May 14th, 2011, 09:00 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Clint
Location: Texas
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 178
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Rode a Harley Street Bob today.
First reaction: Holy crap this thing is heavy.
Second reaction: Holy crap this thing is awesome. It pulled so effortlessly, shifted so smoothly, and after the third turn or so, it turned so easily as well, more handle bar input than leaning. It was full of torque, but not the least bit jerky, even when i would crank the throttle while already rolling. I never thought i would like a cruiser, but i might have to reconsider now. It was quite the difference from the whining Ninjette even only at 40 mph. The gears shifted like butter, and getting into neutral was kinda challenging cause it required very little pressure; and I also was not used to a useful first gear, lol. If only they were so darned expensive... |
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May 15th, 2011, 05:20 AM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Zach
Location: Upstate NY
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Yamaha R6 (street), GSXR 750 (track) and a Harley FXDB Posts: 140
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Yep, those are some reasons why I have mine as well as the Ninja. To quote someone else: "You can't compare the two types of bikes like apples to oranges. It's more like apples to orangutans." You were looking at the right things when you did the test ride. I mean, it isn't a sportbike afterall. I put a big sundowner seat on mine with highway pegs. I can EASILY throw down a 8+ hour day with no rest breaks - only the mandatory gas/food/ bathroom. Last time I did that actually I ate my supper sitting on the bike at the gas station.
Sticker price was around $11k when I got mine. I think it went up a bit since then. OTD was a bit more. I love both my street bob and ninja for what they can do.
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Previous rides: Ninja 650, Ninja 250, Goldwing and a Nightster |
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May 15th, 2011, 05:54 AM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
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I'm not old enough to ride a cruiser.
Plus I like to go faster than 40 mph. And I don't like it when Yugo's honk at me when I'm trying to accelerate up to speed on the interstate. |
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May 15th, 2011, 06:21 AM | #4 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Clint
Location: Texas
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 178
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Quote:
1400+cc it accelerates pretty well. Much better than the Ninja. More tourque (81 ft-lb) than HP (67), so technically the horsepower-to-weight ratio is pretty close to the Ninja. But torque is like 5 times more, lol. If I would be doing any type of distance riding, or any riding with a passenger, a cruiser wins by far. |
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May 15th, 2011, 06:31 AM | #5 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
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May 15th, 2011, 06:34 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
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I've had a bunch of Harleys. Got my first FLH at 19. I rode that bike all over the country. Never had a problem with it and the memories are priceless. I had a dozen or so since then too. It's a different type of ride but it's a fun and rewarding ride.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 15th, 2011, 06:35 AM | #7 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Zach
Location: Upstate NY
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Yamaha R6 (street), GSXR 750 (track) and a Harley FXDB Posts: 140
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Quote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMj3e4_XoOA
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Previous rides: Ninja 650, Ninja 250, Goldwing and a Nightster |
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May 15th, 2011, 07:10 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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You're only saying that because your brains are still vibrating from the ride on the harley. I've seen them at stoplights. Its amazing that they don't crack their motor mounts a lot - if they even have them. Plus I like to ride something that gets descent gas mileage and still lets me accelerate 0-60 in 6 seconds. Last I heard, harleys and many cruisers are gas HOGs. Its also nice to be able to go around a corner without having to slow down to 3 mph.
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May 15th, 2011, 07:18 AM | #9 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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May 15th, 2011, 07:31 AM | #10 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
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D, do I detect some Harley envy?
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 15th, 2011, 07:42 AM | #11 | |
Green!
Name: Tyler
Location: S. Florida
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R, 04 Honda CRF230F, 94 Honda XR80R Posts: 505
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Quote:
Almost any bike will do 40-50 mpg if you ride them reasonably. The Dynaglide is rated around 50-55 mpg highway, and it's pretty accurate from what I have read, which isn't too far off what the 250r does. Try researching a little before you just assume things. I will probably never own a Harley, but they are nice bikes that are reasonably priced and perform well.
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2008 Green 250R |
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May 15th, 2011, 08:01 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Zach
Location: Upstate NY
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Yamaha R6 (street), GSXR 750 (track) and a Harley FXDB Posts: 140
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At first my sarcasm meter was going off on your first post... not so much anymore. You are kidding right, I mean, you dont really beleive that crap do you n4mwd?
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Previous rides: Ninja 650, Ninja 250, Goldwing and a Nightster |
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May 15th, 2011, 08:18 AM | #13 | |
Humble Observer
Name: Truong
Location: Augusta, Maine
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Yamaha XT250 Posts: 612
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Quote:
Silly D, you make me teehee.
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Everything I post is "IN MY HONEST OPINION". Why is "Parking Lot Enduro" not a thing? |
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May 15th, 2011, 08:28 AM | #14 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Here are some other bikes: [TABLE] [TR] [TH]Bike[/TH][TH]0-60 mph(secs)[/TH][TH]38-90mph (secs)[/TH] [/TR] [TR] [TD]HD V-Rod: [/TD][TD]3.9[/TD][TD]9.6[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]HD Dyna Glide:[/TD][TD]4.7 [/TD][TD]13.5[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Honda VTX 1800[/TD][TD]5.4[/TD][TD]14.6[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500[/TD][TD]5.4[/TD][TD]14.6[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Moto-Guzzi[/TD][TD]5.8[/TD][TD]15.8[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]HD Heritage[/TD][TD]6.0[/TD][TD]21.1[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Yamaha Wild Star[/TD][TD]6.3[/TD][TD]17.4[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Honda VTX 1300[/TD][TD]6.4[/TD][TD]14.7[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]BMW c1200[/TD][TD]6.4[/TD][TD]21.9[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Suzuki VN 1500 Intruder[/TD][TD]6.4[/TD][TD]22.0[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] PS-I have no clue as to why the above table didn't display right. |
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May 15th, 2011, 08:46 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ken
Location: Indio, CA
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< ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name? |
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May 15th, 2011, 08:50 AM | #16 |
Green!
Name: Tyler
Location: S. Florida
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R, 04 Honda CRF230F, 94 Honda XR80R Posts: 505
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You're comparing a cruiser to race inspired bike. None of the bikes listed are slow...sure a 1400 sport bike is going to slaughter a 1400 cruiser, but they are built for completely different purposes.
And since you mentioned gas HOG....the Harley has no problem getting into the 50s mpg, while most zx1400s are in the mid 30s, some can barely touch 40. It's like comparing something like a Bentley and a Lamborghini. Of course the Lamborghini will be faster in every way, but the bentley wasn't made to be a race car, it was made to be more of a cruiser.
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2008 Green 250R |
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May 15th, 2011, 08:51 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Cab
Location: Miami Beach
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Blue 10 250r Posts: 697
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What makes the ninjette so awesome it's light and agile and loads of fun to ride spirited while not breaking the sound barrier.
Sure HDs are great at being HDs, but I'm not looking to a bike as a main transport. I look to my bike for fun not comfort, that's why I want a Ducati. |
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May 15th, 2011, 09:13 AM | #18 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
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Quote:
Still, a friend of mine has a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 cruiser. He says he wants a bigger one because he wants faster acceleration and a 6th gear. If you have read all my posts here you already know what I told him. So I don't mean to make fun of all the cruiser dudes out there because one day I will be that old too. At that time, I will need something big with an automatic transmission to impress all the old ladies in the nursing home on bingo night. |
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May 15th, 2011, 09:28 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Zach
Location: Upstate NY
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Yamaha R6 (street), GSXR 750 (track) and a Harley FXDB Posts: 140
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Well guys, I truly apologize. Had I known D believed what he was saying, I never would have egged him on to turn this into such a negative thread. What I love about this site is the amount of open minded members and respect everyone gives no matter what bike is ridden or opinion stated. Didn't realize D was not one of those people.
Clint, good for you for trying something else out and seeing it for what it truly is. Have a good rest of the weekend guys. I am done with a thread like this.
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Previous rides: Ninja 650, Ninja 250, Goldwing and a Nightster |
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May 15th, 2011, 09:56 AM | #20 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812
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May 15th, 2011, 10:02 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Well, nny, appology accepted. This goes to show you that some people love cruisers and other people hate them.
Here is a video that pretty well explains it all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvOJDlMTlsg |
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May 15th, 2011, 10:32 AM | #22 | ||
ninjette.org member
Name: Clint
Location: Texas
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 178
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Quote:
Quote:
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May 15th, 2011, 12:22 PM | #23 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
You are comparing a 1400cc bike with a 250cc bike and you think that's a fair comparison. Even still, the ninjette is only one second slower in 0-60 tests. Get real. |
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May 15th, 2011, 01:17 PM | #24 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ken
Location: Indio, CA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
If I understand Clint correctly, he's not going to go trade his powerful 250R in on a pitiful HD. He was just saying that he was pleasantly surprised with his HD test ride, and not horribly disappointed. Tell us about the experiences you've had on your test rides, HD or otherwise.
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< ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name? |
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May 15th, 2011, 02:01 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Clint
Location: Texas
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 178
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While I wouldn't call the HD pitiful, I certainly wouldn't want it as my only bike. The Ninjette is way too much fun and economically practical to give up for something that costs 3-4x more. I enjoy darting around town, and practicing my skills through the twisties on the ninjette way too much. However, one day I hope to own a cruiser along with a sportbike. One for the track and when I'm feeling spirited on the backroads, the other for comfort and those lazy afternoon cruises.
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May 15th, 2011, 02:09 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ken
Location: Indio, CA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 3
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Just to be clear, this part is dripping with sarcasm.
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< ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name? |
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May 15th, 2011, 02:21 PM | #27 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Clint
Location: Texas
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 178
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May 15th, 2011, 03:19 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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There is always a time in a thread to stop posting.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 15th, 2011, 06:00 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Well D isn't the one who came to a Ninja forum and posted "[The Harley] was quite the difference from the whining Ninjette ..." You can't post such an emotionally charged statement like that and not expect a response. As I look back on it, I can clearly see that it was intended to be flame bait. Shame on me for taking the bait so easily.
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May 15th, 2011, 06:11 PM | #30 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
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The ninjette does whine, if whining means screaming at high rpm. A CBR1000RR whines in comparison to an RC51. Assuming if someone said vs the revving ninjette that would be ok. I for one love the whining, eh revving sound, so long as not at ear splitting decibels.
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May 15th, 2011, 07:36 PM | #31 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brown
Location: Caddo Mills, TX
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1995 Ninja EX250 Posts: 65
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Back to the OP, Street Bobs are gorgeous bikes. I hope to be able to afford one some day, but I don't expect that any time soon.
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May 16th, 2011, 10:01 AM | #32 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Clint
Location: Texas
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 178
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Quote:
It is awesome how great the ninja has served its purpose in making me a better rider, when it comes to technique and building good habits. Aside from the obvious weight difference, the Street Bob was so easy to ride, whereas my co-worker admitted he could not shift smoothly over half the time on the ninjette. I had to tell him it was ok to rev it over 4k rpm (which is where he was shifting). No wonder he couldn't get it to go anywhere... Honestly I never appreciated it just seeing it sit in my work parking area every day, until I rode it. It is a pretty awesome bike. It is a completely different style; I am in no way trying to compare it to the ninjette, because they are on two different sides of the motorcycle spectrum. It's just that's all i have it to compare to because I have only ridden a couple different 250s and now the HD, aside from small dirt bikes a few years back. |
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May 16th, 2011, 10:13 AM | #33 |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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One of the funnest times I've had on a race track, while not actually racing, was when I took a harley race bike out onto rd atlanta for a spin. The speed wasn't there but when you were exiting the corner there was all this torque to play with! I really had a blast on it. The suspension was done up nice and for briggs and stratton technology it was a pretty nice ride. It competed in it's own class vs other harleys.
I've never owned a harley but its just because I always thought they were way over priced for the performance you get (or don't get). I could see me gettin into a v rod someday though .... when I gets to be older
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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May 16th, 2011, 04:22 PM | #34 |
two wheel addict
Name: Kenneth
Location: Simpsonville, SC
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 94 xlh 883, 1984 kawi gpz money pit Posts: 556
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I test rode an 08 nightster a few months ago, I have to say I am seriously considering picking up a sportster down the road.
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The M endorsement on my license stands for mental. |
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May 17th, 2011, 01:00 AM | #35 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Franco
Location: Fairfax, VA
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2006 Ninja 636 Posts: 175
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VRods are gorgeous bikes. too bad they cost as much as small cars.
That wasn't flame-bait, you're just looking for a fight, hehe. The intention of this thread was merely to share and compare riding experiences--there was no 'who's got the bigger D' contest to begin with. Be respectful, or be haughty somewhere else.
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May 17th, 2011, 06:03 AM | #36 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
Location: Palm Beach, FL
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
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Quote:
First, this is a ninja forum. I am in the right place. People who want to brag about how great cruisers are and how sorry and whiney Ninjas are should go find another forum, not me. Second, Ninjas don't whine. They have a wide RPM range with a huge power curve. They don't whine at any RPM. If yours does, then your bearings are shot and/or you need to put oil in it. Third, From the Harley website: Engine: 1610cc Cooling: Air MPG: 35 city Weight: 667 lbs Tires: Spoke and tube Price: $13,000+ Fun/$ ratio: Low So yes the street bob can keep up with the Ninjette, but with an engine that is almost 6 times bigger, a price tag 3 times bigger with half the fuel economy, it can't help it. Has anybody else noticed that the low frequency concussive exhaust from cruisers causes migraines. |
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May 17th, 2011, 07:04 AM | #37 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812
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No NO NO NO No! I'm getting the last word in here! word.
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May 17th, 2011, 07:49 AM | #38 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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Sorry John, that is only the last word in your post. The real last world in the thread should be Harley.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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May 17th, 2011, 10:38 AM | #39 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Clint
Location: Texas
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 178
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