January 12th, 2019, 01:37 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
California Naked Fighter
A few months back I bought a stock 2007 non-runner with the intention of making it my project bike. The bike is now running and maintenance has been done, many thanks to board members help on the tech forum. Originally I was going to go the cafe route but it looks like it will most likely fall between the category of naked and street fighter, hence the name.
This is my first post in which I'll be documenting the progress of my project. I will avoid reaching out for help here (i'll post separately on the tech board) so I can focus on completed modifications and installations. Wish me luck! Here are the "before" photos after I got it home:
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
January 12th, 2019, 02:02 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Coilpack conversion
Since the bike will be pretty much naked I decided to ditch the ignition coils and mounting brackets for a cleaner look. I paid $28 for a pair of used coil packs and $9.95 for the wiring harness on Ebay.
It was a pretty simple swap, just involved a little soldering for the wiring and had to drill out the spot weld for the mounting bracket. After that I just cleaned up the metal that used to be covered up by the mounting bracket sprayed and it with gloss black spray paint. 1st official mod completed!
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. Last futzed with by dodgerdad; January 12th, 2019 at 09:47 PM. Reason: typo |
|
January 12th, 2019, 04:46 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14
|
Good looking bike!
|
|
February 26th, 2019, 07:32 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Naked-er
I've been spending some time on cleaning up the body lately, almost done. Only thing left to trim will be the front portion of the rear fender then I'll move on to the rear frame section.
Here's an update with photos: -covered up the tank screw holes -trimmed the front fender -removed back portion of rear fender -removed rear seat latch assembly -trimmed side covers/fairings -trimmed saddle (will clean it up more once the tail light & seat fabric arrive) Don't mind the zip tie & Home Depot'd lighting mounts I'm trying to keep it street legal throughout the process even if it's a little scary looking Next on the list will be fitting the tail light, fastening down the saddle, and cutting the rear frame section. Oh and putting some plastic goods up for sale to aid the continued economic burden On a side note, I've become rather eager to weigh this thing once I'm done. All the stuff I've removed from the bike seems to be adding up much more than I would have expected.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
March 25th, 2019, 02:26 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Saddle up!
After an embarrassingly sticky, failed attempt at re-covering my saddle I swallowed my pride and dropped it off at a professional upholstery shop.
It actually looks like a real (small) saddle now that the foam isn't visible at the rear!
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. Last futzed with by dodgerdad; March 25th, 2019 at 02:27 PM. Reason: typo |
|
March 25th, 2019, 06:05 PM | #6 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
Coming along very nicely!!!
|
|
March 25th, 2019, 06:59 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dave
Location: Pittsburgh
Join Date: Jan 2019 Motorcycle(s): Honda cx650, 2005 ninja 250 Posts: 45
|
Seat looks great! I will be upholstering my seat soon also a custom job. If you don’t mind me asking what did it cost
|
|
March 26th, 2019, 06:08 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
I paid $70 at a small local shop. Seemed a bit high but I was too lazy to shop it around.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
April 8th, 2019, 07:50 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nathan
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Join Date: Apr 2019 Motorcycle(s): GPX250r (pregen Ninja 250) Posts: 16
|
Will be good to see it finished! I love how these bikes look all streetfighterised.
|
|
June 10th, 2019, 02:13 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Swingarm & exhaust
I stripped the swingarm then primed it with etching primer. After that it was black wheel paint followed by a wheel clear coat. I've finished up the exhaust so I decided to take it for a short ride this weekend before I wrap it.
The exhaust held up well but turned out much louder than I prefer so earplugs will be in order for future rides. Next up will be ordering tires so that I can swap out my wheels with the black ones I have standing by. I plan to wrap the exhaust while I wait for my tires & have them mounted to the black wheels. (Couldn't figure out how to rotate my photo )
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
June 10th, 2019, 07:16 PM | #11 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: C
Location: Hawaii
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250 Posts: 472
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
"It ended up being the loose nut behind the wheel" |
|
|
June 21st, 2019, 03:20 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Wheelin'
I received my new tires in the mail, I bought the Shinko SR741 & SR740. This week I had the new tires mounted to my new-to-me black wheels (it had silver ones before) and swapped over the rotors. I hadn't planned on messing with the cush drive but I found the slop was ridiculous. I couldn't ignore it so I sacrificed one of my wife's tuperware lids and when to work. Turned out to be very easy work and now zero play.
I plan to scrub in the tires on some local canyon roads tomorrow. I'm very curious to see if I actually notice a difference now that I snugged up the cush drive. Next up will be silicone spraying the exhaust wrap and then doing something about those unsightly rearsets.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
June 21st, 2019, 09:26 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
I got those tyres on my street newgen. Really works well!
Put Ninja 300 rearsets on. Really improves the look! Doesn't have that machined industrial look that aftermarket rearsets have. Last futzed with by DannoXYZ; June 22nd, 2019 at 07:27 PM. |
|
June 22nd, 2019, 06:33 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dave
Location: Pittsburgh
Join Date: Jan 2019 Motorcycle(s): Honda cx650, 2005 ninja 250 Posts: 45
|
I second the 300 rearsets. I think the color would be a close match to your exhaust. Could you install some db killers or fiberglass batting to quite them down?
|
|
June 23rd, 2019, 08:00 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
how are those tires holding up? I put 89 miles on mine yesterday to scrub them in.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. Last futzed with by dodgerdad; June 23rd, 2019 at 08:00 AM. Reason: typo |
|
June 23rd, 2019, 08:03 AM | #16 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Quote:
As for the exhaust, there's no way to repack them without really tearing them apart. I haven't heard of DB killers, I'll look them up. Worse case, I may swap them out for aftermarket exhausts that have a removable baffle.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
|
June 23rd, 2019, 02:25 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
Doesn't look like those mufflers can use noise inserts.
Not that difficult to drill out rivets. Then wrap inner pipe with ceramic muffler packing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011PW22DE/ Use safety-wire to loosely hold in position. Stuff back into muffler. Install new rivets. |
|
June 23rd, 2019, 02:28 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
|
|
July 5th, 2019, 04:10 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Rearsets
Rearsets are finally installed. They were a true test of patience because they do not come with instructions, just a diagram of how they look once assembled. Assembly took some trial and error, then came installation. Installing them took some time to ensure the right hardware was used and installed in the right order.
I got them them fitted hand tight and adjusted so this morning I removed them, disassembled them, applied loctite on all the fasteners, torqued everything down and reinstalled them. Hope to take them for a quick spin tomorrow.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
July 25th, 2019, 03:24 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Charlie
Location: Brick NJ
Join Date: Feb 2018 Motorcycle(s): Harley Fatboy, Honda CX500, Harley XL1200C Sportster, 305 Honda Dream, Ninja 250 Posts: 174
|
I ditched the skinny front tire for a 120. You also have to ditch the front fender or fab one.
|
|
July 25th, 2019, 06:14 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
My fender is trimmed (not widened, though) however I went with the stock tire sizes.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
August 18th, 2019, 05:43 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Clip-ons
Installed new clip-ons yesterday. Task was a bit more tedious than I had expected due to cutting the bars, drilling them and adjusting them. Once in proper position, with grips installed, each screw was removed individually for Loctite and then reinstalled and torqued.
I had anticipated an "unfinished" look so I had ordered some large body plugs to use as caps on top of each clip-on which I think cleaned things up a bit. Photos show clip-ons without and with the caps.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
August 20th, 2019, 07:48 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
De-evapped!
Had some time to kill this weekend as I wait for my new headlight so after having run the bike a few weeks with the evap system bypassed (but all parts still installed) I removed the system. This was done strictly for aesthetics as the bike is naked exposing the ugly evap equipment. Easy way to clean up the left side of the bike.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
September 5th, 2019, 07:07 AM | #24 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jason
Location: Bay City, MI
Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): 1980 Yamaha XS850G Midnight Special, 32k Miles; 2000 EX250F, <5000 Orig Miles Posts: 98
|
Were those the Ninja 300 rearsets you used, or some aftermarket ones? They look great, as does the entire bike!
|
|
September 5th, 2019, 08:23 AM | #25 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Quote:
I used aftermarket rearsets designed for the 250/300 (same fit as pregen).
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
|
October 2nd, 2019, 08:57 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Ladylyn or Lyn
Location: Seattle, WA
Join Date: Oct 2019 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Yamaha FZ6 S2 Posts: 2
|
It looks really cool. I also did that before when I had a Ninja 300 back in 2010.
|
|
January 3rd, 2020, 03:47 PM | #27 |
New"ish" Member
Name: Zach
Location: Marietta, GA
Join Date: Dec 2019 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Ninja 250 Posts: 14
|
Have any updates on this project? I am digging the pipes! Where did you get them and what brand are they? Do you think they would fit well on a bike that still has stock fairings? They look angled in pretty sharply towards the tail.
__________________________________________________
I didn't know what I didn't know 'til I knew it |
|
January 4th, 2020, 06:54 AM | #28 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
Quote:
The exhaust cans might fit with stock fairings if they don't bump the tailsection, you'll just have to remove the rear pegs. With custom stuff it'll take some measuring and testing (and frustration). Keep in mind that you need to create a an adapter for it to slip on to the existing exhaust pipe because the cans are titanium and can't be welded to steel. I'll post the exhaust link below. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ldnSite=1&th=1
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
|
January 4th, 2020, 08:23 AM | #29 | ||
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
Quote:
Quote:
|
||
|
January 4th, 2020, 08:26 AM | #30 |
New"ish" Member
Name: Zach
Location: Marietta, GA
Join Date: Dec 2019 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Ninja 250 Posts: 14
|
That doesn't seem too hard... I am not a huge fan of the stock exhaust I'll see what it takes and maybe post some pics!
__________________________________________________
I didn't know what I didn't know 'til I knew it |
|
January 4th, 2020, 08:26 AM | #31 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
Quote:
|
|
|
January 4th, 2020, 08:32 AM | #32 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
Quote:
I'm not fan of that conical adapter because it doesn't have positive seal with lots of surface-area. It'll leak unless it's welded to mid-pipe section as final step. Check out how stock and various aftermarket exhausts are desgined on pre-gen/new-gen bikes. I have comparison here: https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=338180 . Best solution is conical mid-pipe that continuously expands to muffler-inlet diameter as that'll maximize performance. Tyga exhaust is best for new-gens, makes most power-gains of +22% more than stock! Some photos (ones that survived Photobucket purge) and videos of using that cone-adapter to fit universal mufflers to various exhausts. Stock and Tyga exhaust. Had to trim off tip of 38mm cone to fit Tyga 42.5mm exhaust pipe. el cheapo muffler from ali #2 |
|
|
January 4th, 2020, 09:40 AM | #33 |
New"ish" Member
Name: Zach
Location: Marietta, GA
Join Date: Dec 2019 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Ninja 250 Posts: 14
|
I knew a continuously expanding "cone" is ideal for more performance and if I could have it my way I'd like to go with a full system. There aren't too many options for first-gen ex's. Their either discontinued or used (which isn't a terrible option). I looked at your comparison and had a thought. As long as the exhaust port side of the system is the same diameter or close would any aftermarket full system work? I saw some of the ones you pictured were like that. The only difference I saw was the header length and the route they took towards the back of the bike. That maybe be a stretch but I am generally clueless when I comes to exhaust systems/ exhaust compatibility and I don't have access to a welder so I can't really piece something together. I guess the biggest question is:has the basic shape of the 250cc engine changed that much over time to where I couldn't make it work? I also like your idea of mocking it up from the muffler towards the front of the bike...
__________________________________________________
I didn't know what I didn't know 'til I knew it |
|
January 4th, 2020, 03:36 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
|
That's exactly what I thought as well, but my welder confirmed it.
__________________________________________________
When you see me, it's already too late. |
|
January 4th, 2020, 11:55 PM | #35 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
Quote:
You need new welder. Last futzed with by DannoXYZ; January 11th, 2020 at 04:11 PM. |
|
|
January 9th, 2020, 12:47 PM | #36 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
|
Quote:
On muffler end, get step-up adapter with 2.0" OD to match inlet of muffler. Or 38mm OD to match inlet of cone-adapter. Scan Walker and Dynomax catalogue to find adapter that matches what you have. Amazon - muffler pipe adapters Once you've gotten everything cut and fitted with no gaps and no straining. Take entire bike with all exhaust pieces fitted to welder and have them join it all together. No leaks or rattling. I usually charge $100 to TIG-weld 2x exhaust mid-pipe sections. If pieces are well-fitting, I just tack it together on bike before taking off. Then fully weld it off bike. Takes about 30-minutes for dual-exhaust system. |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Stock street fighter/ naked headlight? | Sharkride | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Farkles | 1 | November 1st, 2015 01:19 PM |
|
|