Ninja 300

morguk · 7 Jul 2013 at 11:20

So I had a 125cc for 2 years and I'm tempted to get back into it. I don't want to go super fast, just be nippy and have a bigger size bike.

What do you think of the Ninja 300? What about compared to the CBR 500?

ElliorR · 7 Jul 2013 at 11:36

I like the look of it, though not a bike I'd buy as it'd be like a toy bike on me (people said I made my ER6f look small), and it seems to get good reviews. The Green special edition looks very nice.

No idea about the Honda.

You have passed your MOD 2 yes? If so go test ride.

morguk · 7 Jul 2013 at 14:08

Haven't done the A2 yet, tempted though. If I did then I would definitely get the 300. But if it did it would be my only form of transport as I wouldn't be able to afford a car too

atpbx · 7 Jul 2013 at 15:01

I have no idea how these new licenses work, but the CBR 500 (and the other 2 bikes that share the engine in the range) have gotten extremely positive reviews.

If I was in a position where I was looking at one or the other, I would choose the Honda every time.
More power, more torque and better built.

Dogbreath · 7 Jul 2013 at 15:55

The Ninja is probably great fun on smaller A and B roads, but it's going to be a little underpowered for any fast DCW or motorway work. If you want a new sports bike and you aren't keen on getting a full supersport 600 then the CBR500 is a great choice. Don't rule out bikes like the SV650 or ER6 though, they have an almost perfect balance of power and economy and general running costs IMO.

On Holiday · 7 Jul 2013 at 16:11

Not sure what the license rules are these days, but I would recommend skipping a mid size and going for a 500/600 etc as when I was running quotes on insurance I found them to be the same price. As always though, SV 650, ER 6, GSX650F etc are great bikes for beginners.

eidolon · 7 Jul 2013 at 17:12

atpbx said:
If I was in a position where I was looking at one or the other, I would choose the Honda every time.
More power, more torque and better built.

Better built? I'm not sure I'd agree. I was on a 2010 CBR600RR mid week and have just come back from a ride on my 2010 ZX6R and I'd definitely say the Kawasaki is better built.

(and not just because I own the Kawasaki either)

On Holiday · 7 Jul 2013 at 17:36

Kawasaki don't like hiding the welding though and they are more known than Honda for the rev-vibrations on the fairings etc!

edd1e · 7 Jul 2013 at 19:33

YarwoodUK said:
for the rev-vibrations on the fairings etc!

+1000 on this point. My 2008 ZX-10R had the most annoying rattle on the ignition barrel that could not be fixed. Very common problem too.

SPG · 7 Jul 2013 at 19:53

Meant to be good bikes, handle nice so im told.

acemastr · 7 Jul 2013 at 19:57

eidolon said:
Better built? I'm not sure I'd agree. I was on a 2010 CBR600RR mid week and have just come back from a ride on my 2010 ZX6R and I'd definitely say the Kawasaki is better built.

(and not just because I own the Kawasaki either)

I'd say the opposite, but then I own a Honda

eidolon · 7 Jul 2013 at 22:10

acemastr said:
I'd say the opposite, but then I own a Honda

The new Fireblade is one of my fave current bikes so I'm not averse to Honda but when it comes to quality I think my ZX6R is definitely better than the CBR600RR I rode last week. YMMV