2013 Ninja 300 purchase

[user removed]

Looks like I will be picking up a 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 tomorrow (Monday).

$4k with 462 miles, private party no other fees.

regards
mech

[renault_megane_dci]

Then you'll need a 250 Honda to have the quads of quarter liters ...

[mechman600]

Congrats! That's a good find.
I really like what Kawasaki has done with their little Ninja. The 300 is a really good bike. Keep us posted with how it performs.

[user removed]

Got it. Pics when I get it off the truck and out of this miserable drizzle rain. Waiting for one of my neighbors to get home.

regards
Mech

[user removed]

Had to clean off some of the PO's added decals, looks great now with 431 miles showing on the ODO. She was built in Thailand 7/12 serial number in the 800 range so probably first month of production. I started it but did not ride with no tags and insurance in the rain today, will get tags and INS tomorrow.

Sorry for the poor quality, rainy day, flourescent lights, inside my garage. I picked up the little sailboat this week also.

regards
Mech

[mechman600]

Looks good! I'm sure she'll do you good forever. Interested to see what sort of mpg it gets with some careful riding compared to the older carbed versions.
I wish I had the room for a commuter bike - I would have one along side my ZX-7R which isn't a good commuter. Fun, yes. Economical, no.

[user removed]

Considering the 16 vehicles in or were in my garage, I might not use the term "forever" to describe my loyalty to vehicles .

Considering I managed to get 55 MPG in a 1971 CB350, close to 60 in a Vulcan 500 and just over that in a 1987 Rebel 450. I think 70-75 would not be unreasonable in the Ninja 300. It might even be higher than that if I can just avoid excessive throttle twisting! That would be averaging just under 40 MPH, but this bike would be fun on the Interstate.

The funny thing is the height of the handlebars, seat, and seated position are almost identical to my TU 250x which is very much a "standard" motorcycle. Both compare closely to the 71 CB350 in seat and handlebar height. I find this to be comfortable when riding. I think maybe the new Ninja is a standard in disguise.

I know I can sit almost straight up and still reach the handlebars. Just about the same as it was 42 years ago when I was not old enough to vote or drink.


regards
Mech

[user removed]

Weather broke today clearing with a high in the low 60s later this afternoon. 72.98 MPG and it has only 500 miles on the odometer. Compared to the Suzuki which would have done about 80 for the same ride, I can only say this bike is my keeper. I did not baby it either hitting 71 MPH and 7700 RPM at one point.

My only complaint would be the top gear ratio could be lower, 6k at 54 MPH seems high RPM wise to me. I think it could easily handle 5-5500 at the same speed without working the engine hard at all. Of course with a 13k redline and this kind of mileage, I doubt I will be changing anything any time soon.

New vehicle warranty is still in effect until January of 2014. My back got a little stiff at the end of that 76.2 miles but nothing bad or that would not have been the case on any other bike I have owned.

regards
Mech

[ciderbarrel]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

76.2 miles @ 1.03 gallons

Weather broke today clearing with a high in the low 60s later this afternoon. 72.98 MPG and it has only 500 miles on the odometer.

By my math, that is 73.981 MPG (which also is 1.352 G/100M)

[user removed]

Yes, you are right, I just checked my cell phone and I read the 73 as a 72. Even better compared to the Suzuki at about 80. The Suzi takes almost 11 seconds to get to 60 MPH while the Ninja is supposed to do it in 6 seconds.

Thanks for the correction. I will put the numbers in my fuel log and add the Ninja right now. The Ninja runs fine down to 29 MPH in 6th gear which is just above 3K RPM.

I also like the tubless rims on the Ninja and I think it might have radial tires, but not positive. I know it coasts much better than the Suzuki, probably a combination of better aero and lower rolling resistance but the cumulative difference is significant, probably better than 30%. It is enough to change the driving strategy to utilize the longer coasting distances and the fact that it will maintain speed while coasting down hills that would not maintain speed on the Suzuki.

regards
Mech