Most of you know me, some better than others, but I thought this an appropriate time, as the forum grows larger with each passing day, too explain a few things about how I came about to be on Ninjette.

Even before purchasing my bike in March of 08, I had been online looking for forums to share my passion for the new 250R. I had decided in December of 07 that I would be buying the new gen ninja 250 as soon as I could get my hands on one. With that came the searching online for information on 250s.

It was inevitable that I found 250.org and was enthralled with the amount of technical onfo that site had amassed over the years on the little ninja. I immediately wanted to become a contributing member from the many years of motorcycles that I had, but soon learned it was set up like an old boy’s network and they were not afraid to tell you that you are were not welcome if you didn’t see things their way. In short, it was their way or the highway.

I left that site and started posting on Kawiforums. For many months, it was my life… learning new things about the bike and helping those new to the sport and eager to mod their bikes. It felt good being on the cutting edge of mods for the new gen that no one else had ever done… trial and error… trial and error, but we learned together. I have made some very good friends there, but the 250 forum lacked direction and structure, so I asked for help and would frequently PM the moderators there. There needed to be someone in charge to help grow/mature that forum, but the people in charge were reluctant to have a 250 only moderator. I asked for a separate 250 technical subforum and was denied several times.

Then in the summer, there was a huge influx of newbies there that simply would not search for the most basic of information. It quickly got very old to repeat endlessly the same newbie questions that turned up. The problem was that the forum was so popular, there would be countless new members asking the same questions over and over, day after day. I appealed to the moderators to do something that would help the situation, but help never materialized.

It was then I decided to either leave that forum or go crazy. I quietly left and seriously considered opening my own 250 ninja website for technical questions. I started looking for software platforms and programs to set things up and quickly realized I was in way over my tiny little head, but I kept searching. On one of my searches for vBulletin based sites, I ran across ninjette purely by accident.

Hey, wait a minute… here’s a site, just starting off, dedicated entirely to the 250 ninja in a format exactly what I had in mind, already set up!! The guy in charge, Alex, really seemed to know what he was doing, so hey, why not just move here and continue as I had on KF while not having the headaches of site administration? A few introductory emails to Alex and I was sold.

The ninjette clan was small at the time… less than 50 members, if I remember correctly, but they were a collection of some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Many of those members are still here today and I thank them for the warm welcome I received when I was the newbie on the block.

As close and as nice as the forum was, it wasn’t growing. There were maybe 7 people online at once, if we were lucky, so I started my “campaign” of inviting people over from KF to try ninjette and see how they liked it. Hopefully, they would see the great atmosphere and competence of the admin here and make the switch. At first, I concentrated on inviting people who in the past had contributed value and substance to posts to help set the tone of the new forum. After awhile, it became apparent we needed to grow outside the old timers I had invited, so I selectively started inviting new members from other boards after doing a search of their past posts on other sites. So, if you are here due to an invitation I had sent you, thank you for making the switch and for the valuable contributions and support you have provided to help make this site the success it is today. A big Mahalo to you.

From then on, I tried my best to invite as many as I could to increase the membership here to share with others what a great site this was. Alex, I don’t know what it was in the beginning, but ninjette would just not show up in Google searches, but something must have changed in the last few months, as we are now getting a stream of new members everyday, which is fantastic… to a point.

Which leads me to the real reason of this post… Ninjette has grown rapidly, to the point where that close central core we used to share in the beginning is starting to disappear. “Price of forum growth”, you say… “BS”, I say. This place is special... very special, period. There is no other 250 ninja site that can compare to the new gen information that has been compiled here. The admin here is superlative in keeping up with the latest and greatest for its members, while all the time keeping a distance from over moderating. I know this must be a tough job as he’s a rider as well and know he has opinions of his own which I see he sometimes stifles to let the members run their course. The members here respect each other and show it in their posts.

So, it’s really up to us to set the tone and direction of where this forum is headed. As in any community, you will have differing opinions, but the main core, the social consciousness, is always left with the majority of its members/citizens.

There are 2 types of members that I see on any forums… the givers and the takers. You know what I’m talking about… the ones always looking for help without searching first, the ones always selling stuff to make a profit off the forum members without ever giving anything back, the ones thinking everyone owes them… you know, the takers. As opposed to the givers… the ones always eager to give and help no matter what the situation. You’ve seen the differences… you know who plays for which team.

I have long lived by the motto to “pay it forward.” So, if you are one of the takers, I fully expect you to repay the debt of someone helping you with the deed of repayment by helping someone in need in the future. In that way, the cycle of giving is never broken and helping becomes second nature to everyone on the board. To me, this is what would make this forum ideal. I’m a realist and know it will never catch on 100%, but even if only a few starts to subscribe to the notion, this will be a better place indeed.

So, how can you help? Speak up… let your views be heard… post!! The board will then become a total cross section of how all of its members feel… not just a loud mouthed few. I see the lurkers in the galleries… not to mention the unregistered “guests” we have.

The last item to cover is membership. I will be seriously curtailing any further invitations I send out, unless I really find someone who is truly deserving of being invited to join us here. To compensate for that, I ask that each one of you that reads this post takes it upon themselves to invite at least one other person from another board to join us here. Just be sure that person is of a quality high enough to be an asset to this site and not a detriment. If each of the present membership were to do this, we could easily double the one thousand mark we presently are at. One person… just one, worthy person each. I cannot tell you how many times I needed to empty out my 500 PM box because they were filled with invitations that were never answered.

If I’ve rambled, I’m sorry… If I’ve gotten through to you, great. I do this post only because I love this site and want to make it the #1 250 Ninja resource on the net. With a common goal, I know we can all work to make this happen.

Mahalo nui loa,
Kelly

I agree that this is a fantastic forum. If I knew of anyone that rode a baby Ninja, I would certainly invite them aboard. My posts are few and far between, mostly due to having 5 children to care for.....but I do try to help a little, here and there.

I also fully understand the "taker" mentality. Those panic-induced threads when problems arise with a bike. I suppose unavoidable to an extent, but our sister forum is FULL of people just looking for a handout. That is why I scooted this way.

On a side note, there is not alot happening in the pre-08 area here. Seems like ninja250.org is the place for the classics and this is for the new gens.

On a side note, there is not alot happening in the pre-08 area here. Seems like ninja250.org is the place for the classics and this is for the new gens.

things are changing as more and more pregen riders come onboard daily. it's just a matter of time that the wiki starts being fleshed out with some great people making their way over, such as yourself. :)

5 kids??... you need another hobby! :p

things are changing as more and more pregen riders come onboard daily. it's just a matter of time that the wiki starts being fleshed out with some great people making their way over, such as yourself. :)

5 kids??... you need another hobby! :p

Ha Ha! Yes I do, sir. Yes I do.

BTW, glad to have your expertise here. And your commitment to the Ninja community.

Alex has built a great place for us to share our enthusiasm over the ninjette. I feel we should all do our best to see that the site succeeds as well as he's administered the site to date. He deserves mucho credit for making this the place it is for us today.... but then, he gets paid so well for doing so. :rolleyes:

Good post. Very good.

I was invited by Snake from ninja250.org and I'm VERY glad for it. I haven't been able to leave this site and I've barely been on the other since I've registered here.

So much easier to navigate.

I would like to think of myself as the giving type. I've always believed in that same "pay it forward" notion as yourself and I think people should leave by their own way and not a way others dictate.

I want to be a good person because that is who I choose to be, not because someone demands it or bad repurcussions will be had.

And it seems you are also a good person.

This site is one of the better ones I've been too, for any vehicle and I hope we can keep the bad seeds out.

Now I have to try to find that one person. My standards are high, so hopefully I can find one good enough. Right now only one person comes to mind, and he just sold his 250. Oh well. I'll just have to keep an eye out.

-Brandon

thank you for understanding.

Great post kkim. I now find myself exclusively visiting Ninjette.org instead of that other Kawi forum. Even though I was a member of KF forums for several months, I never really considered going out on group rides. But for some reason, it just felt more encouraging to finally go on my first group excursion once I started posting here on Ninjette. I think I found a new 250R home. :D

lol... and I hope you received at least one of the many invites I sent you, but was never responded to. :D

Interesting post. I'm new to the forum but I do moderate on a car tech forum. My initial impressions of this site have been nothing but positive and I want to congratulate the members/admins/mods who have made the site what it is. This may be geared more towards new gens and I own an old gen, but I'd prefer to chill here than on the older 250 board, mostly because of the positive attitude that this forum exudes.

Mr. KKim, Thank you for all the posts!! I appreciate the Ninjette.org, Thank you to Mr. Alex also! This forum is very helpful.:thumbup:

I must say, you were almost definitely the reason I stayed on this forum. I'm only a member of one other forum, Pashnit, and that only because of a very good post by it's creator, a busa-lover who enjoyed a good ride on a ninjette. I enjoyed the atmosphere on this forum, but it seemed to me that you were the reason the atmosphere was the way it was. I salute you for that!

I like to think I've been a giver, but I'm sure at some points I've been quite a taker. Please feel free to give me an across-the-web slap to the face when I do this. I want to learn and I want to help when I can, not hinder in any way.

Thank you for doing what you do, and a big thanks to Alex as well for making a place like this. I will definitely continue to try to help when I can, and I'll make a larger effort not to be a taker. Thanks for reminding us why we're really here. :D

Michael,

There is no reason to feel bad of being a taker... we all are in one way or another. my beef is with those that don't balance the taking with giving. most takers, seldom give back.

If I've helped you in the past and you feel it was something of value, please remember that and pay the deed forward to next person you see needing a deserving hand.

kelly I totally agree with you about this being a great site. Thank you Alex. I myself have seen it grow from about 600 members to over 1000 members in the short time I've been here. I would like to think I am a giver but I know I really haven't contribute much of any thing. This is because I type very slow. Also I've been tring to read all the post which is very hard because they never end. I learned a lot from what I have read so far.

You say you "want to make it the #1 250 Ninja resource on the net." I truly believe it is.

Again thank you

I agree with your post K, I get frustrated often when there is a question posted and I take the time to answer with information or my opinion and it doesn't even get recognized. Sometimes I just go back and delete my post. So if you are not really interested in advice or help, why ask?
This is a good place, sometimes just too off topic. I appreciate the time and effort Alex has put into this place. I try to be supportive but do not have a ton of technical advice ( just not that skilled) to "give" so I just try to give support. Sometimes it would be nice to be heard when I do take the time.

Z- you are one of the core members that I'm so indebted to for the tone you helped to set from my time on ninjette. Your words of wisdom imparted in the posts you make amazes me. At other times, I love the point of view you bring to balance the mainstream and the sense of humor you have. :D

thank you for being here... in addition to being a technical motorcycle forum, it has grown to be family. you have helped much to make it that.
:)

Also I've been tring to read all the post which is very hard because they never end. I learned a lot from what I have read so far.


Chris,

lol... I too tried to read every post, but lately, it's just impossible. The growth this site has seen recently is mind boggling and with all due respect, that credit should be given to Alex. His dedication to not only running the site, but also to moderate when situations needed it has been very well timed and worded.

If you value what you've learned here, please pass on an invitation to another 250 rider you feel would be a positive addition to the forum. The more we can grow the membership with quality members is a way to give back to Alex the great place he's so generously provided for all of us. Just don't let him know I said that. :p

You typed way too much, being a young person I only read the first sentence then lost interest. :D

In all seriousness, even though I wont be getting a bike till the end of the year, this site has made me keep interest in the 250R and with all the research and info collected (mostly thanks to this site), I will be ready when the momentous time arrives.

Thanks Kelly for the invite, and thanks to Alex for making such a wonderful site.

I think i have a tear in my eye. Alex thanks you so much for creating this site as without it i wouldn't be able to ride. And thanks for everyone that have helped me fix my bike so i am able to enjoy this wonderful new sport. Putting a lot of miles lately and couldn't be happier, cheaper than therapy. The DYI threads are priceless especially with pics. Kelly you are a valuable person to this site, without you well us little children would be lost so please please ride safe and live a long healthy life. :thumbup:

Man what a rant :D

Thanks Kelly for all the knowledge that you have passed on, and the help you have given to anyone that asks. Thanks to Alex for creating the site, and keeping up with the maintenance (I'm not sure what is involved in that, I'm just sure it is over my head :)) necessary to keep everything running smoothly (He knows a thing or two about bikes too :D) The site wouldn't be the same without you two. You are sort of like the dynamic duo of ninjette.org.

This site has a great sense of community, and I must admit that I was worried that we would lose that as things grew. So far I think things are pretty balanced, but as the member base grows things could shift very quickly. We all need to take Kelly up on his challenge to help keep the site progressing and growing, but make sure it is in the right direction.

I've only been here for 7 months but this is for sure the place that most makes you feel like you are part of the community, and for that a big thanks to everyone is in order.

Pay it forward! Who better than YOU my friend does this everyday? No one! Together, we can do anything! If there is a problem, this site can help you find a solution! Thanks for everything that you do. Maybe one day you will realize that BLACK is faster. :thumbup:

KKim, I agree that this forum is a great place with great people which is what has kept me here. I have met alot of people that I truely consider friends and I try to stay in contact with them as much as I can. There is some great information here and I try to give back as much as I can.
In your post you keep on repeating new gen bikes. Please do not forget those of us that ride the "pre gen" bikes and do not turn this forum into a new gen only site.
I myself have started a campain to try and get members from other boards here and a few have heard my call. My aproach has been to target those that are closest to me and branch out from there.
I thank you KKim for all your time and your help.

Most of the questions I have are answered by someone else asking without searching - and someone posting a link to the answer, I really do appreciate all the info you have on here Kim, Thanks

As usual Kelly has hit the nail on the head and provided everyone who visits this site the history which in itself is what makes ninjette.org so special.

The growth of this special forum will be very much like the growth of any family; there will be some subtle changes in what members want, need, and expect. More importantly we will have a lot of new personalities that may at first rub some of us the wrong way. Or it could even be one of us old timers that are just having a lousy day.

The key will be for each of us to count to 10 and IF we feel strongly enough, send the person a PM about our concerns/dissatisfaction. Flaming a person in the thread only starts the war. I'm not saying it's not justified sometimes but usually doesn't move the ball down the field.

Alex has done a great job of providing us a very unique place to gather and exchange information, make friends, and be part of a very unique virtual family.

:thumbup:

I agree 100%, as I stated in one of my other threads I started.

Pay it forward is one heck of a great concept, and how I was raised. I've tried to help as much as I can, sharing what I know and asking for answers to what I don't.

One of these days I'm going to have the time to convert some more of my posts to the Wiki, too!

Alex you rock (except for that sled dog BMW).

Who is this Kelly guy? I think we need to limit the number of words per post. The guy just goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on.

Or least start charging per post if over X words, right? :)

Charging sounds good, How much should I charge?

It was inevitable that I found 250.org and was enthralled with the amount of technical info that site had amassed over the years on the little ninja. I immediately wanted to become a contributing member from the many years of motorcycles that I had, but soon learned it was set up like an old boy’s network and they were not afraid to tell you that you are were not welcome if you didn’t see things their way. In short, it was their way or the highway.


I have to tell you my 250.org story- soon after I bought my 2001, I found those guys and became a member. I contributed often, vainly thinking that an old fart's opinions might be worth something. Eventually I got into it with a mod (who shall remain nameless) who was posting some bull about how it was OK to let your chain rust, since it was an o-ring chain, and textile protection was as good as leather. This same individual was claiming to be a "certified" bike mechanic. I posted in disagreement, and added, perhaps a bit snarky but with humor, that there was one more reason to learn to work on your own bike. I actually posted an article by an authority about why chains, even o-ring chains, need to be lubed. Soon I get this PM full of foul language and even insulting my mother, telling me that I should only post things on "their" "forum" that 99% of the people there would agree with! I answered that he should look up the word "forum", sent copies of all of the messages to the owner of the site, and deleted myself as a user. I did get an answer saying basically "boys will be boys", and a promise to talk to the oaf. But the last time I looked, he was still a mod there, so I guess he still chases people away.

Chris

lol... I too tried to read every post, but lately, it's just impossible.

Welcome, cwb48
You have 8543 Unread Posts:eek:

Chris

Welcome, cwb48
You have 8543 Unread Posts:eek:

Chris

And that was only since last night right? :rolleyes:

Welcome, cwb48
You have 8543 Unread Posts:eek:

Hey, it could be worse. :) Any post older than 30 days is automatically marked read, so it's only 8543 posts from the past month that you haven't read.

(Unfortunately that 30-day limit has to be that way otherwise the DB queries start to get larger than recommended)

Or least start charging per post if over X words, right? :)

ho damn, I'll have to start breaking up my posts if you do that!

Be glad I posted the condensed version. :p

I knew if it was a long post, only the serious would continue to the end and that in itself would show who really takes an interest here. :lol:

Great to see some VIPs posting here have the same outlook. All I'm saying is that we can move this site to unprecedented levels if we focus on a common goal and put some effort into making this the 250 ninja site on the net, new gen and/or pregen. Heaven knows we have the learned/experienced forum members to achieve it. :thumbup:

thanks to all.
:)

Grampa Kelly. I remember when I was a lurker over at Kawi and was generously invited by you. Now I've grown into a mature little postwhore over at Ninjette. Really, without your help, and the help and inspiration of others, I would not be enjoying my bike as much as I do today. It's nice to have a support group of like-minded individuals to keep your feet on the ground but believe in your abilities as well.

Thanks for everyone on the board who has contributed that warm fuzzy feeling. Good job!!

Kkim and Alex - thanks to you both for making this such a great forum - and the other people who post here too - without the input of a community a forum is nowt:)

Having had the previous gen 250 (called the GPX in the UK) I had lurked around the 250.org site and although there is a lot of knowledge on there I soon found out the same as you - and was put off posting by the way a lot of newbies were put down by the regulars. When I got my 08 I found another 250 forum - but it wasn't too well used and seemed to be full of young lads who liked showing off and talking themselves up...

Then one day ninjette randomly showed up on google when I was searching for exhaust options.. I read a few posts, saw how much info was contained in the great DIYs (I've got a couple of mods to do to my bike coming up and might even manage to make one myself!), how supportive and generally lovely everyone was and signed up! I'm glad I did because I'm pleased to be part of this community - although I may be more of a lurker than a poster most of the time, I do try and make a contribution to stuff when I have something to say.. I'm still looking for the rare UK ninja 250 rider to invite (one that meets your criterea Kkim)- only 300 were imported and sold in 2008, a similar number this year I think so it's a small pool to fish in! But when I find them I will be sure to issue an invite :)

Thanks everyone :)

I refuse to let CC and Alex take my money so Im gunna keep this short and sweet :p. Like many on here this is my first bike. I am young and knew absolutly nothing about working on a bike(or much about riding other than what MSF had taught me). I was a poster on kawi for a while until I just got fed up with their bs and everyone just asking the same things over and over and over. Well one day I was invited by kelly and my life changed. I started out as a taker, since I couldnt contribute much since I didn't know that much :rolleyes: but I contributed to the ridiculous off topic threads (which I love :thumbup:) Over time of knowledge accumulation, numerous hours working on the bike myself, and oh I'd say almost $1500, I now try to give when I see a thread that I can contribute being fairly certain I am giving correct information.

Thank you Alex for running this site. I can only imagine how difficult it must be with so many posts every minute and so many people joining. Youve really made a great site that blows EVERY other forum I've been on out of the water. We have such a mix of people, youngin's who this is there first bike, youngins who have been riding for a while....and then the young at heart. Its great that we can all communicate in a positive way and have a great time doin it.


As for you Kelly...well your the reason I spent that $1500 because without you I wouldn't have the confidence to do these mods myself and my own maintenance. So I'll be expecting a check in the mail shortly. Pay it forward brotha :thumbup: But seriously, thank you. You've helped so much of us and I try to retain any knowledge I can from you.

And thanks to everyone else on this site...without alex we wouldn't have it and without kelly a lot of us wouldnt be here...but its everyone else and their contributions that make this a great site. :cheers:


Edit: Damn CC...how much do I owe you? Just take it outta the check that Kelly is sending me

Be glad I posted the condensed version. :p

I knew if it was a long post, only the serious would continue to the end and that in itself would show who really takes an interest here. :lol:

Great to see some VIPs posting here have the same outlook. All I'm saying is that we can move this site to unprecedented levels if we focus on a common goal and put some effort into making this the 250 ninja site on the net, new gen and/or pregen. Heaven knows we have the learned/experienced forum members to achieve it. :thumbup:

thanks to all.
:)

Looks like I'll be getting my walking papers soon!

Looks like I'll be getting my walking papers soon!

Shape up, or Ship out :)

Any room over at R1?

Any room over at R1?

:lol: They like noobs as much as that 250r.org

I think you better stay here with family. Family nevers tells ya to leave ;)

Hard to add to all the posts but to say thanks to Kelly and Alex and all the veterans here. I hadn't ridden a bike in more than 30 years until this spring and this place has helped my confidence greatly. I can actually talk to the service manager at my dealer with some authority and that breeds respect.

And respect is what I see here. We all have opinions and a, at times, off beat sense of humour but we return the respect and tolerance we get here in most all of the posts. It's a kinder, gentler community in my humble opinion. And by the way.... it's a Canadian thing.

I'd like to think I'm doing a good job of this pay it forward thing now - I've helped several others through pms get their bikes repaired, and "Kim's Garage" is open to anyone in the area who needs tools or help working on their bikes...
Kelly, you know I love you - and we wouldn't be anywhere without Alex!

I left that site and started posting on Kawiforums. For many months, it was my life… learning new things about the bike and helping those new to the sport and eager to mod their bikes. It felt good being on the cutting edge of mods for the new gen that no one else had ever done… trial and error… trial and error, but we learned together. I have made some very good friends there, but the 250 forum lacked direction and structure, so I asked for help and would frequently PM the moderators there. There needed to be someone in charge to help grow/mature that forum, but the people in charge were reluctant to have a 250 only moderator. I asked for a separate 250 technical subforum and was denied several times.

Then in the summer, there was a huge influx of newbies there that simply would not search for the most basic of information. It quickly got very old to repeat endlessly the same newbie questions that turned up. The problem was that the forum was so popular, there would be countless new members asking the same questions over and over, day after day. I appealed to the moderators to do something that would help the situation, but help never materialized.


:o





:p

I've been passing on the ninjette love by teaching a couple friends to ride using my 250. :D

I think everyone else has pretty much covered anything I could've said, so I'll just say thank you, to Kelly, Alex, and all the veterans out there who actually know how to work on a motorcycle. I'm no mechanic and I don't live near anyone that I know of on this forum (within a few hours ride) and so it's difficult for me to really pay you guys back. Hopefully my infrequent input does some could and will increase with time.

Wow...Is it ok for a guy to be super sensitive? I'm so touched by your post Kelly.
I think everyone here can agree that I've made the most post in a very short period for a newbie.
Like you Kelly, I wanted to do some research into the bike I was getting so I searched the net and came across the ninja250.org forum. But before all this I was originally looking to buy a Suzuki SV650. I signed up at svriders.com and posted there for weeks. One of the guys there was really nice. He taught me some of the things I needed to know before buying a bike. His name was Manual. He was the one who suggested that I look into the ninja 250. He even gave me his number and we spoke a few times regarding my search for the perfect beginner bike. That's how I started to google for Ninja 250 forums. The ninja250.org site is great in its own ways. I didn't register under there because I found it was difficult to navigate and the lay-out threw me off. I continued to search for that perfect forum and came acrossed the ninjette.org. It didn't take me long to register and post. I found kawiforums by following the link in the seat cowl mod thread. Although, that site has a lot of info I don't have the same feeling I have here. It feels like home here. I feel close to most of the member on here. I found that the people here are easy going, always trying to help and most of all straightforward. This forum has ton of information and useful DIY's that guys like me (never been on a bike) can follow. Sometimes I want to give back by posting DIY but after my first DIY (fender elim), I realized that my writing is horrible and the structure is very unorganized. I jump from A to D and back to B. Next time, I will take my time so that others can easily follow without getting confused.
Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your knowledge and experiences.
Thank you, Alex, for keeping this site going strong.
Thanks everyone for making newbies like me feel welcoming and not intimidated.

This forum has ton of information and useful DIY's that guys like me (never been on a bike) can follow. Sometimes I want to give back by posting DIY but after my first DIY (fender elim), I realized that my writing is horrible and the structure is very unorganized. I jump from A to D and back to B. Next time, I will take my time so that others can easily follow without getting confused.

Tin, you can always PM some of us for help with the DIYs, I've emailed and PMd Kelly several times to look over the ones I've written - it's always a good idea to have another set of eyes look over something!

Tin, you can always PM some of us for help with the DIYs, I've emailed and PMd Kelly several times to look over the ones I've written - it's always a good idea to have another set of eyes look over something!

Thanks Kim.
I will do that in the future.:)
The thing with me is that I tend to rush into things.
Now that I have ur permission, you will see a lot of bugging (is this even a word) from me. :D

Another day down....one more to go...
It's time for me to leave this stressful environment.
Actually, I don't think it's stressful if I can post on here.
On days that I don't post, you know what kind of stress I have to endure.

I would also like to chime in and applaud KKIM, Alex and Ninjette.org for its friendliness and inclusiveness that is just as important as the techno questions/answers that you can find in here. (sometimes I've noted a small "click" ) but in comparison to other sites a very minor matter... again I applaud the membership of Ninjette.org as a whole :clap2::clapping::cheers:

I am relatively new to motorcycles and find all forums to be somewhat helpful, but find myself more attracted to this forum because of its users maturity and growing pre-gen market :)

On a more personal approach, I would like to thank kkim for helping me behind the scenes :thumbup: I was able to work on my bike and do some mechanical things I otherwise would have never attempted. Thanks ;)

I plan on contributing to this forum in many ways and eventually becoming a 250 owner who can give back in the same ways the vets here have. I am actually recording all of the work I am doing to aid the visual owners who need more pictures to help them work on their bike (like me).

Thanks Ninjette! :D

What are you doing Saturday Neema, are you going to join us in Livermore?

Nice write up Kelly. I can hear the passion in your words, and thanks for the invite.. I probably would not have joined ninjette.org when I did had it not been for your PM you sent to me on KF

to be honest, I'm so tired of KF, that I'm probably going to stop posting there ever again.. and there are many reasons why..

And that's one reason why I'm on this forum the most + the many many other reasons I can think of :thumbup:

What are you doing Saturday Neema, are you going to join us in Livermore?

I would LOVE too! But I am not ready, im an ultra nOOb :o

I actually have never ridden a motorcycle above 100cc's in my life. :( I dont even have a permit. However, I am signed up for my MSF course late July.

Until then I have been active on the forums to fix my bike.

I am posting a journal and introduction once I get some pictures on my computer, but to sum up my story... I purchased a running but unhealthy 02' 250 two weeks ago and am currently taking the bike apart and fixing it up to run healthy and happy!

I have been purchasing my gear the past few days so I should be all ready by late July. However, I doubt I will be able to hit the roads or even ride in a group for weeks because of my skill level... I would love to just come hang out and make new 250 friends. Maybe have cold waters ready at the next stop for everyone ;) Just kidding!

Good luck riding and be safe :thumbup:

Everybody has done said it, so there is really no reason for me to say it again. UNLESS, ya'll want me to say it again, i which case I will. BUT, I don't think I will at this point.

But, (I know another but, but this one is smaller than the last one) I have learned a lot on here, whether its about riding, gear, somebody's baby or how human nature can take a conversation about motorcycle parts and turn it into a woman's anatomy lesson.

Thanks to all

nb

wow your so amazing.

<3 no homo.

OK ill admit it. I havent even tried to read all the posts here. Thank again Kelly, You had to PM me a couple time on that "other site" and you coerced me into coming here long ago. Yes I stop by the other place once in a while but this is the one I love. Alex keeps things under control ( A BIG Thank You for that ) and this has grown into THE BEST 250 Forum. To both of you I say MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK and most of all THANK YOU.

I was going to write a big ol story about my immersion into the 250 community, but I'll just keep it simple and quick.

Kelly, your the man.
:allhail:

Thank you all for the kind words and kudos :o, but that was not the intent when this was written. My objective was to answer people's questions about why I was on a mission to recruit so many new members here and also to pay my respects to Alex as an outstanding admin/owner of this site. He works tirelessly behind the scenes and if anyone here deserves kudos and thanks, it's him.

He's given me the freedom to be a rabid an enthusiast that I want to be with regards to the 250R and for that I cannot ever thank him enough. (just don't tell him I said so :lol:)


But, I must emphasize, if you take one point from my original post it should be... please be on the lookout for more quality people to join us here and extend an invitation when you find them. With that in mind, we can repay Alex with a quality forum to standards never before achieved on any 250 Ninja forum. He deserves that... we all do. :)

Maybe we should make some kind of ninjette business card that we can give to ninjette riders we meet on the road? Couldn't hurt right? Just a little piece of paper we can give that gives a little information on the site? I'm sure some of our skilled photoshop/gimp-lovers can whip up something and post it that everyone can print out and have on hand. Probably cheaper than making cards huh? :D Just a thought...

We used to have the same thing over on a car forum I was on. It was a pre printed card that was part of a welcome packet everyone got when they became a paying member. If you saw a car that you thought the owner would like becoming a member of that forum, you stuck it under their wiper. It contained a greeting message and the web address of the forum.

A online version would work just as well that we could print from our own printers. good idea! :thumbup:

Thanks! :D Now where is Sunny? She could make an amazing printable intro page for us, but I haven't seen her in a while! :(

:lol: They like boobs as much as that 250r.org

I think you better stay here with family. Family nevers tells ya to leave ;)

It's OK with me.

how bout this. I have it in pub can make it a tif or jpeg whatever

+1
Thanks for the original invite Kelly.

I believe you sent it not long after I received a very nasty, and very public response on KF for asking an honest question.... the topic may have been old, but the question I believe was a new one. Got my feelings hurt :(

I know I have taken, and given a little. For myself, the first year is probably more asking questions and absorbing info, and the answering comes with the knowledge and confidence.

Gotta say thanks to Alex too, for all of THIS, and for inviting me on group rides..... wish you weren't so far away, but I'll find a way for one of them at least!

Nice post! Through searching like kkim, i first landed on kawi forums, i really didnt like their formatting and some of the members there were quick to flame someone, specially the noobies. Then i found you guys and have never left since. I'm pretty much very new to motorcycling. I bought my bike april 09 and do not have a clue other than knowing how to ride one by taking the msf course. I have learned a lot through the help of the members here about my bike. Well the only thing i can really say is keep up the great job everyone and hopefully I learn a lot more from you guys so i can help pass it on to the new members.

Well , it is a really wonderful forum, people are kind and willing to help. Please, excuse for being such a "taker". Sometimes is difficult to drag the necessary information, especially for a foreigner. ( I am a foreigner, have I mentioned it so far ? :cool:)
For example : before starting the thread "About wider tires" I've tried to search the forum.... In the search menu I've typed "tires" , but I couldn't found the necessary information. So I've started the thread :confused:

Thank you all forum members ( should I named them all ? ), who helped me with info, advice and attitude. :thumbup:

P.S. : Snake, please excuse me for posting a reply in your thread "Members with Military service". Lately I realized how much you guys respect and admire your history and National Army. It doesn't concerns me.
I wasn't supposed to do it.

Thank you for your hospitality.

+1 Kelly!

Without the few PM's I've sent some of you guys I'd be completely lost! The DIY section here is among the elite for all 250 forums. Here's a round of applause to those who've given their time to submit a DIY :clapping:
If only I had more tools ... :confused20:

And everyone has touched on the fact that the community here is unlike any place on the net (more like family) which is why most are drawn here.

I think we should all do our part to try and "pay it forward." Like many members here on the board I'm not very familiar with motorcycle maintenance and terminology but I think once we learn something from another member we should simply pass it on. This would create a closer community and it would also prevent the veterans here from repeating the same thing over and over :)

A big THANK YOU to Kelly and Alex and the many Ninjette veterans who've made this community possible. :thumbup:

The family atmosphere here is what definitely sets this site apart from all the rest.

Perhaps, even if we all don't have mechanical skills to present a DIY, we can help by welcoming the new members instead?

Remember how it was when you were a new member here and everyone posted to welcome you? How did that make you feel? Imagine if you could pass that feeling on to the new members that are joining daily... and we all can.

So, post up in a new member's introductory thread and show them what a nice, friendly, supportive forum they've just signed up on. :thumbup:

Dogdanb dont worry about it too much. (posting in the military service poll) Were on the same side now arent we? Were all 250 riders and thats the common link.

Dogdanb dont worry about it too much. (posting in the military service poll) Were on the same side now arent we? Were all 250 riders and thats the common link.

:thumbup: I love this forum !

I was at a few different forums, kind of floating around, then I found this forum one day when I googled something... (idr what it was but as soon as I click 'post' i'll remember)

havent really been back to the other ones.. i stay on here all day at work.

I do ask a lot of questions but I don't think id consider myself a 'taker'. but i also don't pretend i know thigns when I don't (which is alot because i'm new to this) or pretend that my opion is the only one that matters. And i see a lot of people like me on here that are willing to learn from those that are more experienced... i just wanted to address the 'taker' comment because although I don't have a lot of knowledge or experience to contribute, i'm not looking to soley benefit myself and i do understand how a community works. not looking for an arguement, just trying to express a point of view that I felt wasn't addressed in the OP. great post btw, i definitely see how this forum differs from others.

I'd been lurking on a couple of other forums but this is the first 250-centric forum I joined. 2fiddy.com was long dead by the time I found it and the others... well lets just say that within five minutes of looking through posts here I could tell the people here were welcoming, passionate about the bikes and wanting to help anyone enjoy them.

Alex, kkim and everyone else thanks for the site, the help and for setting an example I asipire to as I learn and ride.

speaking of me having my questions answered, look who shows up, sofo ftw. and he reminded me that i forgot to say thank you to alex and everyone, thank you very much.

I wonder if this is the first time you've been on a forum that has grown. Ninja250.org is a great resource and that is it. It is very difficult to communicate on there especially with the way it is and Alex figured it would be wiser to make something more updated and so this forum style was created. VBB makes it much more organized and i would believe that if ninja250.org upgraded their forum style to something more current, they would have more traffic than this site since they have been around the longest (since the 80's).

If you want something more personal, create a forum with the same VBB style and personally invite them. No one is stopping you from doing so. Personally, I can but administrating another forum is a hassle and takes up a lot of work.

Another thing, the ninja 250 is the recommended newbie bike of choice. You will get people who have never used a forum and you will get people that have never been on a group ride. You will get dumb ass questions especially when people don't use the search button. It's just the nature of the beast. If it bothers you, just breathe and ignore the post. Is it really worth replying?

Eli, if those comments are directed to me, did you even read the original post? :rolleyes:

Hey I'm still here! :D
Considering the low amount of miles I've been able to log this year with the incessantly crappy weather we've been having here in the Northeast, coming here regularly is about the only bike fix I've been getting lately. :(
I don't post nearly as much as I used to, but if I see something I can add that might help I do my best. Alex and Kelly have both done a fabulous job with this forum, but it was inevitable it would start to become a victim of it's success. The number of members it has now is astonishing, but it's obvious the #1 draw here is the amount of info and effort that Kelly (in particular - there are many others) adds every day and Alex's steady hand at the tiller.
One thing I don't understand is why people think discussion boards should be populated with one-sentence answers. I get the same thing when I post long missives here or on other boards I freaquent. If Kelly or Alex seem to be taking up too much type you have the wrong attitude. That stuff is GOLD baby! The more they have to say the more you'll learn, plain & simple.

just droppin in to let everybody know how much I appreciate all of the information that is always shared on this forum.The shop manual pda that Kelly sent me was just awesome.This forum is always a great place to come to and decompress after a crappy day at work with snow flying and no chance of riding.Thanks to everybody that puts in the time to make this the #1 ninja forum around!!!

Eli, if those comments are directed to me, did you even read the original post? :rolleyes:

On a word document this is 2.5 pages of reading…5 pages if you double space it. No one wonder teachers are glancing over student papers now-a-days. I would! Hahaha

Anyhoo you asked if I read your post and I did here we go

It was inevitable that I found 250.org and was enthralled with the amount of technical onfo that site had amassed over the years on the little ninja. I immediately wanted to become a contributing member from the many years of motorcycles that I had, but soon learned it was set up like an old boy’s network and they were not afraid to tell you that you are were not welcome if you didn’t see things their way. In short, it was their way or the highway.

I wonder if this is the first time you've been on a forum that has grown. Ninja250.org is a great resource and that is it. It is very difficult to communicate on there especially with the way it is and Alex figured it would be wiser to make something more updated and so this forum style was created. VBB makes it much more organized and i would believe that if ninja250.org upgraded their forum style to something more current, they would have more traffic than this site since they have been around the longest (since the 80's).

I started looking for software platforms and programs to set things up and quickly realized I was in way over my tiny little head, but I kept searching. On one of my searches for vBulletin based sites, I ran across ninjette purely by accident.

If you want something more personal, create a forum with the same VBB style and personally invite them. No one is stopping you from doing so. Personally, I can but administrating another forum is a hassle and takes up a lot of work.

Then in the summer, there was a huge influx of newbies there that simply would not search for the most basic of information. It quickly got very old to repeat endlessly the same newbie questions that turned up. The problem was that the forum was so popular, there would be countless new members asking the same questions over and over, day after day.

Another thing, the ninja 250 is the recommended newbie bike of choice. You will get people who have never used a forum and you will get people that have never been on a group ride. You will get dumb ass questions especially when people don't use the search button. It's just the nature of the beast. If it bothers you, just breathe and ignore the post. Is it really worth replying?

someone needs to stop ranting and post this up on a blog :D

points taken, but if that's all you got out of the post perhaps I do need to rewrite it for more clarity. It was by no means a rant and wrote it to help grow this forum closer, not criticize the newbs and to also help to increase the membership here by asking present members to invite new 250 enthusiasts they thought worthy of sharing their ideas here, which was the point of the post.

perhaps, if you didn't like the post, you should take some of your own advice and just move to the next?

...and be glad I posted the condensed version. :p

Kelly, I think that you and Alex have developed the penultimate Ninja 250 site. With all the DIYs you and others have posted, there is little need for a shop manual--you folks certainly trumped them. This forum has certainly helped me get back into cycling. The last bike I had was a 1972. Bikes are light years ahead of that. I have to admit that initially I felt like Woody Allen in the movie "Sleeper" This forum tolerated my dumb questions and helped me catch up. There are even people in my age group who ride Ninjettes. I still get some strange looks, and have actually been told that "Bikes like that are for 20 year olds" The more I ride that bike, the younger I get. We have the fountain of youth--Ponce de Leon, eat your heart out. Ride Safe. This is a great family.

Sailariel-

This is far and away 100% Alex's site and he should singularly take a well deserved bow for the way he upkeeps the place and incorporates the latest, neatest software gizmo's available for this chosen platform for us to use. More importantly, he has chosen a tone that he strongly believes in preserving and moderates through "non moderation". With that, ninjette is just a breathe of fresh air compared to the trash that normally populates the other forums.

I'm just a member here, like anyone else, and through his tolerance, I stay on the board to help the younger, less experienced riders who ask. I've learned that giving back in life has it's own rewards. I've made many, many friends through my experiences here and on other forums that I would not trade for the world.

We have grown to be a great forum here, comprised of an excellent group of respectful, polite, but rabid 250 owners, that seem to be able to bring out the best in one another. No other 250 board out there even comes close. I'm proud to be associated with Ninjette. :thumbup:

I'd love to pay it forward, but sadly I am an idiot.

I'm very glad to have this site as an alternative to Ninja250.org and Kawiforums. 250.org is run by fuddy-duddy prudes, and Kawiforums is overrun with squids-in-training. Ninjette is a refreshing balance, with educated members that value responsible, skillful riding while recognizing that this motorcycling thing is a passion that occasionally calls for personal expression and a spirited pace.

points taken, but if that's all you got out of the post perhaps I do need to rewrite it for more clarity. It was by no means a rant and wrote it to help grow this forum closer, not criticize the newbs and to also help to increase the membership here by asking present members to invite new 250 enthusiasts they thought worthy of sharing their ideas here, which was the point of the post.

it seems like you want new ideas out of the randomness that comes through this place. I'd say for every one new idea or tech thread there are 500 or more members that walk in and out of this place

perhaps, if you didn't like the post, you should take some of your own advice and just move to the next?

My own advice was to take a breather if you didn't want to post. someone is getting a lil butthurt over the internet. perhaps its best to take a breather?

...and be glad I posted the condensed version. :p

I will bow down to you for doing that us all a favor. I was gonna post up this picture when I saw your original post.http://207.199.174.56/img/ZEIaJAwjra_2002894349033766821_rs.jpg

btw its the internet. don't get upset over this..if you get upset, it'll ruin your day and whats the point of that? go have a grand ol time riding and finding new routes. :thumbup:

Another thing, the ninja 250 is the recommended newbie bike of choice. You will get people who have never used a forum and you will get people that have never been on a group ride. You will get dumb ass questions especially when people don't use the search button. It's just the nature of the beast. If it bothers you, just breathe and ignore the post. Is it really worth replying?

Absolutely it is worth a reply.. teach a man to fish and all.


I saw the op as a invite to share input and ideas. give and take and
definitely not ranting.

I also saw that post as a challenge to learn more so I can share more.

I saw that post as a ..
A time to reflect, a passion to make the place you spend a lot of time better and better.A time to laugh, A time for love... never mind....

Sailariel-

No other 250 board out there even comes close. :thumbup:


I wanna know how many other boards are there for this besides ninja250.org? (this is a serious question no matter how you look at it)

A time to laugh, A time for love... never mind....

http://sc.tri-bit.com/images/f/fa/KBDGTUORPSSZ2JW2EZCYNIDAQJ73BLSZ.jpg

Newninja.com
kawiforum the 250 forum
ninja250forum.com
ninja250R
ninjatwofifty.com
kawimotorcycleforums.com 250 section

coffeecandy. I was being serious up to that song part.

Related thread (http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22689).

coffeecandy. I was being serious up to that song part.

But that was the best part of your reply:thumbup:

Related thread (http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22689).

we need a quote plus system on this cause me quoting like this will add up to post whoring.

I have adhd. care to concise it down?:thumbup:

Newninja.com
Joined

http://www.kawiforums.com/
joined

ninja250forum.com
Joined

ninja250R
link?

ninjatwofifty.com
I can't figure this site out. is it a forum? or?

kawimotorcycleforums.com
is that the correct url?

Newninja.com
Joined

http://www.kawiforums.com/
joined

ninja250forum.com
Joined

ninja250R
link?

ninjatwofifty.com
I can't figure this site out. is it a forum? or?

kawimotorcycleforums.com
is that the correct url?

cool... have fun there.

:D

google !!!

google !!!

:eek: you're telling him to SEARCH!!!!???

I thought that poster was a girl like me? now I am confused. I know a girl named eli

google !!!

wait wait wait...what was this whole talk about helping out the new people around here and then you go and say that :thumbup: young grass hopper you are learning.

Um young.. I could be your mother but I ate my young. sorry

:eek: you're telling him to SEARCH!!!!???

:thumbup: yes yes he did i mean she did

Um young.. I could be your mother but I ate my young. sorry

so you're a cougar? :)

um more like a wolverine. not fun to mess with.

I thought that poster was a girl like me? now I am confused. I know a girl named eli

Really? I am confused too because I thought zartan is a guys name. http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o143/invisiblewraith/nfzartan3.jpg

zartan is a master of disguise now study up!!

um more like a wolverine. not fun to mess with.

I don't care if you're a wolverrine :hug: and wheres that 'in love' smilie?:)

google it!!! :D

zartan is a master of disguise now study up!!

I'll study you up. ;) so uhh why don't we go for some drinks and see how many claws I get scratched with?

google it!!! :D

I'll make you google me all over :D

Naw sorry I got a date already.. Maybe i can google one for ya?? thanks for the invite.

about those fourms
those are the names I bookmarked so seriously ...if you google 250 forums or blogs or aftermarket more will come up.


Ok enough fun for us gals.. back on topic...

Naw sorry I got a date already.. Maybe i can google one for ya?? thanks for the invite.

about those fourms
those are the names I bookmarked so seriously ...if you google 250 forums or blogs or aftermarket more will come up.


Ok enough fun for us gals.. back on topic...

i actually did google those names but nothing came up....you really don't have links? oh come on you love those LONG links.

is your date hot? is he HUNG? (HBO series) google one up for me? yeah right..don't you think i've tried. :D

You crossed the boundries. not interrested. good bye

You crossed the boundries. not interrested. good bye

thats no fun

never mind.

never mind.

i still have your original post as i SUBSCRIBED TO THE post. now why would you edit your post?

because it seemed that you figured out how to do multiple quotes on the other page.

because it seemed that you figured out how to do multiple quotes on the other page.


what page? I manually put the [/QUOTE] at the beginning and end

post #79. well, anyways, ok then. i will re-type what i wrote. to multi-quote, the button is right next to the quote button.

post #79. well, anyways, ok then. i will re-type what i wrote. to multi-quote, the button is right next to the quote button.

cool thanks. :thumbup: I got a 24" widescreen set at the highest resolution and could barely see it. :D

how bout this. I have it in pub can make it a tif or jpeg whatever

ZARTAN, That is way cool.