The step up.

[ninjanewby]

Went on a group ride yesterday with 170 bikes, which was fun. But it's posed another question. Guys & girls were asking what bike I was looking at for after the Ninja 300? Looking around got me thinking. Where to from here? ZX6R, R6, CBR600RR or something completely different. Just looking for some opinions. It won't be till about Christmas next year so I have some time to think about it.

[sharky nrk]

Try them all out and see what fits best, really only way to know.

[CC Cowboy]

Most people that have bigger bikes (600s, 1000s, Harleys) are stepping down to 250s and 300s. They are the best in the corners (twisties if you have them) and with a good tailwind they can hit 100MPH.

[jkv45]

Bigger isn't always better. Bigger means more power, but usually more weight and more mass to wrestle around. Not always a good trade-off.

If the Ninja does what you need it to do you may never need to "step up".

Lots of people have numerous bikes, but choose to ride smaller bikes like the Ninja because they are just more fun.

[Sirref]

In the case of a 600 supersport the weight is virtually the same as the 300, it's the tire size and speed that makes it need to be wrestled around a bit more. A 1000 really needs to be shoved around though.

I feel that the N300 is loads of fun largely because you lack the stress that comes with loads of extra power rather than anything to do with cornering ability since a 600 is faster in the corners than a 300 (stock vs stock) though it takes a bit more throttle control with the 600 to be faster in the corners.

On point, think about your needs in riding. If you're keeping your ninjette and you want a supersport then by all means go for it but if you're selling your ninjette and you ride often then consider something with slightly raised bars and a more street oriented powerband like the new cbr650f, a ninja 650r, a suzuki sv650, or a yamaha fz6r. To really know what fits you you would need to take into account what riding styles the bike was designed for as well as what you fit on comfortably. Personally I find the R6 to be a bit tall for me while the zx6r and cbr600rr are perfect (with the cbr600rr being the ideal height for me on a sports bike, I'm 5'10")

[choneofakind]

Get what you like. Any size, style, shape, color, engine, whatever.

Demo days and test rides are where it's at. Just make sure you love what you buy so you don't regret your decision. Nothing sucks more than buyers remorse.

[EternalNewb]

See what you enjoy out of different bikes, and then consider if the additional costs (insurance, maintenance, etc.) are worth it for you. The only other motorcycles I'd be seriously considering in the future are dirt bikes, something silly and older, or something a bit bigger and more comfy for a passenger/longer ride. It really depends on what you like, and what you're looking to get out of it.

[pwalo]

Yep try out the ones that appeal to you.

I actually downsized to the 300 because of it's smaller size and weight. Being a somewhat older and smaller chap these are welcome.

In reality top speed, and even top notch suspension is pretty irrelevant if you're only riding on the road. Over here our open road speed limit is 100kph (62.5mph) and it's enforced rather vigorously, so the Ninja makes a lot of sense.

Don't get me wrong bigger sports bikes are amazing machines, and huge fun to ride. It's the ancillary costs that add up. Insurance, tyres, chains, etc, etc.

[ninjanewby]

All very valid points and I greatly appreciate everyone for weighing in. It will still be a while till I'm even really looking. If I could step up today I'd have a good look at the Triumph Daytona 675. It looks awesome & my mate has one which he swears by.

[Worldtraveller]

Originally Posted by ninjanewby

All very valid points and I greatly appreciate everyone for weighing in. It will still be a while till I'm even really looking. If I could step up today I'd have a good look at the Triumph Daytona 675. It looks awesome & my mate has one which he swears by.

Don't automatically assume you want a full on supersport, either. For instance, if the CBR500 had been out when I got my 600, I probably would have gone with the 500 instead. Less power, slightly better ergos, great mileage, much cheaper to insure, and still a ton of fun on the road, but also a great commuter.

[JohnnyBravo]

2's Turbo Busa

[cbinker]

600s are fun till it is time to replace tires, I went through 3 sets of tires one summer. Personally I think a SV650 customized to your liking would be great!

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

Don't automatically assume you want a full on supersport, either. For instance, if the CBR500 had been out when I got my 600, I probably would have gone with the 500 instead. Less power, slightly better ergos, great mileage, much cheaper to insure, and still a ton of fun on the road, but also a great commuter.

I personally advocate for the sv650s a bit more than the cbr500 at the moment since the sv650 does the same thing and is cheaper. Down the line when the cbr500 hits the used market in full it'll be a much better deal imo. That said I almost bought one when I got my N300 but they didn't have one in stock for another 3 weeks and I wanted to ride dammit

@cbinker how many miles did you get out of those tires? 3 in one summer seems excessive if you weren't heading to the track, doing burnouts, or riding a good amount

[cbinker]

Originally Posted by Sirref

I personally advocate for the sv650s a bit more than the cbr500 at the moment since the sv650 does the same thing and is cheaper. Down the line when the cbr500 hits the used market in full it'll be a much better deal imo. That said I almost bought one when I got my N300 but they didn't have one in stock for another 3 weeks and I wanted to ride dammit

@cbinker how many miles did you get out of those tires? 3 in one summer seems excessive if you weren't heading to the track, doing burnouts, or riding a good amount

i did 12,000 miles that summer.

[choneofakind]

Something to remember, you can get your heart set on a bike by looking at it and drooling for months, but until you sit on it/ride it in person, it's not a set thing.

Case and point, for the longest time, I had my mind set on buying a late model SV650SF. I love how they look, the overall bike spec/engine is still exactly what I want. Then I sat on one. Something about it just didn't work for me. The bars didn't feel right. not at all like a modern supersport. I'm sure I could get used to it, but it just doesn't feel natural to me. I want a bike that feels natural and disappears beneath me. I basically want supersport ergos and handling, but with a comfy seat and modest power.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Something to remember, you can get your heart set on a bike by looking at it and drooling for months, but until you sit on it/ride it in person, it's not a set thing.

Amen. I only rode Harleys (except when I was very young) until I sat on a 82 Katana at the Kerker exhibit at the New Engand bike show. It just felt perfect. I had two of them. One for the track and one for the street. Track one I still have and the street one was stolen along with my 86 GSXR750 Limited (it still pisses me off).

[LittleRedNinjette]

Unless i can find a Ducati Diavel cheap enough someday (and afford the insurance on it) im sticking with the 300. Its got just the right amount of "get up and go" for my kinda riding.
The Star Bolts are tempting though....

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by ninjanewby

All very valid points and I greatly appreciate everyone for weighing in. It will still be a while till I'm even really looking. If I could step up today I'd have a good look at the Triumph Daytona 675. It looks awesome & my mate has one which he swears by.

That's a big difference from the Ninja.

I've had a SV650n since '06, and can say as a street bike it's pretty good. Before that I had 2-stroke street bikes (I'm old) and 600/750 super sports. The SV does everything pretty well, but nothing spectacular. Mine has a slip-on, higher bars, higher gearing, modded seat, and sticky tires. It's not too big to ride around town, and is capable of long trips on the hwy. It gets over 50 mpg and is cheap to insure. I should add - the SV is not a small bike like the Ninja, and does feel top-heavy when maneuvering slowly. The abrupt throttle on the F.I. models (2nd gen - 2003 and up) can complicate learning and slow-speed maneuvering.

A friend has a 675 Daytona that I rode last year. The riding position is extreme - even by super sport standards. The engine is great. I've always liked them, but after riding one for a while I'd never buy one. Sitting on something in a showroom - with rose-colored glasses on - is one thing, but living with it is another.

When making a decision, do some research. Read articles - especially comparisons and opinions. The writers from the top cycle mags ride and write for a living, and have a huge amount of experience comparing different cycles. Listen to what they have to say, and take it into account when you make a decision.

They won't all agree, but they will bring up points that may ring-true with you.

[capt_bugaloo]

Originally Posted by ninjanewby

Guys & girls were asking what bike I was looking at for after the Ninja 300?

Why do you care what other people think? If you're happy with the 300, keep riding it. As others have said, go to some demo days and test ride some other bikes. You may find that what appeals to you is something completely different, like a dual-purpose or a Harley-style cruiser.

[SMman]

A ride with 170 other bikes?!? That sounds more like a parking lot full of bikes. I think a slammed, stretched, and chromed 'busa is your best bet for that kind of riding because it would be impossible to hit any corners with decent speed with all that traffic

I don't like riding with a group of more than 4 bikes and I want to personally know and trust who I ride with. I've been there and done that with big groups and its no fun at all for me. It seems to be more of a "look at me" type of crowd who spend as much time sitting and posing with the bikes as they do actually riding. The big rides I attended involved lots of straight line speed on highways and drinking coffee which is far from what I consider fun.

Rant over. I own a ZX-6R, plus a couple of supermotos, and have previously owned an FZR400, SV650, VFR800, ZX-6RR race bike, GSX-R600, etc. I now ride my Ninja 250 the most and I'm looking to buy a Ninja 300. I've been riding for 17 years and spent some time on the track. For me, a 600cc supersport is overkill for the street. I appreciate spending less buying small bikes and paying less for insurance, tires, and gas. The Triumph 675 is a great machine and I'm sure you would love it. My advice is to take a track school and learn to ride the bike you have now to its/your full potential before/if you upgrade.

[sharky nrk]

^^ agree and well said

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by ninjanewby

Went on a group ride yesterday with 170 bikes, which was fun..

I used to ride (once a year) with a group of 5000 riders. It was a short ride with police escorts but still exciting.

[LittleRedNinjette]

5000!?

Wow, i thought 170 was a lot...

[CycleCam303]

I went for a street ride today on the 848 and you know it's a terrible street bike. A middle weight standard or upright bike would be way more fun. The super sport bikes are uncomfortable and feel fun when you start getting hard on the throttle and have higher speed corners. The limits are so high that you have to go really fast to start really leaning the bike and using the brakes. While it's fun, the risk vs reward ratio really starts going up. The moto companies make a lot of cool street oriented bikes. Steet triples, ktm dukes, hyper motards, monsters, shivers, tuono, motards, fz8, fz9, the ninja/z bikes, and I'm sure I'm skipping some. All of those can go big in the street, be comfortable, and carry a passenger with ease.

With that said I think after a couple of years I'm going to dump the 848 and pick up an 1199 panigale. I still want a liter bike.

[mania]

Guys & girls were asking what bike I was looking at for after the Ninja 300?

You should have surprised them & said you really would like to try a Aprilia RS4-125 replica but they are hard to get.

[supersport]

I know that feeling of wanting more power so i'm guilty of upgrading. If you are set on upgrading then do it and get it out of your system.

I really like the 675 and its on my list - my vote goes to get the Daytona. Its smooth and pretty tame at the lower revs. The bike sounds amazing, like an engine of an aircraft. I'm a smaller guy so the ergo didn't bother me too much but i only demo it.

[Kscreations08]

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

Unless i can find a Ducati Diavel cheap enough someday (and afford the insurance on it) im sticking with the 300. Its got just the right amount of "get up and go" for my kinda riding.
The Star Bolts are tempting though....

Everything right here.

[JohnnyBravo]

I don't see why I would need a step up, I don't even need the mods I'm putting on. I've popped a wheelie at a stoplight, pulled the tire off the ground shifting to second, 300 has plenty of power, plenty of fun!!!

I def wouldn't get rid of my 3!

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

The moto companies make a lot of cool street oriented bikes. Steet triples, ktm dukes, hyper motards, monsters, shivers, tuono, motards, fz8, fz9, the ninja/z bikes, and I'm sure GSXR1000. All of those can go big in the street, be comfortable, and carry a passenger with ease.

With that said I think after a couple of years I'm going to dump the 848 and pick up a GSXR1000. I still want a liter bike.

Good choice.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

I don't see why I would need a step up, I don't even need the mods I'm putting on. I've popped a wheelie at a stoplight, pulled the tire off the ground shifting to second, 300 has plenty of power, plenty of fun!!!

I def wouldn't get rid of my 3!

yup, you can be so aggressive with the throttle too. I swear I have so many bad throttle control habits that I will need to relearn when I hop on a 600/1000 to avoid looping the bike

[thisisbenji]

Just remember not to limit yourself to the supersport/superbike category.

There's plenty of bikes out there that have power, can hold their own at the track, but are much better suited to the street.









or if your looking used might I recommend a FZ6? They can be had for around $3,000.



Well... you get the point!

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by Sirref

yup, you can be so aggressive with the throttle too. I swear I have so many bad throttle control habits that I will need to relearn when I hop on a 600/1000 to avoid looping the bike

You aren't the only one... I def like how aggressive the 300 allows you to be! Def wouldn't turn out as well on a super sport