Ninja 650... touring

[planning123]

Hey Ya'll,
So I've never ridden a great distance on any motorcycle, I've only owned 250-500cc motorcycles. So I have stayed in town or ridden the country side. Now, I'm planning to do a trip from central coast CA to Central Utah and in March I'm planning on buying a 2012 Ninja 650.
I know, I know, if you like the motorcycle enough in itself you will do any distance on it. How many people are loving touring on this motorcycle and not wishing they would have bought a different motorcycle or done something different.

[Sport-Touring]

[Scratch33]

My friend Rue has a 2009 Ninja 650r that she's taken cross-country and to Newfoundland.  It gets the job done.

[Skee]

I think you answered your own question.

It's all about ergos and whether or not you are comfortable on the bike.  If it feels good; it's right.

[Stripes]

Welcome! I think that if you're comfortable w/ it then you can definitely tour on it no matter what it is. But it sounds like you already knew that! Cheers

[DogBoy]

Ninja650 is a good bike andd will do the job if you find it comfortable enough. March across the Sierra and Nevada? Expect cool, stormy weather. I would think preparing for the weather could be as big an issue as which bike you choose.

[kyzrex]

I've put 20K+ on my FZ6 over the last couple of years, and plan to do a very long trip out to the west coast next year on it.  I've ridden a Ninja 650 and see no reason why it wouldn't do the same.

[planning123]

Ninja650 is a good bike andd will do the job if you find it comfortable enough. March across the Sierra and Nevada? Expect cool, stormy weather. I would think preparing for the weather could be as big an issue as which bike you choose.

I am not going till around May. I want a couple of months riding the new bike before I go for a long trip

[DogBoy]

I am not going till around May. I want a couple of months riding the new bike before I go for a long trip

   Still stay on top of the weather. Snow in May is not unusual.

[Stripes]

Hey Ya'll,
So I've never ridden a great distance on any motorcycle, I've only owned 250-500cc motorcycles. So I have stayed in town or ridden the country side. Now, I'm planning to do a trip from central coast CA to Central Utah and in March I'm planning on buying a 2012 Ninja 650.
I know, I know, if you like the motorcycle enough in itself you will do any distance on it. How many people are loving touring on this motorcycle and not wishing they would have bought a different motorcycle or done something different.

I forgot...

 

[jay547]

one thing to take note of: there are no tail racks available for the 2012 650 ninja. ladyninja bought one and because of this design omission, now somewhat regrets it. that is the only negative that she has found with the bike but it's an important one if you plan on touring.

[Eric308]

one thing to take note of: there are no tail racks available for the 2012 650 ninja. ladyninja bought one and because of this design omission, now somewhat regrets it. that is the only negative that she has found with the bike but it's an important one if you plan on touring.

He don't need no stinkin' tail rack.   I did a 6K five week trip all over the Rockies like this...
Seriously, if the Ninja fits, wear it. Great little bikes.

[Volfy]

He don't need no stinkin' tail rack.

I admire riders that can tour cross country like that.  Me... I need my 3 hard bags for even a short tour.  Sometimes I only fill one pannier with luggage, but it sure is nice to be able to stuff my jacket in the other pannier, throw my helmet and gloves in the top case, and walk into the restaurant without toting any gear.

Besides, filling the top case half full of ice makes for a instant beverage cooler.

[jadziadax8]

I have an '07 Ninja 650r.  It's been a great tourer.  I have it setup up with Givi side cases and a top case.  Ridden The Gap and Around the Lakes.  Also done a couple of track days.  Love it!

[Eric308]

I admire riders that can tour cross country like that.  Me... I need my 3 hard bags for even a short tour.  Sometimes I only fill one pannier with luggage, but it sure is nice to be able to stuff my jacket in the other pannier, throw my helmet and gloves in the top case, and walk into the restaurant without toting any gear.

Besides, filling the top case half full of ice makes for a instant beverage cooler.

Now that alone should make me reconsider. I kind of cheat...no camping, just nice hotels. I pack a few t-shirts, couple pairs of shorts for "evening wear". Usually do a little laundry at the hotels every few days. I've had that Sealine waterproof duffel for 20 years...it's actually a canoe/kayak dry bag. 40 liters and is 100% waterproof. I just keep it lashed with a couple of bungees and never take it off until I get to the next hotel. Here's the same bag on my Nighthawk S in 1995, Red Canyon, Wyoming. I did over 10K on this trip.

[Scratch33]

one thing to take note of: there are no tail racks available for the 2012 650 ninja. ladyninja bought one and because of this design omission, now somewhat regrets it. that is the only negative that she has found with the bike but it's an important one if you plan on touring.

There's an SW-Motech tail rack listed on Twisted Throttle for the '12 Ninja 650.

Sent from my SCH-I535

[GRN]

There's an SW-Motech tail rack listed on Twisted Throttle for the '12 Ninja 650.

Sent from my SCH-I535

Yes - I had a student that I did some extended private training with who has a '12, great bike. The aftermarket was initially very slow, as was OEM parts availability, but I believe it is starting to/has caught up.

OP - Research and shop your ultimate, complete kit solution before you buy anything. Most bikes, out of the crate, beg modification for any depth of use to any end. The after market product availability, allowing you to very specifically make a bit fit what you want/need after the initial purchase, can be a factor in choosing which bike to do it with.

[LadyNinja]

I like my 650 Green Ninja, I also liked my 250 Blue Ninja before her unfortunate demise. Her frame is in my back yard : )
I still would like the rack for the back anyway, that way if we want to use just my bike, I don't have to have a cumbersome backpack on me, no fun. I also wish they would have kept the gas tank flatter = not so high. I miss using my tank bag, because it interferes with seeing the instuments. She's a nice bike to ride and the extra passing power and good enough gas millage makes her worth it. I use soft bags and for work I also use the center matching triangle shaped bag. A bag support would be nice to have since they get heavy enough to rub on my tires. Hard bags are too costly lol  Nothing beats the freedom of a good ride. Enjoy !

[jay547]

There's an SW-Motech tail rack listed on Twisted Throttle for the '12 Ninja 650.

Sent from my SCH-I535

i could be wrong, but i believe that is for the european version which comes with grab handles. the american version does not.

[McRider]

I have almost 100K miles on my 06 Ninja 650 and I have ridden it across the country and back plus many other multi-day trips.  When I tour, I put on my Givi cases and Cortech top bag, plus a tank bag.  No problems.