Hi, my name is Petar, 25, art student and a game company employee =).
Anyways, I've been lurking the boards for a couple of weeks reading all I could from 1st hand Ninja riders, and it does seem as a nice motorcycle.
I've checked out the green 03, sat on it a bit, and my god, when the salesman turned it on, and let me twist the throttle, I swear that I got goosebumps, from my ass and up to a neck. That thing sounds amazing. I HAVE to get one of those...so I decided I will buy it...once I get some cash.
Well, to get to the actual point.
I've taken a motorcycle test, passed it with flying colors. I had a bike YEARS ago, but it was only 50cc, something simmilar to Aprilias, Hondas etc, with 5 gear transmission.
I had a previous experience on some lame ass Aprilia Enduro, 125, which was a piece of cake to ride, but I also realize it was an upright position so it felt more like a bicycle. I rode BMX races and downhill mt. bikes so it felt really natural to me.
Now, I must say that thing [ninja] scares me and I have the uttmost respect towards it since I am really THE most beginnerish rider.
What I would like to know is how smooth, slow and easy can you ride it.
I'm talking about 40-60 mph TOPS for a first few weeks. I read that most of you ride it, for the break in period, around 3-4k rpm, so, whats the aproximate speed at those.
I know it can pull hard, but I just don't want that, atleast before few hundred miles.
To close it all down, I was all for the Thundercat, which is a very smooth and buttery ride, but considering its weight and size, it isn't really what I need in a bike.
I need something to blast through town and do occasional trips home (around 60 miles). Later on, some twisties like I do it in my car from time to time.
Is the Ninja and OK bike for what I need it, and ONCE again, can it be forgiving if I treat it with respect [i.e. no R6 twitchiness or R1 BRUTE power]
Thank you