2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R - 200 mile impression

[nickdrakesi]

I have a 2008 650r ninja, I wanted to change the fenders and dash to the 2009+'s models. Would it be a direct bolt on swap? Or will this not work...

[theripmon81]

@nickdrakesi Can't help you there. I know the 2009 dash is all digital, and unsure how if it will be compatible.

[roninmd]

Loud pipes on a ninja?! Ninjas are supposed to be stealth!

[Apex0825]

the oil level window isn't really a complaint that you should be bothered about. it's there on almost all sports bikes.

[theripmon81]

@Apex0825 lol i know, was just bitchin' cuz I always feel like i'm goign to tip it over too much and have it fall over. I've gotten over it now (2nd year riding it)

[rogueelite]

the 650r is a good bike from 06-2010, but there are a few necessary mods.

sport bars 2.0

aftermarket exhaust

fenger eliminator

sport bars or LSL low bars are a must IMO, the stock bars are way to high to feel like you are riding a sport bike...

[theripmon81]

@rogueelite DIdn't care about the exhaust sound (sounds good to me while riding), I'd prefer a fender cuz I ride in the rain, plus the bar height is what attracted me to this, it's more of a "Sport Touring" that way.

If you want a sportier bike, get the 636/ZX6R or w/e they call it today lol

[rogueelite]

@theripmon81

Really? I could barely hear my stock pipe. I think aftermarket pipes are good because they make you more obvious. like they say, if you cant be seen (and you wont), then be heard.

have you even gone full tuck on the highway with your stock bars? it feels weird, and it looks just as weird. with sport bars its easier to get down and out of the wind. especially if you are tall like I am 6'2"

I dont have to ride in the rain. I have a primary vehicle with a roof and doors : D

[theripmon81]

@rogueelite I can hear it fine, even with my helmet and ear plugs on. To each their own man :) I've seen Harley riders get hit around here, and people say they didn't hear them. Sad but true :(

Yes, I have gone full tuck, rode over an hour on the thruway full tuck because the crosswinds were REALLY bad. However I normally like to ride more upright. I'm not a fan of the sport bars because it hurts ones wrists after leaning on them for too long. I'm about 5'10". It's just a personal pref. =)

[rogueelite]

@theripmon81

Well I think the most important thing is that you bought a ninja :thumbs up:

regardless of what mods you prefer

[thebullfrog24]

@rogueelite just bought a 650r and i'm new to bikes and i knew i wanted to make mods cuz i like the bike but don't love it. and i'm glad u said the sport bars cuz now i plan on gettin them

thanks man

[rogueelite]

@thebullfrog24 cool, just a heads up you will need to adjust the banjo bolt for your front brake resevoir, because it will probably hit the intrument cluster. and you may need to adjust other cables to make it turn full lock. check out riderforums sometime, that's where i got all my info.

[druummerrboyy22]

how fast dos thng go??

[QuickXilver]

man i hate digits ...i love analog donno why.

[pcrb1979]

I've got the same bike except it backfires like crazy and randomly revs to 4000 from idle. Kawi says its a known problem and covered under warranty but they won't fix it.

Just warning potential buyers. I'll post a video of it soon.

[theripmon81]

If it's a known issue did you try another kawasaki shop? Try printing out the sheet from kawasaski saying it's covered. It sounds like it's a shop issue with you.

How many miles, is it an 09?

[pcrb1979]

Yeah, an '09. The dealer attempted to fix it and played with the fuel injection settings, etc but the only change I noticed was my fuel mileage got terrible. They had another demo 650r at the time and it was doing the same thing. Kawasaki apparently told them it was a known issue and there has been no recall yet. It's still under warranty so I'll keep fighting.

[Chrisix9]

You'll need those frame sliders...you'll be laying it down within one month

[theripmon81]

7 months so far.

[KILLERKAY3]

what a load of crap, ive been riding for a year with no drops, and my friend has been riding for almost two years and never dropped

[Popestickle]

ok thanks theripmon81, it helps alot :)

[Popestickle]

It looks like a really good bike and i am hinking of getting a Kawasaki Ninja but im not to sure, because i have never had any road bike experience before i don't know what to look for so would this bike be good for learners?

[theripmon81]

If it's mostly city, go 250cc, it's more forgiving to mistakes. Most bikes under 500cc are good learners, this is a 650cc bike (obviously). IMO, this bike is good for learning if you have your head screwed on right and don't try to do crazy things (had 3 bikers killed this season in this area because they were doing wheelies passing and hit something).

Take the MSF course: you'll be glad u did. I know I was

[mediav50]

hey do u think a 5 foot 8 guy can carrry the 650r? i am planning to get a 650r or a 250r..

[theripmon81]

Should be, I'm 5'11" ~ 200lbs

[magicdudegary]

Yup...I'm 5'9 and 142 pounds and bought the 650r yesterday. Just learned how to ride yesterday and have had no problems. I really don't know anything about other bikes but the 650 is mad comfortable and fun to ride.

[SpecialBlendNY]

such a sick bike. hopefully this will be my first bike. im 17 and still gotta go through the course and all of that crapto get my license but i cant wait to get a 650 ninja.

[KAMMM3]

im 17 too haha. im planing on getting it next spring to ride to school and work

[bmetstud]

cool bike, im really considering this bike. but at 80 mph in 6th what would you say your rpm's are running about? thanks alot, ride safe.

[theripmon81]

i think about 7-8k. i don't ride that road alot though, it's very windy :)

[smokypotbear]

Im going to be buying my first bike in the next few weeks. Im really set on the 650 or the 250...not a big fan of the 500 because it just looks shitty to me. Which one should i go for? im 6' and 150. I really dont feel like havin the 650 nose raise up on me anytime soon, but i dont want to get tired of the 250 lacking in power. Any help?

[theripmon81]

650 is fine if you have a good head. There are times when i've gone 75 and not realize it. Don't worry about the nose rising too much, i've had this open full throttle and it didn't pop on me, good clutch control is the key. Yes, I have popped wheelies on it, but by "Pop-the-clutch", but not by just opening the throttle.

If you haven't already, I'd recommend taking the MSF course or any other similar motorcycle rider coursers. You get an insurance discount and a road test waiver (most states)

[theripmon81]

Also, I'd like to add: i've put 2300+ miles on this in about 3 months, and enjoyed every second riding it. Enough power to keep up on the through way, and "small" enough to not get into too much trouble

[DrewHoward82]

Was this your first bike?

[theripmon81]

First street bike, had trail bikes I went on four-wheeler trails with my friends and family

[DrewHoward82]

I'm picking up the naked version of this bike next month. I can't wait!

[theripmon81]

The ER6-n? I saw that at one of the dealers here. Personally I like the fairing version better, but it's the same thing otherwise, you'll have a blast! Rubber side down

[dezyre101]

i have the er-6n....its basically the same bike....

[MorganProffer]

Just got mine 20 hours ago... already put 80 miles on it :D Passion Red, as well. Such a fun bike.

[theripmon81]

I just hit the 2000 mile mark myself. Passion red is the best color for it in my opinion :)

[MorganProffer]

me too, hit it yesterday (and im red also) ;D

[ghostpilot01]

I live an hour away from mexico, that's why insurance is so high here.

[ghostpilot01]

went to a dealer today and they wanted 7800 out the door with no extended warranty, I think I can work them down to 7500 or 7600, but I think you got a hell off a deal. I gave them my number, so hopefully they will offer something better.

I shop around for insurance and so far, Foremost Insurance Group and RV Insurance was the lowest. 800 for a full year with uninsured motorist coverage(fifty percent of people here don't have insurance) $500 deductable.

Thanks for the info.

[theripmon81]

I got it in March, before the season, so that's probably why. I looked up that insurance place, it was Dairyland Cycle Insurance. It's a subsidiary of some major insurance company in Texas, call them for a quote. From what I heard about them around the internet, you get a MAJOR discount for completing the MSF course.

When it comes to a deal, try "If I get the 5 yr how much of a deal can you get me" kind of thing. I have medical on my motorcycle and uninsured motorist is required in my state.

[ghostpilot01]

Have you also talk to your insurance company about club discounts? Not sure if kawasaki has one, but American Motorcyclist Association would work. They would knock off 50 or so bucks off the year if your in one of those Clubs or Association.

[ghostpilot01]

Just wondering how much did you pay out the door for your bike, I looking to get one in a few weeks. Right now I already have all my gear, just shopping for the best price for insurance, and crunching the numbers.

Great bike!

[theripmon81]

I paid $7800, with 5 yr warranty, which they took $200 or $300 off for that, and waived the setup and delivery. I paid $172 for a full year for basic coverage through progessive (incld discount for MSF course). Found an insurance company based in Texas that gave me a quote for about $380 w/ full coverage ($500 deductable). Good thing you have all your gear, I'm so used to riding full gear that I feel naked riding without it.

[dukviper90]

next month i am either getting that or a fz6r

[theripmon81]

Steelhorseclub just got the FZ6R

/user/steelhorseclub

He seems pleased with it. I think the FZ6R is a 4-cyl, and i know my 650R is a 2-cyl. so it's has a bit more pep, but the 650R has enough power to keep me in, and out of trouble lol

[dukviper90]

yeah the v twins have mad low end torque so u will always launch faster to 60 then a crotch rocket or the fz6r.

[expexprodigy]

i love that bike and new changes, i had the red 2007 ninja and i wish i still had it sometimes but i traded in for a ninja zx6r

[ChaosTheory118]

just landed a 2nd job for the summer so i can get mine :D

[scirockalot8v]

i still dont like the new 650s. they look like an angry moth. atleast you got the faster color of them. give it time you will want that bike to bark. nice bike.

[cougars644]

i'm saving up for mine, I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! thanks for the vid.

[speedytang4]

it s gorgeous

[theripmon81]

Thanks! It's very fun to ride =)