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Motorcycle Carbon Fiber Vinyl Ignition Key Scratch Protector

2017+ Kawasaki Ninja 650 Carbon Fiber Vinyl Ignition Key Scratch Protector - Title Thumbnail

Last updated on December 20th, 2018

Here’s a quick and easy upgrade if you’re looking for a project to keep busy during Winter. There’s an old saying that on cars, one quick way to judge if it has as many miles as the odometer claims is to look at the condition of the steering wheel. Something similar could be claimed about the area around a motorcycle’s ignition.

One peeve of mine are bikes that have the ignition area all scratched up from keys banging around. It looks bad, and it’s avoidable. Using cheap carbon fiber vinyl we’re gonna make a custom key scratch protector for motorcycles. This 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 (Z650) is today’s victim. Enjoy!

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Permanent Roadside Motorcycle Tire Repair Kit with Dynaplug

Permanent Roadside Motorcycle Tire Repair with Dynaplug Kit

Last updated on December 28th, 2018

Nothing sucks more than the feeling you get when you hop on your bike, start the engine and give it a few revs…only to notice something feels odd when you try to back it out. Yup, you’ve got a flat tire. As much as that will ruin anyone’s day, thankfully it’s pretty quick and easy to take care of. Here’s how to permanently repair a flat motorcycle tire with a Dynaplug Tire Repair Kit. Let’s start!

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Motorcycle Detailing: How to Clean a Motorcycle

Motorcycle Detailing - How to Clean a Motorcycle - Title Thumbnail

Last updated on April 15th, 2019

I’m a stickler for motorcycle detailing, so I’ve spent a lot of time trying out different motorcycle cleaning products until I’ve found what I like best. Be it a bike wash shampoo or motorcycle wax, use them enough and you’ll develop a preference. While motorcycles don’t have all that much paintwork, they have more surface types and materials than many cars. Be it chrome, rubber, vinyl or plastic, you shouldn’t treat them all the same. That’s why here I’m going to go over how to clean a motorcycle for the best shine and longevity.

Keep reading to see how it matches your washing routine, or if you use the same motorcycle cleaning products.

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Why Motorcycle Performance Upgrades Aren’t Worth it

Why Motorcycle Performance Upgrades Aren't Worth it - Title Thumbnail

Last updated on December 10th, 2018

If you checked out my Kawasaki Ninja 650 mods list, you might be wondering where are all the engine performance upgrades? I’m going to take a bit of an unconventional stance here.  Currently, on anything that isn’t a top-of-the-line model or a race bike, I think motorcycle performance upgrades aren’t worth it. At least not HP-wise, in any case. Continue reading “Why Motorcycle Performance Upgrades Aren’t Worth it”

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Motorcycle Chain Maintenance – Cleaning & Lube

Motorcycle Chain Maintenance

Last updated on April 15th, 2019

So it’s time to clean and lubricate the chain, huh? It might not be the most glamorous job, but motorcycle chain maintenance is necessary if you want your chain and sprockets to live a long life. Sure, it’s a pretty basic job. But for riders new to DIY motorcycle maintenance this detailed how-to can come in handy. Here are some tips and tricks for cleaning and lubing your motorcycle chain. Today we’ll be working on a 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650/Z650.

Project Specs

Difficulty: Easy
Tool Requirements: Basic
Time: 30 min
Cost: ≈0$
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My 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Mods List

MillennialDIYer's 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Mods & Upgrades List

Last updated on April 17th, 2019

Here’s my 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 mods list. It’s a list of all modifications and upgrades I’ve done to my Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS. As of now, at least.

Some are easy bolt-on parts, and others are full-blown custom installations. And keep in mind that most will also fit the 2017 Kawasaki Z650, too. If you’re interested in seeing what I chose to install, take a look at my Kawasaki Ninja 650 mods list below. Continue reading “My 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Mods List”

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2017+ Kawasaki Ninja 650 Parts Compatibility List

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Parts Compatibility List - Title Thumbnail

Last updated on April 17th, 2019

The following is a non-exhaustive, yet unfinished Kawasaki Ninja 650 parts compatibility list. That is, it is a list of models which share a degree of compatibility with the new 2017+ Kawasaki Ninja 650.

Though this model is new for 2017 – and a major redesign on the previous version of the infamous Ninja 650 – there are still many major and minor accessories that will directly bolt-on. At least from previous models from the Kawasaki family. I can’t make any guarantees about compatibility, but it is an excellent starting point when looking for more options when it comes to replacements and upgrades.

Also, if you want to check out what parts I decided to install on my 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650, check out my mods list. I’ve definitely put a not-insignificant amount of time and money into my bike, so I can absolutely make a few recommendations. Continue reading “2017+ Kawasaki Ninja 650 Parts Compatibility List”

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The Best Bulb for Unmodified Headlight Housings

HIDs are great, but they are hard to install. While not quite as bright, here's the best bulb for unmodified headlight Housings I've found. Just swap them for an easy upgrade.

Last updated on March 21st, 2019

One of the most frequent questions on forums these days is how to improve the light output of stock headlights. It’s especially common for those riders trying to get rid of the ‘cyclops look’, so typical with imported motorcycles. I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but the sad truth is that there is still no good answer. Like most things in life, it’s a compromise. The options are cheap, easy and bright. You can only choose two. Here I’ll show you which is the best bulb for unmodified headlight housings I’ve found so far.

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How to Sell a Used Motorcycle

How to Sell a Used Motorcycle - Tips & Tricks to sell my motorcycle - Title Thumbnail

Last updated on December 10th, 2018

So that time has finally come around, huh? The times they are a changin’ and you need to get rid of your old bike. Either you’ve outgrown it, you’re a new parent (congratulations!), financial difficulties or something else entirely. Here’s how to sell a used motorcycle. While selling a vehicle isn’t difficult per se, there are definitely tips and steps that no one tells you in advance. I’m going to go over, step by step, the process I used to sell my motorcycle. I’ll cover my actual experience selling the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS sport bike pictured above.

Selling a motorcycle can be a hassle. Hopefully this guide helps make the job easier for you when the time comes.
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Motorcycle Fork Brace Stabilizer for the Ninja 650/Z650

Motorcycle Fork Brace Stabilizer

Last updated on December 10th, 2018

It’s always nice to spend some quality time with your bike. A cheap and useful way to do that for most sport bikes is installing a Motorcycle Fork Brace Stabilizer. Today we’re going to install one on a 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS. The process and part are exactly the same for the 2017+ Kawasaki Z650. While it’s one of the easier Ninja 650 mods and upgrades, no instructions are included. Seeing it done before trying yourself is always nice, since there are always tips to learn beforehand. Here’s how to install a motorcycle fork stabilizing brace on a sport bike.

Difficulty: Easy
Tool Requirements: Basic
Time: 1 Hour
Cost: 30-50$ Continue reading “Motorcycle Fork Brace Stabilizer for the Ninja 650/Z650”