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Life with my Kawasaki Ninja 300: Ownership updates at 8000 kms

26th June 2023, 16:28 by Dev Shah

The pillion position and comfort is comparatively better than my Yamaha R3. My wife enjoys short rides on the Ninja.

BHPian shiv4747 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Ninja 8k kms ODO update:

I left the bike for a complete service at 5600 kms at Ambattur Kawasaki service centre. I left service in the morning and picked up by evening. Service was decent enough. Though - I prefer my FNG service, I wanted company service after I purchased.

I wanted to change the MRF stock tyres. The bike was idle for many months. Due to idle and heat, the rubber did not give a stable and confident ride. Hence I changed to Michelin tyres. Due to unavailability of 140/70 rear tyres, I opted for 150/60. Initially I felt weird adapting to it. But now I feel much confidence in cornering and breaking. There is no wobbling or any irregularities in handle bar post changing the tyres.

I am using it everyday for my office commute. Ride is ultimately smooth. Engine is slowly opening up the aggressive side of it. Earlier, it was so calm and exhaust sound was very mild. After the service and riding 3k kms so far the engine is tuning up well and exhaust sound is orgasmic.

Usually I fill BP petrol. But last 1k kms I used Indian Oil XP95. The difference is pretty good. Engine has become smoother now.

The ground clearance is decent enough. Couple of times I scraped the bottom in unfamiliar location bumps with my pillion rider friend. He weighs about 95kg. Nothing to complain about though. But I am careful enough when ever I ride with pillion. (It is advisable to check the bottom if in case buying an used Ninja 300).

Suspension is comfortable. I never felt any sort of back ache. But for the pillion rider the impact is comparatively high on uneven roads or bumps. I have felt myself while riding in pillion. I wouldn’t recommend any old people for a pillion rider for sure.

For first few 100 kms I suffered slight wrist pain. Hence fitted the grip puppies. The feedback is good after the fit. Material supports heat and rain.

As we all are aware of Chennai heat, I was expecting a huge hot air blow while commuting to office in the morning time. But the radiator does the job better. I don’t hear the fan sound often. When I had my R3, I was able to hear the fan pretty much and even I turn off the engine, the fan keeps running when the engine is hot. Whereas in Ninja, the fan stops when I switch off the engine.

The tank in Ninja is solid and the cover part is metal. So the heat is felt during the day time and also when the engine is hot especially felt in the area where the tank and seat meets.

**Dear fellow riders, please advise if you have felt the same**

I miss the gear shift indicator in Ninja. I am so got used to it when I had my R3.

Gear shift pattern: 1st to 2nd with in 2k RPM. If I shift beyond that the uncomfortable clank sound comes in. Hence I prefer to change within 2k RPM. Post 2nd gear, shifting gears is unimaginably smooth. While downshifting I shift quickly to 1st gear instead of 2nd which gives a not so good feel to upshift again. This is where I miss the gear shift indicator ultimately.

Sometime I miss that R3’s lovely exhaust sound. It was heavier than Ninja. While going on a moving traffic, many two wheelers used to let me go when they hear the high bass exhaust. Whereas in Ninja, it sounds so calm below 5k rpm. But sometimes it's helpful to be not so attention seeking. Still the tank color attracts few fellow riders and make them want to street race which is annoying.

The bike ergonomics are good which helps the bike to reach 100kmph within a matter of seconds and important thing is bike is so stable and inspiring confidence.

The pillion position and comfort is comparatively better than my R3. My wife enjoys short rides on the Ninja. But I prefer solo ride though.

Another advantage is the fuel tank capacity. 17 litres. Refueling period is longer than my R3 - 14 litres. This was kinda of discomfort during my long rides to my native.

I have ridden upto 55kms approx from when the fuel indication last bar starts blinking. I believe 3 litres is present when it does.

The headlight through is adequate enough. Though I would prefer much better lights. I prefer much stronger halogen lights than LED. These days LED lights from few scooter brands are annoying during heavy traffic. From my perspective I prefer halogens.

I always prefer to warm up the engine for few minutes to ensure a much better ride. I feel a big difference while riding if I don’t warm up the engine enough.

The rider position is comparatively better than R3. The seat comfort of rider is also much much better. I don’t feel any discomfort in longer rides. Seat is big enough.

I have removed the saree guard grill. I find it easy to clean and lube the chain now. And also for cleaning the alloys.

Side mirrors are of a good use for sure. I always prefer to ride with it. As many of you guys know how R3 side mirrors are. So one star more for Ninja side mirrors.

I rate 5 out of 5 for braking. though I have never done panic braking, the bite is good enough and the bike stops without any drama. R3 braking was comparatively good but I preferred engine braking in it. Whereas I prefer front and rear braking in Ninja.

Acceleration surprises me often when ever there is an empty stretch. The feel is just stunning post 5k RPM. The pick up level is so high. What amazes me is, it handles pretty well in traffic with the stable, composed pick up and enormous pick up post 5k to 6k RPM.

I am an old school. So I don’t miss any techs or fancy dash on Ninja. I prefer good engine, better ride, adrenaline rush. Ninja has it all.

70% of my rides are in city traffic. I usually don’t like changing lanes often unless it is very necessary, the bike feels comfortable to handle and not at all tiring. I rarely felt shoulder pain which I have it for many years. I felt badly when I was using my Ntorq for a while before changing to Ninja.

I love the bike cooler. Not so flashy and not so subtle. Black and Ninja green grabs good attention on road. Kids in my locality always get enthusiastic when they see my bike. I rev it which brings the priceless smile on their face which I enjoy the most than riding the bike.

Bottom line: I had a slight itch for upgrade when I had my R3. After using Ninja 300, it has gradually faded away. R3 is equally good and will always be my first love. But the Ninja has become my better half and made me think not to have another in my life.

Cheers

Shiva