Congrats!An obvious choice:-) I just couldn't resist the kwacker green and so my experience with it been absolutely brilliant.

Kit and caboodle!

Tankpad on! Waiting for the rim stripes!

Fall ride!

Feb 19 - Had a fall on my ninja. Went to Vedanthangal near Chennai (about 80+km away). Still running in so well within the 4k limit. While on my way back in one of villages just before the NH45, an old man on a cycle suddenly veered left into my path. I slammed on the front brakes and next thing I know I am down and I slid for about 10 feet. I had my jacket, helmet and gloves on so no worries on that front. Not a scratch or bruise. I was, however, not wearing riding pants (rjays all seasons - being shipped) so scratched my knee. Slight mobility issues with the leg. Should know more tomorrow.

Frame slider and gear lever took the brunt. The Frame Slider is bent. Initially, the gear lever was completely bent inside. But pulled it out a bit and I could ride back without issues. Not a scratch anywhere else. Everything is as shiny as before.

For anyone who still doubts the value of ATGATT, my personal take is it is a must. With a riding pant, I would have just gotten dusty instead of limping about.

And full points to the Frame Slider as well. Without it, the fairing would have been busted bad.

Pants on!

Feb 22 - Bought the Cramster Velocity pants from Velavan Motors for 4,950 and also Motul Chain Clean and Chain Lube. Took the bike out for a ride fully suited up for the first time post the fall. Still running in at around 650k so kept her within 4k rpm for the most part (barring a couple of instances of pushing 4.5k whilst overtaking). The bent gear lever was not too bad (wearing big boots) and shifts were smooth enough. But I wasn't too happy. Came back home and straightened it out with a pair of pliers and wrench. Now its almost as good as new.

Checked with PBK Chennai for new gear shift and they don't have any. Apparently 4 other bikes are awaiting this part. Looks like bent gear shift is a common problem with the Ninja. Tried looking at it online but the only site I could find that had it (Amazon) says it is out of stock. Have placed an order with PBK anyways.

Learnings - Part 1

Finished the first part of the run in at 800kms on Mar 1. Some of the lessons learned and observations made:

• Bike is very easy to ride in city. 20 kmph in 6th gear is possible without knocking. It does get hot in stop and go traffic and there are better options in smaller cc capacity for office commute if that is your need
• Very linear power delivery - no power surge (at least till 6k rpm). Sounds completely different at 6k rpm than what it sounds at idling or 4k rpm. May sound weird but to me first time. Unlike any of the 'Indian' bikes I have ridden so far
• Seats are hard and need getting used to if considering long trips
• Need to be fit as well - shoulder, neck, gluteus and lower back fitness key
• Let the engine warm up completely before rolling off. Initially when you start the engine, the engine idles at around 2000 rpm. After about 3 - 5 minutes, it settles down to around 1000 rpm. Everything seems smoother when you ride off after the engine settles down
• Brake primarily using rear brake. Many forums and suggestions therein say the correct way to do it under normal circumstances is using the front brake/engine braking and only use the rear brake as support which is in all probability correct but it 'feels' right only when the road is free of sand, gravel and assorted mess that our roads seem to specialize in. Using rear brakes feels safer. I guess the old wisdom is right for a reason. Lesson learned after a fall
• Hugging the tank with your knees and keeping your arms relaxed by leaning over gives you not only better control but also reduces wrist and arm pain
• Frame sliders are worth every penny spent as are tank pads. They are functional far more than they are to add style
• ATGATT - Helmet, Jacket, Gloves, Sturdy shoes and knee guards (if not proper riding pants) are must considering the powerful brakes and the capacity for speed

First Service

Gave her for first service yesterday. Probiking Chennai continues to impress me with hassle free interactions. Total cost 1,600. Oil and Filter change and Damaged Frame sliders removed.

The right hand side mirror is very loose. Jeeva, the service engineer for Ninja offered to replace it. Order placed. Some new additions to the bike:

Ariete grips - Green
Gear sock - Green, rubber
Thor Sector Knee Guard

All from the Performance Racing Store - Excellent service there as well. Thanks guys.

Planning a trip to Pondy next week. Pics to follow.

Mahabs trip

Saturday, a cousin of mine and I went to Mahabs for an early morning sortie. As expected, bike handles itself brilliantly. Touched 100 kmph for the first time on it. Been a while on a bike that fast. While excess of 160 kmph is not a big deal in my Cruze, on a bike, its a completely different animal. Posting some pics as well.

The gear sock and Ariete grips are from Performance Racing Store.

How much did the gear sock cost you? is it available in black? cudnt find it on their website..

Congrats for latest decision for coming back to Biking....

It was nice to read your story.
Even the short review was nice.
Wish you many happy miles on the baby Ninja ...


Regards,
Nagesh

Congrats on your ride. The black Ninja looks stunning!