The New Ninja 300 - Page 7

LuciferMutt · 10-01-2012, 02:56 PM

Really annoys me in the dyno video when the guy says "IT'S SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER THAN THE 250!!"

On what basis? Power? Yes, it makes more HP. Does that make it better? No, not necessarily. HP should not always be the measuring stick!

DiabloADV · 10-01-2012, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciferMutt

. HP should not always be the measuring stick!

Power wins races. They're racers.

Anteraan · 10-01-2012, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciferMutt

Really HP should not always be the measuring stick!

You're right. Torque should!

Sorry, someone just had to say it. And I know what you're saying. Then again, it is a dyno test, so his comments are coming with that as a backdrop.

LuciferMutt · 10-01-2012, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anteraan

Then again, it is a dyno test, so his comments are coming with that as a backdrop.

True, but his tone implied otherwise to me.

Terrytori · 10-01-2012, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciferMutt

Really annoys me in the dyno video when the guy says "IT'S SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER THAN THE 250!!"

On what basis? Power? Yes, it makes more HP. Does that make it better? No, not necessarily. HP should not always be the measuring stick!

There in lay the joke.

If you're power obsessed, I'm not sure what you're doing straddling a U.S. / Canadian market 250 or 300
in the first place.

I'm betting that the 300 will be an all round better package but not significantly so.

The strength of both versions is that they check a whole lot of boxes in the motorcycle fun experience.

Power isn't one of those boxes..

Cortez · 10-02-2012, 01:31 AM

Sorry to barge in like this, but I need to hear more about this CBR500.

And I love the N300!

It's probably gonna be a better all-round bike then my N650 was.

Wallachian Spikes · 10-02-2012, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terrytori

There in lay the joke.

If you're power obsessed, I'm not sure what you're doing straddling a U.S. / Canadian market 250 or 300
in the first place.

I'm betting that the 300 will be an all round better package but not significantly so.

The strength of both versions is that they check a whole lot of boxes in the motorcycle fun experience.

Power isn't one of those boxes..

The appeal of a smaller/less powerful bike is it's handeling/flickability but, it must have "enough power" to not be dangerous on a highway. More power is always better (IMO) even if you're not obsessed with power. No one can accuse me of being obsessed with power, I ride a KLR & love it!

However, I would NOT be interested in a 125 Ninja no mater how well it handeled. The N300 may only do 105 MPH but if it has enough "punch" up to 105, I could see it being more fun than a ZX-14 in anything but a drag race.

Navin · 10-02-2012, 10:59 AM

There you go, well said. My EX500 had enough + a little more at 50 HP, even 2 up. I dropped a tooth on the CS but it pulled us with luggage for trips without a whimper. My kids 2012 EX250 has enough, but just enough. Add a passenger + my 205 lbs. and enough becomes almost enough on the not so big hill down the street. I'm sure on a trip it would be taxed now and then 2 up. It doesn't seem to have the gear range to be able to lower the final drive by much.Still to be determined in testing!

WHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-------uh-oh------AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Under his 160 lbs. it is a rocket and I'm amazed as he pulls along my 950SE with FCRs. I can still stomp him but for real street riding he has plenty of pop.

I'm looking forward to riding a 300, but expect to think it would be perfect as a 350 with 45 HP. Maybe in 5 more years?

doogiepooch · 10-02-2012, 11:14 AM

I really liked my little Ninja 250 and wanted to love it but unfortunately never really "fell" for it. About one of my main requirements for a street bike is must cruise comfortably at 75-80 mph. I like to ride long distances and lots of super slab is always necissary to get somewhere. Although the 250 would come close it just didn't have quite enough. I'm thinking the 300 might just be enough. I can't wait to see some feedback when more guys start riding them.

jon_l · 10-02-2012, 04:45 PM

I had a mid 2000's Ninja 500 at the same time as my wife had a comparable Ninja 250.

I can't understand why so many people recommend the 250 as a great beginner bike. I found the lack of torque made it harder to ride in the city than the 500. By far less forgiving. The Ninja 500 is a much better beginner bike.

I loved the 250 on curvy country roads, with no stop lights. A hoot to rev to the moon.

I bet the 300 will be the best of both, with modern looks, and ABS. I'd love to ride one!

Gryphon12 · 10-02-2012, 04:48 PM

KTM Duke 350 - 350cc, approx. 43 hp, 34 Nm, 335 lbs. wet, being manufactured in India this year, supposedly being exported (to the US?) next year. May not have to wait quite so long. Great numbers, but it is a thumper, based on the Duke 125 frame and 350 EXC engine. Pricing unknown, but with mfg in India, hopefully reasonable. I keep telling myself that patience is a virtue, but the EX300R is very tempting NOW.

Terrytori · 10-02-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wallachian Spikes

The appeal of a smaller/less powerful bike is it's handeling/flickability but, it must have "enough power" to not be dangerous on a highway. More power is always better (IMO) even if you're not obsessed with power. No one can accuse me of being obsessed with power, I ride a KLR & love it!

However, I would NOT be interested in a 125 Ninja no mater how well it handeled. The N300 may only do 105 MPH but if it has enough "punch" up to 105, I could see it being more fun than a ZX-14 in anything but a drag race.

I largely agree with you.

I had a 400 Ninja last year ( Canadian market bike ) .

More power, higher top speed but nowhere near the soul if the 250.

Funny how that works.

Navin · 10-03-2012, 03:28 PM

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/...st_Ride_Review

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/09/19...00-first-ride/

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...00-first-ride/

Sounds like the engine is a home run. Suspension still budget but improved too.

HONKR · 10-05-2012, 08:26 AM

Slap a 50HP/lbft single (low revving) in that little Ninja and call it good...., preferably with a 6 speed box with good ratios and fuel injection, and make it 350# or less and THAT, my friends, would be a winner!

rocker59 · 10-05-2012, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HONKR

Slap a 50HP/lbft single (low revving) in that little Ninja and call it good...., preferably with a 6 speed box with good ratios and fuel injection, and make it 350# or less and THAT, my friends, would be a winner!

Cagiva had a MiTo 500 show bike out a few years ago where they did just that! Shame it never hit the showrooms...

A 125 chassis with a 500 4-stroke single! Woot!

10-01-2012, 02:56 PM	#91
LuciferMutt Rides slow bike slow Joined: Aug 2008 Location: New(er) Mexico Oddometer: 9,774	Really annoys me in the dyno video when the guy says "IT'S SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER THAN THE 250!!" On what basis? Power? Yes, it makes more HP. Does that make it better? No, not necessarily. HP should not always be the measuring stick! __________________ You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitro glycerin plant! Badasses might screw with another badass. Nobody screws with a nut job. -- Plaka

10-02-2012, 01:31 AM	#96
Cortez BAZINGA! Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Croatia Oddometer: 3,991	Sorry to barge in like this, but I need to hear more about this CBR500. And I love the N300! It's probably gonna be a better all-round bike then my N650 was. __________________ '12 Kymco Downtown 300i ABS, '08 Yamaha FZ6n S2 ABS SOLD: '03 Peugeot Speedfight2, '07 Kawasaki ER6F ABS, '06 Kymco Agility 125 My Flickr gallery

10-02-2012, 11:14 AM	#99
doogiepooch Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2010 Location: WNC Oddometer: 332	I really liked my little Ninja 250 and wanted to love it but unfortunately never really "fell" for it. About one of my main requirements for a street bike is must cruise comfortably at 75-80 mph. I like to ride long distances and lots of super slab is always necissary to get somewhere. Although the 250 would come close it just didn't have quite enough. I'm thinking the 300 might just be enough. I can't wait to see some feedback when more guys start riding them. __________________ Current: 2013 Ninja 300 Past: 07 ZX6-R, 90 XT350, 88 KLR650, 09 Ninja 250, 98 VFR, 12 KLR 650 Jeremy Clarkson for President! How hard can it be.... http://www.nationalmssociety.org

10-02-2012, 04:45 PM	#100
jon_l Southern Ontario Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Oddometer: 2,075	I had a mid 2000's Ninja 500 at the same time as my wife had a comparable Ninja 250. I can't understand why so many people recommend the 250 as a great beginner bike. I found the lack of torque made it harder to ride in the city than the 500. By far less forgiving. The Ninja 500 is a much better beginner bike. I loved the 250 on curvy country roads, with no stop lights. A hoot to rev to the moon. I bet the 300 will be the best of both, with modern looks, and ABS. I'd love to ride one! __________________ '09 Honda CBF1000; '09 Yamaha WR250R

10-02-2012, 04:48 PM	#101
Gryphon12 Studly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Carnation, WA USA Oddometer: 758	KTM Duke 350 - 350cc, approx. 43 hp, 34 Nm, 335 lbs. wet, being manufactured in India this year, supposedly being exported (to the US?) next year. May not have to wait quite so long. Great numbers, but it is a thumper, based on the Duke 125 frame and 350 EXC engine. Pricing unknown, but with mfg in India, hopefully reasonable. I keep telling myself that patience is a virtue, but the EX300R is very tempting NOW. __________________ 1990 Honda NT-650 Hawk-GT Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

10-02-2012, 10:59 AM	#98
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Garage Oddometer: 4,420	There you go, well said. My EX500 had enough + a little more at 50 HP, even 2 up. I dropped a tooth on the CS but it pulled us with luggage for trips without a whimper. My kids 2012 EX250 has enough, but just enough. Add a passenger + my 205 lbs. and enough becomes almost enough on the not so big hill down the street. I'm sure on a trip it would be taxed now and then 2 up. It doesn't seem to have the gear range to be able to lower the final drive by much.Still to be determined in testing! WHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-------uh-oh------AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Under his 160 lbs. it is a rocket and I'm amazed as he pulls along my 950SE with FCRs. I can still stomp him but for real street riding he has plenty of pop. I'm looking forward to riding a 300, but expect to think it would be perfect as a 350 with 45 HP. Maybe in 5 more years?

10-03-2012, 03:28 PM	#103
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Garage Oddometer: 4,420	http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/...st_Ride_Review http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/09/19...00-first-ride/ http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...00-first-ride/ Sounds like the engine is a home run. Suspension still budget but improved too.

10-05-2012, 08:26 AM	#104
HONKR Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2011 Location: Atlanta Oddometer: 121	Slap a 50HP/lbft single (low revving) in that little Ninja and call it good...., preferably with a 6 speed box with good ratios and fuel injection, and make it 350# or less and THAT, my friends, would be a winner! __________________ This ain't a war, anymore than a war between men and maggots. Or, dragons and wolves. Or, men riding dragons, throwing wolves at maggots!

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