Gabe
COVID-fefe
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2002
- Location
- Where's Cleveland Heights?
- Moto(s)
- FZ-07 farkled-by-Amazon Edition
- Name
- Gabe
- BARF perks
- AMA #: 1006675
Did you tell them you were a CASH BUYER? That's how I got $200 off.
Did you tell them you were a CASH BUYER? That's how I got $200 off.
http://www.kawasaki.ca/model/SUPERSPORT/1443/Ninja-400RSign the pledge: I promise to never wish for a 400cc sport bike again, because there will never, in a million gazillion years, ever be such an animal. You're more likely to get a bio-engineered Pegasus.
To the best of my knowledge, and I have a fair amount in this area, no major manufacturer ever imported a modern 250cc inline-4 into the United States for street use.They did but no one bought them.
...and Canada-only. And a twin, not a v-four of any kind.
...To the best of my knowledge, and I have a fair amount in this area, no major manufacturer ever imported a modern 250cc inline-4 into the United States for street use.
-jim
Going to dinner now--post questions and I'll try to ask the Kawi product planners and project leader (in from Japan for this event) to get real answers.
Just spent the day riding the new bike...and wow, what a difference! Skaggs Springs Road was never that much fun on a big bike. I actually dragged my knee on Hwy One, something I haven't done for years.
The new motor is so much more powerful. You can ride it like it's a bigger bike. Cruising at a GPS-verified 85 mph is no problem and the bike doesn't feel like it's straining. Top speed (GPS verified) that I saw was 103. The speedometer was very accurate, so if other journos are seeing 112, that means the bike will actually go 106 or more. Impressive for a 300!
Also impressive is the new slipper clutch, the smooth, light transmission, good wind protection, ZX-10R-ish styling, really good fuelling and a lot of other features I'll fill you in on with my Motorcycle Daily.com review.
Going to dinner now--post questions and I'll try to ask the Kawi product planners and project leader (in from Japan for this event) to get real answers.
Gabe - did they have any ABS models to try? Still feel as light and easy-steering as the 250, with the slightly wider rear tire? When do they expect them on the floor here in any CA dealerships? Is the new digital speedo still connected via mechanical cable to the front wheel, or is it run off the back of the transmission like most new bikes?
Is anyone else pissed off about the lack of decent suspension on these little bikes? Obviously I'm not interested in power if I'm going for a smaller sport bike, so what's left? Quality suspension, brakes, and a reduced weight is what would make this class of bikes popular IMO. Seems like a no brainer, but both honda and kawasaki have neglected the area of suspension, so I won't be giving them any money.
Just spent the day riding the new bike...and wow, what a difference! Skaggs Springs Road was never that much fun on a big bike. I actually dragged my knee on Hwy One, something I haven't done for years.
The new motor is so much more powerful. You can ride it like it's a bigger bike. Cruising at a GPS-verified 85 mph is no problem and the bike doesn't feel like it's straining. Top speed (GPS verified) that I saw was 103. The speedometer was very accurate, so if other journos are seeing 112, that means the bike will actually go 106 or more. Impressive for a 300!
Also impressive is the new slipper clutch, the smooth, light transmission, good wind protection, ZX-10R-ish styling, really good fuelling and a lot of other features I'll fill you in on with my Motorcycle Daily.com review.
Going to dinner now--post questions and I'll try to ask the Kawi product planners and project leader (in from Japan for this event) to get real answers.
Gabe -
Thanks, and looking forward to your full review!
Question about the tires: Kawi claims that the stock IRCs use a new, stickier rubber compound this year. Never rode IRCs myself; from reviews I've read they sounded kinda scary, so any change should be for the better. What was your impression?
Mind you, the 4" rear rim and 140 tire open up the range of tires that fit natively to finally include a couple good radials (e.g., Diablo Rosso IIs) in addition to the old, standby bias-plys that were popular on the Ninjette (e.g., Sport Demons ). Still, some new 300 buyers will probably want to put a few perfunctory miles on the stock rubber before springing for (better) replacements. Thus, inquiring minds want to know...
Thanks!