I'll be lurking for awhile...

5985 Views 29 Replies 15 Participants Last post by Nordstrom33, Nov 25, 2018

Holoquest

Discussion Starter · Apr 15, 2018

Looks like another great motorcycle forum here. I've already learned a lot!

I'm saving up to buy my very-own Ninja 400. I figured I'd sign up since I've now saved my first thousand. It will probably take me 5 or 6 month to make it happen. I always buy my bikes for cash and self insure...

I currently have (and plan to keep) a 2015 Ninja 1000 ABS that now has 37,000 perfect, trouble free miles on it. I bought it after moving to Kentucky after about an eight year layoff from bikes. I regard that eight year absence from motorcycling to be one of my biggest regrets of my life. I'm now pushing 60 and don't plan on making that mistake again. I've spent much time on kawasakininja1000.com forum and look forward to lurking here to learn the ins and outs of the Ninja 400.

I've got a ton of great twisty roads that start right outside my neighborhood and figured the Ninja 400 would be a great way to add to my enjoyment without breaking the bank.

I'm looking to get a black one as it will go great with my current black 1000. I think they would get along quite nicely, and look like the perfect couple in photos!

To meet my goal I'll have to quit spending all my money on the N1K, that won't be easy, but life never is...

Ride safe (future) friends,

Rick

Reactions: 2

1 - 20 of 30 Posts

SaskBrah

· #2 · Apr 15, 2018

Welcome! Fellow lurker here myself. I don't mind financing a small loan like the cost of this bike as long as the interest rate is low. I have a bit left to pay off on my other bike and then save up a decent down payment before I purchase the N400. Will be a great bike to pair up with my Yamaha WR250R. I'm enjoying the forums here, learning lots, like seeing the mods people are doing as more aftermarket parts become available.

Kiwi Rider

· #3 · Apr 15, 2018

Hey Rick, welcome to the forum.

Sounds like you've got the priorities back on track there after a slight erring.
I had a four year break back in the noughties, the only period in my life since the age of 11 I hadn't owned a motorcycle. There was a woman involved, need I say more.

Happy lurking!

Reactions: 1

RJ Ninja 400

· #4 · Apr 15, 2018

Holoquest, I see you're willing to wait 5 to 6 months in buying this bike outright. Good for you! I have a short fuse with patience but remained in self-control by saving up for the past 6 months and purchasing this bike in cash last month. Also, paid my insurance premiums for a full year upfront with Geico. This bike is worth it! You'll have fun once this bike is in your hands. Hang in there and welcome aboard!

Holoquest

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 16, 2018

Thanks Guys!

Great forum here, I've spent most of the day reading, Planning & learning. It's been raining all day so no riding. I know I'm just supposed to be lurking but hoping I might even contribute a time or two. I've spent lots of time the last few years on Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Forum Lots of good people there also.

I did own an EX500 for several years while I also had my ZX11. It was a great bike with about the same power as the N400 but about 100 pounds heavier. Still remember it fondly. I bought that one for the previous wife to learn on, but alas she never caught on. Win Win!

As far as saving for the N400, that should be a piece of cake. It took me a little over a year to save for my Ninja 1000. Then I spent the last couple years gearing up. So I'll be well set up when I get hold of my N400.

Can't wait! (but I will)

Thanks for the welcome.

Holoquest

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 1, 2018 (Edited)

Spent my day cleaning out my basement...

Well, It's been five and a half month of scrimping and saving. I had a few setbacks but I'm now ready to buy my very own Black Ninja 400 ABS! I've managed to put 5000 Miles on my Ninja 1000 while I was waiting (and saving). It sure helped to have a bike to ride while dreaming of my new bike!

So, I spent the day cleaning out the basement to make room for my new addition. I told myself I would clean out the basement before I brought my Ninja 1000 home three and a half years ago, but I put it off till now!

Saturday morning I went to Costco to renew my membership so I could use their motorsports purchase program like I did for my 1000. I got a great no haggle price and was quite happy so I thought I would try it again.

After signing up with Costco I went to the same dealership as last time. Lucky me my salesman was free. I told him I was ready to buy a Black Ninja 400 ABS, and that I planned on using Costco. He said he could do better than the Costco price, but he needed to check stock, and talk to his manager. When he returned he said he would have to order one and it would be a week to ten days. I could barely believe his first price offer and said **** YES! I gave him a $200 deposit and was on my way in about 20 minutes.

I'm not going to mention the price just yet because it almost seems to good to be true, even with it being the end of the model year. I don't want to jinx it. I'll Update my deal in the Purchase Price thread when the deal is done.

After doing the math on my Ninja 1000 purchase his deal is way better than my last Costco deal, and I figured I would have to keep saving to get my bike, but I had the money to grab his deal right now!

Now, I know the excitement you guy's and girl's have had getting your new rides, I can't wait!

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Reactions: 4

Mr Mike

· #7 · Oct 1, 2018

Holoquest said:
Well, It's been five and a half month of scrimping and saving. I had a few setbacks but I'm now ready to buy my very own Black Ninja 400 ABS! I've managed to put 5000 Miles on my Ninja 1000 while I was waiting (and saving). It sure helped to have a bike to ride while dreaming of my new bike!

So, I spent the day cleaning out the basement to make room for my new addition. I told myself I would clean out the basement before I brought my Ninja 1000 home three and a half years ago, but I put it off till now!

Saturday morning I went to Costco to renew my membership so I could use their motorsports purchase program like I did for my 1000. I got a great no haggle price and was quite happy so I thought I would try it again.

After signing up with Costco I went to the same dealership as last time. Lucky me my salesman was free. I told him I was ready to buy a Black Ninja 400 ABS, and that I planned on using Costco. He said he could do better than the Costco price, but he needed to check stock, and talk to his manager. When he returned he said he would have to order one and it would be a week to ten days. I could barely believe his first price offer and said **** YES! I gave him a $200 deposit and was on my way in about 20 minutes.

I'm not going to mention the price just yet because it almost seems to good to be true, even with it being the end of the model year. I don't want to jinx it. I'll Update my deal in the Purchase Price thread when the deal is done.

After doing the math on my Ninja 1000 purchase his deal is way better than my last Costco deal, and I figured I would have to keep saving to get my bike, but I had the money to grab his deal right now!

Now, I know the excitement you guy's and girl's have had getting your new rides, I can't wait!

I'm excited for you I am... But man you need to hold off a few days... you know the 2019 models will be shown in less than two weeks right..!
You can always buy a new N400.

But if you have to buy NOW you know your supposed to get the Green One for the twisties, Cause it corners better.

Reactions: 2

TaiMc

· #8 · Oct 1, 2018

Holoquest said:
...but I had the money to grab his deal right now!

Now, I know the excitement you guy's and girl's have had getting your new rides, I can't wait!

Gratzzzz can't wait to see pics of your new rider! Whichever year you decide to get! We love our 2018s but I sho wouldn't be mad if you get a 2019 as Mike suggests. Keep us posted

Holoquest

Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 1, 2018

Mr Mike said:
I'm excited for you I am... But man you need to hold off a few days... you know the 2019 models will be shown in less than two weeks right..!
You can always buy a new N400.

But if you have to buy NOW you know your supposed to get the Green One for the twisties, Cause it corners better.

I've looked at all the color choices offered around the globe, and I'd rather have all black. I may add some 2019 graphics I've seen that I like, but I'd still want them with a black tank with 'Ninja' on it. That matches my 1000, and I like stuff to match!

Plus, the price is right. I wouldn't want to wait weeks or months to pay more for a 2019 with no other significant changes.

Remember also, the forum shows that the Black is faster. Maybe only a tenth or two MPH, but that's enough for me!

Reactions: 3

Mr Mike

· #10 · Oct 1, 2018 (Edited)

Holoquest said:
I've looked at all the color choices offered around the globe, and I'd rather have all black. I may add some 2019 graphics I've seen that I like, but I'd still want them with a black tank with 'Ninja' on it. That matches my 1000, and I like stuff to match!

Plus, the price is right. I wouldn't want to wait weeks or months to pay more for a 2019 with no other significant changes.

Remember also, the forum shows that the Black is faster. Maybe only a tenth or two MPH, but that's enough for me!

If the 2019 models includes a white ninja I'd be tempted to sell my almost flawless black one for 4k and pay the two grand extra for the white one :grin:
That way I would have a black and white Ninja.

Holoquest

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 6, 2018

It's like Christmas Morning!

I'm heading off to pick up my Ninja 400! Whoot, Whoot!

I'll be taking the long way home, so I'll be checking in later. You all have a great day, I know I will!!

Reactions: 5

Kiwi Rider

· #12 · Oct 6, 2018

Holoquest said:
It's like Christmas Morning!

I'm heading off to pick up my Ninja 400! Whoot, Whoot!

I'll be taking the long way home, so I'll be checking in later. You all have a great day, I know I will!!

:yahoo: Awesome. Always a great day.

Reactions: 1

Ben Christensen

· #13 · Oct 6, 2018

Nice mate!!! Enjoy!!! ???

Reactions: 1

Bryan-g

· #14 · Oct 7, 2018

opcorn:

Reactions: 1

Holoquest

Discussion Starter · #15 · Oct 8, 2018

2

OK, I got it picked up. No surprises or shenanigans from the dealer. I highly recommend Mike Collins at Lexington Motorsports if you are in Kentucky! $5193 out the Door for a 2018 Black ABS! I'll update in the dealer pricing thread when I get a chance.

What can I say about the bike besides I absolutely love it! It is the perfect sporty and light weight companion to my Ninja 1000. I know it is going to get a lot of riding and a lot of modding!

I will post my initial review after I have a chance to go through my video logs, but one end of ride comment for now:

First Impressions...
The Ninja 400 is a great 'Universal Japanese Motorcycle', well executed and beautifully finished. Lots of pride in ownership for the price point. Fun Factor & performance per Dollar is off the chart!

Thank you all for putting up with me as I saved up the cash, I'm glad to be a full member now!

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Reactions: 5

Mr Mike

· #16 · Oct 8, 2018

Holoquest said:
OK, I got it picked up. No surprises or shenanigans from the dealer. I highly recommend Mike Collins at Lexington Motorsports if you are in Kentucky! $5193 out the Door for a 2018 Black ABS! I'll update in the dealer pricing thread when I get a chance.

What can I say about the bike besides I absolutely love it! It is the perfect sporty and light weight companion to my Ninja 1000. I know it is going to get a lot of riding and a lot of modding!

I will post my initial review after I have a chance to go through my video logs, but one end of ride comment for now:

First Impressions...
The Ninja 400 is a great 'Universal Japanese Motorcycle', well executed and beautifully finished. Lots of pride in ownership for the price point. Fun Factor & performance per Dollar is off the chart!

Thank you all for putting up with me as I saved up the cash, I'm glad to be a full member now!

Oh just look at that beautiful black Ninja... It just Brings tears to my eyes seeing a new baby ninja brought into the fold....

You take good care of her Holoquest, remember uncle Mike is just a post away if you need help with her... :3tens:

Reactions: 2

Holoquest

Discussion Starter · #17 · Oct 8, 2018

2

Thanks @Mr Mike for all your passed and future advice.

Mamma and Baby do look great together!

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Reactions: 4

Heavyweight

· #18 · Oct 9, 2018

Iwill say they definately got the looks right with the 400, its probably the best looking bike kawi has out right now, congradulations on the new bike its sharp, now get youa slip on so it can make some noise lol.

Reactions: 3

atomicmonkey

· #19 · Oct 9, 2018

Three good looking Ninjas you have there!!! I am looking forward to your next few posts comparing your two bikes!

Reactions: 3

Bryan-g

· #20 · Oct 9, 2018

Holoquest said:
Thanks @Mr Mike for all your passed and future advice.

Mamma and Baby do look great together!

I can see the resemblance! I think you got a great deal on that price, enjoy the ride.

Reactions: 2

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