Picked up my new Ninja 300 this morning! - Page 4

psych0hans · October 4th, 2012, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusninja

Got my bike back instead of 57 miles i have 25 now 5 that they were testing >.> seems like its functioning good hopefully the problems are over. Now i have to train so if you ever set up a group ride alex. x]

That's a beautiful bike

glad you got it sorted out!!!

Sapper · October 8th, 2012, 01:29 PM

100% agree with your thoughts/observations., except the dash doesn't bother me at all; just comparing it to the old 250s, not a supersport or anything though.

Brake feel sucks, everything else is great

lgk · October 8th, 2012, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapper

100% agree with your thoughts/observations., except the dash doesn't bother me at all; just comparing it to the old 250s, not a supersport or anything though.

Brake feel sucks, everything else is great

whats wrong with the brakes?

Sapper · October 8th, 2012, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgk

whats wrong with the brakes?

They just don't bite like good brakes, you have to really get on the (front) brakes but when you do they are adequate

lgk · October 8th, 2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapper

They just don't bite like good brakes, you have to really get on the (front) brakes but when you do they are adequate

could it be an issue of break in?
or the pads just not that good?

2013 kawi girl · October 8th, 2012, 06:52 PM

Glad to hear that you got your bike, Alex. I have a question for you. I saw that you are using Pitbull stand. I have those same stand but what mm adapter are you using for the steering stem neck? It will be super helpful when I change my oil at 300 miles.

Jiggles · October 8th, 2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2013 kawi girl

Glad to hear that you got your bike, Alex. I have a question for you. I saw that you are using Pitbull stand. I have those same stand but what mm adapter are you using for the steering stem neck? It will be super helpful when I change my oil at 300 miles.

You lift the front and the back to do an oil change?

Sapper · October 8th, 2012, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

You lift the front and the back to do an oil change?

You don't have to lift either but it is easier to see the oil level and if you lift one end you should lift the other to properly see the oil level

Jiggles · October 8th, 2012, 07:24 PM

Ah that's a good point, I usually just lift the back for all the clearance I need.

Alex · October 8th, 2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgk

could it be an issue of break in?
or the pads just not that good?

They've gotten a little better, now approaching 500 miles. But they still aren't great. They aren't sintered pads like on the new-gens. They are resin/organic on the non-abs bikes, but are supposed to be sintered on the abs bikes. I went looking to see if EBC had a fitment yet for the 300's, and it doesn't look like it. The shape appears to be different than the new-gen brake pads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2013 kawi girl

Glad to hear that you got your bike, Alex. I have a question for you. I saw that you are using Pitbull stand. I have those same stand but what mm adapter are you using for the steering stem neck? It will be super helpful when I change my oil at 300 miles.

I'm using the #2 pin. It's the same one I use for the 10R, and I'm too lazy to swap the pin out each time. It fits more than well enough to hold the bike securely.

Sapper · October 8th, 2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2013 kawi girl

Glad to hear that you got your bike, Alex. I have a question for you. I saw that you are using Pitbull stand. I have those same stand but what mm adapter are you using for the steering stem neck? It will be super helpful when I change my oil at 300 miles.

I just did my first oil change at 600, super easy on this bike but the filter was screwed on by Hercules so I needed a filter wrench.

I prefer the Pitbull stand that uses the front forks..

Jiggles · October 8th, 2012, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapper

I just did my first oil change at 600, super easy on this bike but the filter was screwed on by Hercules so I needed a filter wrench.

When I was reading about oil changes for the n1k I heard about people getting some air pocket or something with the oil filters. When you'd start the bike it wouldn't pump oil and the oil light would be on, no clue if its just n1k's or if it can happen to any kawi with these cartridge oil filters. Anyway, the solution was to fill the oil filter with oil before installing it, did you do this?

@Alex How do you do the oil change on the zx10? If you don't fill the oil filter beforehand have you ever had the oil not flow directly after doing an oil change?

Alex · October 8th, 2012, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

@Alex How do you do the oil change on the zx10?

Jiggles · October 8th, 2012, 07:37 PM

Alex · October 8th, 2012, 07:45 PM

Couple more thoughts on the bike after a fun ride on Saturday (info and video in the Ride Reports section):

Brake feel is a little better than it was, but probably as good as it's going to get. Still want new pads.
Rear suspension is much better balanced after I bumped the preload up a few notches
Seat isn't as uncomfortable as I had thought; no issues after two 200 mile days.
OEM tires can be used right to the edge, but the feel isn't the best at full lean.
Yes, you can step the rear out under power when it is leaned over. It helps if the road is a little dusty/dirty.
The bike feels like it has much less engine braking than I remember on prior ninjettes. It might be due to running the revs slightly lower in normal use.
Zero wobble in the front end when decelerating with no hands on the bars. Will see if this remains a-ok as the tires wear.
Fuel mileage remains better than the 250 for me, but not nearly to the extent that has been shared in some early reviews. Check out the fuel mileage poll for details.
Clutch pull is super-easy, but the feel of the clutch engagement is a bit soft. If you are accelerating hard, and clutch in and out quickly, it seems as if it takes a moment for the clutch to fully bite and start driving in the next gear. It doesn't slip, it just seems like it takes longer than expected to hook up.
Hit 102 on the GPS on a flat road, tucked moderately. Felt like it had 4 or 5 more mph in it. It is gearing limited at 115 mph at redline in 6th, I'm not sure if a stock bike could pull that; probably not with someone my-sized on top of it.

Boom King · October 8th, 2012, 08:06 PM

Do you find the improved low and mid-range torque makes the 300 pull better around the city. How's the protection from the windscreen and is it still all elbows in the side mirrors?

CZroe · October 8th, 2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapper

I just did my first oil change at 600, super easy on this bike but the filter was screwed on by Hercules so I needed a filter wrench.

I prefer the Pitbull stand that uses the front forks..

But some of the work you need the front end up for requires a head/triple-tree stand (fork job, triple swap, etc. Triple-tree stand FTW.

Alex · October 8th, 2012, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boom King

Do you find the improved low and mid-range torque makes the 300 pull better around the city. How's the protection from the windscreen and is it still all elbows in the side mirrors?

Yes, the increased torque is easily noticeable. Wind protection seems similar as any sportbike; if you're tucked in it's fine; if you're sitting straight up you're in the wind. Mirrors seem like they are a fractionally wider, but it seems like it's harder for me to get my elbows out of the way of them. YMMV.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZroe

But some of the work you need the front end up for requires a head/triple-tree stand (fork job, triple swap, etc. Triple-tree stand FTW.

The triple-tree stand is bulletproof, allowing you to turn the bars all the way in either direction when you're working on things around the handlebars, and it's impossible for the bike to fall off.

Alex · October 8th, 2012, 11:23 PM

Saw a picture of my bike when it was still in the crate:

462189_10151015322231685_1139904903_o.jpg

These appear to be coming almost completely assembled; even the wheels are already in place.

Jiggles · October 8th, 2012, 11:27 PM

Assembly - $500

What is this fee? What am I paying for?

We put the mirrors on.

Oh...

Yep.

Somchai · October 9th, 2012, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapper

They just don't bite like good brakes, you have to really get on the (front) brakes but when you do they are adequate

Mike, you must be right, cos that's the same the motorcycle-tester in Germany talk about.

ally99 · October 10th, 2012, 07:22 AM

Gorgeous bike, Alex. I'm REALLY tempted to sell my 250 and buy one, but have to save money for now since I just bought a track bike. lol! I'm jealous though and LOVE YOUR BIKE!

Apex · October 10th, 2012, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ally99

Gorgeous bike, Alex. I'm REALLY tempted to sell my 250 and buy one, but have to save money for now since I just bought a track bike. lol! I'm jealous though and LOVE YOUR BIKE!

Hey, you can't sell your "slip 'n slide"!

KELPHYN · October 11th, 2012, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Saw a picture of my bike when it was still in the crate:

Attachment 21296

These appear to be coming almost completely assembled; even the wheels are already in place.

That's pretty much how my '08 came, took it out of the crate myself. Just had to install windscreen, handle bars, battery, seat and side panels (had dealer charge the battery day before); a little gas and vroom. Saved myself a couple hundred bucks doing the PDI myself.

Was kind of expecting it to be in more pieces. When I used to stop by one of the bike shops back in the '80's, he would let us help put together the new bikes and quads. there was a LOT more assembly back then. Could take you all day to put a bike together, Now... I was done and out the door in like a hour.

ally99 · October 11th, 2012, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex

Hey, you can't sell your "slip 'n slide"!

Ha! Slip n slide. Awesome!

msebastian · October 11th, 2012, 10:14 PM

Is the Ninja decal on the tank under the clear coat or is it removable. I have to wait for awhile to get my bike. I put a $1,000 down payment down and was told they only got 2 of the 17 pre orders and I was number 18. Thats cool though since I wont be able to ride until late Feb. or early Mar. I asked for them to call me when some more come in so I can at least look at the bike and sit on it.

Byakkotai · October 11th, 2012, 10:25 PM

600 mile service yet?

Alex · October 12th, 2012, 12:14 AM

Nope - but soon.

Magicride · October 12th, 2012, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msebastian

Is the Ninja decal on the tank under the clear coat or is it removable.

It's under the clear coat

snot · October 13th, 2012, 06:26 PM

Due to my height i lowered my 250, do you know if the same kit from roaring toyzs can be used to lower the 300? Is the suspension the same?

Alex · October 13th, 2012, 07:48 PM

Not sure. I know the wheelbase is slightly different, and the ground clearance is supposed to be a little higher. That implies that the suspension was changed in some ways, but hard to tell exactly how until people can compare them more carefully back to back.

choneofakind · October 13th, 2012, 09:28 PM

Raise the tail!!!

moar handling

Kurosaki · October 14th, 2012, 02:32 AM

If I felt I had a small bike need in the future, I'd definitely put one of these on my wishlist. At the moment though, my 250's days in my garage may be numbered. We'll see.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

The seat probably feels harder because its new. I noticed that compared to my old 250 with 13k miles, my new used one with 3k on it was much harder. It just needs a couple hundred hours of butt time break in

"Faster than Kurosaki's ninjette"

ah hell nawwww

CZroe · October 14th, 2012, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurosaki

If I felt I had a small bike need in the future, I'd definitely put one of these on my wishlist. At the moment though, my 250's days in my garage may be numbered. We'll see.

"Faster than Kurosaki's ninjette"

ah hell nawwww

Kurosaki's back!

...

And falling for the [you.] function like a n00b.

Kurosaki · October 14th, 2012, 11:00 AM

I lurk

and stuff

Jiggles · October 14th, 2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurosaki

"Faster than Kurosaki's ninjette"

ah hell nawwww

It's not hard since your bike is so slow

Alex · October 14th, 2012, 08:33 PM

Just nudged over 600 miles today, after another trip up Mt. Hamilton. Planned to head to Marin this morning, but slept just a bit later than expected. Pics up:

Another trip up Mt. Hamilton on the 300

Alex · October 16th, 2012, 04:41 PM

600 mile service scheduled for saturday after next. They may have been able to fit me in this weekend, but it would have been first-come first-served, and they only have one tech on the books this weekend. Means I won't be putting too many miles on it this weekend, but the other bikes have been sitting for a little while anyway, and are probably due for a ride. Thanks to the 300, of course.

October 8th, 2012, 07:24 PM	#129
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	Ah that's a good point, I usually just lift the back for all the clearance I need. __________________________________________________ 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

October 8th, 2012, 07:37 PM	#134
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	__________________________________________________ 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

October 8th, 2012, 07:45 PM	#135
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Couple more thoughts on the bike after a fun ride on Saturday (info and video in the Ride Reports section): Brake feel is a little better than it was, but probably as good as it's going to get. Still want new pads. Rear suspension is much better balanced after I bumped the preload up a few notches Seat isn't as uncomfortable as I had thought; no issues after two 200 mile days. OEM tires can be used right to the edge, but the feel isn't the best at full lean. Yes, you can step the rear out under power when it is leaned over. It helps if the road is a little dusty/dirty. The bike feels like it has much less engine braking than I remember on prior ninjettes. It might be due to running the revs slightly lower in normal use. Zero wobble in the front end when decelerating with no hands on the bars. Will see if this remains a-ok as the tires wear. Fuel mileage remains better than the 250 for me, but not nearly to the extent that has been shared in some early reviews. Check out the fuel mileage poll for details. Clutch pull is super-easy, but the feel of the clutch engagement is a bit soft. If you are accelerating hard, and clutch in and out quickly, it seems as if it takes a moment for the clutch to fully bite and start driving in the next gear. It doesn't slip, it just seems like it takes longer than expected to hook up. Hit 102 on the GPS on a flat road, tucked moderately. Felt like it had 4 or 5 more mph in it. It is gearing limited at 115 mph at redline in 6th, I'm not sure if a stock bike could pull that; probably not with someone my-sized on top of it. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

October 8th, 2012, 11:23 PM	#139
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Saw a picture of my bike when it was still in the crate: 462189_10151015322231685_1139904903_o.jpg These appear to be coming almost completely assembled; even the wheels are already in place. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

October 8th, 2012, 11:27 PM	#140
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	Assembly - $500 What is this fee? What am I paying for? We put the mirrors on. Oh... Yep. __________________________________________________ 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

October 8th, 2012, 01:29 PM	#122
Sapper MSF Instructor Name: Mike Location: Tampa Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300, 2010 Yamaha WR250R, 2008 CBR600RR Posts: 117	100% agree with your thoughts/observations., except the dash doesn't bother me at all; just comparing it to the old 250s, not a supersport or anything though. Brake feel sucks, everything else is great

October 8th, 2012, 06:52 PM	#126
2013 kawi girl ninjette.org member Name: Kawi girl Location: California Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ninja 300 Posts: 38	Glad to hear that you got your bike, Alex. I have a question for you. I saw that you are using Pitbull stand. I have those same stand but what mm adapter are you using for the steering stem neck? It will be super helpful when I change my oil at 300 miles.

October 8th, 2012, 08:06 PM	#136
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Do you find the improved low and mid-range torque makes the 300 pull better around the city. How's the protection from the windscreen and is it still all elbows in the side mirrors?

October 10th, 2012, 07:22 AM	#142
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	Gorgeous bike, Alex. I'm REALLY tempted to sell my 250 and buy one, but have to save money for now since I just bought a track bike. lol! I'm jealous though and LOVE YOUR BIKE! __________________________________________________ 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

October 11th, 2012, 10:14 PM	#146
msebastian ninjette.org guru Name: Michael Location: Dayton, Ohio Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 262	Is the Ninja decal on the tank under the clear coat or is it removable. I have to wait for awhile to get my bike. I put a $1,000 down payment down and was told they only got 2 of the 17 pre orders and I was number 18. Thats cool though since I wont be able to ride until late Feb. or early Mar. I asked for them to call me when some more come in so I can at least look at the bike and sit on it.

October 11th, 2012, 10:25 PM	#147
Byakkotai ninjette.org guru Name: Roger Location: NorCali - East Bay Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 White Ninja 300 Posts: 379	600 mile service yet?

October 12th, 2012, 12:14 AM	#148
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Nope - but soon. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

October 13th, 2012, 06:26 PM	#150
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	Due to my height i lowered my 250, do you know if the same kit from roaring toyzs can be used to lower the 300? Is the suspension the same?

October 13th, 2012, 07:48 PM	#151
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Not sure. I know the wheelbase is slightly different, and the ground clearance is supposed to be a little higher. That implies that the suspension was changed in some ways, but hard to tell exactly how until people can compare them more carefully back to back. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

October 13th, 2012, 09:28 PM	#152
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Raise the tail!!! moar handling

October 14th, 2012, 11:00 AM	#155
Kurosaki Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星 Name: Joseph Location: socal Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Kurosaki 250, 09 Honda 600RawrRawr Posts: 540	I lurk and stuff

October 14th, 2012, 08:33 PM	#157
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Just nudged over 600 miles today, after another trip up Mt. Hamilton. Planned to head to Marin this morning, but slept just a bit later than expected. Pics up: Another trip up Mt. Hamilton on the 300 __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

October 16th, 2012, 04:41 PM	#158
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	600 mile service scheduled for saturday after next. They may have been able to fit me in this weekend, but it would have been first-come first-served, and they only have one tech on the books this weekend. Means I won't be putting too many miles on it this weekend, but the other bikes have been sitting for a little while anyway, and are probably due for a ride. Thanks to the 300, of course. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
picked up ninja 250	james250ninja	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	13	March 4th, 2015 07:41 PM
Picked up Ninja 250 Last wednesday	AdhesiveTransfers	Pictures	6	May 27th, 2013 12:24 PM
Just picked up a couple motors for the ninja	Rollingmenace	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	April 22nd, 2013 06:44 PM
Picked up my first ninja, some parts questions:	Taskarnin	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	November 27th, 2012 08:32 PM
Just picked up a White Ninja	JELY1990	General Motorcycling Discussion	22	July 13th, 2012 11:00 PM