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-   -   Kawasaki Ninja 650R : Test Ride & Review (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/superbikes-imports/102530-kawasaki-ninja-650r-test-ride-review-7.html)

Yes, my bike has a cable in that place but I did not have to use it even after digging the bike from under several feet of snow.

incredible pricing really! this truly is a new beginning for the indian bike scene. can't wait to see what price they'll settle for ZX6R, which i've heard will also come.

The Ninja 650 comes abroad in a naked street version called the ER6N. IMO the 6N dosnt look half as good as the 6F.

As for the mods, its a Kwacker so expect everything from free-flow filters, aftermarket exhausts to cosmetic enhancements and lower handlebars.

Would be be great if they had included the immobilizer; would have kept many heart at peace.

Sad IMHO. Tank looked bigger but one there has to be something to complain about :)

Wont premium help? I felt stronger mid range and pickup when I used premium of my Avenger.

Thought 120 was max of 3rd.


Brilliant review Imran & great pix stratos!

Nice pricing Bajaj :thumbs up

I had two pertinent questions:

- Would the Ninja 650R's launch at this price affect the resale of existing SBKs in the market? I mean, wouldn't most people prefer buying a brand new, fully-supported legal bike than a used grey market import with a shaky history? Even if the former is a tourer (vis a vis SBKs that we all love :))?

- If the Ninja gave us 17 kpl on the highway, city average is what....12? 14? That's equivalent to a Maruti Swift. Would petrol prices be a deal killer for any potential customers? Or does this class of customer not bother about kpl?

Thanks

It should ideally affect the resale part; of even the 250s? I only hope they give more color options to pull more sales.

Most will buy this for the pleasure of biking during weekend I guess. I for example use bike only during summer and hence is ok with the petrol price. Also, IMHO one wont feel the pinch if it had a bigger tank since frequent visits to bunk reminds of the mileage kya hei!

Can't say, but others on the forum might have a good idea.

I don't think kpl is such a great issue here (given the pleasure quotient) and the fact that this is not likely to be the primary vehicle for anyone except real die-hard bikers.

I, however, seriously think that a 15-litre tank on a 15-17 kpl FE is not a good idea for touring. It effectively means filling up every 200 km. In far-flung areas, one wouldn't want to fill up just anywhere on what could be a sensitive Fuel Injection system.

Answering your question as a potential customer, who had almost zeroed on the Ninja 250R and was about to go for one by this year end.

Yes. Mature, grown up guys who have had their fill of screaming I-4's or the ones who are more practical in their approach. The Bandit was an equally good Motorcycle, but 650R's pricing completely trumps it helped by SVC's which are present almost all across the country.

I for one wouldn't be bothered as long as the Fortuner's and Camry's are a speck, prior to being lost and I can still tour most places w/o scraping the belly. Tank range is a hindrance though. (But nothing to put off buyers)

It was nice to hear you riding, pumping up adrenaline was never this fun, easy and cheap :)

Hi,
Like you, I'm essentially a car guy. And that's why I guess my thinking exactly matches yours.

The purpose of a bike (in our case) is to bring a smile to our faces. Irrespective of categories, bragging rights etc.

For us, a bike is a nonrational purchase. (Both my bikes were impulse buys, less than 15 mins decision time.) So one never knows and can't predict.

Re: running costs: bikes fall in the 'mad money' category. Fuel efficiency not an issue re: costs, but an issue re: range. But 'mad' time I'm not prepared to spend. (I've Jeeps, and a RD - go figure).

Regards
Sutripta

- Any factor that causes a drop and hopefully elimination of grey market imports should be a good thing. It's because of a few illegal importers that the whole DRI crackdown and other nuisances that legal import owners are facing as well.

- Generally there will not be a huge difference in city/highway mileage for these bikes, and 17/18 is a good average for most bikes in combined cycle. Typical users will be recreational users for whom mileage should not be a concern. For daily users, it will definitely be an alternative to a car, and since it should be better than average car, should translate to saving, right?

I think fuel costs might fade in comparison with some other costs involved with responsible superbike ownership like expenses on gear, tires, service, and mods.

Cheers,

Ride Safe.

I agree on the kpl issue here. Having owned the v-twin comet previously with low FE I've toured most of the barren landscapes of Rajasthan where petrol bunks are far flung. The best part was that the twin took 91 grade fuel and did not need the expensive 97 grade. Any small bunk that we saw we topped up albeit with HP petrol additives. Now the catch with the 650R is that the engine is tuned for 91octane and the Injection system is not as sensitive as you come across on the import liter class bikes. Ask one of my friends who's got the Suzuki GSR650 baby BKing... his dream of touring on that machine just didn't take off.

I myself was to get the 250R but was asked to wait for a while by some acquaintances who work in bajaj since they knew about my touring days. They'd specifically mentioned a touring machine keeping in mind Indian conditions ie. 650R is on the way and boy glad I am it made it.

bridgestone battlax are crap ??

i don't agree to this at all

I agree the older generation battlax were pulled up for their performance on the street.
But not the later one's. I've experienced the ride of the Battlax on the comet and its far superior to what we'd heard.

Here's a late 2008 review you can check.

Bridgestone Battlax BT-016 Hypersport - Motorcycle USA

I am probably going to go for this in the next 1-2 months - have made up my mind. Glad have not gone for the Ninja250 or Baby CBR. I just need a bike soon. Anything around 4 Lacs is my budget and now this at under 5 lacs OTR in Agra / Delhi I am going to go for it.

All I need to know is for people who are booking this - what are the finance options available on this as I do not have 4 lacs to pay down payment. I will probably go for a loan.

Also a full kit - Alpine Stars - Helmet, Jacket and others things - what do these cost ?

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...ar-thread.html

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...post-78-a.html

Thats so nice to know that prior to hopping on the ER-6f, you are conscious about gears, I am replying you at the dedicated thread/s, links of which are on this post itself.


Congratulations:)

Can't help, but ask you for a back to back comparison (N 250R N650R) in your dedicated thread once you get your bigger Ninja.

Comparison = Riding posture, Ride ability and rest what ever you think is worthy to be discussed.