[lizzleberry]

Hi,
new to the forum, please be nice to me? (tried a general motorbike forum, got slated when i said i was getting this bike, which was nice of them)

I have this bike, I traded my yzf125 in for it exactly a month ago now, it's not seen much action yet but successfully passed the initiation test when i had to ride it through a flood and it didn't go 'phut' afterwards.
I passed my test in November and have been riding for 9 months now. This bike was a bit of an impulse buy, i wanted to become one of the nobs on an ancient 600 but saw this within 10 minutes of reading about financing bikes and getting quotes for 600s being young and apparently stupid, in short, this one seemed like the cheapest option at the time and christmas was looking pretty bleak, so i felt the need to treat myself. by the end of the week it was sat proudly between my parents bikes in the garage standing out majorly due to its amazing green-ness.

The bike in general is "alright" I just have a major question to ask anyone who has one. I know i'm running it in and so haven't experienced all the bike might "have to offer"
all I know is that at 5000 revs in top gear (the fastest i can really take it while it's doing its first 500 miles) it's doing about 45 - 50mph
my 125 was doing 40mph at 5000 revs in top gear.
my question is, is this right?
it seems to have the exact same power as the 125, i know the top speed is going to be more, but the power just seems to be disappointing, it performs exactly the same as the 125 and because of this i'm noticing all the flaws in the bike (things I don't like, like the seat height, no one's that short, really) rather than enjoying it.

the 125 would do 80, it'd think about it for about 10 minutes and you had to focus all your attention into getting to 80, but it'd do it, it'd sit comfortably at 60 - 70ish on long journeys, I'm really hoping the 300 will sit merrily at 80, at least 80, i'm planning a trip down to spain and italy in the summer and it needs to deliver or im going to get ditched by my dad on his pegaso, and that's just embarrassing.
i know i've kind of thrown this one in the deep end a bit and i'm giving it a hard time before it's even run in, but i just feel a little let down.
everyone loves the bike, i want to love it too

what does everyone think of theirs?
does anyone else have this problem?
is there hidden power stored after 8000 revs?
have I trashed it already? (i haven't got much bike knowledge, i kind of throw money at things and see what happens, bike maintenance for me is to fill up the petrol and take it to a garage every so often and get yelled at by a mechanic for not doing something or another...)
has anyone got any changes to recommend, i want the seat made higher and/or the handles put down, i don't care how but someone's got to know how to do it, has anyone got anything else to recommend?
let me know, thank you for any responses
Liz
x

 

[-dondae-]

Hi Liz, welcome. Don't worry, this forum is very friendly and people here are very respectful on other people's opinion. You'll find out soon. Coming from me who owns 300 with a thousand miles on my bike, you can't really judge it's power if you are still breaking in the bike. I'm done with my break in and babying and now I'm trying to ride it in it's full potential. I ride it on a freeway, top gear at 90 mph but still not on full throttle, I felt like it can easily give me more speed but I don't wana ask something I'm afraid I can't handle. Im sure a lot of people here rode it faster than that. I didn't hear any complaints here other than fairing issues, seems like everybody is happy with 300. Let's wait what they will tell you.

 

[ghost3772]

First I'd like to say, congratz on the bike! And I am sorry to hear your disappointed.

The power really does release itself after 5k rpm's so your def gonna start to feel it once you rev up your bike. these sports bikes like high rpm's.

The big difference your gonna see as far as the added power is passing ability, acceleration, and overall top speed, as well as being at a lower rpm range at faster speeds.

think about it this way. if your cruzing on the highway at 70 mph on your old 125, then your only left with a little passing power and not much higher speed. although the speed limit is usually 65, the passing power is where it really comes in handy. the ninja 300 tops out at liek 110 or so before the ecu tells is not to go any faster. but the acceleration at higher speeds is much better. if you think of it this way. your giving yourself a better chance of getting yourself out of trouble should a situation arise where you need to pass someone, or gas it out of the way of another car. this applies at lower speeds too.

I have driven the 125 and I can say hands down this is 3 times the bike the 125 is.

so as far as break in....

Well your at 500 miles which is plenty of a break in on these smaller engines. you can rev it up way more than that if you'd like, just dont reline it.

Breaking in is about the expansion and contraction of the cylinder walls and well all moving parts. so that they seat properly. the right way, whether be manufacturers instructions or not, is to vary your rpm ranges as much as you can and for the first 500 miles keep it below 10k rpm. again, as long as you vary your rpm ranges. continue to vary rpm ranges till 800 miles, however you can goon decent long trips, 45 minutes or w/e at a time at the same rpm range, lets say, the highway.

you have no trashed the bike, dont worry, just go in for routine maintenance and oil changes and you'll be fine. oil changes more often than not is better.


On another note, if your planning long trips I would reccoment a 15 tooth front sprocket. it smoothes out shifting as well as lowers the rpm of each gear at the same speed. basically it gear is up so you would use less gas at highway speeds by lowering the engine speed. if you plan on touring with this bike for the most part. if you do this, you'll lose that jerky rip your arms off feeling at low speeds shifting, and not lose too much if any of the pick up you already have. it really smooths out 1'st gear especially.

there is a kit out there to raise or lower the bike, i cant remember who makes it.. maybe somebody will chime in here, or you could google it. i dont have the time to atm.


I think....? I touched on everything...? lemme know if i forgot something or you have any questions! lol I dont mind, and I know other forum members love answering questions, so fire em away when you have em!

 

[old3]

Add the 15t sprocket unless you are trail riding it.

Next, forget the recommended break in RPMs. It is nonsense. Don't lug it, and don't free rev it downhill at 13k either. You want the engine lightly loaded and at varied RPMs from low to high range, and decel with engine compression fro high RPMs now and then.

Unless there is something really wrong with your 300, it should be impressing you ALOT. My kid has a 12 Ninja 250 and it flat smokes it.

So, do not fear WFO thottle, and get a sprocket cause as stock it is just making alot of noise in first gear and the speedo is reading too high as well, so at 70 MPH you aren't doing much above 65 MPH. With the sprocket it is corrected as proven by GPS.

Another thing, read thru the mods. The throttle pull is stupid long on the 300. A quick turn throttle makes a huge difference as does a tuner. Eyeball the threads I've started if it helps, I've done a good bit to mine.

Ask for help if you still need it.

 

[learner]

I'm a little confused?
Your redlining your 125 but sticking to the 5k rpm on your 300 and thinking they have the same power?

 

[lizzleberry]

Heyyy, thanks for replying, i feel so much better about it now. I did notice that I could actually overtake things on this bike, I'm getting bored of running it in now, it's actually at 400 miles (ish) and i believe it's 600 that you get it serviced?
i'll probably take it down to my dealers soon anyway just for a once over, I think theres something on the bike that can be adjusted to make the seat higher and I've heard of the kits that lower the handles, but the handles (i know there's a better word than handles, I just don't know it yet, please excuse the novice terms ) are so close to the farings that I'm not sure it will be possible, it'll be something for whichever poor mechanic is assigned to my bike to ponder.
I do a lot of "leisure" rides but obviously with the weather (if you're in england you'll understand that as soon as snow touches the forcast veryone starts hoarding bread and hiding in the attics huddled round an electric heater) they've been getting rare, I've actually had to start driving a car in to work, it's awful
I can't wait to get it out the garage tomorrow, there's still snow everywhere, it's going to be terrifying.
the prospect of long trips is exciting me hugely, i want to go to the TT this year but i'm struggling to find company, i think riding up from the south coast to the IoM is going to determine if i'm "man" enough to get it down to spain, once manliness has been established i'll start looking at touring mods so thanks for the advice
do you recommend any good oils? this is engine oil right? i have an oiler for my chain because i trashed the chain on my 125 by neglecting to oil it, engine oil is another matter completely and i haven't heard of a good brand to rely on yet D:

 

[lizzleberry]

I'm a little confused?
Your redlining your 125 but sticking to the 5k rpm on your 300 and thinking they have the same power?

5k rpm on the 125 was 40, 5k rpm on the 300 is 45
redlining the yzf got me about 80 (on a good day)
i plan on not redlining the 300, and not going over 5-6krpm until it's run in
the small difference in speed at the same rpm on two bikes of different power and engine size is what's worrying me, obviously i haven't riden the 300 over the 6k revs yet so i don't know if this all changes, hence the over-worded question

 

[DaveTheCanuck]

As others have said, ignore the break-in RPM limit. It's BS. Get out there, have fun At 400 miles, your engine is broken in anyway.

The bike is a bit low/awkward for taller people. I'm 6'0, and I can flat foot it and still have to bend my knees. I wouldn't worry about raising it, but you can replace the front clip-ons (handles) and rearsets with adjustable ones to make the riding position more comfortable.

As for oil, go with whichever synthetic brand you feel like. In the end, you're not going to notice any difference on the street. Can't go wrong with Motul 7100 or Amsoil 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil.

 

[old3]

Oil opinions will be like "bot" holes, everyone has one! I run Rotella T in all my bikes, MX, off road and supermoto race bikes. The 300 get it too. You only need to get a oil in the correct weight that is wet clutch friendly, most diesel oils fit the bill. The stuff I use is sold by the gallon at our Wal-marts. Cheap and effective.

My $0.02, ride it like you stole it now and change the oil and filter at 1000 miles. It is a pretty simple deal. Dad should be able to walk you thru it. Check the bolts on the front brake caliper and triple clamps and save your money.

 

[Ultrajuan33]

The power band for me is from 7.5k-12k rpm. Anything below that is to conserve fuel.
For a more aggressive riding position get the clip on risers... You can find some pics of a couple guys that have them on here.

 

[JTACKM]

Welcome. You're going to love your new bike. Great thing about this forum is that everyone here is willing to help; even if the question seems rhetorical. Just get used to the bike and don't do anything you normally wouldn't do. This bike is definitely no slouch, it can get up there and haul pretty good. Got plenty of people around here that think I ride a ZX6R but when I tell them it's a 300, their jaws drop.

As others have said. Ignore the break in criteria...its a tad unrealistic. But at the same time don't redline it like crazy.

 

[old3]

The power band for me is from 7.5k-12k rpm. Anything below that is to conserve fuel.
For a more aggressive riding position get the clip on risers... You can find some pics of a couple guys that have them on here.

Above about 10,500 you are just making noise stock map.

 

[dkw12002]

Yes, to get power out of the 300 you need to be in higher rpms...8000-9000, so you need to break it in first. 6th gear is very tall, meaning you can use it all the way from 30 mph or so to max speed of 110 or so. Mine revs at 8600 rpms at an indicated 80 mph which is highway speed in the fast lane around here. The Ninja is not working hard at all. Now if you want to pass or merge onto the interstate, you don't want to be in 6th gear going 40 mph. You want to be in 4th, then shift to 5th when you reach about 70 mph or 6th if you are where you want to be. This gives you pretty good acceleration...remarkable acceleration considering 300 cc. Personally, I'm a speed freak, so this is a better bike for me to stay out of trouble. Let's say the speed doesn't sneak up on you. I rode a Tuono v4 a couple days ago and merged onto the interstate in 4th and went from 40 to 110 mph at hold-on-tight speed. Of course the Tuono is a $14,000 tempermental, high-maintenance beast only for very experienced riders. I think you will be very happy with the Ninja 300 once you can use the powerband.

 

[SClown]

5k rpm on the 125 was 40, 5k rpm on the 300 is 45

Hi there.

I've seen this posted a few times now and just wanted to point out that this has everything to do with the differences in gearing of the different bikes and absolutely nothing at all to do with engine performance or power.

Different bikes have different engines and gears, don't expect them to behave the same when the power bands will also be very different due to engine sizes.

After you have broken in your bike, go for a proper ride eh and i'll try and help out with anything you wish to know?

 

[wetwork999]

Welcome to the forum. As others have said and I agree, the optimum rpm for the 300 is about 6000 to 12000 RPM, and then you'll start to get an idea what it can do. Another thing is that their's an icon on the dash that comes on when your riding in "economy" mode, I'd assume that is always on if your riding under 5000. Also when under 4000, the bike just lags. You have to remember the 300 has a 13000 to 15000 red line, at 5000 your not even half way there. When your ready to get on it, just remember, the fun starts at 7000 RPM

Also, just know I'll be jealous that your going on European road trips, someday I'll ride through Italy, Spain, etc.

 

[JTACKM]

Anyone else feel that the gear range for first is just too short? Doing a left turn at an intersection I almost immediately shift to second.

 

[old3]

I heard sumthing like that once before.

 

[old3]

Once here,

Add the 15t sprocket unless you are trail riding it.

Next, forget the recommended break in RPMs. It is nonsense. Don't lug it, and don't free rev it downhill at 13k either. You want the engine lightly loaded and at varied RPMs from low to high range, and decel with engine compression fro high RPMs now and then.

Unless there is something really wrong with your 300, it should be impressing you ALOT. My kid has a 12 Ninja 250 and it flat smokes it.

So, do not fear WFO thottle, and get a sprocket cause as stock it is just making alot of noise in first gear and the speedo is reading too high as well, so at 70 MPH you aren't doing much above 65 MPH. With the sprocket it is corrected as proven by GPS.

Another thing, read thru the mods. The throttle pull is stupid long on the 300. A quick turn throttle makes a huge difference as does a tuner. Eyeball the threads I've started if it helps, I've done a good bit to mine.

Ask for help if you still need it.

And once here,

http://www.kawasakininja300.com/forum/12-ninja-300-appearance-modifications/483-gearing.html

 

[ghost3772]

Make sure your using actual chain lube by the way, not some 5w30 in a squirt bottle, its totally different stuff.
http://www.amazon.com/PJ1-Blue-Label-Chain-Lube/dp/B0036GIE80/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1358742237&sr=8-17&keywords=motorcycle+chain+oil

something liek that works well, being in a spray bottle helps alot with lubing. prop it on a stand and spin the wheel while spraying haha easy as cake

I lube mine every few days if I do heavy miles or every week or so normal commuting.

 

[cruizin]

scottoiler to the rescue, automatic chain oiler

http://www.scottoiler.com/

magic kit. the oil is dear as poison. when you use it all up, use the oil that is used to lube a chainsaw chain with and save a fortune.i bought one 13 years ago and fitted it to my 2000 vfr800, magic kit, worth every penny