The New Ninja 300

[Navin]

Originally Posted by Just GO!

Yup.

Same goes for a lot of things. Compact trucks are now almost as big as full sized trucks were a couple decades ago. Bigger ain't always better.

Leave it at 250cc, I say.

It isn't physically any larger than it would be as a 250, and the 50cc will only strengthen the weakest part of the torque curve. I doubt you't be able to tell one from the other without the decal on the side in back to back rides.

I'd have rather they made it a 350 with 50 HP!

[GotMojo?]

I like it. For those complaining about the price, I don't see an issue. Its still pretty damn cheap. Way better looking than the Honda, and it'll be a bit quicker. I think they will sell a ton of them.

[GotMojo?]

Originally Posted by Navin

I'd have rather they made it a 350 with 50 HP!

If they'd made a 350, you'd want a 400.

[Navin]

No, I know what I want, apply the tech to build the lightest, best suspended supersport bike with high output per liter, and a 50 HP 350 screamer with a weight of about 310 lbs. is feasable. I'd not expect it at $4500 but it can be built and would smoke alot of high displacement bikes on a twisty road or track, as my 50 HP 265 lbs sumoto does already.

[Gryphon12]

If those photos are of production models, it is a very standard riding position. After a big suspension upgrade, and maybe brakes, I'd add lower bars and rear sets.

[Reconstructed]

[Groovemaster]

I think they did it to try to find a happy medium between having a 250 and a 400. Hoping it would be a safe comprimise and have 1 bike to make instead of 2. Canada has insurance reasons for the 400 (Thanks BC) but I would assume the differences between the 250 and 400 were minimal. I would think it's just an attempt at cost savings for the company. That being said I have a 2001 Ninja 500 and haven't rode either the 250 or 400.

[Grainbelt]

pssst - the Ninja 400 is a sleeved down Ninja 650, same chassis, same weight.

This Ninja 300 is a good seventy pounds lighter.

[steelerider]

Everyone is freaking out that its 50cc's bigger? OMG - were talking 50cc. I can pee more than that. Have you ever ridden a 250? I had one - great little bike, but gutless. It could have always used a little more power to at least keep a new rider entertained a little longer. It will still be very easy to ride.

[Terrytori]

Originally Posted by steelerider

Everyone is freaking out that its 50cc's bigger? OMG - were talking 50cc. I can pee more than that. Have you ever ridden a 250? I had one - great little bike, but gutless. It could have always used a little more power to at least keep a new rider entertained a little longer. It will still be very easy to ride.

No... We're actually talking about a 7 HP gain over the 250 which, on a bike of that capacity is sizeable.

I just ordered one on Thursday... in black. Abs and a slipper clutch.

I have a 2008 Ninja and think it outstanding. I will run it @ Bonneville next August ( record for a 250 Ninja
is, when last I read 121.9 mph )

I'm believing that the 300 will be an all around more enjoyable package.

But then... I'll know for sure in a few months.

[steelerider]

Agreed. It will be an all around more enjoyable package. Enjoy!

[Nialis]

I would like to see a 250cc of 400cc 4Cyl 20,000 RPM RR bike from one of the big 3... I miss my little Bandit 400. :(

[MoreCheese]

Originally Posted by Terrytori

I just ordered one on Thursday... in black. Abs and a slipper clutch.

I am very interested in hearing reviews / impressions from people that have actually ridden the new 300.

After paging through for sale adds recently I found myself looking at 2008+ model Ninja 250's. Now with the announced Ninja 300's coming soon I wonder if I should just cough up the money for a new one vs used. I can't wait to at least sit on one soon to see if my body likes the ergonomics.

[woofer2609]

Originally Posted by Groovemaster

I think they did it to try to find a happy medium between having a 250 and a 400. Hoping it would be a safe comprimise and have 1 bike to make instead of 2. Canada has insurance reasons for the 400 (Thanks BC) but I would assume the differences between the 250 and 400 were minimal. I would think it's just an attempt at cost savings for the company. That being said I have a 2001 Ninja 500 and haven't rode either the 250 or 400.

Not trying to derail this thread, really think the 300-400 cc range is exciting, especially this new bike, but curious as to why BC is to blame for the 400cc insurance limit (Quebec has the same size classes).
Canada had, or still has the 250 and the 400, So I too would think Kawi are trying to minimize the number of bikes they have in that range. The 300 is the best of both worlds as far as i can see.

[Cortez]

I think this is gonna be a better bike then my 1st gen Ninja 650 was.
I love the looks and specs, and it would have been a killer if they made
it a 4 cylinder bike (think CBR250RR).

I never cared much for the 250, I respected it for what it was, but I'd
never buy one, rather keep my scooter(s). The 300 ticks a lot more
boxes in my book, and I'd get one in a heartbeat if I was looking at
that kind of bikes.

I think they'll sell a shitload of these.