November 22nd, 2008, 05:01 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Winterizing your Ninjette
It is snowing here, so I consulted my owner`s manual for sage advice concerning the winterization process of the Ninjette. They recommend siphoning all the fuel out of the tank via a siphon. Then the drill is to run the engine until the carbs are out of fuel. Of course,prior to that ,one needs to change the oil and filter. What I was surprised to find was that there is no fuel shut off. The petcock at the base of the tank has no provision for fuel off. My bike will be stored in a heated garage. I had initially planned to shut off the fuel, run the fuel out of the carbs, fill the fuel tank, and treat the fuel with Stor-n-Start. Now I discovered that the fuel can`t be shut off. I am thinking of installing an in line fuel shut off valve. This way I can shut off the fuel, run the carbs dry, and store the bike with a full tank (treated) in a heated shop.
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November 22nd, 2008, 05:11 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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fuel petcock is vacuum operated. If the is no vacuum to the back of the petcock from the carbs, no gas will flow. So, unless you have the bike started, the diaphragm inside the petcock will not allow fuel to flow... so, it's off any time the bike is not running, when the petcock is in the "on" position. The "prime" position will let gas flow w/o any vacuum, so be sure yours is in the "on" position.
Also, as opposed to what they recommend in the manual, store with a full tank of treated gas. Bowl drains are on the bottom of the bowls. Snow?? |
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November 22nd, 2008, 05:24 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Kelly, I owe you one
Kelly, Thanks for the Heads Up on the petcock. Things have sure changed since my Dunstall Cafe Racer. I really need to get the factory shop manual and do some serious reading. I should catch up in no time.
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November 22nd, 2008, 05:34 PM | #4 |
IC2(SW)
Name: Kerry
Location: Pensacola
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.
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Put some Stabil in the tank, run the motor to get it in the carbs.
For some reason I just dont like storing things without fuel, once fuel has been in them. |
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November 22nd, 2008, 05:35 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Alex, NP... I have the factory service manual and it an invaluable tool. A heads up, the factory manual costs about $70. There is someone on ebay selling photocopies of the exact manual for $35. I'll let your conscience and pocketbook be your guide.
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November 23rd, 2008, 09:05 AM | #6 |
So slow I'm first!
Name: Sunny
Location: San Jose, CA
Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 10
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Good information. Thanks guys.. I'll keep it in mind for next year!
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Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn. |
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November 24th, 2008, 09:14 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Wayne
Location: Brookfield, MA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585
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If I were storing the bike in a heated garage I'd just start it every so often and wouldn't even bother draining the bowls. Since my bike will be spending the winter in an unheated shed, subject to below-freezing temps for 3 months, I drained the bowls after filling the gas tank with fuel and Sta-Bil. The lack of an "off" on the petcock is a real PITA and I'll be adding a fuel shut-off to the fuel line this spring also. Luckily draining the bowls is no big deal. I know the Ninja is an entry-level bike and all, but did they have to omit the "off" position on the petcock just to save a few bucks and keep the price down?
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November 24th, 2008, 11:10 AM | #8 | |
That's me!
Name: TJ
Location: Ames, IA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r (Tis blue), 2008 CBR600RR Posts: 454
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November 24th, 2008, 11:19 AM | #9 | |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Quote:
... or remove and plug the fuel line leading into the carbs, if you don't trust the petcock. |
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November 24th, 2008, 01:54 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
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Starting it from time to time will help the fuel from gumming up the carbs, but running the bike from time to time without letting it get up to operating temp and running under load for awhile can contaminate your oil. It's a bit of a tradeoff, and if you're changing the oil before storage and then right after, perhaps that's still the right way to go.
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November 24th, 2008, 08:56 PM | #11 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Wayne
Location: Brookfield, MA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585
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November 25th, 2008, 09:15 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Thank you all for the good advice. I have ordered a shop manual from my dealer and have also ordered a pair of stands. I got a great deal from FlynCycle for $103 for the pair, delivered. I think I wil store with a tank full of treated fuel and drain the carbs. I will also hook the battery up to an automatic charger. Sears makes one for $20. Part#71219. It is a fully automatic 2Amp charger designed for motorcycles, lawn travtors,and ATV. Comes with a quick connect so you don`t have to take the battery out during storage.
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November 25th, 2008, 10:28 AM | #13 | |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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November 26th, 2008, 10:34 AM | #14 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Kelly the Sears unit is made by Schumacher--which is a reputable company. It has three LED readouts and charges a battery fully. It then shuts down and only puts a tiny charge into the battery when it senses the need. It is called a Charger/Maintainer and the book says it is fully automatic and will not overcharge a battery.
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November 26th, 2008, 10:41 AM | #15 | |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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December 2nd, 2008, 07:32 AM | #16 |
WORKDADDY
Name: Dave
Location: slc utah
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 ninja 2fitty Posts: 112
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I am with Alex on this one... When I had my Quad I would change the oil when the snow fell and go out and start 'er about once a week. Kept the fuel system "Wet" (like the dealer service guy told me to do) and plus kept a good charge on the battery So I think I am going to try it this year on my lil 2fitty..
Oh and Kelly.... About the petcocks My neighbors have some... I don't trust them either! They are suppose to cock-o-doodle-do in the morning to wake you up... They make their noises all day and night, one time @ like 3 am I woke up thinking I was late for work cuz of them dumb petcocks |
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December 2nd, 2008, 11:56 AM | #17 | |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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December 2nd, 2008, 12:05 PM | #18 |
WORKDADDY
Name: Dave
Location: slc utah
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 ninja 2fitty Posts: 112
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December 2nd, 2008, 12:15 PM | #19 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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December 2nd, 2008, 12:24 PM | #20 |
WORKDADDY
Name: Dave
Location: slc utah
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 ninja 2fitty Posts: 112
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December 3rd, 2008, 11:36 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Sounds like "Youse guys" (That`s New Joisey English) have been hanging around that other forum.
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December 3rd, 2008, 11:47 AM | #22 | |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Quote:
truth is, most of us are refugees from there that needed a quieter haven than what that nuthouse was becoming, so on occasion, you will see us slipping back and forth between the 2 mentalities. it's all in fun, though, and will never escalate to the outright battles encountered there. I appreciate ninjette for the moderated tone Alex provides. |
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December 3rd, 2008, 12:53 PM | #23 |
WORKDADDY
Name: Dave
Location: slc utah
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 ninja 2fitty Posts: 112
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I'm with Kelly on that one.... But then again I think I may have duel persanalities? Going back and forth..
like this guy> But Really like the fact that home here is strictly for our lil bikes |
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December 4th, 2008, 02:54 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Kelly, I think we have a great bunch of Expatriates. As I mentioned to Alex, this forum will really take off--and for all intents and purposes, it has.
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December 4th, 2008, 03:02 PM | #25 | |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Quote:
Mixture of thought and ideas in a calm environment is always a good thing and hopefully positive results will be the reward. mahalo to you, sir, for your contributions in making us all feel welcome here. |
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December 4th, 2008, 05:23 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Kelly, There is a forum called Bikespeak Forum which is for bicyclists. This forum is well run and extremely infrmative--which is what the Internet should be all about. Ninjette.org looks very much like it will go that route. Bikespeak does not put up with flamers, braggarts, or any abuse. It looks like Alex is of the same mind. I do believe that this will be, if it isn`t already, the definitive source of information for ALL Kawasaki Ninja owners worldwide. It is a huge endeavour and a great responsibility. I am very confident that we will all make it a reality. There is a lot of "brain power" here. All we have to do is to encourage it.
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December 4th, 2008, 06:39 PM | #27 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nico
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 52
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Well, when I stored my bike, I filled my tank to the extreme maximum, so no air can get in, drained the carbs, pulled the battery which is now hooked up to my battery tender plus(<- I highly recommend!), washed the bike clean, lubed and adjusted the chain, put it on its rear stand and threw a 4 soft rags under the front tire, that way it won't flatspot. After that I put a cover on.
I've heard of people spraying the inside of the cylinder with fogging oil against moisture. When we parked floatplanes out in the cold, we used to pull the plugs and put engine dehydrators that would suck the moisture out of cylinders. They turn from blue to purple when they're full. http://www.sacskyranch.com/corrosion.htm http://www.theultralightplace.com/dehydrator_plugs.htm |
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December 4th, 2008, 06:54 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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AK907, I have the luxury of a heated garage with an epoxy floor. I filled my tank to the brim with premium gas (stores longer than regular) and plugged in a battery maintainer. I did change the oil and filter and drained the carbs. A form fitting cover did the rest. Both wheels are off the ground.
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December 4th, 2008, 07:18 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nico
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 52
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Yeah mine is in a garage too, to cover is to keep it from getting dinged up.
I would only run premium gas in a motorcycle. Even if it is only 30 hp, that is out of an .25 liter engine. The Chevy Vortec engine makes 250 hp out of 5.7 L. If the ninja engine was 5.7L, it would make over 680hp. A Pratt & Whitney R-985 only makes 450hp out of 16.1L So it has a pretty high power to displacement ratio. |
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December 5th, 2008, 04:20 PM | #30 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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AK, I know that the manual says that regular gas is ok, but I run mine on premium. My 63 Corvette had a 327cu in engine which put out 350HP. Anything less than Sunoco 260 would cause the engine to protest violently. The Ninja likes Sunoco Premium.
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December 5th, 2008, 06:32 PM | #31 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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Yeh, I ran my '69 Dodge Super Bee 426 Hemi (550 HP) on Hess 104+ and other 100+ that I could find!
I wish I could find some non-ethanol blends in the DC area! |
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December 5th, 2008, 06:43 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Kim
Location: mundo de ensueño
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.
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Try Shell. I'm not too far from you, but we only have one shell in the area - luckily it's ethanol free - Virginia is like most states in that it requires stations to put stickers on the pumps if it's more than 1% ethanol.
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December 6th, 2008, 09:05 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Glad you mentioned Shell. Exxon/Mobil is leaving Maine to be replaced by Shell. I don`t like ethanol in my fuel--raises hell in outboard motors. Our harbor boat runs poorly on it as does my outboard for our dinghy. The stuff seems to atract moisture.
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December 6th, 2008, 09:53 AM | #34 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Sunoco has a non-ethanol product, but it's not available in Virginia or I should say, it's not convenient (location) to buy it. Phillips 66 also, but not in VA. |
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December 20th, 2008, 06:35 PM | #35 |
The Grand Royal
Name: Cochese
Location: Unmarked Rustbox
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 258
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Here is my winterization.
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December 20th, 2008, 06:50 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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Cochese,
Think about some plywood or cardboard to put under your tires. |
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December 20th, 2008, 06:55 PM | #37 |
The Grand Royal
Name: Cochese
Location: Unmarked Rustbox
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 258
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December 20th, 2008, 08:05 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Cocise, Stands are the way to go. Just got mine last week.
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