Kawasaki Ninja 300 - Page 1

Posted: 6/8/2017 3:08:46 PM EDT

Does anybody have one of the newer Kawasaki Ninja 300 motorcycles? I'm looking to get back in to riding after a 10yr hiatus and am looking for something cheap and economical. What are your thoughts/opinions?

This will just be used primarily for commuting and maybe some short day trips. TIA!

Posted: 6/8/2017 3:17:02 PM EDT

[#1]

get the 650.

Posted: 6/8/2017 3:33:07 PM EDT

[#2]

If you're tiny and/or only intend to ride on 45mph roads, the 300 may well be ~~the~~ a right choice.

Posted: 6/8/2017 8:27:21 PM EDT

[#3]

I've had 14 bikes. Currently I own a 1200 and 1300. I would still ride the fuck out of a Ninja 300.

Posted: 6/8/2017 8:37:03 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've had 14 bikes. Currently I own a 1200 and 1300. I would still ride the fuck out of a Ninja 300.

View Quote

I'd get the R3 over a ninja 300. Much better and nicer bike.

Posted: 6/8/2017 9:55:16 PM EDT

[#5]

I have one. 2014 SE ABS. Bought "used" that very year - only 800 miles on it, still under warranty. I was specifically looking for a smaller-displacement bike to blast around on. It was my fourth bike.

Hands down, best bike I have ever owned. It is the only bike that I would replace with an exact copy if something were to happen to it.

What do I mean?

Something happens to my Ducati ST2? Don't care at all any more. Probably replace with nothing. If I want another tourer, I will probably go for a FJR.
Something happens to my Ducati Scrambler? Meh. Might get a 800SS or 900SS (possibly another 300, keep the current one as the sportier track-ish bike, and another for commuting with a topcase and such).
Something happens to the little Ninja? Yeah, I'm getting another one ASAP.

I have also had a Suzuki SV650S and a Suzuki GS550E. I still had the SV when I got the Ninja. I had the SV for about another year, but probably only rode it 2 or 3 times. I would just rather ride the Ninja.

Quote History

Quoted:
I'd get the R3 over a ninja 300. Much better and nicer bike.

View Quote

I've only done a demo ride on a R3, but was VERY underwhelmed. After I got my Ninja, I started having second thoughts hearing about the R3s (they weren't available yet). When I finally rode one, I found that my concern was unjustified - I far prefer the Ninja.

Posted: 6/8/2017 9:56:32 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
If you're tiny and/or only intend to ride on 45mph roads, the 300 may well be ~~the~~ a right choice.

View Quote

LOL

I can tell you've never ridden one, nor known any motorcyclist who has.

Posted: 6/8/2017 10:14:54 PM EDT

[#7]

Ninja 500 is really underrated and worth looking at.

Posted: 6/8/2017 10:32:24 PM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have one. 2014 SE ABS. Bought "used" that very year - only 800 miles on it, still under warranty. I was specifically looking for a smaller-displacement bike to blast around on. It was my fourth bike.

Hands down, best bike I have ever owned. It is the only bike that I would replace with an exact copy if something were to happen to it.

What do I mean?

Something happens to my Ducati ST2? Don't care at all any more. Probably replace with nothing. If I want another tourer, I will probably go for a FJR.
Something happens to my Ducati Scrambler? Meh. Might get a 800SS or 900SS (possibly another 300, keep the current one as the sportier track-ish bike, and another for commuting with a topcase and such).
Something happens to the little Ninja? Yeah, I'm getting another one ASAP.

I have also had a Suzuki SV650S and a Suzuki GS550E. I still had the SV when I got the Ninja. I had the SV for about another year, but probably only rode it 2 or 3 times. I would just rather ride the Ninja.

I've only done a demo ride on a R3, but was VERY underwhelmed. After I got my Ninja, I started having second thoughts hearing about the R3s (they weren't available yet). When I finally rode one, I found that my concern was unjustified - I far prefer the Ninja.

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Quote History

Quoted:
I have one. 2014 SE ABS. Bought "used" that very year - only 800 miles on it, still under warranty. I was specifically looking for a smaller-displacement bike to blast around on. It was my fourth bike.

Hands down, best bike I have ever owned. It is the only bike that I would replace with an exact copy if something were to happen to it.

What do I mean?

Something happens to my Ducati ST2? Don't care at all any more. Probably replace with nothing. If I want another tourer, I will probably go for a FJR.
Something happens to my Ducati Scrambler? Meh. Might get a 800SS or 900SS (possibly another 300, keep the current one as the sportier track-ish bike, and another for commuting with a topcase and such).
Something happens to the little Ninja? Yeah, I'm getting another one ASAP.

I have also had a Suzuki SV650S and a Suzuki GS550E. I still had the SV when I got the Ninja. I had the SV for about another year, but probably only rode it 2 or 3 times. I would just rather ride the Ninja.

Quoted:
I'd get the R3 over a ninja 300. Much better and nicer bike.

I've only done a demo ride on a R3, but was VERY underwhelmed. After I got my Ninja, I started having second thoughts hearing about the R3s (they weren't available yet). When I finally rode one, I found that my concern was unjustified - I far prefer the Ninja.

Thank you for the write-up. Much appreciated. The one I'm looking at is a 2013 SE. Is $3900 a good price? It's got 3900 miles and looks to be in mint condition.

Posted: 6/8/2017 10:39:53 PM EDT

[#9]

Tried the R3, not that ninja. I had a blast on it.
Getting you back in the swing of things; or short commuter,
it might not be a bad choice.
Not quite what I was after though.
That ninja se looks pretty sharp though
What part of WI are you in?

Heres my current commuter :)

Posted: 6/8/2017 10:41:55 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ninja 500 is really underrated and worth looking at.

View Quote

its the ninja 650 now

Posted: 6/8/2017 10:42:28 PM EDT

[#11]

More motivation:

Attached File

Posted: 6/8/2017 10:47:32 PM EDT

[#12]

Buy an older model 600 for the same money. Much happier in the long run.

Posted: 6/8/2017 10:54:04 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
Tried the R3, not that ninja. I had a blast on it.
Getting you back in the swing of things; or short commuter,
it might not be a bad choice.
Not quite what I was after though.
That ninja se looks pretty sharp though
What part of WI are you in?

Heres my current commuter :)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6IeXnl4-YKc/WToJwzLN0gI/AAAAAAAAJY4/k1Mr0WK4aqQxAZmXJientmTOt2xlPSPFQCJoC/w530-h298-p/IMG_20170221_143728178.jpg

View Quote

Just a bit northwest of Madison.

Posted: 6/8/2017 11:04:12 PM EDT

[#14]

The 300 does fine on the highway @ 80mph, if you weigh under 300 pounds. I have a z1000 and ninja 300 and I prefer the 300 for everyday use, it's a fun bike. I have a white 2013 with 300 miles that I am selling in a few months. I don't have much time to ride

Posted: 6/8/2017 11:04:35 PM EDT

[#15]

See if you can get a demo and take it out for a ride.
You might really like it, maybe not. What'd you ride before?

Posted: 6/8/2017 11:17:52 PM EDT

[#16]

Bought my son a nice used SE for Christmas. Only due to the fact that if I didn't buy him something smaller to learn on he was going to buy something too big. I've Been on bikes for over 30 years and I can't wait to ride that thing lol. He's been out of the country since and hasn't bothered to title it yet. That bastard.

Posted: 6/8/2017 11:29:51 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
See if you can get a demo and take it out for a ride.
You might really like it, maybe not. What'd you ride before?

View Quote

First bike was a Ninja 250r. That was almost 20yrs ago. I really loved that bike. Sold it while in college. Got a Honda Shadow a few years after graduating. I liked it but it just didn't compare to the feel of a sport bike. Sold the Shadow after a few years. Marriage, house, and kids consumed all my time but ready to get back into it now.

Posted: 6/8/2017 11:31:07 PM EDT

[#18]

Attached File
Here's the one I've got my eye on

Posted: 6/8/2017 11:57:21 PM EDT

[#19]

Check out Road Track and Trail in Big Bend

http://www.roadtrackandtrail.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventory&vt=snowmobile#page=xPreOwnedInventory&sq=Ninja&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter

Posted: 6/9/2017 2:30:45 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
Tried the R3, not that ninja. I had a blast on it.
Getting you back in the swing of things; or short commuter,
it might not be a bad choice.
Not quite what I was after though.
That ninja se looks pretty sharp though
What part of WI are you in?

Heres my current commuter :)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6IeXnl4-YKc/WToJwzLN0gI/AAAAAAAAJY4/k1Mr0WK4aqQxAZmXJientmTOt2xlPSPFQCJoC/w530-h298-p/IMG_20170221_143728178.jpg

View Quote

How did you mount that?

Posted: 6/9/2017 9:40:53 AM EDT

[#21]

Couple homemade padded clamps on fork tube.
Use them on the dirtbike when ripping around properties,
Don't ride with rifle mounted to streetbike.
Looks good though... haha

Posted: 6/9/2017 11:19:24 AM EDT

[#22]

Taking it for a test ride today.

Posted: 6/9/2017 12:45:19 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have one. 2014 SE ABS. Bought "used" that very year - only 800 miles on it, still under warranty. I was specifically looking for a smaller-displacement bike to blast around on. It was my fourth bike.

Hands down, best bike I have ever owned. It is the only bike that I would replace with an exact copy if something were to happen to it.

What do I mean?

Something happens to my Ducati ST2? Don't care at all any more. Probably replace with nothing. If I want another tourer, I will probably go for a FJR.
Something happens to my Ducati Scrambler? Meh. Might get a 800SS or 900SS (possibly another 300, keep the current one as the sportier track-ish bike, and another for commuting with a topcase and such).
Something happens to the little Ninja? Yeah, I'm getting another one ASAP.

I have also had a Suzuki SV650S and a Suzuki GS550E. I still had the SV when I got the Ninja. I had the SV for about another year, but probably only rode it 2 or 3 times. I would just rather ride the Ninja.

I've only done a demo ride on a R3, but was VERY underwhelmed. After I got my Ninja, I started having second thoughts hearing about the R3s (they weren't available yet). When I finally rode one, I found that my concern was unjustified - I far prefer the Ninja.

View Quote

If I may ask, what makes you favor the Ninja 300 over the SV650S? Just curious.

I just got back into riding after a 30 year hiatus. 1st bike was an '82 Suzuki GS450TX. "New" one is a low mileage '02 BMW R1150RT, mostly because my wife was willing to ride with me. I'm mostly loving the heavy BMW, but the bug has me wanting something light and nimble in addition.

The GS450TX is my baseline. IIRC, that was a ~400 lb bike with 44HP which was entirely adequate for solo riding. Ninja 300 is 362 lb / 39 HP. SV650S is 375 lbs / 74 HP. There's more to it than power/weight, so your insight would be of much interest.

Posted: 6/9/2017 2:48:20 PM EDT

[#24]

And, I bought it. Thanks guys!

Posted: 6/9/2017 4:35:41 PM EDT

[#25]

Posted: 6/9/2017 7:32:50 PM EDT

[#26]

Congrats! Now get rid of that frumpy looking exhaust

Posted: 6/9/2017 7:37:51 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
Congrats! Now get rid of that frumpy looking exhaust

View Quote

One step at a time

. I am surprised at how decent the stock exhaust sounds though.

Posted: 6/9/2017 9:28:57 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
One step at a time

. I am surprised at how decent the stock exhaust sounds though.

View Quote

It took me a long time to swap mine out. Just did it at the beginning of this year (before riding season, actually, so I had plenty of time to work at a leisurely pace). Entirely for reasons of performance - weight savings from the get-go. Power will be coming - I still plan on adding the fuel tuner module to go along with it, I'm just trying to space out all of my spending.

Posted: 6/10/2017 6:16:35 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
And, I bought it. Thanks guys!

View Quote

Nice!!

Posted: 6/10/2017 12:06:06 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
If you're tiny and/or only intend to ride on 45mph roads, the 300 may well be ~~the~~ a right choice.

View Quote

clearly youve never ridden one

Posted: 6/10/2017 12:07:19 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'd get the R3 over a ninja 300. Much better and nicer bike.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I've had 14 bikes. Currently I own a 1200 and 1300. I would still ride the fuck out of a Ninja 300.

I'd get the R3 over a ninja 300. Much better and nicer bike.

Isnt the Duke made in 300 now also? I like the looks of KTM

Posted: 6/10/2017 12:36:43 PM EDT

[#32]

Congrats!!!!........keep your head on a swivel out there.

Posted: 6/10/2017 1:57:21 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:

clearly youve never ridden one

View Quote

I've been on one of the small Ninjas. The only way I could get out of the wind buffeting was to glue my face to the tank. Can't see much road when your neck only bends back far enough to let you see the handlebars through the visor.

Now I'll admit, I think this was an older 250, and I'm not the shortest or narrowest guy on two wheels, so my opinion may not mesh with yours. Maybe wind blast aimed at your ribcage is only annoying to me?

This thread has got me curious though. The next time I am near a bike shop I'm likely to stop in and see if my opinion has changed.

Posted: 6/10/2017 6:54:09 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
Isnt the Duke made in 300 now also? I like the looks of KTM

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I've had 14 bikes. Currently I own a 1200 and 1300. I would still ride the fuck out of a Ninja 300.

I'd get the R3 over a ninja 300. Much better and nicer bike.

Isnt the Duke made in 300 now also? I like the looks of KTM

The Duke is a 390 and it is in a different league power wise and just about everything else. I didn't recommend it because most guys who would own a ninja 300 aren't the kind of guys who will spend $5k on a single cylinder naked bike.

Posted: 6/10/2017 7:56:39 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:

The Duke is a 390 and it is in a different league power wise and just about everything else. I didn't recommend it because most guys who would own a ninja 300 aren't the kind of guys who will spend $5k on a single cylinder naked bike.

View Quote

didnt know it was a 390. I do love the look of it though. That's not a bad price for it at 5k

Posted: 6/10/2017 10:16:07 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:

didnt know it was a 390. I do love the look of it though. That's not a bad price for it at 5k

View Quote

The problem with the Duke is that bikes like the FZ-07 are just a little bit more money.

Posted: 6/11/2017 2:13:25 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've been on one of the small Ninjas. The only way I could get out of the wind buffeting was to glue my face to the tank. Can't see much road when your neck only bends back far enough to let you see the handlebars through the visor.

Now I'll admit, I think this was an older 250, and I'm not the shortest or narrowest guy on two wheels, so my opinion may not mesh with yours. Maybe wind blast aimed at your ribcage is only annoying to me?

This thread has got me curious though. The next time I am near a bike shop I'm likely to stop in and see if my opinion has changed.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

clearly youve never ridden one

I've been on one of the small Ninjas. The only way I could get out of the wind buffeting was to glue my face to the tank. Can't see much road when your neck only bends back far enough to let you see the handlebars through the visor.

Now I'll admit, I think this was an older 250, and I'm not the shortest or narrowest guy on two wheels, so my opinion may not mesh with yours. Maybe wind blast aimed at your ribcage is only annoying to me?

This thread has got me curious though. The next time I am near a bike shop I'm likely to stop in and see if my opinion has changed.

They changed the aerodynamics on this model vs. the older 250. I second your opinion on the wind buffeting on the older 250. I had one and I remember that. I can say confidently after the first 150 miles I've put on that I hardly notice it at all. I think the aero redesign and floating windscreen really make a difference.

Posted: 6/11/2017 2:29:18 PM EDT

[#38]

Going cheap?
Get a used 250 Ninja.

Posted: 6/11/2017 4:45:20 PM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
Going cheap?
Get a used 250 Ninja.

View Quote

And then in a couple years, sell it for what you paid.

I had a bunch of EX250 and 500's.Then one 250 badged as Ninja for my daughter.

Posted: 6/13/2017 6:37:43 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
And, I bought it. Thanks guys!

View Quote

Your thread is in need of a picture.

Posted: 6/17/2017 7:57:52 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:

Your thread is in need of a picture.

View Quote

Attached File

Posted: 6/18/2017 11:33:16 AM EDT

[#42]

Great bikes. I bought one for my first motorcycle and am completely happy with it. Don't listen to any haters saying it's under powered, they have plenty of stank to put a smile on your face.
They really start to smooth out at around the 1500 mile mark and feel more fluid.

Posted: 6/19/2017 8:24:56 PM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:

didnt know it was a 390. I do love the look of it though. That's not a bad price for it at 5k

View Quote

Local dealers have them in the ads today for $4400 for a '16 model. That's tempting enough for me to want one..

Posted: 6/20/2017 5:12:07 PM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
Local dealers have them in the ads today for $4400 for a '16 model. That's tempting enough for me to want one..

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

didnt know it was a 390. I do love the look of it though. That's not a bad price for it at 5k

Local dealers have them in the ads today for $4400 for a '16 model. That's tempting enough for me to want one..

I was debating getting a 390 Duke myself. The reviews are all positive. Or a used SV650s, Honda 919 or even the oddball BMW F650cs.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Kawasaki Ninja 300

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