Getting M2 soon. Ninja 400 or Cbr500r? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Getting M2 soon. Ninja 400 or Cbr500r?

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Ksb

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Hello!

So finally got time to get M1 and doing the m1x course soon! very excited :D


I'm between ninja 400 and cbr500, with my budget I can get a new 2018 Kawasaki ninja 400 or a used honda cbr500r.
I initially wanted the ninja but with honda's looks and reliability now I'm not sure. I just want a reliable bike that will do fine on the highway (when I do eventually decide to go on one). I do have some riding experience (not in Canada).
got decent insurance rates (aging is good for something at least)
any advice would be appreciated. what would you pick and why

Thank you!
 
I have no first hand knowledge of either bike's performance or capability, however I would take a few things into consideration...

1. Buying new means you take the hit on most of the depreciation, however, you're the bike's first owner, so you also get that comfort of knowing it hasn't been mistreated
2. Sit on both of them, and for more than 5 minutes...find a multi line dealership so you don't have to drive all over (Burlington Cycle, Two Wheel in Guelph, Apex in Cambridge to name a few)
3. Buying used means you potentially get a better deal in that the previous owner took the hit on depreciation...however, you want to make sure it's been properly maintained so having someone knowledgeable look over the bike (beyond the safety) is a good idea
4. Watch YouTube video reviews of both bikes
5. Insurance - definitely get a quote for both options
6. Gear - buy the best you can afford
7. Enjoy and have fun while being safe

Welcome...
 
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If you have riding experience what about a KRT edition ninja 650? I love the KRTs I don’t think the insurance would be more. I bleed kawasaki green
 
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Ksb said:
Hello!

So finally got time to get M1 and doing the m1x course soon! very excited :D


I'm between ninja 400 and cbr500, with my budget I can get a new 2018 Kawasaki ninja 400 or a used honda cbr500r.
I initially wanted the ninja but with honda's looks and reliability now I'm not sure. I just want a reliable bike that will do fine on the highway (when I do eventually decide to go on one). I do have some riding experience (not in Canada).
got decent insurance rates (aging is good for something at least)
any advice would be appreciated. what would you pick and why

Thank you!
Click to expand...

You will be happy with either, though I would always recommend your first bike be a used one.
 
There is nothing at all wrong with the honda, but I find they have no soul. I havent ridden the ninja so I cant comment on it. Either bike is a good choice and your first bike wont be your last bike. Ride safe.
 
buy the used one....invariably the first bike is a placeholder till you decide what you really want....then you can sell it for within $1000 of what you paid and get what you really want in a year or two. If you buy new....you eat more depreciation.
Although factor in the insurance too...and gear.
 
As @GreyGhost said, either bike is a good choice.

This being your first bike, you probably would not know the difference between one and the other. You would need to own both of them to tell them apart.

Go for the one you have a better feeling about and is a better deal for you.
Spend the extra cash you may be left with on gear etc.

Welcome and ride safe.
 
Find a dealer and set up a visit to sit in them. Check out the R3/MT03 as well.


I’ve owned a few Kawi’s and they just fit me better than Honda.

The switch gear, how my hands and feet rest on the pegs and bars, pull the brake lever and clutch.

And if you can arrange a test ride, the throttle response and brakes.

My preference would be Kawi first, Yami second and Honda next.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
One thing to note with a new bike since I just bought one, you may get a cheaper rate. I got an additional 10% discount since I bought my bike brand new. I'm with Echelon through Rider's Plus and paying $125 a month living at Keele and 401. Highway isn't too bad with the RC390. 120kph isn't a big deal. It is a bit vibey but I use mine for streets mainly. I would bet that the N400 and CBR are better highway rides with their twin motors and higher rev ceiling.
 
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Either will do good on the highway, better than a single anyway
Also what fiddles said
 
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Congrats and congrats

Now be safe out there
 
Personally I'd step back and get a used Ninja 250 or CB300R - both are widely available in decent shape for $2K or less. Learn on a these bikes - they have all you need for the first 10,000km of experience. Learn to ride, learn to maintain a bike, then sell it and move up to what you were dreaming about when your started your motorcycle journey.

I had a '11 Ninja 250 that I bought to teach my wife and kids. I rode the snot out of it myself including 1000km/day spirited runs. Wish I kept that bike.
 
too late

but I'd buy almost anything over a bike powered by that Honda 500 parallel twin
all the thrill of a bowl of vanilla pudding
ninja 400 has the same HP and is 60 lbs lighter

but liking a bike is all that counts, good luck OP
 
Karfanatik said:
I would bet that the N400 and CBR are better highway rides with their twin motors and higher rev ceiling.
Click to expand...
The CBR500R has a very low redline. 8500RPM. It can go as fast as its contemporaries but its a very lethargic engine. The Ninja 400 revs up to 12000RPM. Street riding, the 500R is much more comfortable. Track use, different story.
 
Aens said:
The CBR500R has a very low redline. 8500RPM. It can go as fast as its contemporaries but its a very lethargic engine. The Ninja 400 revs up to 12000RPM. Street riding, the 500R is much more comfortable. Track use, different story.
Click to expand...
Yep, that was my bad on the RPMs
 
The choice of what bike to own typically falls into "What can I get the fastest, so I can ride" category. So for that, buying a new bike from dealer can be the better route plus you get a warranty and all that jazz.

They're only two things you should keep in mind when making any vehicle / motorcycle purchase.

1. Try not to base your decision on emotions, focus on the numbers, information etc.
2. It's your FIRST bike, not you ONLY bike. It will be sold or traded for what you want next.
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