Which crash kit did you pick up dude? And is it a no-cut? I was interested in the Shogun No-Cut crash kit but to fix that, I have to grind the counter shaft cover. Didn't want to grind or cut anything so I dropped the idea.

The brakes on the ninja are by far the best I have experienced but then this is the first performance bike i own and ride.

Thats exactly how ABS works. While on the ninja I have inculcated the habit of using the front brakes with only my 2 fingers (index and middle) and press-release, press-release so i dont lock up the wheel. This technique, highly recommended even by Nick Ienatsch (author of sport riding techniques), helps save riders from nasty incidents as in panic braking one would by instinct grab the brake lever with all fingers.

I had a nasty front wheel speed wobble yesterday and came out of it unscathed although pretty shaken. I accelerated to around 80k's and was negotiating a turn. The bike was not completely straight or parallel to the ground and another biker was riding across the road... almost perpendicular to the traffic and not with the flow of other vehicles.

I jabbed and relased the front brake thrice (without touching the rear brake lever) and slowed down to manageable speeds so i could avoid the obstruction in my path and steer away safely. But it wasnt easy. It happened by instinct and so fast. All i could see was this biker in front of me around 10-15 feet away, braking initiated, 3 loud deep screeches, his face cringing and body bracing for impact, while my front wheel wobbled with every jab of the brake and straightened with every release. This helped me slow down very quickly and also since i didnt lock up continuously i didnt fall. When it was over I was shocked that i continued to jab the brake and release it involuntarily even with the lockup.... i was almost frozen except for my 2 fingers. Sounds easy but i was unloading bricks at this time

+1 to that. Never keep the lever pressed. Use only 2 fingers to brake and release it immediately and jab again. Repeat this very quickly and you will shed speed instantly and still have control of the bike.

I only use the edge of my shoe to tap the rear brake as a wee bit of pressure can lock the rear and this can be distastrous.

Lmao, ain't that a good thing that the bike wasn't parrallel to the ground?

Well personally i prefer using the this technique of braking as well but its regarded by many as incorrect however its worked very well for me till now. In fact even in one of our dedicated braking threads some one has majorly ridiculed this method. Good to know that its not just me who does this

Completion of 12,000 kms / 3rd service

Hello folks,

I haven't been visiting this thread for a while now. But I have some feedback that you all might be interested.

My Ninja stands at 12,000 kms. I completed the third service late last week. The service didn't have any unplanned part replacements. It cost INR 3,100 which includes all raw materials, labor charges and taxes. The tread on the rear tire is almost gone. A change has been recommended at INR 8,500 for the rear tire alone. The front still looks good for another 5,000 kms easily.

I replaced the brake pads about 1,000 kms before which cost roughly about INR 2,200.

Any one else around the same mark? Any feedback on wear and tear?

Keep the lever pressed till it gets hard,
tapping and releasing it is wrong method when it comes to motorcycles, Folks in the US taught this to blokes who couldn't control Car.

The feedback from the lever/tires should be able to communicate the traction available.
this is what i found at few forums--

Mr. Y--(advise to those who favor pumping)

wow you're not serious are you? who or where did you get the idea to do something that dangerous and innefective?

First of all the shit they taught car drivers a couple decades ago to pump the brake is stupid but aimed at people who are not really competent enough to control a car.

When you apply the brakes on a motorcycle in a gradual and firm manner. While braking with the bike straight up and down in dry weather you squeeze the lever smoothly and can do so all the way until the lever goes hard. Do not try and pulse the lever.

Well the pumping action is exactly what ABS does. The system brakes and then releases the pressure when there is a slight hint of wheel locking. Maybe these blokes developed the ABS technology . (no offence meant bro ).

On the other hand, I agree that you need to press the brake firmly enough but not so much that the wheel locks. But at times when you need to shed speed and the wheel locks with firm pressure what'll you do? keep the lever pressed or release and press again?

Well the other day it worked for me. Maybe luck was on my side.

Yes, keep it pressed till you are losing traction/the lever becomes hard/your instinct tells you to back-off and then start braking again.

Thats exactly what i was suggesting. Maybe i didnt express my thoughts well enough. My bad. When i said pump the brakes i meant press firmly and release when you feel like you're losing the traction and brake again.

@xinfii - from what i learnt from the service engineer 12-14k kms is the normal lifespan of the tyres. Though i think it would be best to look at other brands now, rather than going with IRC for grippier rubber.

i guess Pirelli is best option wat say?

I'm listening... Any other options?

^^ thats exactly what i am searching for. Some people really liked the bridgestones for the ninja.. but how to get em in india?

Any specific comparison with the IRC stocks? I really like them a lot.

I've been to the track only once... however my experience with the IRCs was pretty good. It was quite grippy... the foot pegs defined my limit of leaning.

Even the experienced Riders at the track were pretty surprised with the "stock tyres" as they were quite sticky.

There maybe stickier tyres.. but need to test them on the track to be sure.

What does Tenhut have to say abt this??

I neither ride a ninja nor any other Higher capacity bikes... but i completely agree with Rohan...

@harikeshpk-- if u are classifying indian roads as gravel/ non-tarmac roads.. then isn't it true that when u tap your front brake hard for the first time u wouldn't even get time to release it, because till that time u front will get washed off...

I think the IRCs do fine for normal riding and touring. I have zero experience on track and cannot comment. I think the grip in wet was pretty good.

So I suppose if you have excess tyre pressure at the front, you would lose traction under heavy braking?