jstark47 wrote:I think it is the 650, just reduced bore and stroke to the lower displacement. Key dimensions and weight are identical to the 650.
Agreed. That's the problem with this bike it's not new, just a sleeved down version of the 650. It still has all that extra weight on a bike designed for more power. It looks like a quick cheap way to replace the aging ninja 500 but for a grand more, I can't see people turning down the 650.
Now if you could buy the upgrade to the 650 for an extra ~$1k then I could see the appeal.
As a sleaved down 650 with all of the weight, and most of the cost it will tank in the market. If it were a real 400 with a 400 kind of price and a 400 level of weight they would have a winner. It's too bad, because when it does not become successful, then the final conclusion will be that 400s don't sell well in North America. I was excited about the concept until I read the specs.....
cool, Id throw a leg over for a test drive, I dont think Id downsize to it, but hey, if it keeps a green horn from wrapping themselves around a pole on their 1000cc "starter" Im all for it.
Wow, finally a decent replacement for the aging Ninja 500R. Unfortunately bikes like these won't be sold in the states without some heavy crying to Kawasaki.
I would like them to bring over the ZRX 400 or make a 500cc version of that bike with the bikini fairing and all.
I'm guessing this will have a top speed and acceleration in the neighborhood of the old 500R?
One thing you can count on: You push a man too far, and sooner or later he'll start pushing back.
I wish manufacturers would realize that if they made their 250, 400, or 500 look like a 600 or 1000 they'd sell a ton more of them. Look at what happened when Kawi redesigned their 250. Now imagine if they did that to the 500 or if Suzuki did that to their 500? Heck what if we gave them everything the supersports have except with a smaller more beginner friendly engine and advertised it as such? *gasp* oh the concept!
Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
The ninja 250, even in it's old battle star look, has been the number one selling bike in the us for over 20 years.
The manufacturers do make the bikes you describe. Look at the foreign markets and little cool bikes are everywhere. It doesn't matter what it looks like in the us, the mentality is the issue. Just look at the guys on the new 250 and all the crap they get for it.
