How have the 2008-2012 models turned out for dependability?

[pantera]

I had a 2008 for a very short time but only put 500 miles on it before selling it.I've also had the Ninja 300 and wouldn't mind another one of those.I am considering picking up a 2010 or 2011 model with about 3000 miles or so and was wondering how these bikes turned out over the years.I know being carburated they are lean from the factory and I would be leaving the bike stock as far as exhaust ,air filter,and jetting goes.Do they start okay in lower temperatures like say 40 degrees?How many miles are achieved from the stock tires if ridden easy?Is the gas gauge any where near accurate?Have they turned out to be a dependable bike with proper maintenance?

[NevadaWolf]

Hurm, thought I could help but only can address two of your questions.

I keep mine garaged all year but have never had an issue starting until the battery gave out after three years (last year). I've ridden everywhere from 19* to 115* and not noticed any performance issues related to the temperature (that may be my ignorance talking). Elevation is a WHOLE other issue, trying to maintain a 60MPH speed above 9000ft is difficult at best. Hang out in the slow lane and just hold on. Going slower, I never noticed anything even up to the 14,000 peak I rode to, but I was going 15MPH already.

I've put on 90k miles and really the only major issue has been my stupidity in not putting the shift knuckle thingy back on correctly and wearing the splines on the shift shaft down to where it wouldn't shift. Had to replace both of those. All the other work done has been basic maintenance stuff (oil, chain, sprockets, tires). Keep the clutch cable lubed, having it snap on you 4 hours from home sucks.

My schedule has settled into an every 5000 miles routine, minor stuff at X5,000 major stuff at X0,000. Though I've only had the valves checked, um, three? times due to the cost. Last one was at 50k and they needed adjusting. The core of my bike is stock, original engine, original frame, original air filter, original jetting, and the exhaust off a 300 (direct bolt on).

The reason I can't address your other questions:

Changed out the stock tires a couple months into owning it due to numerous sources saying the IRCs were terrible on a track. Probably only had about 5-6k on them at the time. Since then gone through Pirelli Diablo Rosso II and got 6k out of the rear, 12k out of the front, Bridgestone BT-45 that I got about 9k out of the front and 15k out of the rear, and Michelin Pilot Streets that I'm now on with 15k+ both front and rear (rear should be changed soon, getting level with the wear bar).

Changed out my stock gauge to a Koso RN-2 which does not have a good gas indicator. Spend most of my time looking at it blinking I only have 10% left and can still ride about 120 miles. I go by range, personally, and get about 170 highway (70MPH) miles before I need to fill up. Can't recall what the stock gauge was like.

Stay up on maintenance and these are beastly little bikes that'll do anything and go anywhere you ask them too. I love my little Ninjette.

[pantera]

Thank you for the great reply!

[csmith12]

The stock gas gauge is so, so. When it was new I trusted it pretty good, now... not so much. I also go by range. 200miles then fill.

I have nearly 10k track miles on mine and have only done the normal maintenance and don't see any reason why it wouldn't get another 10k more the way things are currently going.

You can expect around 10k miles out of a stock rear IRC without paying much mind to how your wearing the tire, more if you baby it. They are not the most sticky of tires but you can get a knee down on them. I thought they sucked in the wet, but ymmv on that.

Mine starts with a bit of choke in Feb. with temps near negative.

These bikes have bullet proof clutches and are tanks when you do the maintenance. The biggest problem they have... is the rider doing silly stuff.

[subxero]

^ this

feel out your own gas tank and gauge, you will figure it out, it's not terrible

i got pretty close to 9k out of my stock IRC rear, i went to a different tire and did not get near the life out of it and i went back to an IRC on the rear. I mainly do spirited commuting, nothing to crazy twisty wise on the route.

Been 40's here last 2 weeks in the morning, bike starts up no problem, i have never had a problem starting the bike in colder weather either, just use the choke and it is good to go, leave the choke on for a few minutes after i start riding and take it off after i think the bike is warm enough, or i don't have any more stops

maintenance is easy, just pay attention to things and don't let them go for too long with out attention. Like Chris said, pretty much any issues i have had with anything on the bike was the end result of me not doing something 100% correct

[alex.s]

the engine is gold. i've seen plenty over 100k, which for a high strung 14:1 cr 13k rpm redline gas engine making 30hp from 250cc is pretty amazing. the clutch is ok. the 300 clutch is gold. the frame is so so. the wheels are good. the brakes are midrange. the gauges are kinda ****** but the rest of the electrical is good. stock tires are garbage. stock controls are good for street riding. suspension is low end but easily upgraded.

[pantera]

Some great responses guys.Thank you all..

[SLOWn60]

My gas gauge since new may as well be a sticker! Totally useless! Lol! But I only put gas in it when I'm worried. Of course; I pop the cap and there's still a half tank in her!
The only other complaint was how cold blooded it was to start even in warm weather. Adjusting the idle jets 3 1/2 turns out (total) fixed that!
I've done a bunch of things to her for track purposes but if all you do is get the carburation right; it is a beautiful machine with a huge fun factor!!! And CHEAP to own & run!

[Ralgha]

I have a 2012 that I unfortunately haven't put as many miles as I want to on it. It's approaching 7000 miles and I've had zero problems with it. I bumble my own way through all the maintenance and it's still good to me. I've put on an Area-P exhaust, rejetted, SS brake lines, hardwired a video camera, and haven't managed to mess it up yet. Seems like a pretty idiot-proof bike and very reliable.

But yeah, the stock gas gauge is essentially worthless. Just go by mileage. At 180 I start thinking about getting gas, over 200 and I start getting nervous.

[Net-Tech]

I have a 2009 Ninja 250r with over 53000 miles. No issues. Only replaced wear items. Got nearly 15000 miles on each tire (the stock IRC ones), Currently using some Michelin Pilot Street tires (no signs of wear with 3000 on them). Went through 1st chain in 22000 miles. Second chain I changed to 80w gear oil. It gets the bike a little dirtier (chain gards...), but I don't have to adjust the chain nearly as much and it doesn't get rusty like it did with 'chain lube'. I replaced 2nd chain about ~49000 miles and newest chain has never seen 'chain lube' or need adjustment yet (~4000 miles so far). Never replaced spockets, they aren't showing any wear (front sprocket was change to +1, still have original in the bag). +1 Sprocket made freeway trips a little nicer, and we don't have to shift while still in the intersection.

[csmith12]

^^^^ nice, I do the gear oil thing as well.

[pantera]

Have it narrowed down to two.Either a blue 2010 with 3500 miles or a 2012 black & yellow model with 2500 miles.$400 more for the 2012.Hard choice.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by pantera

Have it narrowed down to two.Either a blue 2010 with 3500 miles or a 2012 black & yellow model with 2500 miles.$400 more for the 2012.Hard choice.

In stock form, they are nearly identical bikes in every way, get the one that has been better cared for, serviced well and/or has more/less mods that you do/don't want.

[pantera]

Both bikes are bone stock,just what I'm looking for.

[pantera]

Ended up buying a 2013 Special Edition Ninja 300 .I kinda like fuel injection I guess.I will still be on the forum,just in the 300 section.I thank everyone for the replies.

[csmith12]

sweet! gratz

[Panda]

I have 18k on a 2008 that I don't garage. I cover it when it rains or snows and it always starts. I start it and move it once a week during winter. Never had any trouble starting it up.

[rojoracing53]

I've got over 80,000 miles on my 2009 since I bought it in 2012 and most of that is wide open throttle down the hwy because the mtb on the rear causes a bit of wind drag. I've even done several track days and even won a couple races the one time I showed up. My bike has always had a stage 1 jet kit with full exhaust and I use the choke if it's below 40degs and only for about 10 seconds. My bike currently runs perfectly and shows no signs of quitting on me any time soon. My ninjette has been the most profitable $4000 investment I've ever made.