Bought a Ninja 650 yesterday

exploring/carolina · December 15th, 2012, 04:19 PM

Have been impressed with the 1999 Ninja 250 since I bought it last year, so I dropped by a Kawasaki dealer yesterday to look at a Ninja 300 for my Wife. Have not purchased a Ninja 300, "yet". Fine looking sportbike.

The dealer also had a new 2012 Ninja 650, that I really liked. Worked out a fair deal and the 650 came home with me. It's a very sweet machine!

geeker · December 15th, 2012, 05:11 PM

Nice bike! I've sat on them the last few times I've been in the dealer. I seriously considered one a while back, but I hated the handlebar position. I know it can be changed with aftermarket clip-ons, but I'm content with the 300. I may pick one up on the used market a few years from now. Enjoy it!

exploring/carolina · December 15th, 2012, 05:30 PM

Thanks!

The bike fits me well. My neighbor (rides a Honda 929) & I took the bikes out for a ride today. Really like this Ninja! Breaking in the engine right now. Max 4000 RPM (55MPH 6th gear) up to 500 miles, then max 6000RPM up to 1000 miles.

Like the looks of Ninja 300, too. Bet it's a fun ride, too.

nautica · December 15th, 2012, 07:54 PM

Nice bike. I came real close to getting a new one but I couldn't get over the awkward shape of the tank and the seating position. Good all around bikes, though. It's unfortunate since I knew the guy at the dealer and said he'd give it to me for I think $6k for a new 2012 just to get it out of the dealership. As I start realizing I want a bike that's a little better for longer distance rides I kind of kick myself for passing it up, but you live and learn.

exploring/carolina · December 15th, 2012, 08:14 PM

Some of my long day rides are 250 to 350 miles. The seating position should work for me on long rides. Will have good range with the 4.2 gallon tank, since some of the ride areas are remote. The bike I traded had a 3.1 gallon tank.

Thanks,

geeker · December 15th, 2012, 09:03 PM

What's the engine sound like? I have not had the opportunity to ride a 2012. I've ridden a 2006 before that a friend picked up for a $1000. Definitely a lot more torque than the 300.

EsrTek · December 16th, 2012, 02:20 AM

Nice bike, been considering one of these. However, I've been told the vibrations from the twin is worse than our 250s and that I would hate. I've meet and rode with you so your opinion on this may sway me

exploring/carolina · December 16th, 2012, 06:28 AM

It's not loud but feels strong. Since I can't take it over 4000RPM right now and limited to 6000RPM until 1000 miles, the jury is out until I reach 1000 miles. Will report back after 1000 miles about twisty handling, power, sound, and vibration.

The front/rear peg mounts are rubber mounted to isolate engine vibration to the pegs. It was smooth yesterday at low RPMS. Will be raining here for the next two days, so can't test ride any until the rain stops. In a hurry to get 1000 miles on the Ninja to "really" check it out.

EsrTek: Found this photo from our last Ninja 250 Dragon ride

:

Jiggles · December 16th, 2012, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geeker

What's the engine sound like? I have not had the opportunity to ride a 2012. I've ridden a 2006 before that a friend picked up for a $1000. Definitely a lot more torque than the 300.

Quote:

Originally Posted by exploring/carolina

Thanks!

The bike fits me well. My neighbor (rides a Honda 929) & I took the bikes out for a ride today. Really like this Ninja! Breaking in the engine right now. Max 4000 RPM (55MPH 6th gear) up to 500 miles, then max 6000RPM up to 1000 miles.

Like the looks of Ninja 300, too. Bet it's a fun ride, too.

Break in is for wusses!

Link to original page on YouTube.

Motofool · December 16th, 2012, 11:41 AM

Congratulations, Bill !!

I wish I had one.

Enjoy it for many miles to come.

csmith12 · December 16th, 2012, 12:01 PM

allanoue · December 16th, 2012, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Break in is for wusses!

Ride it like you stole it! (for brake in) wu=p

exploring/carolina · December 16th, 2012, 03:17 PM

Thanks Guys!

Always break in my engines the way the manufacturer recommends. There's plenty of time to wring it out later.

loz944 · December 16th, 2012, 04:25 PM

nice bike I've ridden the previous model a few weeks back and i liked it, they say the 2013 model is even better.

exploring/carolina · December 16th, 2012, 04:36 PM

Hope to get a 200 mile twisty/sweeper ride in Tuesday. The suspension feels good and should have plenty of range on a tank of gas.

Thanks,

Z300 · December 16th, 2012, 05:01 PM

Sexy

exploring/carolina · December 16th, 2012, 05:05 PM

Like the red!

Thanks,

exploring/carolina · April 15th, 2013, 06:20 AM

Made some upgrades since the last post and have over 2400 miles on the 650, so far. It's a fun mountain bike and handles fine with plenty power for twisty riding. Already replaced the rear tire with a a Pilot Road II and have a Pilot Power for the front, when needed.

Installed an OEM rear cowl and made a TechSpec snakeskin pad for it. The cowl has enough room for a tire plug kit with CO2 cartridges:

Installed Two Brothers full exhaust & juicebox pro:

Installed R&G sliders & radiator guard:

Installed TechSpec tank pads & Targa fender eliminator with LED turn signals:

Installed speedmetal bar end mirrors that work fine:

SMman · April 15th, 2013, 10:07 AM

Love the mods you did to the bike. Great looking 650!

Bosgarage57 · April 15th, 2013, 10:08 AM

Bill, how many bikes do you have you crazy ole man

exploring/carolina · April 15th, 2013, 01:59 PM

Thanks Guys!

Lucas,

Have five bikes right now. Installed a rear fender eliminator on the Ninja 250, too.

ally99 · April 15th, 2013, 03:02 PM

Nice bike! I used to own a 650. I was happy with it!

Jono · April 15th, 2013, 03:41 PM

One of the best looking 650's that I've ever seen!

DaBlue1 · April 15th, 2013, 03:54 PM

Looks good Bill!

exploring/carolina · April 15th, 2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ally99

Nice bike! I used to own a 650. I was happy with it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jono

One of the best looking 650's that I've ever seen!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Looks good Bill!

Very Happy with this Ninja.

Really appreciate your comments!

vman1313 · April 16th, 2013, 09:30 AM

@exploring/carolina - First, nice bike man! I was between that exact red/black 650 and my 300 but I went with the 300. Second, may I ask who told you to break in the bike and how to break in your 650? I bought my 300 with 0 miles on it and was given a complete walk around of the bike. When I asked a bout break in period the mechanic said to just not ride it hard for the first few hundred miles and to not red line too much until after 500 miles. He said they pretty much come "broke in" from the factory because they set the seals and such there during their tests. I didnt 100% believe him so I went around asking other mechanics and such the same question and they all said very similar things. Just wondered if your mechanic said to "break in"?

exploring/carolina · April 16th, 2013, 11:49 AM

Thanks!

Did not ask the Kawasaki mechanics, I followed the manufacturers break-in recommendations. Try to perform most of my motorcycle repairs & maintenance, but I am not an engine builder, yet.

The 2012 Ninja 650 owners manual break-in section recommendations, break-in period is 1,000 miles, not to exceed 4000 RPM for the first 500 miles, and not to exceed 6,000 RPM for the next 500 miles. Let the engine warm up for 2 to 3 minutes at idle speed to give the oil a chance to work up into all the engine parts, not to race the engine immediately after starting, and not race the engine in neutral, either.

Have broken-in different types of gasoline engines and another thing recommended for some other engines is not to run the engine at a constant RPM for long periods of time during break-in period. The Ninja manual did not mention this, but I did not maintain constant RPM during the first 1,000 miles, either.

thurt88 · April 28th, 2013, 04:07 PM

Very nice.

I didn't think it was possible to make a 650 look good but you did it.

exploring/carolina · April 28th, 2013, 04:41 PM

Had a idea of what I wanted to do to the Ninja 650 a week after I bought it. The 650 has all the power I need for mountain riding and gets many compliments on the looks, too. Once had a SV650 and this Ninja makes about the same power. The SV650 90 degree V twin is sweet coming out of curves, but as long as I have the Ninja 650 in the correct gear, it does fine coming out of curves. The Ninja 650 is very comfortable for all day rides, too!

Thanks,

thisisbenji · May 16th, 2013, 05:19 PM

Bike looks really good!!

Jesse8931 · May 17th, 2013, 09:16 AM

I always follow this.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

exploring/carolina · May 17th, 2013, 12:35 PM

Thanks, thisisbenji!

Thanks for the link, Jesse8931.

December 15th, 2012, 04:19 PM	#1
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Bought a Ninja 650 yesterday Have been impressed with the 1999 Ninja 250 since I bought it last year, so I dropped by a Kawasaki dealer yesterday to look at a Ninja 300 for my Wife. Have not purchased a Ninja 300, "yet". Fine looking sportbike. The dealer also had a new 2012 Ninja 650, that I really liked. Worked out a fair deal and the 650 came home with me. It's a very sweet machine!

December 16th, 2012, 02:20 AM	#7
EsrTek ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Murfreesboro, TN Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.	Nice bike, been considering one of these. However, I've been told the vibrations from the twin is worse than our 250s and that I would hate. I've meet and rode with you so your opinion on this may sway me __________________________________________________ My replies are intended for street riding only, plz do not provide track only replies. Visit my new MotoVlog Channel !!

December 16th, 2012, 06:28 AM	#8
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	It's not loud but feels strong. Since I can't take it over 4000RPM right now and limited to 6000RPM until 1000 miles, the jury is out until I reach 1000 miles. Will report back after 1000 miles about twisty handling, power, sound, and vibration. The front/rear peg mounts are rubber mounted to isolate engine vibration to the pegs. It was smooth yesterday at low RPMS. Will be raining here for the next two days, so can't test ride any until the rain stops. In a hurry to get 1000 miles on the Ninja to "really" check it out. EsrTek: Found this photo from our last Ninja 250 Dragon ride : Last futzed with by exploring/carolina; December 16th, 2012 at 08:52 AM.

December 16th, 2012, 11:41 AM	#10
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Congratulations, Bill !! I wish I had one. Enjoy it for many miles to come. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

December 16th, 2012, 12:01 PM	#11
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

December 15th, 2012, 05:11 PM	#2
geeker ninjette.org guru Name: Richie Location: Arkansas Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally, 2015 Ninja ZX6R 636, 2014 Ninja 1000, 2013 Ninja 300 (sold), 2011 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 479	Nice bike! I've sat on them the last few times I've been in the dealer. I seriously considered one a while back, but I hated the handlebar position. I know it can be changed with aftermarket clip-ons, but I'm content with the 300. I may pick one up on the used market a few years from now. Enjoy it!

December 15th, 2012, 05:30 PM	#3
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Thanks! The bike fits me well. My neighbor (rides a Honda 929) & I took the bikes out for a ride today. Really like this Ninja! Breaking in the engine right now. Max 4000 RPM (55MPH 6th gear) up to 500 miles, then max 6000RPM up to 1000 miles. Like the looks of Ninja 300, too. Bet it's a fun ride, too.

December 15th, 2012, 07:54 PM	#4
nautica Gixxer Powered Name: Brett Location: OH Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 GSXR 600 Posts: 397	Nice bike. I came real close to getting a new one but I couldn't get over the awkward shape of the tank and the seating position. Good all around bikes, though. It's unfortunate since I knew the guy at the dealer and said he'd give it to me for I think $6k for a new 2012 just to get it out of the dealership. As I start realizing I want a bike that's a little better for longer distance rides I kind of kick myself for passing it up, but you live and learn.

December 15th, 2012, 08:14 PM	#5
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Some of my long day rides are 250 to 350 miles. The seating position should work for me on long rides. Will have good range with the 4.2 gallon tank, since some of the ride areas are remote. The bike I traded had a 3.1 gallon tank. Thanks,

December 15th, 2012, 09:03 PM	#6
geeker ninjette.org guru Name: Richie Location: Arkansas Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally, 2015 Ninja ZX6R 636, 2014 Ninja 1000, 2013 Ninja 300 (sold), 2011 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 479	What's the engine sound like? I have not had the opportunity to ride a 2012. I've ridden a 2006 before that a friend picked up for a $1000. Definitely a lot more torque than the 300.

December 16th, 2012, 03:17 PM	#13
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Thanks Guys! Always break in my engines the way the manufacturer recommends. There's plenty of time to wring it out later.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 16th, 2012, 04:25 PM	#14
loz944 ninjette.org guru Name: Laurence Location: Bangbuathong Thailand Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Green 2012 Ninja 250SE and a Yamaha fino scooter (my wife's really) Posts: 355	nice bike I've ridden the previous model a few weeks back and i liked it, they say the 2013 model is even better. __________________________________________________ Be safe ride smart .....a dumb rider is a dead rider

December 16th, 2012, 04:36 PM	#15
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Hope to get a 200 mile twisty/sweeper ride in Tuesday. The suspension feels good and should have plenty of range on a tank of gas. Thanks,

December 16th, 2012, 05:01 PM	#16
Z300 Ninja noobie Name: NOOBIE Location: Sydney Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250r Posts: 498	Sexy

December 16th, 2012, 05:05 PM	#17
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Like the red! Thanks,

April 15th, 2013, 06:20 AM	#18
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Made some upgrades since the last post and have over 2400 miles on the 650, so far. It's a fun mountain bike and handles fine with plenty power for twisty riding. Already replaced the rear tire with a a Pilot Road II and have a Pilot Power for the front, when needed. Installed an OEM rear cowl and made a TechSpec snakeskin pad for it. The cowl has enough room for a tire plug kit with CO2 cartridges: Installed Two Brothers full exhaust & juicebox pro: Installed R&G sliders & radiator guard: Installed TechSpec tank pads & Targa fender eliminator with LED turn signals: Installed speedmetal bar end mirrors that work fine: Last futzed with by exploring/carolina; April 16th, 2013 at 12:57 PM.

April 15th, 2013, 10:07 AM	#19
SMman ninjette.org guru Name: Danger Location: Canada Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R Posts: 422	Love the mods you did to the bike. Great looking 650! __________________________________________________ 15 CBR300R, 14 BWS50, 09 FZ1, 09 Ninja 250, 06 CRF450R Motard, 03 ZX-6R 636

April 15th, 2013, 10:08 AM	#20
Bosgarage57 ninjette.org sage Name: Luke Location: Sevierville, TN Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 Buell Uly, 05 VStar 1100 Posts: 577	Bill, how many bikes do you have you crazy ole man __________________________________________________ In the East TN Region (Knoxville/Maryville/Chattanooga area) come join us. www.EastTNBikers.com Great group of people who just wants to RIDE!

April 15th, 2013, 01:59 PM	#21
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Thanks Guys! Lucas, Have five bikes right now. Installed a rear fender eliminator on the Ninja 250, too.

April 15th, 2013, 03:02 PM	#22
ally99 Ninja chick Name: Allyson Location: Athens, GA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 4 MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15	Nice bike! I used to own a 650. I was happy with it! __________________________________________________ Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson

April 15th, 2013, 03:41 PM	#23
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	One of the best looking 650's that I've ever seen!

April 15th, 2013, 03:54 PM	#24
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Looks good Bill!

April 16th, 2013, 09:30 AM	#26
vman1313 ninjette.org sage Name: Tony Location: Buford, GA Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '14 Honda NC700X; '14 Honda CRF250L; '07 Lifan 200 Posts: 623	@exploring/carolina - First, nice bike man! I was between that exact red/black 650 and my 300 but I went with the 300. Second, may I ask who told you to break in the bike and how to break in your 650? I bought my 300 with 0 miles on it and was given a complete walk around of the bike. When I asked a bout break in period the mechanic said to just not ride it hard for the first few hundred miles and to not red line too much until after 500 miles. He said they pretty much come "broke in" from the factory because they set the seals and such there during their tests. I didnt 100% believe him so I went around asking other mechanics and such the same question and they all said very similar things. Just wondered if your mechanic said to "break in"? __________________________________________________ www.northgariders.com NuBe4Life!!!

April 16th, 2013, 11:49 AM	#27
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Thanks! Did not ask the Kawasaki mechanics, I followed the manufacturers break-in recommendations. Try to perform most of my motorcycle repairs & maintenance, but I am not an engine builder, yet. The 2012 Ninja 650 owners manual break-in section recommendations, break-in period is 1,000 miles, not to exceed 4000 RPM for the first 500 miles, and not to exceed 6,000 RPM for the next 500 miles. Let the engine warm up for 2 to 3 minutes at idle speed to give the oil a chance to work up into all the engine parts, not to race the engine immediately after starting, and not race the engine in neutral, either. Have broken-in different types of gasoline engines and another thing recommended for some other engines is not to run the engine at a constant RPM for long periods of time during break-in period. The Ninja manual did not mention this, but I did not maintain constant RPM during the first 1,000 miles, either. Last futzed with by exploring/carolina; April 22nd, 2013 at 04:55 AM.

April 28th, 2013, 04:07 PM	#28
thurt88 ninjette.org guru Name: Tommy Location: Missouri Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CRF250L, 2010 ninja 250r Posts: 413	Very nice. I didn't think it was possible to make a 650 look good but you did it.

April 28th, 2013, 04:41 PM	#29
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Had a idea of what I wanted to do to the Ninja 650 a week after I bought it. The 650 has all the power I need for mountain riding and gets many compliments on the looks, too. Once had a SV650 and this Ninja makes about the same power. The SV650 90 degree V twin is sweet coming out of curves, but as long as I have the Ninja 650 in the correct gear, it does fine coming out of curves. The Ninja 650 is very comfortable for all day rides, too! Thanks,

May 16th, 2013, 05:19 PM	#30
thisisbenji ninjette.org sage Name: Benji Location: Wadsworth, IL Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Sold), 2009 FZ6, 2015 Honda Grom Posts: 898	Bike looks really good!! __________________________________________________ My Old Bike My New Bike

May 17th, 2013, 09:16 AM	#31
Jesse8931 ninjette.org guru Name: Jesse Location: Ann arbor mi Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 ninja 250r Posts: 374	I always follow this. http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

May 17th, 2013, 12:35 PM	#32
exploring/carolina ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282	Thanks, thisisbenji! Thanks for the link, Jesse8931.

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