Alright, let’s talk about my time with the Ninja 650r. I remember when I first thought about getting one. I was browsing, looking at different bikes, and the 650r kept popping up. People online were saying it’s a solid choice, especially the older models, and some even had over 50,000 miles on them! That got me thinking, this bike must be pretty reliable.

So, I started digging deeper. Found out that the engine is based on this “bullet-proof” ER-6f motor. I read a bunch of reviews from owners, and it seemed like everyone loved theirs. Not many complaints, which is always a good sign. Seemed like the main thing to do was regular maintenance, like changing the oil and fluids.
I was initially eyeing a used 2009 model. A buddy of mine was selling his, and he was giving me a good deal. It had around 28,000 miles, which isn’t too bad for its age. He told me to just make sure I replaced all the fluids, filters, and maybe the brake pads. He also said to check the tires, even if they looked good. You know, basic stuff when you’re buying a used bike.
Before that, I was actually considering a smaller bike, like a Ninja 250r. But after reading more about the 650r, I figured it would be a better long-term investment. I mean, some folks online were talking about using it for sport touring, which sounded pretty cool.
Finally, I pulled the trigger and got a used 2007 model. It was red and black, looked almost brand new even though it had about 1,200 miles on it. I took it for a spin, and man, it was smooth! Kawasaki recommends changing the oil every 7,500 miles, but I’ll probably do it more often, just to be safe.
Here are some things I did right after I bought it:
- Changed all the fluids – oil, coolant, brake fluid, you name it.
- Replaced the filters – air filter and oil filter.
- Checked the brake pads – they were fine, but I’ll keep an eye on them.
- Inspected the tires – they seemed okay, but I’m planning on replacing them soon just to be on the safe side.
Overall, I’m really happy with my Ninja 650r. It’s a great bike, and I’m looking forward to putting many more miles on it. And since the engine is derived from the er-6f, a model known for its reliability, I am confident that I will be able to use it for a long time with proper maintenance.
