2013 Ninja 300 purchase

[mechman600]

Originally Posted by alvaro84

I think it's easy to check: just coast a bit with the clutch. If it's calculated from the engine revs (which I wouldn't think) then the measured speed should drop immediately.

Why would they ever calculate speed by engine revs?

Bike speedometers are either driven or sensored off the front wheel or the countershaft. The Ninja 300 is sensed off the countershaft (front sprocket shaft), as Old Mechanic already knows, as he clearly knows his way around a motorcycle.

As far as calibrating the speedo goes, it might be tricky. If you are good at electronics, coming up with an adjustable frequency modifying chip to modify the pickup sensor signal would be the ticket.

[alvaro84]

So the other option is the front sprocket. Makes sense.

[jkv357]

Congrats on the new ride! Let us know what you think of it when you can get some seat time.


Jay

[beatr911]

You find some great deals! Sounds like the 300 has greater potential than I first thought. Maybe Kawasaki is coming 'round to the MPG thing.

Thanks for the report on riding position. Good comparison references.

[user removed]

About 150 miles total so far, weather here has been lousy for just about the whole month. Sold another bike today, $1200, $1850, and $2100 (3 bikes) so now I have 3 bikes left and more money than I spent on the Ninja 300 to say nothing about the insurance savings or plates and registration.

My only complaint is the final drive ratio. 6K RPM at 54 MPH should be 6K at 60. I can get most of it with another tooth on the front sprocket, just under 4 MPH would make it 58 MPH at 6k. I might do this soon, but will wait some time to see what my average mileage is before the change.

This bike is awfully quick for 18.1 cubic inches. 35 HP is about the same as my 71 CB350, but the 6 speed makes it faster. I think even the weight is close to the same. Amazingly close when you compare 2013 to 1971 but when it comes to brakes there is no comparison of cable operated drums to hydraulic discs. Of course the old CB redlined at 9200 while the Ninja is 13000.

regards
Mech

[mechman600]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

when it comes to brakes there is no comparison of cable operated drums to hydraulic discs.

Not to mention the frame/suspension setup. I owned a CB400 after owning a newer sport bike....absolutely scary!
I'm sure the first time you chuck the Ninja into a fast sweeping corner you will be thankful for the progress in handling over old bikes.

[user removed]

Most older bikes have been dropped or had something happen that tweaked the alignment. The CB350 is perfectly aligned and it handles very nice on the tires it has on it now which are close to the originals that were good enough to ride on when they were 40 years old, even with the ORIGINAL fork seals.

I understand what you are saying about the Ninja, got a little agressive on it today but nothing close to it's limits. Either bike would be fine for the cornering I do which is not close to either bikes limits.

I check alignment with a string wrapped around the rear tire and the front tire. With the trailing arm properly aligned and the handlebars centered you can see if the front wheel is properly aligned. If not loosen the triple trees and twist the front wheel into alignemnt, then tighten the triple trees and check your work.

Newer frome designs are certainly stronger than old tech, but watch some of those old bikes in the hands of a pro and they certainly could handle superbly, expecially when they had modern tech tires.

About 130 miles, still showing half a tank. I'll probably fill it up Friday and get another MPG reading with just over 200 on this tank.

regards
Mech

[user removed]

178 miles on 2.69 gallons. This will probably be my worst tank, farily agressive riding, hard to restrain myself with the power level of this bike. I ordered a 15 tooth front sprocket which will get me from 54 MPH at 6K RPM to 58 at the same RPM. That sould help by increasing the speed by 7.14% at the same revs. Man this bike is fun to ride!

I think realistically I will see 70 in winter and 75-80 in summer. If I really baby it it might be higher, but I'm not sure I can RESTRAIN myself! About 650 miles on her now.

Overall final drive ratio is 7.938, the front sprocket will reduce that to 7.408. I might go down 1 tooth on the rear sprocket later. Right now it will pull fine from 28 MPH in 6th gear.

regards
Mech

[BHarvey]

I went from a 15-45 to a 15-39 on my 250 along with other changes and the bike pulls it fine for it's intended use, high mpg! The revs show 10 mph / 1k rpm's in 6th gear.

Also replaced the Pirelli Sport Demons (oversized) to the correct tire size for the rims with the Pirelli MT75's. Lost 8 LBS of rotating weight.

[sendler]

Great deal on your Ninja300. Kawasaki must have been reading the CBR250R forum as they have made all the right moves with the 300. Longer stroke to move the power band lower, longer gearing (still could be much longer for a hypermiler) to make fuel consumption lower, rubber mounted engine to make it feel smoother, fuel injection so it can run good in cold weather (but no O2 sensor for US federal version), slipper clutch and a super light effort clutch linkage, optional ABS. I will trade my 09 Ninja250 to get rid of the carburetors when I get the money.