Moving up CC

JOHNWJ · August 25th, 2012, 07:13 PM

I purchased an 08 Ninja 250 a couple months ago and it's a blast in the turns and riding in general. I have been riding quads and dirt bikes for years and took the MSF course. I find the 250 acceleration is lacking. I am not getting the "warp speed" acceleration feeling like I would get on my 2 stroke dirt bikes. I don't care for going over 100MPH, that's just asking for trouble. What I do want is to purchase a bigger cc machine that has really good 0-60 pickup and plenty of passing power on the interstate. I like being able to accelerate out of trouble (merging traffic, etc) and race 0-speed limit at virtually every stop light and win. I also want a comfortable seating position. I have sat on a supersport zx-10 and it was not very comfortable. I sat on a Ninja 650 and it was very comfortable. So my questions are really, does the Ninja 650 have that "warp speed" acceleration and/or what bikes would you recommend?

paterick4o8 · August 25th, 2012, 07:24 PM

650 is an all around good bike. rode one and it definitely had enough oomph to keep me happy power wise and commuting wise. No problem with passing power. If you're open minded, I also respect the SV650 with it's twin engine. With it's V-twin torque you'd also be happy. good luck.

I now ride a zx6r-- it's definitely fast, but not comfortable on my back for long rides. good luck

Jiggles · August 25th, 2012, 08:40 PM

On a serious note, have you ever tried turning?

psych0hans · August 25th, 2012, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

On a serious note, have you ever tried turning?

And this comes from a guy who went from a 250 to a 650 to a 1000 in a matter of weeks... Lol

But seriously, try the WOT throttle mod before switching bikes... Full exhaust, airbox removal and rejetting should help as well. Good luck!!!

menikmati · August 25th, 2012, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHNWJ

I like being able to accelerate out of trouble (merging traffic, etc) and race 0-speed limit at virtually every stop light and win. I also want a comfortable seating position.

You won't survive very long on the street with that mindset.

Reyno2ac · August 26th, 2012, 05:57 AM

I moved up to a 650 after a few months on the 250 and I LOVE it! I actually take the freeway to work now, and it doesn't feel strained doing 80mph in the left lane.

NDspd · August 26th, 2012, 06:39 AM

If you are looking for both comfort and a little extra umph, both the Kawi 650 and the Suzuki 650 are great bikes. I opted for the SV650 because I love the sounds of the vtwin more and I love the looks more.

BlackNinja8 · August 26th, 2012, 06:40 AM

Work your way up gradually. You dont need to put yourself at risk by doing too much too fast. Do not get a zx-10. A 650 is a nice transition from the 250 IMO

Whiskey · August 26th, 2012, 07:06 AM

A Z750 should do what you want it to
Posted via Mobile Device

Old Lemon · August 26th, 2012, 11:47 AM

fz6r

choneofakind · August 26th, 2012, 12:17 PM

You have experience on dirt, so I'll hazard a guess that you already know the mechanics of how to control a bike through turns, even when the bike is sliding around.

That said, there are good 600cc sport-touring bikes out there that are comfy, handle well, and still have gobs of usable power for freeway commuting/trips.

Look into the FZ6R or FZ6. The ninja 650 or SV650 are also good bikes to look at. They accelerate well down low but don't really have the top speed kick like a bike with an inline-4 because they have a 650cc twin engine. It all comes down to which bike you like best after some test-rides.

thurt88 · August 26th, 2012, 01:14 PM

Just get a zx10. Put some handle bar risers on or put on a nice set of renthal bars on it. That way you get your warp speed and your riding position.

As a side note: be mindful of the wheelies if you raise the riding position on any SS.

JOHNWJ · October 18th, 2013, 07:46 PM

So I got rid of my 08 Ninja. I lost $150-$200 after a few months of riding it. So that's fine. Btw I know the 250 feels fast, but I ran the strip, I couldn't break into the 15's. I hovered in the low 16's. With an absolute perfect run I could prolly have hit the very high 15's, but I didn't want to damage my bike by racing it repeatedly. Also on the street it couldn't pull away from a crown vic, which was pretty embarrassing considering it looked like I had a sport bike

. I upgraded to a 2006 Suzuki DR650. It was great for about a year (3200ish miles), then my eyes started wandering again. It was fun for light off-roading and commuting but for true off-roading it was too heavy/tall (I'm 5'6" with a 29" leg) and on the interstate it was lacking due to the lack of wind protection. However it was pretty quick power wise, it would take a sports car to outrun it (5.4-5.6 sec 0-60). If I lived somewhere with more light off road (think Jeep trails) areas within an hour or so ride time I would keep it, but I don't enjoy the long rides on the interstate with so much wind buffeting. Now I've upgraded to a 2012 Ninja 650. I just did a 270 mile road trip. It has plenty of power (all I'd ever need plus some

). Maybe not quite warp speed, but also if you goose it too much on a corner you could lose it. I am happy with its performance. It's fast enough to keep me satisfied for now

(it would take about a 500+ HP car to beat it 0-100). After that road trip, I am definitely considering some lower foot peg mounts because my knees were killing me. Maybe after some more seat time my knees may get used to it? Time will tell. Overall I am very happy with my purchase. I purchased mine slightly laid over from the previous owner for a good price (maybe they goosed it to much in a corner) and I must say bikebandit.com has awesome service. I definitely didn't want to be riding around on a bike that looked like I wrecked it. So I fixed it first. Getting the parts delivered for free and putting them on myself was way easy and better than going through a stealership. They have tons of OEM and aftermarket parts and technical diagrams so you can be sure of what you are ordering. If you love your Ninja 250's riding position, seat height and overall ability but wish it were faster, the 650 is what you are looking for. Insurance is way less than the 600+ss but more than the 250.

rasta · October 18th, 2013, 07:58 PM

Nice dude

. Those Ninjas really interest me. But there's just something about em. Glad you like it though!

Jono · October 18th, 2013, 10:57 PM

My friend has an 09 Ninja 650. They are definitely quick, almost too quick for the street. I really enjoy going WOT and riding my 250 very hard on the street while still riding at a relatively safe speed. That's just one of the reasons why I won't let myself move to a higher cc bike at this time. The 650 seems like a great little sport touring bike though.

thurt88 · October 19th, 2013, 04:45 AM

I went all the way up in cc's and then back down again. That straight line acceleration gets really old.

CC Cowboy · October 19th, 2013, 10:18 AM

You're crazy, there is nothing better than the 250.

mikromo · October 19th, 2013, 11:03 AM

OK, I have had ALOT of bikes, of all types, and I used to race dirt bikes as well......... If you want a CHEAP bike that will feel like warp speed, have the seating position that's way comfortable, blast down the freeway with speed and power to spare, and feel just like a dirtbike......beg or borrow a ride on a used Kawasaki ZRX1200R (my favorite) or a Suzuki bandit 1200. I have a ZRX and you can nearly forget ever having to downshift. It has what I would descibe as a "liquid" powerband.......my will pull like crazy from just 35mph in TOP gear! Yet it still will go 150mph. Just try it, you'll be amazed.

August 25th, 2012, 07:13 PM	#1
JOHNWJ ninjette.org newbie Name: JOHN Location: Italy (From USA) Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 Kawasaki Ninja 650, 06 Suzuki DR650, 08 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (Sold), 04 Kawasaki KX100 (Sold) Posts: 7	Moving up CC I purchased an 08 Ninja 250 a couple months ago and it's a blast in the turns and riding in general. I have been riding quads and dirt bikes for years and took the MSF course. I find the 250 acceleration is lacking. I am not getting the "warp speed" acceleration feeling like I would get on my 2 stroke dirt bikes. I don't care for going over 100MPH, that's just asking for trouble. What I do want is to purchase a bigger cc machine that has really good 0-60 pickup and plenty of passing power on the interstate. I like being able to accelerate out of trouble (merging traffic, etc) and race 0-speed limit at virtually every stop light and win. I also want a comfortable seating position. I have sat on a supersport zx-10 and it was not very comfortable. I sat on a Ninja 650 and it was very comfortable. So my questions are really, does the Ninja 650 have that "warp speed" acceleration and/or what bikes would you recommend?

August 25th, 2012, 08:40 PM	#3
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	On a serious note, have you ever tried turning? __________________________________________________ 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 18th, 2013, 07:46 PM	#13
JOHNWJ ninjette.org newbie Name: JOHN Location: Italy (From USA) Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 Kawasaki Ninja 650, 06 Suzuki DR650, 08 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (Sold), 04 Kawasaki KX100 (Sold) Posts: 7	I moved up! So I got rid of my 08 Ninja. I lost $150-$200 after a few months of riding it. So that's fine. Btw I know the 250 feels fast, but I ran the strip, I couldn't break into the 15's. I hovered in the low 16's. With an absolute perfect run I could prolly have hit the very high 15's, but I didn't want to damage my bike by racing it repeatedly. Also on the street it couldn't pull away from a crown vic, which was pretty embarrassing considering it looked like I had a sport bike . I upgraded to a 2006 Suzuki DR650. It was great for about a year (3200ish miles), then my eyes started wandering again. It was fun for light off-roading and commuting but for true off-roading it was too heavy/tall (I'm 5'6" with a 29" leg) and on the interstate it was lacking due to the lack of wind protection. However it was pretty quick power wise, it would take a sports car to outrun it (5.4-5.6 sec 0-60). If I lived somewhere with more light off road (think Jeep trails) areas within an hour or so ride time I would keep it, but I don't enjoy the long rides on the interstate with so much wind buffeting. Now I've upgraded to a 2012 Ninja 650. I just did a 270 mile road trip. It has plenty of power (all I'd ever need plus some ). Maybe not quite warp speed, but also if you goose it too much on a corner you could lose it. I am happy with its performance. It's fast enough to keep me satisfied for now (it would take about a 500+ HP car to beat it 0-100). After that road trip, I am definitely considering some lower foot peg mounts because my knees were killing me. Maybe after some more seat time my knees may get used to it? Time will tell. Overall I am very happy with my purchase. I purchased mine slightly laid over from the previous owner for a good price (maybe they goosed it to much in a corner) and I must say bikebandit.com has awesome service. I definitely didn't want to be riding around on a bike that looked like I wrecked it. So I fixed it first. Getting the parts delivered for free and putting them on myself was way easy and better than going through a stealership. They have tons of OEM and aftermarket parts and technical diagrams so you can be sure of what you are ordering. If you love your Ninja 250's riding position, seat height and overall ability but wish it were faster, the 650 is what you are looking for. Insurance is way less than the 600+ss but more than the 250. Last futzed with by JOHNWJ; November 2nd, 2013 at 05:39 AM. Reason: Spelling/Additional Info
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

October 19th, 2013, 10:18 AM	#17
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	You're crazy, there is nothing better than the 250. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

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August 25th, 2012, 07:24 PM	#2
paterick4o8 ninjette.org sage Name: patricK Location: San Jose, CA--BAY AREA! Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 blue 250R [sold]. '09 lime ZX-6R [stolen :( ]. '06 blue 636. Posts: 918	650 is an all around good bike. rode one and it definitely had enough oomph to keep me happy power wise and commuting wise. No problem with passing power. If you're open minded, I also respect the SV650 with it's twin engine. With it's V-twin torque you'd also be happy. good luck. I now ride a zx6r-- it's definitely fast, but not comfortable on my back for long rides. good luck

August 26th, 2012, 05:57 AM	#6
Reyno2ac ninjette.org member Name: Andrew Location: Michigan Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 650r Posts: 209	I moved up to a 650 after a few months on the 250 and I LOVE it! I actually take the freeway to work now, and it doesn't feel strained doing 80mph in the left lane.

August 26th, 2012, 06:39 AM	#7
NDspd 1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass Name: Jeremy Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.	If you are looking for both comfort and a little extra umph, both the Kawi 650 and the Suzuki 650 are great bikes. I opted for the SV650 because I love the sounds of the vtwin more and I love the looks more.

August 26th, 2012, 06:40 AM	#8
BlackNinja8 ninjette.org guru Name: NJ Location: Westchester, NY Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R (Sold); 2012 Vulcan 900; 2009 Harley Iron 883; 2004 SV650s; and a bunch of others over the years... Posts: 470	Work your way up gradually. You dont need to put yourself at risk by doing too much too fast. Do not get a zx-10. A 650 is a nice transition from the 250 IMO

August 26th, 2012, 07:06 AM	#9
Whiskey ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Morgan Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	A Z750 should do what you want it to Posted via Mobile Device

August 26th, 2012, 11:47 AM	#10
Old Lemon Lays er down Name: Michael Location: Maryland Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Lime green Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	fz6r

August 26th, 2012, 12:17 PM	#11
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	You have experience on dirt, so I'll hazard a guess that you already know the mechanics of how to control a bike through turns, even when the bike is sliding around. That said, there are good 600cc sport-touring bikes out there that are comfy, handle well, and still have gobs of usable power for freeway commuting/trips. Look into the FZ6R or FZ6. The ninja 650 or SV650 are also good bikes to look at. They accelerate well down low but don't really have the top speed kick like a bike with an inline-4 because they have a 650cc twin engine. It all comes down to which bike you like best after some test-rides.

August 26th, 2012, 01:14 PM	#12
thurt88 ninjette.org guru Name: Tommy Location: Missouri Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CRF250L, 2010 ninja 250r Posts: 413	Just get a zx10. Put some handle bar risers on or put on a nice set of renthal bars on it. That way you get your warp speed and your riding position. As a side note: be mindful of the wheelies if you raise the riding position on any SS.

October 18th, 2013, 07:58 PM	#14
rasta Your face Name: Wes Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.	Nice dude . Those Ninjas really interest me. But there's just something about em. Glad you like it though!

October 18th, 2013, 10:57 PM	#15
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.	My friend has an 09 Ninja 650. They are definitely quick, almost too quick for the street. I really enjoy going WOT and riding my 250 very hard on the street while still riding at a relatively safe speed. That's just one of the reasons why I won't let myself move to a higher cc bike at this time. The 650 seems like a great little sport touring bike though.

October 19th, 2013, 04:45 AM	#16
thurt88 ninjette.org guru Name: Tommy Location: Missouri Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CRF250L, 2010 ninja 250r Posts: 413	I went all the way up in cc's and then back down again. That straight line acceleration gets really old.

October 19th, 2013, 11:03 AM	#18
mikromo ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Independence, MO Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador, 1999 Honda VFR800, 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, 2010 Kawasaki ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 59	OK, I have had ALOT of bikes, of all types, and I used to race dirt bikes as well......... If you want a CHEAP bike that will feel like warp speed, have the seating position that's way comfortable, blast down the freeway with speed and power to spare, and feel just like a dirtbike......beg or borrow a ride on a used Kawasaki ZRX1200R (my favorite) or a Suzuki bandit 1200. I have a ZRX and you can nearly forget ever having to downshift. It has what I would descibe as a "liquid" powerband.......my will pull like crazy from just 35mph in TOP gear! Yet it still will go 150mph. Just try it, you'll be amazed.