Joined
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423 Posts
Hi All,
I've been lurking on this forum for the last few weeks and decided to create an account.
Background:
I'm a older new rider and have only been riding for 1 year in San Francisco. When I took the MSF course, I rode on a Honda Nighthawk 250 and though I would never want this type of bike, I was hooked and understand why riding on 2 wheels is so eurphroic. My only regret is that I did not starting riding earlier in life but better late than never.
My first bike was a brand new Ducati Scrambler Icon. I know this bike is not recommended for beginner riders but I did not have any major issues with it besides dropping it a couple of times in my parking garage the first month which sucked. I sold the Scrambler a year ago because I relocated to NYC and did not want to pay to move it to NYC. Also though I liked the scrambler I had issues riding it on the freeway over 70 mph due to the wind even with an aftermarket windscreen.
I prefer the relaxed/upright riding position and the look of naked bikes but I want better wind protection so that's why I'm interested in a bike with fairings. So I'm having a hard time deciding between R3 and Ninja 400. I went to a local dealer today and was able to sit on both bikes. I'm 6 ft 160 lbs and the R3 was more comfortable since it seems to be a tad higher. The Ninja 400 was a bit more cramped for me but maybe the comfort seat would provide a bit more leg room. Similar to other reviews, I am not a fan of the exhaust and it's in the way of my foot. I understand an aftermarket exhaust can remedy this issue but I'm surprised Kawasaki thought this was acceptable unless most riders are shorter with smaller feet. :smile:
The best quote I have received for the Ninja 400 ABS KRT or Pearl Solar Yellow is $6250 USD OTD ($5499 + 8.875% Sales Tax + License/Registration). Based on the other OTD thread, seems like I should be able to get a better deal but not sure if it's possible in the NYC area. I do not have a Costco membership and it does not seem to be worth paying $55 for a membership based on the other thread and OTD price.
I'm not a fanboy of any brand and feel that all bikes have a place in this world. I understand it's subjective and since I'm posting on the Ninja 400 forum, maybe even less objective but if you were in my shoes, would you go for the R3 or Ninja 400? Unless I can get a sick deal on a left over 2017 R3 ABS, the Ninja 400 seems like it has more bang for the buck.
BTW, I will not be using this bike to commute or track...well maybe a track day once I get more experience. I mostly plan to ride on the weekends and hopefully get out of the city and into the twisties and maybe some sport touring.
I'm not interested in the Ninja 650, Z650, or Versys 300/650. I like the FZ-07/MT-07 but I want better wind protection that comes with a bike with fairings. I like how the R3 and Ninja 400 are less aggressive in position and it seems to be a good compromise with more of an upright position.
I'm 70-80% sure I want the Ninja 400 but R3 seemed more comfortable and less cramp for me.
Thanks in advance for your input and opinions...
I've been lurking on this forum for the last few weeks and decided to create an account.
Background:
I'm a older new rider and have only been riding for 1 year in San Francisco. When I took the MSF course, I rode on a Honda Nighthawk 250 and though I would never want this type of bike, I was hooked and understand why riding on 2 wheels is so eurphroic. My only regret is that I did not starting riding earlier in life but better late than never.
My first bike was a brand new Ducati Scrambler Icon. I know this bike is not recommended for beginner riders but I did not have any major issues with it besides dropping it a couple of times in my parking garage the first month which sucked. I sold the Scrambler a year ago because I relocated to NYC and did not want to pay to move it to NYC. Also though I liked the scrambler I had issues riding it on the freeway over 70 mph due to the wind even with an aftermarket windscreen.
I prefer the relaxed/upright riding position and the look of naked bikes but I want better wind protection so that's why I'm interested in a bike with fairings. So I'm having a hard time deciding between R3 and Ninja 400. I went to a local dealer today and was able to sit on both bikes. I'm 6 ft 160 lbs and the R3 was more comfortable since it seems to be a tad higher. The Ninja 400 was a bit more cramped for me but maybe the comfort seat would provide a bit more leg room. Similar to other reviews, I am not a fan of the exhaust and it's in the way of my foot. I understand an aftermarket exhaust can remedy this issue but I'm surprised Kawasaki thought this was acceptable unless most riders are shorter with smaller feet. :smile:
The best quote I have received for the Ninja 400 ABS KRT or Pearl Solar Yellow is $6250 USD OTD ($5499 + 8.875% Sales Tax + License/Registration). Based on the other OTD thread, seems like I should be able to get a better deal but not sure if it's possible in the NYC area. I do not have a Costco membership and it does not seem to be worth paying $55 for a membership based on the other thread and OTD price.
I'm not a fanboy of any brand and feel that all bikes have a place in this world. I understand it's subjective and since I'm posting on the Ninja 400 forum, maybe even less objective but if you were in my shoes, would you go for the R3 or Ninja 400? Unless I can get a sick deal on a left over 2017 R3 ABS, the Ninja 400 seems like it has more bang for the buck.
BTW, I will not be using this bike to commute or track...well maybe a track day once I get more experience. I mostly plan to ride on the weekends and hopefully get out of the city and into the twisties and maybe some sport touring.
I'm not interested in the Ninja 650, Z650, or Versys 300/650. I like the FZ-07/MT-07 but I want better wind protection that comes with a bike with fairings. I like how the R3 and Ninja 400 are less aggressive in position and it seems to be a good compromise with more of an upright position.
I'm 70-80% sure I want the Ninja 400 but R3 seemed more comfortable and less cramp for me.
Thanks in advance for your input and opinions...
