That's what I kept telling myself today.
Picked her up yesterday, used with only 180 miles! At $1000.00 off MSRP I could not say no.
Some background:
ME:
62 years old, riding on and off 30+ years. I don't consider myself a really great rider.
Past rides:
Mostly cruisers. My other bike is a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor, which I love dearly.
I've had a bad back since 1994. Always thought the laid back cruiser bike would be best for me. Then, one day, I decided to try rearsets from the Continental GT on the Enfield. Very interesting. Then I took off the risers. Hmm. Better. Then I installed the clipons from the GT. Hey, my back doesn't hurt as much.
I wonder..... Only one way to find out....
And there you have it. 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650. I never knew the sportbike riding posture would feel so good. And wow, does it handle. The brakes, oh boy! The seat height is low enough for a guy with nerve damage to flat foot with confidence. And I love the low weight!
Now, I'm aware this isn't the most powerful bike in the world, but for me, I have to be careful of "whiskey throttle" more than ever. This bike responds to throttle input with authority.
Now, I have a couple of minor niggles. One, I always de-cat my bikes because of the weight , and in this case at least, to get rid of that 600 degree furnace under my engine. Two, this bike is geared for far too much rpm at low speed.
I already know which exhaust I'm buying. (I love everything about Black Widow, and I've used them before)
As far as gearing, what front sprocket does this bike have? I'm going up a cog.
It will be nice joining a community of sport bike riders for a change.
Brian
Tucson, Arizona, USA.
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Picked her up yesterday, used with only 180 miles! At $1000.00 off MSRP I could not say no.
Some background:
ME:
62 years old, riding on and off 30+ years. I don't consider myself a really great rider.
Past rides:
Mostly cruisers. My other bike is a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor, which I love dearly.
I've had a bad back since 1994. Always thought the laid back cruiser bike would be best for me. Then, one day, I decided to try rearsets from the Continental GT on the Enfield. Very interesting. Then I took off the risers. Hmm. Better. Then I installed the clipons from the GT. Hey, my back doesn't hurt as much.
I wonder..... Only one way to find out....
And there you have it. 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650. I never knew the sportbike riding posture would feel so good. And wow, does it handle. The brakes, oh boy! The seat height is low enough for a guy with nerve damage to flat foot with confidence. And I love the low weight!
Now, I'm aware this isn't the most powerful bike in the world, but for me, I have to be careful of "whiskey throttle" more than ever. This bike responds to throttle input with authority.
Now, I have a couple of minor niggles. One, I always de-cat my bikes because of the weight , and in this case at least, to get rid of that 600 degree furnace under my engine. Two, this bike is geared for far too much rpm at low speed.
I already know which exhaust I'm buying. (I love everything about Black Widow, and I've used them before)
As far as gearing, what front sprocket does this bike have? I'm going up a cog.
It will be nice joining a community of sport bike riders for a change.
Brian
Tucson, Arizona, USA.
