The New York City Subway is undoubtedly the most famous and well-used public transit system in the country, at least partially because it's generally a far more effective method of navigating the States’ largest concrete jungle than a personal vehicle. Perhaps that's why one Kawasaki Ninja rider felt the need to ditch their bike on a subway platform and hitch a ride on the R Train out of Brooklyn.
Images of the abandoned bike come to us by way of Facebook user Danny O'Connell, who spotted the bike on their way into Manhattan earlier this week. According to O’Connell, the bike was simply parked up on the Manhattan-bound platform of the Bay Ridge Ave station, well beyond the turnstile area. That of course means someone rode the bike down some stairs to its current resting place, or they stuffed it into an elevator at another stop and rode there. (The Bay Ridge Av stop does not have an elevator, as noted on the MTA's Accessible Stations list.) Regardless, this particular Ninja isn’t a mint example, with its fairings missing and a load of zip-ties helping to hold things together. It also appears that the bike has been damaged by fire at some point, with the gas tank showing signs of previously melting. We wouldn’t put it past someone to abandon their bike late one night, especially with how pricey fuel is these days. That said, something criminal could be at play. Parts have been stripped off the bike, and the rider was smart enough to yank the plate before leaving. Not that ditching your getaway vehicle in such a public place is a recommended practice.
If you happen to be missing your white Kawasaki Ninja in New York City, I’m afraid we might’ve located your ride. If you happen to be the person responsible for tossing this thing aside, boy do we have some questions for you. Either way, this is another strong reminder that you never know what wonders you might come across taking the subway in NYC.
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.
