Bike is not just a machine for a biker, it is more than that. The more time we spend, the bond just keep getting stronger. It's keep getting better and better just like an well aged whisky.
While few modifications are necessary, few enhances your riding experience, few are practically useless and unnecessary.
Kawasaki India just started delivering BS6 Ninja300, so I thought it is good time to quickly put down my experience, modifications I have carried and what in my 'limited' knowledge I consider wasteful.
First modification: Grabrail and Saree guard - I will recommend this to all Ninja300 buyers:
Get rid of the grab rail and saree guard at the time of delivery itself. Just to comply with Indian regulations, Kawasaki India has put in ZERO effort and have added the grab rail and saree guard which are eye sore to the beautiful machine.
From practical perspective, given the pillion seat is slightly slanting forward with no side foot-set, I really doubt any rider will ask his Girlfriend, Wife or Mother as pillion wearing saree. I'll suggest even if you have not removed the grab rail and saree guard don't let any female member sit as your pillion wearing saree as it will be uncomfortable.
Grab rail does offer a bit help to the pillion if he or she is scared of holding on to the rider, but it is simply too big an eye sore to ignore it.
I got rid of both at the time of delivery itself.
Second modification: Frame Sliders and Radiator Guard - highly recommended:
Due to localization, cost of spare parts of Ninja300 has reduced drastically. This link will throw some light on the same: https://gaadiwaadi.com/kawasaki-ninja-300-spare-parts-cost-dropped-by-rs-2-5-lakh/
My learning from fellow riders, the saying is, "its not IF you crash but WHEN you crash". Hence, despite the cost reduction, the cowling is still made of plastic and when you drop or crash your bike, the side cowling (side frame) will break. To reduce the probability of damaging your side frame, add frame sliders of good brand and quality. This is one time investment and will protect your side frame from getting damaged.
Next is adding a radiator guard. Reason, radiators are not covered under warranty (yes, you read it correctly). Further, in our country, their is high probability of small debris hitting your radiator and bending the fins and damaging it.
Again, at the time of delivery itself, I got R&G frame slider (INR 16,500) and R&G radiator guard (INR 6,500) added to my bike. Its worth the investment.
Yes, proper Ninja 300 frame sliders are expensive as they have to bolt it to the engine itself unlike for other model where it get bolted on the frame.
Third modification: Head lights - Highly Recommended
Ninja300 stock head light are pathetic. So you will be essentially be riding blind after sunset. While I prefer not to ride post sunset, while touring it become difficult to completely avoid it.
Hence, I would recommend this modification at the time of delivery itself. Change the stock head lamp bulbs with LEDs. Another suggestion, test it in a dark area to see if the LEDs are rightly adjusted to light your path properly.
I don't remember the brand I got, but it costed by around INR 6000.
Fourth modification: Tank Pads - 'Top' one recommended, 'Side' one personal choice
Tank pads, it protect your tank from scratches from zip of your riding gear. The challenge is the design of Ninja300 tank. The design is such that tank pads is their standard position don't stick perfectly which causes them to come out after some time.
Their are two ways to solve for it - search for a narrower tank pad design or stick the tank pad a little lower than standard position. It will still be effective.
Side tank pads certainly improves the griping power and provide more stability but I have not missed it even while carving various ghat sections. Hence leave this to personal preference.
Fourth modification: Taller Wind Screen - not necessary but can be effective
I'm talking about the wind screen. Let me honest, the stock wind screen are pretty decent and does their job perfectly till you are cruising at 110-120 kmph. But let's be honest, if you are on NH48 with not much traffic you will increase your speed, and that where you start feeling the wind on your shoulders and helmet.
A taller wind screen will certainly make high speed cruising better. I'm still using my stock version and may add a taller wind screen once these crazy times get over.
Fifth modification: Gel Seat - personal choice
The reason I'm recommending it as personal choice because the stock seat is quite good for long haul as well. I have changed added the Gel seat, and can say after using it for more than 6000km that the change in comfort is incremental and not life changing as compared to stock seat.
Sixth modification: Mobile holder - recommended for everyone
If you want to use your bike other than local commute, mobile holder is a life saver. Get RAM X-type mobile holder with USB charger and get it hooked to your battery.
Seventh modification: After Market exhaust - please avoid, total waste of money
I have seen many of my biker friends replacing the stock exhaust with After Market exhaust - either a slip-on or even full system. It can cost you anywhere between INR 50,000 to more than a lakh rupees. Like for e.g. Akrapovic Slip-on for N300 cost a whopping INR 85,000 , and for same price you can also get SC-Project full system exhaust for N300.
I have heard so many riders talking about how the after market exhaust system has improved the performance etc., let me call them out that its bullshit. Let me explain between facts and myths:
- Fact 1: It does make the sound better and louder, no doubt about it;
- Fact 2: It does add, 1-2 bhp to the power and safe-off few kgs of weight, so on paper it does make it a teeny tiny better;
- Fact 3: Its illegal in our country, and if caught the cops will destroy your after market exhaust.
2 comments:
I will suggest to add Image of mentioned accessories for visual understanding, Rest all is superb.
Thanks for the suggestion, will do.
Post a Comment