What to Choose?!

kingkang204 · August 29th, 2012, 11:07 PM

I'm selling my ninja, and looking for something new, but I can't really decide.

Options:
2013 Ninja 250(300)R - I hate carburators, so only if its FI
CBR600RR
KTM 690 Duke

I know they options are kinda all over the place, but heres what I like about each one.

Ninja:
- I like being able to wind out a couple of gears and still be going the speed limit
- It's light (flickable)
- Good Fuel Economy

CBR600RR
- Lightest in its class
- I like the power even though I usually only go the speed limit
- I like how I4's sound

Duke
- Torque!
- Light
- Somewhat of a unique factor

For me style matters a lot (I'm conceited) so keep in mind I like how all 3 look.

Anyone have any suggestions / thoughts?

tapdiggy · August 29th, 2012, 11:15 PM

KTM. If you have the inseam for it, rock the most versatile bike on your short-list. Go anywhere in town in a straight line.

kingkang204 · August 29th, 2012, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tapdiggy

KTM. If you have the inseam for it, rock the most versatile bike on your short-list. Go anywhere in town in a straight line.

I sat on a friends DRZ tonight and was able to touch the ground with both feet, and the KTM is about 2 cm shorter so it shouldn't be a problem.

Do you know anything about their reliability / durability, I've read things about fuel/oil pumps going out.

tapdiggy · August 29th, 2012, 11:35 PM

I tend toward the off-road side of KTM trivia, so don't know specifics about its reliability, sorry.

Jiggles · August 29th, 2012, 11:40 PM

Selling a 2010 ninja to get a 2013 ninja simply for EFI is IMO stupid, so don't do that. So get the cbr I guess

kingkang204 · August 29th, 2012, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Selling a 2010 ninja to get a 2013 ninja simply for EFI is IMO stupid, so don't do that. So get the cbr I guess

I agree, I just dislike carburators so much and think the 250 will be a much better bike FI. I do like the new styling of it too, but I think the current one looks just fine.

How come you don't like the KTM, just wondering.

Jiggles · August 29th, 2012, 11:56 PM

I don't understand this hatred of carbs. Ok so you hate to turn the choke on to start the bike and you need to ride the bike at least once every two weeks, what is so bad about that? Granted, EFI is great, but carbs is hardly a deal breaker

tapdiggy · August 30th, 2012, 12:14 AM

Carbs are rare these days on new bikes, especially street-oriented stuff. If one is after a new new bike, FI is most likely a given.

Jiggles · August 30th, 2012, 12:19 AM

Not sure who you are talking to.....

Gurk · August 30th, 2012, 05:51 AM

cbr..

because i'm into SS bikes and i dont care about comfort. lol

Toly · August 30th, 2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurk

cbr..

because i'm into SS bikes and i dont care about comfort. lol

Unless the OP is serious about track days, CBR is not the right bike. And if he is gonna do track days, he is much better served taking Ninjette to the track - he will become a much better rider for it.

CBR is not a street bike; it is not even a first track bike. It has great looks and good suspension. Its engine and gearbox are not designed for the street, and has relatively poor ergonomics at low-speed (under 80mph) riding. Although compared to R6, it's a pussycat

I had a CBR, loved it, and sold it within a year... I don't miss it other than the great looks / babe magnet factor. If you are tall, you may find a SS combortable enough, but it will still suck in the street, cuz it lives at triple digit speeds - that's where it belongs.

If U want just a sexy bike and have the dough, you're better off with Duc 848 of MV Agusta F3. And if you're serious about riding on the street, there are tons of much better bikes for the task, Ninjette included.

Snake · August 30th, 2012, 10:01 AM

Stay with the tried and true Ninja 250.

Reyno2ac · August 30th, 2012, 10:05 AM

What about a Ninja 650?

kingkang204 · August 30th, 2012, 10:28 AM

Jiggles - The weather here in WA changes a lot with the seasons, and during the winter it gets quite cold which makes the ninja run pretty rough.

Toly - I plan on doing a few track days next summer, but nothing really serious. My family had an R6 last summer, and thought it was fast & fun, but for the ergo's were brutal. I've sat on a few 848's, and I think thats the most brutal seating position.

Reyno2ac - I don't think the 650r is right for me. It's a bit heavy for my taste.

Thanks everyone for your opinions.

Gurk · August 30th, 2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toly

Unless the OP is serious about track days, CBR is not the right bike. And if he is gonna do track days, he is much better served taking Ninjette to the track - he will become a much better rider for it.

CBR is not a street bike; it is not even a first track bike. It has great looks and good suspension. Its engine and gearbox are not designed for the street, and has relatively poor ergonomics at low-speed (under 80mph) riding. Although compared to R6, it's a pussycat

I had a CBR, loved it, and sold it within a year... I don't miss it other than the great looks / babe magnet factor. If you are tall, you may find a SS combortable enough, but it will still suck in the street, cuz it lives at triple digit speeds - that's where it belongs.

If U want just a sexy bike and have the dough, you're better off with Duc 848 of MV Agusta F3. And if you're serious about riding on the street, there are tons of much better bikes for the task, Ninjette included.

I rode my r6 on street with no problem. If I buy a street bike again, it'll be a super sport.

There is no "right bike." Unless you're a noob, you can get any bike and not twist the throttle all the way when riding on street

And I already said I don't care about comfort. With correct riding / body position it's not nearly as tiring as what a newer person might experience (i did at the beginning). In any case, if it were me, I'd choose cbr over those 2 any day of the week

Jiggles · August 30th, 2012, 11:11 AM

How cold? I've never ridden below freezing but she starts up just fine at 36 degrees

azimmer11 · August 30th, 2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingkang204

Jiggles - The weather here in WA changes a lot with the seasons, and during the winter it gets quite cold which makes the ninja run pretty rough.

I live in Michigan and my ninja loves the cold winter air...

kingkang204 · August 30th, 2012, 11:27 AM

At that point I hadn't shimmed the bike at all, so it was all stock. It was around freezing. I like the idea of not needing to mod the bike to have it run flawlessly all seasons.

choneofakind · August 30th, 2012, 06:58 PM

don't kid yourself. FI bikes are still not perfect in the cold. Better, but not perfect

hybridkid · August 30th, 2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toly

Unless the OP is serious about track days, CBR is not the right bike. And if he is gonna do track days, he is much better served taking Ninjette to the track - he will become a much better rider for it.

CBR is not a street bike; it is not even a first track bike. It has great looks and good suspension. Its engine and gearbox are not designed for the street, and has relatively poor ergonomics at low-speed (under 80mph) riding. Although compared to R6, it's a pussycat

I had a CBR, loved it, and sold it within a year... I don't miss it other than the great looks / babe magnet factor. If you are tall, you may find a SS combortable enough, but it will still suck in the street, cuz it lives at triple digit speeds - that's where it belongs.

If U want just a sexy bike and have the dough, you're better off with Duc 848 of MV Agusta F3. And if you're serious about riding on the street, there are tons of much better bikes for the task, Ninjette included.

I'm going to test your babe theory during my year of ownership. But I agree with everything else. I just got mine a couple days ago after selling my ninjette. I rode my Ebony at least once a week and took a few trips. Great little bike that I already miss. Just rode the 600rr an hour ago and the first place I went to was a parking lot. I probably could have held onto the 250R for a bit longer. I'm going to have to ride the CBR at least 2-3x more per week just to get a more comfortable feel.

seanshawnS · August 30th, 2012, 08:16 PM

Comfort is subjective. Some people tour massive miles on supersports.

Maybe an F4i? If the track is less important than comfort. Fz1/6 might also be worth considering in that vein.

kingkang204 · August 30th, 2012, 11:03 PM

Choneofakind - understood, I like the overall benefits of FI.

To be honest in a sort of masochistic way I like the potential discomfort of a SS. The power amongst the japanese 600's is irrelevant to me, as I don't speed much anymore. So it's mostly about how it fits me. I'll be waiting till next summer to pick up a new bike. I go to school 9-11 months out of the year and I don't want it to sit.

Sold my ninja tonight, a bitter sweet moment!

Jiggles · August 31st, 2012, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingkang204

Sold my ninja tonight, a bitter sweet moment!

Turn in your username and password and clean out your profile by monday

Reyno2ac · August 31st, 2012, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingkang204

Jiggles - The weather here in WA changes a lot with the seasons, and during the winter it gets quite cold which makes the ninja run pretty rough.

Toly - I plan on doing a few track days next summer, but nothing really serious. My family had an R6 last summer, and thought it was fast & fun, but for the ergo's were brutal. I've sat on a few 848's, and I think thats the most brutal seating position.

Reyno2ac - I don't think the 650r is right for me. It's a bit heavy for my taste.

Thanks everyone for your opinions.

There is less than a 10 pound difference between the CBR600RR and the Ninja 650R...

Toly · August 31st, 2012, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingkang204

Choneofakind - understood, I like the overall benefits of FI.

To be honest in a sort of masochistic way I like the potential discomfort of a SS. The power amongst the japanese 600's is irrelevant to me, as I don't speed much anymore. So it's mostly about how it fits me. I'll be waiting till next summer to pick up a new bike. I go to school 9-11 months out of the year and I don't want it to sit.

Sold my ninja tonight, a bitter sweet moment!

Dude, if you're getting a SS and don't run it at triple digits, near readline, it's like getting married to a super model for some hands-holding. Sure, you'll look good together, and enjoy her company, but you'd be missing the whole point.

massacremasses · August 31st, 2012, 06:54 AM

dont get a duke. Get an SMC.

btw here is my DRZ

dfox · August 31st, 2012, 07:36 AM

i am kinda in the same situation as you, however I don't plan on selling the ninjette just yet.

i would like FI, because I intend to be an all-year rider, as long as it's not snowing, I'd like to be on my bike.

I'm leaning towards a ktm duke though.

but seriously, unless you live out in spokane, the weather in WA is VERY moderate. I lived in Seattle for 3 years (and hope to move back soon), easiest climate to live in ever.

tapdiggy · August 31st, 2012, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reyno2ac

There is less than a 10 pound difference between the CBR600RR and the Ninja 650R...

Ten pounds is a lot when you factor it into the power-to-weight equation. And...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toly

Dude, if you're getting a SS and don't run it at triple digits, near readline, it's like getting married to a super model for some hands-holding. Sure, you'll look good together, and enjoy her company, but you'd be missing the whole point.

Even if triple-digit speed isn't on the table, a 600cc sportbike isn't pointless. There is something to be said for having the power to go about town and never need to leave 1st gear.

kingkang204 · August 31st, 2012, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reyno2ac

There is less than a 10 pound difference between the CBR600RR and the Ninja 650R...

I checked the manufacturer websites
Cbr600rr WW: 410
Ninja 650r WW: 461

kingkang204 · August 31st, 2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Turn in your username and password and clean out your profile by monday

Noooooooo, the other forums are just not as fun.

kingkang204 · August 31st, 2012, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toly

Dude, if you're getting a SS and don't run it at triple digits, near readline, it's like getting married to a super model for some hands-holding. Sure, you'll look good together, and enjoy her company, but you'd be missing the whole point.

I rode an R6 for a summer, I like being on top of a rocket ship.

kingkang204 · August 31st, 2012, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massacremasses

dont get a duke. Get an SMC.

btw here is my DRZ

What are the differences between them? Another guy I met suggested the SMC too.

I sat on one the other day, I was so happy when my feet touched the ground haha

massacremasses · August 31st, 2012, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingkang204

What are the differences between them? Another guy I met suggested the SMC too.

I sat on one the other day, I was so happy when my feet touched the ground haha

SMC is more of a sumo. The Duke is more of a street bike.

But read THIS article. It goes into way more details than I could since I havent ridden either.

kingkang204 · August 31st, 2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massacremasses

SMC is more of a sumo. The Duke is more of a street bike.

But read THIS article. It goes into way more details than I could since I havent ridden either.

Thanks for the article! It seems like the SMC is more of a race version. I'll see if both are available when I'm ready to buy.

BlueHairSar · August 31st, 2012, 04:15 PM

That Duke is awful pretty.

The 2012 CBR 250 is fuel-injected, too...

Jiggles · August 31st, 2012, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueHairSar

That Duke is awful pretty.

The 2012 CBR 250 is fuel-injected, too...

It's also a single

kingkang204 · August 31st, 2012, 07:23 PM

Actually, I think I'll just save up and get a 848SF. As it is my dream bike.

tapdiggy · September 1st, 2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingkang204

Actually, I think I'll just save up and get a 848SF. As it is my dream bike.

Ah, the "middleweight" Ducatis...

Ninja-KID · October 4th, 2012, 05:59 PM

I bought a 2011 cbr600 a few days ago. I would rather be looking into the 600 class. Either gsxr cbr or r6.

August 29th, 2012, 11:07 PM	#1
kingkang204 ninjette.org guru Name: Matthew Location: Washington Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Bike-less, Can I ride yours? Posts: 318	What to Choose?! I'm selling my ninja, and looking for something new, but I can't really decide. Options: 2013 Ninja 250(300)R - I hate carburators, so only if its FI CBR600RR KTM 690 Duke I know they options are kinda all over the place, but heres what I like about each one. Ninja: - I like being able to wind out a couple of gears and still be going the speed limit - It's light (flickable) - Good Fuel Economy CBR600RR - Lightest in its class - I like the power even though I usually only go the speed limit - I like how I4's sound Duke - Torque! - Light - Somewhat of a unique factor For me style matters a lot (I'm conceited) so keep in mind I like how all 3 look. Anyone have any suggestions / thoughts? __________________________________________________ RR stands for Responsible Riding... Right?

August 29th, 2012, 11:15 PM	#2
tapdiggy Humble Observer Name: Truong Location: Augusta, Maine Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Yamaha XT250 Posts: 612	KTM. If you have the inseam for it, rock the most versatile bike on your short-list. Go anywhere in town in a straight line. __________________________________________________ Everything I post is "IN MY HONEST OPINION". Why is "Parking Lot Enduro" not a thing?

August 29th, 2012, 11:35 PM	#4
tapdiggy Humble Observer Name: Truong Location: Augusta, Maine Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Yamaha XT250 Posts: 612	I tend toward the off-road side of KTM trivia, so don't know specifics about its reliability, sorry. __________________________________________________ Everything I post is "IN MY HONEST OPINION". Why is "Parking Lot Enduro" not a thing?

August 29th, 2012, 11:40 PM	#5
Jiggles 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	Selling a 2010 ninja to get a 2013 ninja simply for EFI is IMO stupid, so don't do that. So get the cbr I guess __________________________________________________ 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

August 29th, 2012, 11:56 PM	#7
Jiggles 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	I don't understand this hatred of carbs. Ok so you hate to turn the choke on to start the bike and you need to ride the bike at least once every two weeks, what is so bad about that? Granted, EFI is great, but carbs is hardly a deal breaker __________________________________________________ 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

August 30th, 2012, 12:14 AM	#8
tapdiggy Humble Observer Name: Truong Location: Augusta, Maine Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Yamaha XT250 Posts: 612	Carbs are rare these days on new bikes, especially street-oriented stuff. If one is after a new new bike, FI is most likely a given. __________________________________________________ Everything I post is "IN MY HONEST OPINION". Why is "Parking Lot Enduro" not a thing?

August 30th, 2012, 12:19 AM	#9
Jiggles 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 sure who you are talking to..... __________________________________________________ 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

August 30th, 2012, 05:51 AM	#10
Gurk Done here. Name: - Location: Track Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.	cbr.. because i'm into SS bikes and i dont care about comfort. lol

August 30th, 2012, 10:01 AM	#12
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Stay with the tried and true Ninja 250.

August 30th, 2012, 10:05 AM	#13
Reyno2ac ninjette.org member Name: Andrew Location: Michigan Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 650r Posts: 209	What about a Ninja 650?

August 30th, 2012, 10:28 AM	#14
kingkang204 ninjette.org guru Name: Matthew Location: Washington Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Bike-less, Can I ride yours? Posts: 318	Jiggles - The weather here in WA changes a lot with the seasons, and during the winter it gets quite cold which makes the ninja run pretty rough. Toly - I plan on doing a few track days next summer, but nothing really serious. My family had an R6 last summer, and thought it was fast & fun, but for the ergo's were brutal. I've sat on a few 848's, and I think thats the most brutal seating position. Reyno2ac - I don't think the 650r is right for me. It's a bit heavy for my taste. Thanks everyone for your opinions. __________________________________________________ RR stands for Responsible Riding... Right?

August 30th, 2012, 11:11 AM	#16
Jiggles 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	How cold? I've never ridden below freezing but she starts up just fine at 36 degrees __________________________________________________ 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

August 30th, 2012, 11:27 AM	#18
kingkang204 ninjette.org guru Name: Matthew Location: Washington Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Bike-less, Can I ride yours? Posts: 318	At that point I hadn't shimmed the bike at all, so it was all stock. It was around freezing. I like the idea of not needing to mod the bike to have it run flawlessly all seasons. __________________________________________________ RR stands for Responsible Riding... Right?

August 30th, 2012, 06:58 PM	#19
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	don't kid yourself. FI bikes are still not perfect in the cold. Better, but not perfect

August 30th, 2012, 08:16 PM	#21
seanshawnS ninjette.org member Name: SHAWN Location: NS Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja250r(2012PR) Posts: 86	Comfort is subjective. Some people tour massive miles on supersports. Maybe an F4i? If the track is less important than comfort. Fz1/6 might also be worth considering in that vein. __________________________________________________ Turn around at half a tank

August 30th, 2012, 11:03 PM	#22
kingkang204 ninjette.org guru Name: Matthew Location: Washington Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Bike-less, Can I ride yours? Posts: 318	Choneofakind - understood, I like the overall benefits of FI. To be honest in a sort of masochistic way I like the potential discomfort of a SS. The power amongst the japanese 600's is irrelevant to me, as I don't speed much anymore. So it's mostly about how it fits me. I'll be waiting till next summer to pick up a new bike. I go to school 9-11 months out of the year and I don't want it to sit. Sold my ninja tonight, a bitter sweet moment! __________________________________________________ RR stands for Responsible Riding... Right?

August 31st, 2012, 06:54 AM	#26
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	dont get a duke. Get an SMC. btw here is my DRZ __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

August 31st, 2012, 07:36 AM	#27
dfox ninjette.org sage Name: Fox Location: Boston Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881	i am kinda in the same situation as you, however I don't plan on selling the ninjette just yet. i would like FI, because I intend to be an all-year rider, as long as it's not snowing, I'd like to be on my bike. I'm leaning towards a ktm duke though. but seriously, unless you live out in spokane, the weather in WA is VERY moderate. I lived in Seattle for 3 years (and hope to move back soon), easiest climate to live in ever.

August 31st, 2012, 04:15 PM	#35
BlueHairSar ninjette.org sage Name: Sarah Location: NYC Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Silver 2005 Ninja 250 - Available for free mustache rides. Posts: 842	That Duke is awful pretty. The 2012 CBR 250 is fuel-injected, too...

August 31st, 2012, 07:23 PM	#37
kingkang204 ninjette.org guru Name: Matthew Location: Washington Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Bike-less, Can I ride yours? Posts: 318	Actually, I think I'll just save up and get a 848SF. As it is my dream bike. __________________________________________________ RR stands for Responsible Riding... Right?

October 4th, 2012, 05:59 PM	#39
Ninja-KID ninjette.org member Name: Amir Sheikh Location: Hollywood Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250r White SE Posts: 45	I bought a 2011 cbr600 a few days ago. I would rather be looking into the 600 class. Either gsxr cbr or r6.

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