Why the Ninja 650 is the perfect beginner bike: POV Beginner

[@fortknight7540]

I’m picking one up as my first bike in 3 hours. Wish me luck

[@CityNinja650]

Let’s goooo. Good luck and congratulations!!!

[@marvinmartinez2637]

Wish you luck 🤞

[@Kwikasfuki007]

Congrats! So, what about an update about your first impressions? 🐺

[@KawasakiKent89]

Congrats bro welcome and ride safe💯

[@Joel-C479]

How you liking it so far

[@xJustJuliuss]

my first ever bike is arriving to me in an hour. Your bike is the exact one too. Super excited!

[@CityNinja650]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥that’s what’s up. Congratulations. It’s such a good beginner bike.

[@komanguy]

No play in the throttle is a must. I struggled a lot when I bought the Yamaha tracer 7. That was my first bike and I used to stall when I want to take off!

[@b9oii]

Can confirm, I picked up a used 2009 ninja 650r and its the most fun ive ever had, it has just enough power to literally never get bored of it (top speed around 150) but its light enough to still be able to learn on it.

[@CityNinja650]

What’s the major difference between the regular 650 and r650 (engine wise)

[@b9oii]

@@CityNinja650 the only big difference is that the 650r revs higher than the normal 650 allowing the bike to go faster. I’m not sure how high your bike revs, but mine will redline at 13,000 rpm

[@CityNinja650]

@b9oii is it still a parallel twin?

[@b9oii]

@@CityNinja650 yep!

[@1pyroace1]

I topped out on 133 how much u weight?

[@soxbeatcubs]

Change the title to best all around bike. I started out on a Ninja 250. Went to a 636. Shit bike unless you track it. You’ll be regretting it about a half hour into the ride because you’re too hunched over and your back starts to hurt and you get pins and needles in your arms and hands. Plus, you can’t use it to its potential on the street. Here in America we have speed limits. None say 130mph. Blow the limit on a bike and you’re losing your license and possibly picking up a reckless driving charge, paying hefty fines. And that’s in 2nd gear. Boring. I’ve had 4 HD cruisers. 2 Road Kings, a softail slim and a roadglide. Got rid of those money pits. Went back to a 650 and it’s a great fun bike. Nice upright seating position. Easy to ride. Half the weight of an HD cruiser. Very affordable and goes as fast as every other motorcycle on the road that the law allows. Great video. Love my 650

[@CityNinja650]

That’s interesting to hear that. Usually people who go to the 636 live and die by it. Idk if it’s an ego thing or what. I would love to ride one but unless I had 4 other bikes in my list I probably would never buy one. I actually fell down a rabbit hole with the Kawasaki Versys 1000. I really want one for my long touring. Fell in love with that style after my demo day.

[@ibelieveitcauseiseentit9630]

Why do people keep calling it a beginner bike and not just a bike! P.s. I use to ride a Hayabusa and in my opinion unless you are drag racing or trying to swt world records a 650 ninja is far more than enough power to have fun or get yourself killed. The saying is true, "it's more fun to drive a slow bike fast than it is to drive a fast bike slow."

[@CityNinja650]

@@ibelieveitcauseiseentit9630 people call it a beginner bike because you can get away with doing things wrong without paying for it. Like downshifting at to high of a rpm. On a super aggressive bike that can be a really dangerous situation. While yes that’s incorrect it’s better to do it without the consequence and continue to learn and grow out of that. I completely agree. You can kill yourself on a mini bike or a 300cc bike. It’s just nice to be able to learn the skills without paying for it. Double edged sword I know but just kinda how it is

[@BlackArroToons]

Cool you got to try out 8 bikes. Looking forward to those test ride videos you're working on of those 8 bikes. Which was your favorite? Good video, thanks. In my view, the Ninja 650 is also a great all-round, very capable road sport style motorcycle if not looking for a racing bike or something bigger/faster and want something above a Ninja 250R through 400 to 450 (500). For the track, there are faster options of course. With public roads, those speed limits are strict guides for the police and general traffic, and going much faster above them can eventually land big trouble. Faster Sport Motorcycles that are overpowered for public roads beg to be ridden fast with all of their "untapped power", as a main challenge for a rider to deal with. The Ninja 650 is like a smaller sportscar and can definitely get a beginner or even skilled rider into trouble if pushed too fast up to 127+ mph. For that reason, I'm glad I started on a Ninja 250R back in 2003, now 2024. I just didn't have the discipline yet back then as a beginner, doing wheelies, going fast often, etc. The Ninja 250R bike really kept me safe and in check, despite a top speed of 100+ mph. Interesting point about how you experienced bogging on the Ducati for the gear. If I'm in 2nd on the Ninja 650 going about 10 mph or less, it'll start to lag too, so I have to downshift to 1st for a smoother ride at those very slow speeds. On my prior Ninja 250R, it could handle 10 mph to 5 mph in 2nd gear with the smaller engine without lagging. Gearing and bigger engines.

[@CityNinja650]

That’s such a hard question. I fell in love with that BMW 1250 GS. Just that style alone was an eye opener. I had a lot of fun on the Speed Twin. That bike was so torque and so flickable. I could really see getting that thing all opened up. I really liked the Bobber because it was loud and sounded like a “traditional motorcycle “ but wasn’t obnoxiously loud either. I loved how it would pop when downshifting and slowing down. It felt really good too.

[@BlackArroToons]

@@CityNinja650 Cool, thanks. Quite a few to choose from. If you get the Yoshimura Alpha exhaust installed on your Ninja 650, you'll get that awesome popping exhaust sound when going downhill while closing the throttle all the time as part of the cool exhaust note. Pop, pop pop! ;)

[@PersonManManManMan]

Great input

[@WhySoSyk]

Awesome video! I’m moving up from a ninja 300 and was a little worried I was getting myself in too trouble but this video helped me feel confident in my decision!

[@CityNinja650]

You will be great on a 650. Especially with previous experience. Honestly the biggest thing for me was the weight. Everything else came natural and with you having experience it will be a great bike

[@mannybrar7501]

Im on a ninja 300 now and would like to get the 650 as my long term bike. Your thoughts on the differences? What you like/dislike?

[@CityNinja650]

@@mannybrar7501 honestly there is nothing I dislike about the bike. I never rode a ninja 300 but been on 300cc bikes. I think that would be a good upgrade. I was just thinking of this yesterday where the 650 was my first bike and if I could never afford anything bigger I would be ok with that. Bigger bikes cost more with insurance and maintenance usually and it’s pretty difficult for me to justify spending more on anything bigger than a 650. It’s just an all around great bike. I just made a video about the 650 and commuting. I’ll post it now if you wanna see more great reasons to go with the 650. I just can’t say enough positive things about it.

[@ninjahamster29]

Hey dude, with that throttle/ brake issue, I think your brake is set too close to the throttle. You want it further so you cannot do both at the same time.

[@DavidBrubaker-pi4gj]

I know that no one will probably read my message but I had a 2018 ninja 650 and the throttle DID NOT have any play in the throttle. Once the slack was taken up it would give it way too much fuel and that was the thing that actually ended up causing me to sell it. It would gun up too fast with even the smallest throttle input and would engine brake too hard when off the throttle. Happily upgraded to a Z900 and it is way smoother to ride.

[@twistededge7597]

im currently 16 and my dream has always been to get a motorcycle and just enjoy riding im starting a cashier job soon and i plan on saving up all my money my mom and dad are gonna help me with my insurance and half for the a ninja kawasaki but i dont know what one to get but this video helps thank you

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

The new 500 ninja is the way to go. I'm saving for the SE models. By the time you are 18 there might be different bikes to what you are seeing now. Technology is moving along quickly. Stay safe and remember hard work pays off 👍

[@NavySWO]

Nice video, bro! Yeah, my Ninja 1000 has zero play in the throttle and it was definitely something I had to be very careful with. I agree that the N650 is a perfect beginner/intermediate bike, especially the 2023+ that have traction control.

[@CityNinja650]

I want a 1000 in a few years if I’m financially and skillfully ready for one. They are a different kind of beast and have a lot of respect for those who ride them respectfully and responsibility. I went back and forth between several bikes to get as my first and the 650 honestly had everything I was looking for.

[@NavySWO]

Makes sense, I keep my N1K in Low power mode with full traction control. I’ve only had it for 6 months so I’ll keep it tame for another 6 months to ensure I am 100% capable of handling it. The 650 is an amazing machine, you made an excellent choice!

[@Kwikasfuki007]

While you made several good points, the one that hangs with me is "it just is!" LOL. That's a valid reason if it works for you. ;-) As you know, I had a 2010 650 for 14 years and loved it! I always thought of it as a bike with beginner friendly features as opposed to whatever a beginner bike means (it's just so subjective). I mean it does 0-60 in around 4 (ish) seconds. Tops out at 130+ mph (both times are rider dependent); that's pretty quick for something termed beginner. I think you are right about the sensitivity of the throttle (or play if you will). The new Z900 SE is sensitive in Road mode and even more so in Sport mode. Which means, going over one of those "dips" in a road if you're not mindful about the throttle, it could potentially buck you off. Just means you pay attention more. Looking forward to the next one! 🐺

[@CityNinja650]

It’s crazy how those modes make the bike into 2 different machines sometimes lol. All the demo bikes were in rain mode. The first time I took the twin speed out it was pouring rain. At the end of the ride I noticed it was in sport lol. Second time I took it out it was in rain mode and I could tell the difference.

[@Kwikasfuki007]

@@CityNinja650 - lol. Note to self - always check modes! It's good that you got to test a few; it's good for riders to see just what different (a.k.a. bigger) bikes perform like..

[@CityNinja650]

@@Kwikasfuki007 thanks. I was happy I did it. I’m hoping I can go on more rides with them. They are letting me film inside. One dude said something about taking the R18 out again but in sport mode. I hope so because honestly my mics failed me for pretty much everything. Really upsetting but I have at least 2 perfect ones. But I’m hoping to do them again

[@adamemay]

You may already know this but for your viewers, proper lever adjustment can help with the throttle while braking.

[@ep1336]

I can't wait for mine next year.

[@Rx12233]

Selling my Honda crf250l which is my first bike to get the ninja 650, hope it’s gonna be a good decision

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Got rid of my crf300l abs and being honest I still look at them but the 450RL at $13500 is hard to walk away from (maintenance scared me away lol). I ended up buying ninja 500 (current bike). Problem is my heart loved dual sporting

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

If you can try to keep your bike although I know hard it can be. I hope the best for you and hopefully you get a bike you'll enjoy

[@stephc4427]

Mathew Underwood is back!!!

[@CityNinja650]

Literally watching now lmao. So pumped

[@PersonManManManMan]

Great wisdom, thanks for sharing

[@xrexc3179]

The reason you were applying throttle while braking is because your levers weren't adjusted correctly

[@CityNinja650]

I’ll definitely look into that. Appreciate it

[@Joel-C479]

I just ordered new windscreen the Puig R-Racer Windscreen trying get more comfortable man

[@Kephers7]

Going in 2 weeks to take my Motorcycle written test for my permit. Then I'm looking at the ninja 650 abs as my beginner bike. Cause I'm a big guy at 320 LBS and 6 foot. Was going to go with the ninja 500. But didnt think itd have the same power with me being such a big guy. Thoughts? I'm thinking the 650 would be better no?

[@mannybrar7501]

Go with the 650. I'm on a ninja 300 right now (5'9" 175lbs). Suits my size. I'll get the 650 in a year or two. I just enjoy riding and the ease of the 300 is great, for ME. for YOU, you'll regret getting the 500 or 400. Best of luck, and let us know when you get it and what you think!

[@Spamgoham1]

You need to be in a little bit lower gear higher RPM these motors love it unless you’re just breaking it in

[@Joel-C479]

So what level traction control do you use

[@CityNinja650]

I always keep mine in the highest setting. KTC2 I had it there when I was just starting out and honestly never really took it out.

[@Joel-C479]

@@CityNinja650 ya I have mine on two was thinking bout maybe trying 1 just to see if can see a difference

[@CityNinja650]

@Joel-C479 I did it before and don’t remember a crazy difference. Maybe I’ll try again today. Only time I noticed is when I was super aggressive on the throttle

[@Joel-C479]

@@CityNinja650 does it have more power with it on one?

[@CityNinja650]

@@Joel-C479 I honestly don’t know. I think with it engaged it may give a delay in power or maybe initial torque. I though maybe it would make the abs engage more but my bike don’t have it. I’m going to do an in depth walk around for my bike and I’ll gather that information.

[@1GiPhoner]

Your voice sounds like the guy from Kill Tony :)

[@CityNinja650]

Is that a good thing lmao

[@1GiPhoner]

@@CityNinja650 it is :) SUBSCRIBED!

[@PersonManManManMan]

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