2006-2008 First Generation Ninja 650R: Motor Long-term Reliability
 

Forum Members,

Hello and happy new year!

I am interested in receiving feedback regarding the longevity or long-term reliability of the first generation Ninja 650R. I believe the first generation include the years 2006-2008. After browsing classified ads on motorcycle forums, Craigslist and performing general Google searches, I have learned of many first generation models with mileage between 20,000 - 40,000 miles (32k-64k km). I am sure there are many higher mileage Ninja 650R's on the road. I've read another thread on this forum about reliability that was positive. I thought I should post another thread to avoid jumping on someone else's thread.

For those of you who are daily riders and have accumulated significant mileage on your first generation Ninja, please respond with any major engine work that was required during your ownership and at what mileage the failure occurred. I am hoping to learn the motors are relatively solid and only general maintenance was required if:

(1.) the owner did not abuse the Ninja and
(2.) the owner followed Kawasaki's recommended maintenance schedule.

Please include any electrical gremlins or failures experienced with regulators/rectifiers, CDI, stators, starters, oil/water pumps, timing chain/belts, cams/valve issues or items known to fail prematurely and any recommended proactive or preventative maintenance.

Also, what OEM spares would you include in a spares kit for a long journey in a remote area with minimal or no dealer network support?

Finally, what is the highest mileage first generation Ninja 650R you may have encountered on the road, while browsing classified ads or online?

Thanks in advance!

Ride safely.

Kunzie

My 2006 has 33k on the clock with no issues