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15,000 km & 1 year with my Ninja 1000SX: Overall costs & experience

26th May 2024, 13:09 by Ananth Iyer

From city streets to winding mountain passes, we have covered it all, and the odometer bears witness to the kms of memories etched into every twist and turn.

BHPian N1Krider_R recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Well, the travel log has not been getting the love it needs no matter how much I try. Anyway, guess what? It's been a year already since I embarked on this incredible journey with the Kwacker. And what a ride it has been! Join me as I peel back the layers of my time and travels with the Nimbus, sharing the raw data and heartfelt emotions behind each kilometer traveled. (Not literally every km, don't worry )

I intend to write down the complete list here as a reference for myself and anyone aspiring to purchase this beautiful machine. Here I have been gathering all the intel on kilometers ridden, money spent on fueling, service, tyres, insurance, modifications, and riding gear upgrades.

Kilometers Ridden:

Let's kick things off with the hard numbers - the kilometers I've clocked on my trusty steed in the last 12 months - 15,000. From the first exhilarating ride Home to the latest breakfast run, each kilometer has been a testament to the freedom and joy that comes with exploring the traf**kked roads of Mumbai to the open Highways of MH, GJ, KA, GA, KL, TN. From city streets to winding mountain passes, we have covered it all, and the odometer bears witness to the kms of memories etched into every twist and turn.

Money Matters:

Now, let's talk finances - because every journey comes with its costs, both tangible and intangible. I've been tracking (roughly) the amount spent on fueling my passion, servicing my ride, replacing worn-out tyres, securing insurance, and indulging in the occasional upgrade for both myself (apparels) and my machine. It is a proof of the investment required to keep the wheels turning, but each expense has been worth the priceless experiences gained and the amazing friendships forged along the way.

Ninja 1000sx - RY-2023-24 (1st year) ownership running cost

I have deliberately kept the insurance cost out of the above calculation, as I intend to count it in the RY-2024-25

Emotional Rollercoaster:

But beyond the numbers lies the heart and soul of my journey - the emotions that have accompanied me through every mile. There have been moments of pure exhilaration, as we flew to our destinations like an intercontinental ballistic missile, carved the corners like a MotoGp maniac, and explored breathtaking landscapes. There have been a couple of moments of frustration, as I've faced unexpected obstacles and mechanical gremlins (Read : Punctures and a TC sensor covered in muck). And there have been moments of sheer joy, as I've forged bonds with fellow riders and shared in the camaraderie of the road.

As I close the chapter on this first year of my journey, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences I've had and the memories I've made. And as I look ahead to the road stretching out before me, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement for the journeys yet to come. Collated a few pictures from each month for posterity, enjoy !!

April

Out on a solo run to complete the run-in; returned back home meeting a random bike enthusiast who was riding a Honda Fireblade - now friends for life. Thanks to VT for introducing to HRC and all the amazing people in the group.

May

First service and a midnight run with the missus

June

18-day trip to the southern tip of India

July

Monsoon trip with the group where it all started - NHT

August

City run, last ride with the Tall Boy V650 - btw bff still cries after selling off the beloved NightRaven. Idiot refuses to buy it back as images of the bike float around the internet since its back on SALE again! - Universe does give you a chance, pounce on it! Money can be made back again; health and memories aren't coming back.