In a lot of cases, and to a lot of people, bigger is not better. There are, however, certain bikes that are better for certain people. When i got rid of my gs500 for a versys 650, i did it primarily due to the luggage limitations on the GS. I had no issue with the power of the GS, but was very surprised at the huge difference that 150ish cc's made. I went from a bike that i could ride on the 401 if i needed to, to a bike that was great on the 401. You might find the same: that the 125 was really good, but the 300 is even better and more confidence inspiring.thanks everyone, for posting. i understand the blowback. but aside from my gripe about waiting for the new bike, what i really wanted to know was, "why is bigger better" (insert "ask your mom" joke here). and i don't know if i really have a clear answer. like i said, I've had a 500 before and i like the 125 better for its responsiveness (just not, you know, throttle responsiveness). i'll respond in a month and see if i have had the epiphany that so many of you seem to have had!
moved up to a ninja 300 from a cbr 125, regretting it --- why is bigger better?
- Thread starter wideiris
- Start date
LoneRonin
Well-known member
Ok, so riding back from Collingwood last night I was sitting at 140 on the speedo, 129 gps indicated at 9k rpm. I was passing everyone...I was actually wondering why EVERYONE was going so slow...
Then again I got a stunting charge on the 400 up by Parry Sound, so I don't know what you mean by 'maxed out on freeway passing', do you routinely pass at over 150 km/h?
You need bigger bike, dawg. So you can run
LoneRonin
Well-known member
hell yea...long overdue for an upgrade. Next year January I finally turn 25 and 3 tickets come off in one week
.That day they would have ****ed me if I had a Busa...they got me with the Cessna and were sitting 5 km down the road with a roadblock. I felt like the baddest mother****er......on a 250 :lmao::lmao:
But then I had to ride ***** on the back WarpTiger and Vrus's bikes the whole way back...LOL. Thanks for riding 2 hours back and picking me up boys. Love ya.
muay_thai_dan
Well-known member
I just had to xD
I went over a small pine cone the other day while entering a parking spot. Those things are on a mission to lay a bike down.
+1
- Weighs MUCH LESS than three CBR125's
- No gears no troubles
- Has a track record of beating R1's in the right circumstances
i bought the ninja last friday, paid for it on monday, and am now told it may be ready next monday or tuesday (after being told it would be ready last wednesday or thursday). I know it's a busy time of year and all, but i'm kinda ****** and want to cancel the deal. I'm only 150 pounds, and the 125 was great for my gardiner commute and bombing around the city (i live downtown). i want some more power on the highway, but honestly:
why does everyone say they want to 'upgrade'? i don't understand. as the bike gets bigger, it gets less 'sporty', no? can't really throw it around like a smaller bike. My 125 i can split lanes (i know, not saying i do it all the time, but you know how traffic is in toronto sometimes), u turn, park anywhere, etc. I bought the 300 because my 125 is getting up in kms and i can't take the rattle in my wrist at redline on the way home every day. I used to have an interceptor 500, and i find the 125 more 'fun', just not a great distance bike. your thoughts? the idea of driving around downtown every day on an r6 seems less fun than on the 125, but i'm sure i'm missing something, i'd just like to know what it is!
Upgrading is all in the eyes of the beholder. After some seat time with the CBR125, you may find a desire to ride something different. Maybe a V-Storm? Maybe a Supermotard? Maybe a classic standard like a Bonneville? Maybe you want a trail bike? Maybe a cruiser?
Personally, I avoid the 400 series highways like the plague. That is where my cage belongs with the radio and a/c on and getting from one place to another.
When I'm on my bike, I'm looking for the roads less traveled. Downtown TO? A nice little 125 is perfect. I would say for just about every riding condition except having to ride up the 400 to Barrie or something. The Ninja 300? I think that would cover off any need for 400 series highway if needed. It will also have a little more power coming out of the turns and still have some nice handling. The 125 can manage the 400 series highway just fine. Nothing against them at all. Many folks own and ride them in all conditions. The 300 can do things a little quicker but, it's not going to overwhelm.
A 600 SS? If you can find some nice roads to enjoy or take it out for some track days, they are great. For me? I'd flat spot the tires and feel a little ashamed it wouldn't get ridden like it should. Still not bad for around town but, it's a lot of bike for tooting around downtown.
It's your ride. You decide. What ever floats your boat really. But, there are some folks that get a bike and it's parked or not used as it was intended all the time.
homme de fer
Well-known member
We had a rider come to our Lake Placid weekend last year from Pittsburgh on his Ninja 300. He had no problems keeping up, averaging between 70 - 80mph.
Derek Paisley
Well-known member
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OP you no longer have to;
- hesitate when taking over cars
- downshift to 3rd at uphills and still lose speed lol
- get blown around by wind
- think that 1st gear is "when with passengers only"
You can even race %90 of the cars on the street from light to light.
I too had regrets after selling my Ninja 250 to buy my current FZ6. It happens when you have emotions for your (first) bike I think.
They all wash away when you finally jump on the next ride though.
- hesitate when taking over cars
- downshift to 3rd at uphills and still lose speed lol
- get blown around by wind
- think that 1st gear is "when with passengers only"
You can even race %90 of the cars on the street from light to light.
I too had regrets after selling my Ninja 250 to buy my current FZ6. It happens when you have emotions for your (first) bike I think.
They all wash away when you finally jump on the next ride though.
Ok I may have generalized re a 250 cc, for me when had a 2009 250cc it maxed out speed wise on the highway. I guess was painting all 250cc with the same brush, any how I love my 883 until gets replaced by another model or brand. Though a 250 is likely to be tossed around with heavy winds or a big logging truck hurdling by.
I actually like a 250 but like some speed also.
You will have much more instability on a heavy, unfaired Hardley Movinson. We also don't see many logging trucks in the GTA.
Also, a Ninja 300 has a higher top speed than a 883, and with the fairing, will be much more stable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxHPdIw6HI4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v61R96su8xg
I doubt any 300cc will come close to any stock Sportster even if mine has speed upgrades....
I have rode both models on the freeway the bigger the better.. but ride what you like right?
I have rode both models on the freeway the bigger the better.. but ride what you like right?
RedDogDarren
Well-known member
I used to have a VN2000. I believe that bike is the perfect upgrade from a CBR125.
Listen, I'm not bashing the Sportster... but bragging about it being faster than a 300 is like saying your 90 year old grandpa can shuffle faster with his walker than my 88 year old grandfather
