 2013, 06:43 PM | #8 |
Freedom for Germany
Location: This World
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-FI Posts: A lot.
|
@fishdip u must be rich since 4700 USD seams to be nothing for you.
@ninjamunky85 I'm not so sure if Kwaki really stands behind their products since in Germany they are very quiet. One difference between USA and Germany is, when an accident happens in Germany they don't have to pay like in USA. And also are sure the quality from a bigger bike would be better? For a company nowadays the shareholder value is important and nothing else. @eddiekay your thoughts are absolute right. |
|
August 11th, 2013, 06:51 PM | #9 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
|
|
August 11th, 2013, 07:00 PM | #10 | |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
|
Quote:
I bought mine with cash.
__________________________________________________
Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
|
|
August 11th, 2013, 07:07 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
I got 2 with cash
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
|
August 11th, 2013, 07:48 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
|
Alex....you're not the first guy to make that comment. The boards definitely give people a place to piss Still....smoke....fire ?
I already ordered the bearing kit from HR guessing that the problem is coming sooner or later. Winter would be good.My fast guy guru already told me to pack her up with grease the day I get her and ....wait and see what happens. At $4600 I did good enough to spend some time and money...right ? The comments about money, y k'now....all relative... My point was whether or not the 300 was ready for USA where we beat the daylights out of our bikes and pay mechanics $95 an hour to fix them or really, whether or not Kawi was just so anxious to give Honda a slap that they sold a bike they hadn't finished. Anyhow...the bike is coming, I got the bearing kit and the 300 board has a well done DIY on the subject. |
|
August 11th, 2013, 07:52 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
AFAIK, the steering head bearings are the same bearing that they've used on the pre-gen and new-gen 250's. Old3 changed his out and used the exact same recommendations that 250's have been upgrading theirs with for years. They are no more or less fragile than anything we've played with for decades. When it comes down to it, the 300 was far more evolutionary from the 250 than revolutionary, so it's not like there are thousands of new parts/technologies that need ironing out. I'm not terribly excited about the ECU recall, but I wonder how many bikes are actually affected with the problem. Clearly some on this site are, but it seems that most aren't.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 11th, 2013, 08:06 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
|
I read old3's thread on the 300 site with great interest. I t was followed by a pic packed diy and...no mechanic that I am...I think I can do the fix myself.
|
|
August 11th, 2013, 09:11 PM | #15 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
I love my 300, wouldn't trade it for the best 250. May buy a new new 300 before to long... If one is good two is better, an I'd rather not track my daily ride.
__________________________________________________
|
|
August 11th, 2013, 09:13 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
It is such a nice track bike.
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
|
August 11th, 2013, 09:20 PM | #17 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
Either build a track bike or wild out a custom
__________________________________________________
|
|
August 22nd, 2013, 11:12 AM | #18 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Jim
Location: NJ
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300, KTM EXC610SMR Posts: 913
|
Quote:
If you go to the trouble of getting the stock loose ball bearings exposed enough to grease them, change them. The pics of the bearing raced heavily scored with deep scars at around 1000 miles is posted elsewhere. Grease wasn't the problem, it is weak metals in the bearings. My son's 2012 250 has the same issue, and his front end bearings clunked at 1600 miles. The ECU is being updated to prevent stalling, the rest of the bike is better than the previous by a good bit except the brakes, which are just as bad IMO. I doubt you will regret owning one! TTYL and PM me when you are headed west! Jim |
|
|
August 22nd, 2013, 11:45 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Chris
Location: Nokesville, VA
Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 470
|
No issues so far...
Bought mine with cash mid June. I chose this bike because I could buy with cash and being a new rider I did not want anything huge. I may upgrade in a year, but likely to keep the 300 just because I love it so much.
Fairing issue: I have not seen any gaps or problems with mine. ECU: I did not have any problems, but had the recall completed. Bearings: I am at 2800 miles on the bike with no problems so far. Overall I love the bike. It was a great choice for me as a beginner. When I took the MSF class I rode a 250 and wanted something with just a tiny bit more power, that is what led me to the 300. Modifications so far: 15t sprocket, bixenon headlights with blue halos, removed the reflectors from the fender (kept the fender though), tank pads installed, plasti dipped the windshield to black (thinking about changing this to blue though and adding more blue accents around the bike) Disclaimer: I do not ride it SUPER hard. I take it in regularly for maintenance, first service after break in, when I had the lights installed another check up, and now another oil change and full check up before heading out on a weekend trip. So I think it is all in how you maintain the bike.
__________________________________________________
ATGATT Fresh meat on the street |
|
August 29th, 2013, 09:07 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
|
got the 50 decel wiggle last night. Tiny, little wiggle with about 80 miles on the clock but...had to tAKE HANDS OFF BARS TO GET IT. Hands on bars , felt nothing and...weird...not at 60...not @ 45.... almost exacly at 50 indicated.
Havent lifted front so havent tried Old3's pork pulling...oops, no I mean FORK PULLING test but will do that if wiggle shows up again. Gonna see how this develops. Getting used to slipper and learning to live with it. The mid range is nice...came out of a turn I know real well too slow and she did not lug. I'm getting to like her more. |
|
August 29th, 2013, 09:15 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
The bar wobble can be amplified (but not directly caused) by bearing slop. Going to tapered rollers will reduce it significantly, but not rid you of it completely.
Speaking from experience here. Mine is like 90% gone with tapered rollers. |
|
August 29th, 2013, 09:24 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Garrett
Location: Illinois - Midwest USA
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): ZX-3R (ok, ex300) Posts: 160
|
mine is 100% gone with tapered rollers.. 100% solid, no movement..
|
|
August 29th, 2013, 09:27 AM | #23 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
|
My 300 is absolutely positively perfect! Except for all the problems with it.
__________________________________________________
If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
August 29th, 2013, 10:28 AM | #24 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Quote:
My tail is raised and my nose dropped. It makes everything amplified because there's a steeper rake angle. That means every little wobble/Vibration/input makes more effect on my bars than yours. There's also nearly 6000 miles on my tire and it's never been rebalanced because I'm lazy. The rollers just take out slop. They don't fix the cause of the resonance. That's the front wheel balance I do really like the tapered roller bearings. Much more confident over bumps while turning. Less vague smooshy/spongey feeling. |
|
|
August 29th, 2013, 10:58 AM | #25 | |
Your face
Name: Wes
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.
|
I just wished Kawi made it a little bigger. 50cc bump from the 250, come ooonnnnnnnn
Quote:
|
|
|
September 3rd, 2013, 06:59 PM | #26 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Jim
Location: NJ
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300, KTM EXC610SMR Posts: 913
|
Quote:
New tires are en route, a pair of better forks may end up on it down the road. |
|
|
September 3rd, 2013, 09:20 PM | #27 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Yeah, I had to tighten them up a bit after about 1500 miles because I got a little slop. It was literally the end of the summer though, so I never got a chance to test it out much. Meh, there's always spring.
|
|
September 3rd, 2013, 10:02 PM | #28 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
|
|
September 4th, 2013, 12:28 PM | #29 | |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
|
Quote:
o wait
__________________________________________________
If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
|
|
September 4th, 2013, 12:32 PM | #30 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
|
No you don't, those things make ridiculously low amounts of bottom end torque. Pretty sure the 300 would smoke one.
__________________________________________________
Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
|
September 4th, 2013, 12:58 PM | #31 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
I'm rarely below 10-11k rpm anyway so I doubt I'd really notice the lack of power. really it would just be insurance that I'd make sure I was staying in the power band
|
|
September 4th, 2013, 01:21 PM | #32 |
Your face
Name: Wes
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.
|
|
|
September 4th, 2013, 01:36 PM | #33 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
|
Still it's not much fun getting beat from a stoplight by a mini van.
__________________________________________________
Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
|
September 4th, 2013, 01:59 PM | #34 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
|
to be fair, the ABS recall effected components produced by another company... not kawi.
also, unfortunate that there was an ECU recall, this is a minor issue that can be fixed by a dealer in a few minutes without much hassle or danger to the consumer... which like alex said only effects a minority of the bikes. the plastics... well... it is a budget bike, you can't exactly expect carbon fiber. the 250 is my favorite bike that i own hands down. one of my favorites overall. but the 300 beats it in every category (minus price) without question.
__________________________________________________
|
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
September 4th, 2013, 02:16 PM | #35 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
|
|
September 4th, 2013, 02:20 PM | #36 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
|
Not much fun? Every stoplight is a drag race, how is that not fun?
__________________________________________________
If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
September 7th, 2013, 05:06 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
|
I took her out for the first hard ride and am real happy. Noticed brakes were a little soft then realized i was going a little faster...just a matter of getting used to it. Although...one extremely weird thing happened...in 40+ years my foot has never slipped off a brake pedal...happened twice today. I'm thinking maybe the forward little heat shield...maybe has something to do with how i position my foot. Not a big thing but never happened before.
|
|
September 26th, 2013, 10:27 AM | #38 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Christina
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300, 2007 Gsxr 600, R6-sold :( Posts: 270
|
At least they are doing a recall. They accept there are faults and are fixing them for free. Unlike Honda and their stalling problems. There's always going to be something for someone to complain about. I love my 300 even with the stalling issues. (still gotta take it in lol)
|
|
September 26th, 2013, 10:32 AM | #39 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
I just got my ECU replaced the other day... Ran perfect before, runs perfect now. It was good they said hey we have a problem here we will fix it for ya!!!
__________________________________________________
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
[motorcycle-usa.com] - 2015 AMSOIL Arenacross Ready to Start | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | January 7th, 2015 05:20 PM |
[motorcycle-usa.com] - Riders Ready for 2014 SX in Phoenix | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | January 10th, 2014 02:50 PM |
[motorcycle-usa.com] - Nearly 200 Exhibitors Ready for AIMExpo | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | December 11th, 2013 05:20 PM |
[motorcycle-usa.com] - DragonFire Racing Ready for WORCS Round 4 | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | April 16th, 2013 11:30 AM |
Thread Tools | |
|
|