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9,088 Posts
Figured I start a review of my 2012 Ninja 650....Likes and dislikes.
First off let me tell u about myself. I a 57 year old male. 200 pounds at 5'7". I have always prefered Off/On road bikes in the 500 class.
But after moving to Southern Maine, and not having much for dirt areas to ride i went back to street.
Did a lot of research on bikes before i bought one. Seems the Ninja class has been around a long time, and most everyone that owns one has had good luck with them. Even if you run the shit out of them.
So off I go to check them out..... dealers here I come.
Didn't care much for the feel of the R models. That lay down position just wasn't going to work for this older body. The 650 upright version feels fine. Feels very well balanced siting there on it. Not to heavy, and i'm flat footed. Controls all feel real good, and the front brake, and clutch are adjustable. Guages are very nice, and easy to read. I also can ride double up, and the back seat feels more comfy that the front.
Test ride wasn't much, have to ride more....
**********
Now after having the bike a while. Simple as this..... LOVE IT!!!
It's like not being on anything, and control is wonderful. Everything just works perfect for me. I did drop the bike on each side now sence I owned it, but first time was a dog coming at me at start off from a stop sign, and sand in road. Next was the strap that goes under ur boot on raingear got caught in kickstand at gas station. Cut them off.
*****************
Handling is great. You can zip in, and out of city traffic with ease.
All the guts you need to get around safely. Interstate travel is easy... I hate interstates. The curvy mountain roads..... Perfect.
Always starts with the fuel injection. I start mine once a week up here in Maine...... One push of the button.
The headlights could stand to be brighter tho. They're ok, but i like bright. I'll add a couple small extras this spring.
Oil changes are quite easy. Removing the fairing is quite easy as needed one u do it a few times.
*************
Tires....... well the rear one wont last long.....sticky tires don't.
I got over 5000 on mine, and that will get changed this spring to a
Michelin Pilot Road 3 . Front may make it another summer depending how much i get to ride. I don't ride track, but the Pilot road is a duel compound tire. Sticky sides for corners, and harder in center for touring.
I did find saddlebads for this bike.... Cortech Super 2.0 36-Liter Saddlebags.... Cortech Super 2.0 36-Liter Saddlebags - Street Motorcycle - Motorcycle Superstore
I got them at dealer cheaper.
***************
Well i guess that's it.......
Love the bike, and can't wait again for spring.
:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:
First off let me tell u about myself. I a 57 year old male. 200 pounds at 5'7". I have always prefered Off/On road bikes in the 500 class.
But after moving to Southern Maine, and not having much for dirt areas to ride i went back to street.
Did a lot of research on bikes before i bought one. Seems the Ninja class has been around a long time, and most everyone that owns one has had good luck with them. Even if you run the shit out of them.
So off I go to check them out..... dealers here I come.
Didn't care much for the feel of the R models. That lay down position just wasn't going to work for this older body. The 650 upright version feels fine. Feels very well balanced siting there on it. Not to heavy, and i'm flat footed. Controls all feel real good, and the front brake, and clutch are adjustable. Guages are very nice, and easy to read. I also can ride double up, and the back seat feels more comfy that the front.
Test ride wasn't much, have to ride more....
**********
Now after having the bike a while. Simple as this..... LOVE IT!!!
It's like not being on anything, and control is wonderful. Everything just works perfect for me. I did drop the bike on each side now sence I owned it, but first time was a dog coming at me at start off from a stop sign, and sand in road. Next was the strap that goes under ur boot on raingear got caught in kickstand at gas station. Cut them off.
*****************
Handling is great. You can zip in, and out of city traffic with ease.
All the guts you need to get around safely. Interstate travel is easy... I hate interstates. The curvy mountain roads..... Perfect.
Always starts with the fuel injection. I start mine once a week up here in Maine...... One push of the button.
The headlights could stand to be brighter tho. They're ok, but i like bright. I'll add a couple small extras this spring.
Oil changes are quite easy. Removing the fairing is quite easy as needed one u do it a few times.
*************
Tires....... well the rear one wont last long.....sticky tires don't.
I got over 5000 on mine, and that will get changed this spring to a
Michelin Pilot Road 3 . Front may make it another summer depending how much i get to ride. I don't ride track, but the Pilot road is a duel compound tire. Sticky sides for corners, and harder in center for touring.
I did find saddlebads for this bike.... Cortech Super 2.0 36-Liter Saddlebags.... Cortech Super 2.0 36-Liter Saddlebags - Street Motorcycle - Motorcycle Superstore
I got them at dealer cheaper.
***************
Well i guess that's it.......
Love the bike, and can't wait again for spring.
:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:
