OK... Many of you probably know I've been weighing swapping the Ninja for one of these for a while. Taking a test ride over the weekend on one really hit it home... I want it! Will probably make my move in the next 2-3 months.
I have some questions about them though.
- The Doohickey: Is it fixed on the '08+ models? I still see people talking about them, but a part of me wonders if it's the makers of the aftermarket doohickey replacements trying to stir things up.
- Oil Burning: What's the story here? Is it a serious issue (i.e. engine is slowly killing itself - er, prematurely killing itself, since all engines are slowly killing themselves, amiright?) Is it just an annoyance, i.e. make sure to check the oil, because they're known for burning it.
- Carbs: The only part that really makes me say "hmmmm." Part of it is that the 250R was so finicky about any temperature under 65. Are these as cold natured as the 250R?
- Lots of tricked out, low mileage bikes on CraigsList: Why do I keep seeing these things with 2000-3000 miles, with lots of aftermarket toys, hard cases, corbin seats, doohickeys and battle-cages, up for sale? Do they quickly lose their luster for most riders?
- Any particular things I should consider in switching from a modestly-powered sport-tourer/faired standard/entry level sportbike/whatever the heck a 650R is? My test ride told me a lot, and I was able to take it out for about a 20 mile spin that included residential, freeway, and some 2-lane sweepers, and it seemed more than competent for everything I want to do (aside from the Cee Bailey turbulence generator where the windshield should have been). Just wondering if there's anything I may not have considered?
- How are they on insurance? Do insurance companies see the word "SPORT" and plastic fairings and consider them to be sportbikes, or are they dirt cheap like smallish cruisers to insure? State Farm is pretty reasonable with the Ninja, but they apparently think I'm Burt Reynolds in the tC. Would love to switch back to USAA, but USAA was NOT the way to go on the motorcycles.
- Anyone ever taken one on multi-day trips? Yes, I know the engine is not going to give me that smooth Gold-wing feel, but the riding position feels all-day comfortable, and there's no need to exceed 75 for those who don't like performance awards. It really seems like a great do-it-all-very-cheaply sort of bike, and I LOVE the ergos (like a custom tailored suit).
Anything else I should know about them?
(PS, Nobody tell me that they're tall.)
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be drooling.
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