Introduction- We'll I bought my Ninja250 back in February. When I went with my buddy to pick it up he had me practice in a parking lot. Did ok just doing circles. It was my first time ever on a bike, never even rose a dirt bike or a manual transmission car.
Monday 4/14. My buddy was planning on coming over later in the afternoon to practice more riding and I said screw it I'm going for it. He's not always to be there. I get my brand new jacket on, gloves, helmet. Probably took 20 min to get out of my driveway because it's a hill. My mom was laughing at me the whole time, but I got out, and was on the road. I live on a quiet street, pretty decent turns. Remembered to look through the turns, never to brake during. Had a hell of a time, but I was in high RPM's and it wouldn't shift. WTF. Get to the end of the road call my buddy up and he explains 1st gear is the other gear you press down on the shift level to go up. (The whole time I thought to shift up you press your foot down). After that I was good. Rode up into town. Probably got it up to 50mph. Stalled out like 5 times at different stop signs and lights, still trying to get used to down shift and braking at the same time. My buddy came over took it to a parking lot, practiced turning, I tried counter steering, but it was hard. I'm going to try the method where you pull on the handlebars instead of push. Put about 30 miles on it the first day.
Tuesday 4/15- Snow
Wednesday 4/16 - Waited until 12pm it was sunny so the snow melted and the roads were dry. Put on about 10 miles it was cold!!!!!. Went around the mountain. Still having problems finding the friction zone and stalling at intersections and stop lights.
Thursday 4/17 - Cold again did the same route still working on the friction zone.
Friday 4/18 - Still cold! Met my dad at a restaurant up a windy road. Did good. Lots of turns, just making sure to make judgements before the turn and not during. I think I went the fastest yet on a straight away. Around 55mph.
Saturday 4/19- Starting to warm up. Took it for about 40 miles. Really improved on the friction zone, watched videos and took the advice to rock it back and forth at a stop.
Sunday - 4/20 - Another nice day. Turn it to the only really Urban downtown area around to get a real life scenario with the stop and taking off. Didn't stall once so I was proud about that. I think I pushed the bike to 65mph today. Still have yet to do highway because I know the highway here is pretty banged up.
Summary - I love the Ninja 250, its got pep, its just very comfortable. Im glad I got it. I don't see how I can get bored of this bike. With my job I travel alot. Usually 10 days on the road and 4 days at home so Im sure if I road it everyday that I may get bored of it. My MSF course is scheduled for late May.