2012 Ninja 650 - Page 2

RMZMZM · 10-11-2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grainbelt

.......snip... they've created with the sideways battery, laydown shock, and underbelly exhaust. It really is a tidy package - the bike feels smaller than it weighs, and it is very flickable.

Maybe I'm demonstrating how little I know about these things, but given the configuration on the underside, could a centerstand be mounted? If it could, would it be very stable given the width of the frame? When I'm working on it or won't be riding it for a while I put the rear on a PitBull stand.

Ogre_fl · 10-11-2011, 08:35 AM

It "can" (on the versys anyway) but its not pretty.

http://www.versyscenterstand.com/pictures.html

Grainbelt · 10-11-2011, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMZMZM

Maybe I'm demonstrating how little I know about these things, but given the configuration on the underside, could a centerstand be mounted? If it could, would it be very stable given the width of the frame? When I'm working on it or won't be riding it for a while I put the rear on a PitBull stand.

Ogre took this one, but there really isn't any place to mount it, as the frame doesn't extend below the motor or exhaust. Look at that versys centerstand, holy shit what an ugly convoluted mess. I guess it works, but, wow.

RMZMZM · 10-11-2011, 09:24 AM

When there is a will, there is a way. Personally, I'll stick with my pitbull.

Next dumb question - what are the advantages of having a center stand?

(The only things I can think of, are chain maintenance and tire inspection/repair away from home.)

Grainbelt · 10-11-2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMZMZM

Next dumb question - what are the advantages of having a center stand?

(The only things I can think of, are chain maintenance and tire inspection/repair away from home.)

My FZ6 came stock with one, and that is the long and short of it. Chain lubrication and adjustment, tire changes, etc. Only other nice thing is when fully loaded with luggage and stopped on soft ground, I'll put it on the centerstand to both level the load and keep it from auguring in. A sidestand puck or crushed soda can fixes that just as easily.

RaY YreKa · 10-11-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gore-tx

Nice pics here:
http://www.moto-infos.com/photos-act...-et-er-6f.html

I think that's the most stylish 'commuter' bike I've seen.

Well done Kawasaki.

swimmer · 10-11-2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciferMutt

Fantastic! Whoever is running Kawasaki these days is doing a fabulous job. Honda could take a hint.

I agree. I had an 06 650R. Put 35k miles on it. After a VFR800 decided to go back to the 650 and now have a versys and love it. And its damn reliable. Kawasaki seems to listen to owners and update their motorcycles on a regular basis. Definitely the best line up in the US from the asian brands. Would love to have a C14 as well. And maybe the Ninja 1000.

BikePilot · 10-12-2011, 02:29 PM

Kawasaki's whole line of 650 twins are just excellent

I'd love to see them switch to a 270 degree crank sometime though for a bit more visceral feel and sound, otherwise there's not much wrong with them and the pricing sure can't be beat.

eakins · 10-12-2011, 02:40 PM

but the guy is not making anymore so effectively out of business

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ogre_fl

It "can" (on the versys anyway) but its not pretty.

http://www.versyscenterstand.com/pictures.html

eakins · 10-12-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swimmer

I agree. I had an 06 650R. Put 35k miles on it. After a VFR800 decided to go back to the 650 and now have a versys and love it. And its damn reliable. Kawasaki seems to listen to owners and update their motorcycles on a regular basis. Definitely the best line up in the US from the asian brands. Would love to have a C14 as well. And maybe the Ninja 1000.

on the dirt bike and dual sport end, i don't see much "listening"

hoax · 10-12-2011, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMZMZM

Next dumb question - what are the advantages of having a center stand?

(The only things I can think of, are chain maintenance and tire inspection/repair away from home.)

It makes it harder for random people to sit on your bike.

BikePilot · 10-12-2011, 03:21 PM

Modern chains are so good centerstands are totally outmoded imo. Its just not worth the weight or ground clearance penalty to make occasional chain lubing ever so slightly more convenient.

On the dual sport end Kawak nor any of the other Japanese makers are doing much. The Japanese makers easily lead the pack when it comes to purebread dirt bikes though.

eakins · 10-12-2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikePilot

Modern chains are so good centerstands are totally outmoded imo. Its just not worth the weight or ground clearance penalty to make occasional chain lubing ever so slightly more convenient.

On the dual sport end Kawak nor any of the other Japanese makers are doing much. The Japanese makers easily lead the pack when it comes to purebread dirt bikes though.

agreed on the chain. a trailside jack can also work nice to hold the bike up too.

as far as kawi leading the pack in dirtbikes, say what???
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/SubCategory.aspx?id=11
same line up last year. maybe you're a 140cc kinda guy.

sure they've got some nice mx bikes but...

indyogb · 10-12-2011, 05:55 PM

I still dig the black. The Ninja 650 was a nice looking bike before, but the stepped seat makes it look better.

Grainbelt · 10-12-2011, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indyogb

I still dig the black. The Ninja 650 was a nice looking bike before, but the stepped seat makes it look better.

I still think the original in silver/gold was the best looking version, but I'm biased.

10-11-2011, 08:35 AM	#17
Ogre_fl Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Cook Bayou, FL Oddometer: 1,772	It "can" (on the versys anyway) but its not pretty. http://www.versyscenterstand.com/pictures.html Ogre_fl screwed with this post 10-11-2011 at 08:40 AM

10-12-2011, 02:29 PM	#23
BikePilot Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Tampa Oddometer: 10,906	Kawasaki's whole line of 650 twins are just excellent I'd love to see them switch to a 270 degree crank sometime though for a bit more visceral feel and sound, otherwise there's not much wrong with them and the pricing sure can't be beat. __________________ '09 Buell XB12XT, TL1000S, H1F, M620, CR250R, DR250SE, XR650R, Cota 315R Summer 2009 Ride Report http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...1509c&t=507038 Summer 2008 RR. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367703

10-12-2011, 03:21 PM	#27
BikePilot Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Tampa Oddometer: 10,906	Modern chains are so good centerstands are totally outmoded imo. Its just not worth the weight or ground clearance penalty to make occasional chain lubing ever so slightly more convenient. On the dual sport end Kawak nor any of the other Japanese makers are doing much. The Japanese makers easily lead the pack when it comes to purebread dirt bikes though. __________________ '09 Buell XB12XT, TL1000S, H1F, M620, CR250R, DR250SE, XR650R, Cota 315R Summer 2009 Ride Report http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...1509c&t=507038 Summer 2008 RR. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367703

10-12-2011, 05:55 PM	#29
indyogb Nameless Intern Joined: May 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Oddometer: 7	Very nice. I still dig the black. The Ninja 650 was a nice looking bike before, but the stepped seat makes it look better.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: .
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-11-2011, 09:24 AM	#19
RMZMZM Not adventurous Joined: Jun 2009 Location: 1 hour of flat straight roads from everywhere Oddometer: 312	When there is a will, there is a way. Personally, I'll stick with my pitbull. Next dumb question - what are the advantages of having a center stand? (The only things I can think of, are chain maintenance and tire inspection/repair away from home.)