The New Ninja 300 - Page 23

damasovi · 01-11-2013, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navin

I'm no Ansel Adams!

l.

man you know who is Ansel Adams!!! yeah man!!! sorry I had to say it! not many people know that these days!

Damasovi

Navin · 01-12-2013, 12:47 PM

SW-motech rack with small moose top box.

GotMojo? · 01-12-2013, 03:59 PM

Navin, whats the mileage on your bike now, and have their been any first year gremlins?

I was looking at a white 300 the other day, and they also had the green ABS model...which is probably the one I want. Just can't decide if I wanna wait for that new Honda CBR500R.

Navin · 01-12-2013, 04:12 PM

North of 2200 now. Gremlins, not really, just typical of the price range materials.

The fairings are brittle, a few bolts got loose, the steering head bearings are totally junk. If I was recommending this to a new rider or one who rides conservativly I'd tell them to change those bearings for $45 and just add gas. It needs nothing else to be a much better bike than even most modded Ninja 250s. It still has that tossability of the 250 though.

I doubt I'd look over the Honda any differently. The CBR250r IMO is nearly the same level of overall quality as the 300. Neither are impressive unless you add the caveat "for the money".

Navin · 01-17-2013, 09:34 AM

Coocase S50 Astra top case, passenger back pad, quick release plate, Cortech NOS expandable magnetic tank bag and ready to hit the road.

damasovi · 01-18-2013, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navin

Coocase S50 Astra top case, passenger back pad, quick release plate, Cortech NOS expandable magnetic tank bag and ready to hit the road.

Navin thanks for answering my previous question, a lot of info there!

is that a 50L top case? And BTW I am sending Kawasaki your name so they can send YOU some advertisement money! you are THE expert on this bike.

Are there any Ninja 300 vs CBR250R out there in mags? I am hopping there are since I like both and can only buy one.

Damasovi

Navin · 01-18-2013, 10:00 AM

Yes, 50L. IDC how some think it looks, I only see the speedo and top of the windshield when travelling and dry clothes are a my concern.

My experience with the 300 vs. my son's 2012 250 Ninja, (and his opinion too), is that the 300 totally blows the N250 away in every catagory. Since the tests between theN250/CBR250, IMO was just about a draw, with my preference going Ninja anyway for higher top end power, I'd say it wouldn't be a fair comparison. Add the tuner and just forget about it.

doogiepooch · 01-18-2013, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navin

Yes, 50L. IDC how some think it looks, I only see the speedo and top of the windshield when travelling and dry clothes are a my concern.

My experience with the 300 vs. my son's 2012 250 Ninja, (and his opinion too), is that the 300 totally blows the N250 away in every catagory. Since the tests between theN250/CBR250, IMO was just about a draw, with my preference going Ninja anyway for higher top end power, I'd say it wouldn't be a fair comparison. Add the tuner and just forget about it.

Navin what's the comparison of the 2 on the interstate, your sons 250 and your 300? (hopefully you haven't gotten sick of that question already) I know even the 250's are fully capable. But I'd also like to use it to do some traveling, serious traveling. Yeah I know there are better things but dang if I didn't love my 250, it just didn't run 70-75 (verified not speedo) easily enough on the interstate. My KLR likes 70-72 if the 300 will do that comfortably, I think it might have to pick one up. Does the 300 "settle in" at cruising speeds significantly better than the 250?

Navin · 01-19-2013, 08:33 AM

No comparison, I have a 4-5 mile long hill close to Monticello, NY, highway 17W, the 300 will hold 75 in 6th up that hill and roll on throttle and it accellerates! Slowly but it goes faster. That was one up with a +1 CS sprocket too.

The 250 would do it at 70-75 with downshifts mandatory. Don't downshift, you drop speed like a stone.

I rode the 250 locally 2 up, forget about it. It will pull it but it just bogs untill you get above 7k. Again, I can ride 2 up and never exceed 7-8k and move faster than I need to. I just don't have to stretch the throttle cable like the 250.

Some cars struggle up it on the shoulder at 40 MPH, my old Dodge Caravan towing a tiny aluminum boat was one of them.

2 up the 250 can do it, but it lags and you feel the weight alot via throttle inputs. With taller gearing, the 300 really isn't even affected. I was chatting with my dealer yesterday and he was still surprised by the pull from the bottom just riding mine around the parking lot. The 300 moved the bike from what the 250 version is to a useable moto in every way powerwise. When you ride the 250 you accept certain things, not so on the 300.

cls · 01-20-2013, 04:44 AM

All right, I've been following this thread since the beginning. Deliver your modded bike to my house for $3K and I'm in. I hate tinkering but I love that little 300. You seem to have it all worked out by now. It'll go nicely w/the big bikes and be a hoot to run-around and play on. It sounds like the mileage won't really be any better than my Versys. Bring it by and I'll give it a shot. I'm in Atlanta. Shall I wait up for you?

Navin · 01-20-2013, 08:20 AM

Sorry CLS, I got into this 300 for 2 years minimum. For better or worse, and it hasn't been anything but what or better than I expected.

cls · 01-20-2013, 03:42 PM

Always good to hear. I usually have a little bike to go along w/the big ones and most folks just don't understand it. I love different stuff and I love to compare and contrast. I've had way too many, over a long time. I want a 300 badly. It's just a cool little bike. If we can get my wife over some medical issues, I believe we'll be on one for her.

Thanks for the info. Nice to read reviews from those w/first-hand experience and a little knowledge and experience to go w/the write-ups. Much obliged.

Carry on.

Navin · 01-25-2013, 08:28 AM

Rear seat mailed off to Renazco Racing today and I've got a new front seat ordered up to ship there too. There isn't much to work with on the back seat but if any of my last 6 or 7 Renazco seats are an indication, it'll be as good as it can possibly be.

I waited too long to do this, and I hadn't even really though about it until a used, new take off rear seat popped up. Should make for a great multi week long moto with a great, supportive seat.

Grainbelt · 01-31-2013, 10:36 AM

Looks like a somewhat less faired model is about to debut. VisorDown

Navin · 01-31-2013, 11:08 AM

Added a K&N pod filter and air box delete today. I messed with the tune a bit, richer to the max setting mid and top RPM, low stayed very close to the original settings. The bike picked up top end power, actually lifted the front wheel off a small rise on the street into second gear!

The Area-P tune guys are pretty sure they can get it to 45 HP with the pods and full exhaust, their dyno session is in a few weeks so I'll get it via email, load it and enjoy. Runs like the proverbial raped ape right now, not deathly lean, the adjustments on the tuner got rid of the once in awhile crackle out the can. No surging, no funny business. Pre-adjustments it had the slightest bog at mid RPMs. Not a hesitation, just throttle lag. It is also only about 38f here so not too bad for winter.

Bad note, noise went up but for the added power I'll deal with the intake snarl.

01-12-2013, 12:47 PM	#332
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Hitting the trails Oddometer: 4,326	hopefully a better pic! SW-motech rack with small moose top box.

01-12-2013, 03:59 PM	#333
GotMojo? Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2004 Oddometer: 4,042	Navin, whats the mileage on your bike now, and have their been any first year gremlins? I was looking at a white 300 the other day, and they also had the green ABS model...which is probably the one I want. Just can't decide if I wanna wait for that new Honda CBR500R. __________________ My rides... 2009 Yamaha WR250X \| 2008 Yamaha WR250R \| 2013 Honda CRF250L \| 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

01-17-2013, 09:34 AM	#335
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Hitting the trails Oddometer: 4,326	Travelling Sport-touring 300 rigged up. Coocase S50 Astra top case, passenger back pad, quick release plate, Cortech NOS expandable magnetic tank bag and ready to hit the road.

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01-12-2013, 04:12 PM	#334
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Hitting the trails Oddometer: 4,326	North of 2200 now. Gremlins, not really, just typical of the price range materials. The fairings are brittle, a few bolts got loose, the steering head bearings are totally junk. If I was recommending this to a new rider or one who rides conservativly I'd tell them to change those bearings for $45 and just add gas. It needs nothing else to be a much better bike than even most modded Ninja 250s. It still has that tossability of the 250 though. I doubt I'd look over the Honda any differently. The CBR250r IMO is nearly the same level of overall quality as the 300. Neither are impressive unless you add the caveat "for the money".

01-18-2013, 10:00 AM	#337
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Hitting the trails Oddometer: 4,326	Yes, 50L. IDC how some think it looks, I only see the speedo and top of the windshield when travelling and dry clothes are a my concern. My experience with the 300 vs. my son's 2012 250 Ninja, (and his opinion too), is that the 300 totally blows the N250 away in every catagory. Since the tests between theN250/CBR250, IMO was just about a draw, with my preference going Ninja anyway for higher top end power, I'd say it wouldn't be a fair comparison. Add the tuner and just forget about it.

01-19-2013, 08:33 AM	#339
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Hitting the trails Oddometer: 4,326	No comparison, I have a 4-5 mile long hill close to Monticello, NY, highway 17W, the 300 will hold 75 in 6th up that hill and roll on throttle and it accellerates! Slowly but it goes faster. That was one up with a +1 CS sprocket too. The 250 would do it at 70-75 with downshifts mandatory. Don't downshift, you drop speed like a stone. I rode the 250 locally 2 up, forget about it. It will pull it but it just bogs untill you get above 7k. Again, I can ride 2 up and never exceed 7-8k and move faster than I need to. I just don't have to stretch the throttle cable like the 250. Some cars struggle up it on the shoulder at 40 MPH, my old Dodge Caravan towing a tiny aluminum boat was one of them. 2 up the 250 can do it, but it lags and you feel the weight alot via throttle inputs. With taller gearing, the 300 really isn't even affected. I was chatting with my dealer yesterday and he was still surprised by the pull from the bottom just riding mine around the parking lot. The 300 moved the bike from what the 250 version is to a useable moto in every way powerwise. When you ride the 250 you accept certain things, not so on the 300.

01-20-2013, 04:44 AM	#340
cls Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2009 Location: N GA Oddometer: 197	All right, I've been following this thread since the beginning. Deliver your modded bike to my house for $3K and I'm in. I hate tinkering but I love that little 300. You seem to have it all worked out by now. It'll go nicely w/the big bikes and be a hoot to run-around and play on. It sounds like the mileage won't really be any better than my Versys. Bring it by and I'll give it a shot. I'm in Atlanta. Shall I wait up for you?

01-20-2013, 08:20 AM	#341
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Hitting the trails Oddometer: 4,326	Sorry CLS, I got into this 300 for 2 years minimum. For better or worse, and it hasn't been anything but what or better than I expected.

01-20-2013, 03:42 PM	#342
cls Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2009 Location: N GA Oddometer: 197	Always good to hear. I usually have a little bike to go along w/the big ones and most folks just don't understand it. I love different stuff and I love to compare and contrast. I've had way too many, over a long time. I want a 300 badly. It's just a cool little bike. If we can get my wife over some medical issues, I believe we'll be on one for her. Thanks for the info. Nice to read reviews from those w/first-hand experience and a little knowledge and experience to go w/the write-ups. Much obliged. Carry on.

01-25-2013, 08:28 AM	#343
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Hitting the trails Oddometer: 4,326	Rear seat mailed off to Renazco Racing today and I've got a new front seat ordered up to ship there too. There isn't much to work with on the back seat but if any of my last 6 or 7 Renazco seats are an indication, it'll be as good as it can possibly be. I waited too long to do this, and I hadn't even really though about it until a used, new take off rear seat popped up. Should make for a great multi week long moto with a great, supportive seat.

01-31-2013, 10:36 AM	#344
Grainbelt marginal adventurer Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Minnyhappiness Oddometer: 25,008	Looks like a somewhat less faired model is about to debut. VisorDown

01-31-2013, 11:08 AM	#345
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Hitting the trails Oddometer: 4,326	Added a K&N pod filter and air box delete today. I messed with the tune a bit, richer to the max setting mid and top RPM, low stayed very close to the original settings. The bike picked up top end power, actually lifted the front wheel off a small rise on the street into second gear! The Area-P tune guys are pretty sure they can get it to 45 HP with the pods and full exhaust, their dyno session is in a few weeks so I'll get it via email, load it and enjoy. Runs like the proverbial raped ape right now, not deathly lean, the adjustments on the tuner got rid of the once in awhile crackle out the can. No surging, no funny business. Pre-adjustments it had the slightest bog at mid RPMs. Not a hesitation, just throttle lag. It is also only about 38f here so not too bad for winter. Bad note, noise went up but for the added power I'll deal with the intake snarl.