September 30th, 2012, 05:02 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
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Thinking of Upsizing... Input on naked bikes?
After some interesting experiences on the highway on the 250r, I've decided it's time to think about upsizing.
I'm patiently waiting for info from Honda on their potential naked 500cc sport bike, but until then, the only other bikes catching my eye are the 2012 ER-6n (not in the states), and a monster 696. I like the naked look. I want the sport riding position, but don't like fully faired bikes. Leaning towards 600ish size. Just want some more highway power for the idiots around here. And to have a bike that's about as fast as my car would be nice. I assume I could look into buying a new 650r and try to import the headlight and small fairings of the ER-6n, but to be honest, I've looked around and I'm just not sure where I'd be able to find good parts, with RHD headlights. Any suggestions? Maybe the dealer? A shipping friendly oversees dealer? I've found one local 2010 ER-6n used for cheap, but I just don't like the look as much as the 2012, and I believe I read some things about the 2012 650r being drastically better than the 2011 650r? anyone have another bike suggestions? |
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September 30th, 2012, 05:10 PM | #2 |
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.
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2012 650 is way better than the the 650r's
How about a Z1000? https://www.google.com/search?q=z100...w=1325&bih=925
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September 30th, 2012, 05:11 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Travis
Location: Washington, DC
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664
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But I may be biased.
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September 30th, 2012, 05:17 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
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Aprilia Tuono
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September 30th, 2012, 05:58 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org dude
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Confederate Hellcat.
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September 30th, 2012, 06:04 PM | #6 |
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You said 600's, but 1000's have more low end grunt without being revved to the moon.
The reviewers at Motorcyclist seem to really like the Honda CB1000 and the Aprilia Tuono. Those are both good looking bikes that are worth your consideration. |
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September 30th, 2012, 06:08 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jason
Location: Cabot, AR
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Strip your ninjette. it's alot cheaper.
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September 30th, 2012, 07:07 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
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I thought I had read that somewhere, just couldn't find the info. Guess I'll stay away from the older ones.
The Z1000 is drop dead sexy. I've been shying away from liter bikes because I don't quite need that much power. I also am enjoying the 60+ mpg of the 250. The price is holding me back, but I've found some used 2010's for cheap at local shops, they don't seem to sell too well I guess. I do some all day highway riding, but the majority of my riding is city streets or quick highway jaunts. The speed triples are a little pricy. The Aprilla is nice, just doesn't quite do it. The confederate isn't quite my style. I'm going to do some talking to a coworker who has a Z1000 and get his input too. I'm still leaning towards trying to convert the 650 to the ER-6n, but I want to find info on getting the headlight and all needed pieces imported. Hoping to do it soon, I don't want to spend money on the 7500 mile service if I'm going to trade in... |
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September 30th, 2012, 07:20 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
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September 30th, 2012, 07:22 PM | #10 |
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.
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An exhaust does
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September 30th, 2012, 07:33 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Darren
Location: Sandy Springs, GA
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What about an FZ8?
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September 30th, 2012, 07:39 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Sarah
Location: NYC
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Silver 2005 Ninja 250 - Available for free mustache rides. Posts: 842
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Monster! Moonnnssttterrrr! I'm no where near wanting the upgrade yet, but I really love that bike.
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September 30th, 2012, 07:42 PM | #13 |
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^^ that's a good one too! the baby Ducati Monster is a great bike as well.
Not sure how you feel about Ducati's though. |
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September 30th, 2012, 07:51 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jason
Location: Cabot, AR
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what he said.
Seriously though, the Monster is pretty cool.
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September 30th, 2012, 08:14 PM | #15 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Travis
Location: Washington, DC
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664
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Quote:
It sounds like the 650/FZ6/etc is really what you're looking for. Bigger and more stable, comfy, faster, but not stupid fast and still pretty good on the gas mileage. If I wasn't so jazzed up about the 300, I'd probably be moving to the same thing for economical reasons. Ninjaedit: my experience with the Monster is that it is just as impractical as my Streety. Faster than you need, not great gas mileage, and more expensive. They sure are perty though! |
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September 30th, 2012, 08:23 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Ryan
Location: Columbia, MD
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 R6 Posts: 605
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Triumph Triple-R's are nice, along with the Monsters, of course.
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September 30th, 2012, 09:06 PM | #17 |
Texas Newbie
Name: John
Location: D/FW Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 07 Ninja EX250, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.
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FZ6????
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September 30th, 2012, 10:00 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chris
Location: Phx
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): CBR Posts: 145
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The key to owning a Ducati is having a good dealer you can take the bike in to, otherwise you might get hit with some very expensive valve jobs and service work. Also I would opt for the 1100 Monster instead of the 696, don't let the displacement fool you those air cooled motors are pussy cats compared to the liquid cooled liter bikes. I think the difference in cost is worth the extra performance and fully adjustable higher quality suspension.
Also naked bikes aren't exactly known for their awesome highway manners either. Besides having zero wind protection, many of them are geared short specifically for in town riding and can be quite chattery/buzzy on the highway. Just some things to think about. |
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October 1st, 2012, 12:50 AM | #19 |
I told you bro
Name: Noor
Location: Austin, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Ninja 250r Posts: 680
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Why would you buy a bike already naked? Buy one with full fairings, take the fairings off and sell them on ebay.
Voila, naked bike and money back in your pocket. |
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October 1st, 2012, 03:31 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
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I don't mind the wind, on the 250, the gearing I guess might get annoying if i'm real high in the revs on the highway. I just can't stand not being able to accelerate away from cars on the highway here, safely pass, or just accelerate when someone gets out of my way. My cage is a stage 2 2009 wrx. I'm used to having oodles of power on tap in top gear at 80-85 mph, and find it a lot more dangerous on the highways here without it. I'm scared to death driving my wife's civic around here with all of the v8 SUV's and gigantic pickup trucks who have that extra power, and the 250r is no faster than her civic.
leaning towards naked just to drop the "douche bag", "racer boy" stereotype that follows the fully faired bikes. I meant to write "street triple" above, oops. After reading the above posts, I've almost convinced myself that the liter bikes are going to be a bit too fast, and get a bit too low MPG for what I want. I don't want to be getting 30mpg during my city commuting. The ducati, while beautiful, will likely just cost a lot more than I want when you take into account the maintenance schedule. Back to looking at the 650 or the rumored Honda. bar mounted mirrors, new headlight/signal combo, new side fairing, new "ground?" fairing. |
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October 1st, 2012, 04:18 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Thomas
Location: Montréal
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R Special Edition (sold), 2017 CRF250 Rally Posts: 384
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Why not buy it straight up north...
We do have the ER-6n in Québec, Canada... http://www.kawasaki.ca/modele/ROUTIÈ...SME/1516/ER-6n So you wouldn't have to mess around trying to get the parts to make your conversion. |
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October 1st, 2012, 04:47 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
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^I didn't realize Canada got them and the US didn't.
importing seems like a pain, but I could easily go to a dealer up there and buy the few parts that I'll need. I could then probably sell the fairings and headlights for the same cost, and have no headache from importing. I do like the passenger handles vs the strap on the seat though. |
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October 1st, 2012, 06:16 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Travis
Location: Washington, DC
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664
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Speaking of Honda, I also just read a great review of the new NC700X in Rider magazine (Nov issue). $6999, almost 70mpg on the best tank, and super comfy, along with great storage in the 'tank'. In addition, it can be outfitted with optional hard bags for commuting and has nice wind protection. Pretty cool little bike, IMHO.
tnr |
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October 1st, 2012, 06:37 AM | #24 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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My brother really seems to like his Monster alot, and the smaller Monster really seems like a good upgrade step from the Ninjette.
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October 1st, 2012, 08:49 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Broc
Location: America
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2009 Black 250R - Stock and staying that way. No matter what you do it's still a 250 at the end of the day! Save your money for gear, riding lessons, & a 600cc |
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October 1st, 2012, 09:04 AM | #26 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ross
Location: NoVA
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Naked bikes are poor highway vehicles as far as I have experienced. I've had a Honda 599 and a Triumph Bonneville in the last 2 years and I hated them on highways. The wind will tire you quickly.
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October 1st, 2012, 09:32 AM | #28 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
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Quote:
My desire is to have a bike that is capable of out accelerating most cars at 85 mph for my short highway trips. Average fast lane traffic varies between 80 and 90 around here. I don't feel safe traveling that fast when I can't accelerate; I've grown used to my car. Since the 650 seems to be right on par with my WRX, I think I'd be pretty happy. Going to check out a local shop that has some "leftover" 2012 650's in stock and see what they'd give me for my bike. |
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October 1st, 2012, 10:04 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Andy
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1988 Honda Hawk NT650, 1989 Honda Hawk NT650, 1997 GSXR750 Track Bike Posts: 890
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Hawk 650! They were made from 88-91 and I love them.
Here's my '88 modded with CBR954 front end, Ducati 748 tank and tail, VFR 8 Spoke rear, Fox Twin Clicker shock, Custom Supertrapp+M4 Exhaust, Koso RX-2N. It still needs to get painted. Going to go with a metallic grey. Here's my '89. This bike is more stock but has an F4i front end, VFR 5 spoke rear, CBR900 Rear Shock, Two-Brothers Exhaust. |
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October 1st, 2012, 11:50 AM | #30 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Sarah
Location: NYC
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Silver 2005 Ninja 250 - Available for free mustache rides. Posts: 842
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Moonnnnssttterrrrrr. You know you want one.
http://0.tqn.com/d/motorcycles/1/0/K...ia-monster.jpg (Linked because it might not be entirely work safe) |
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October 1st, 2012, 12:01 PM | #31 |
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^ I'll take both of those ladies please
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October 1st, 2012, 12:15 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: W
Location: Austin, TX
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (sold), 2012 Tuono V4R Posts: 512
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As a new owner of a Tuono V4R, I agree. I love it so much on the highway. Yes, it sips fuel like crazy, but I get better gas mileage than what most folks get on it anyway.
The same caveat when it comes to Ducati dealers goes with Aprilia dealers as well. Luckily, that's covered where I live.
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October 1st, 2012, 01:29 PM | #33 | |
ninjette.org dude
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Quote:
I test-rode one awhile back, one of the most fun bikes I've had a chance to ride.
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October 1st, 2012, 01:35 PM | #34 |
I told you bro
Name: Noor
Location: Austin, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Ninja 250r Posts: 680
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October 1st, 2012, 01:37 PM | #35 |
ninjette.org dude
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Here's where specificity doesn't help.
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October 1st, 2012, 01:40 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: W
Location: Austin, TX
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (sold), 2012 Tuono V4R Posts: 512
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I don't know about you, but I managed to miss out on all of that during college. Maybe that's why I'm a boring individual.
I figure that if it isn't a Hummer, it's sipping gas. Granted, it has to sip premium gas....
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2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - "Aria" (sold) 2012 Aprilia Tuono V4R - "Perrine" Proof that Harleys and Ninjettes are friendly with each other |
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October 1st, 2012, 02:39 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Bill
Location: Orlando
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r - Traded for 2009 ER-6N Posts: 424
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For what it's worth, my 09 ER-6N is about as quick as my stage 2 STI was.
From 85 MPH, the STI would have pulled on it, though... I say go naked. I wish Kawi offered a street fighter 250 as an option, I took the fairings off my 08, it looked like a drowned rat. The ER-6N/650R is a better ride on the highway than the 250 was. The 250 had better wind protection, but the 650 gives more grunt. In any case, get a Monster if you can afford it (pick your size)... or a Z1000 if maintaining an Italian bike doesn't appeal... Or a nice used ER if you want a good budget bike.
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October 1st, 2012, 04:15 PM | #38 |
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October 1st, 2012, 05:07 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Andy
Location: Indianapolis
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 771
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Can't believe this whole thread has been over midsize naked bikes, and no one mentioned a SV650…
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October 1st, 2012, 06:03 PM | #40 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
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Quote:
Ducati's/triumphs are nice, but I don't have time to deal with a high maintenance bike, I want a start it and go bike with easier maintenance. A z1000 isn't good enough on gas. The SV650 is on my shortlist. I've almost convinced myself to go with the 650 and drive up to canada and pickup the parts I need to convert to the ER-6n bodywork. Current list: 1. 2012 Ninja 650 converted to ER-6n bodywork 2. Honda's rumored 2014 naked CBR500 3. SV650 |
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