June 9th, 2011, 05:28 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: North Georgia - Lake Lanier
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100, 2010 Ninja 250R SE (SOLD), 2002 Honda Rebel Posts: 62
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Wife says my new Ninja has to go!
Yep. I have to sell my brand new (Dec2010) Ninja 250R SE. My wife wants to ride (as a passenger) so last Saturday we spent all day on the bike. Of course the Ninjette isn't designed for two-up riding and passenger comfort back there is Spanish Inquisition-worthy. When we got home she said she wants to take roads trips and day trips (she's really into it) but only on a bigger bike with a more comfortable passenger set-up. I dont' have the space or the funds for multiple bikes so, after 1,636 very fun miles I'm selling the little feller. I hope to get at least what I owe on it.
It's a sad day for the bike. I think it'll miss me. Anyone else come across this problem? Have you done any two-up riding on the Ninja? More than just a few miles around town? On the bright side, I'm looking forward to many great road trips with my best friend. She's really cool about the whole thing and more excited about it than I thought so no regrets (well, maybe a little - the Ninja is a blast to ride). |
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June 9th, 2011, 06:02 AM | #2 |
Resident Old Guy
Name: Kurt
Location: Goodyear, Az
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): sold Posts: 264
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Get your wife enrolled in a Basic Riders Course immediatly!
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Resident old guy... get off my lawn! |
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June 9th, 2011, 06:05 AM | #3 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bonnie
Location: Wilmington, MA
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250 Posts: 132
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I have always wondered how riding with a passenger or being a passenger would be on a Ninja. I remember when I was looking to buy, dealers would tell me, if your planning on having a passenger, get a bigger bike.
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"B" |
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June 9th, 2011, 06:13 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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Time for a Harley.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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June 9th, 2011, 06:15 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Bill
Location: NC
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 282
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Ended up buying a Suzuki DL650 (Vstrom) for two up riding. My wife really likes riding it two up and it's fun in the mountains. We tried two up riding on a SV650, but the rear seat was so uncomfortable for her, we didn't make it far. When I talk about buying/selling bikes she always tells me to keep the Vstrom.
Our Vstrom gets 60MPG two up as long as I go "easy" on the throttle and keep it under 60MPH. Just bought a 1999 Ninja 250 for my 5'3" wife to ride solo when I ride the Vstrom. She really likes the height & weight of the Ninja, too. 2008 DL650 Vstrom: |
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June 9th, 2011, 06:16 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: North Georgia - Lake Lanier
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100, 2010 Ninja 250R SE (SOLD), 2002 Honda Rebel Posts: 62
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She's had the class and even has her own bike but she's not confident on it and prefers to be passenger. It good that she knows how to ride though in case I ever got sick or injured - she could (in a pinch) take over driving duties.
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June 9th, 2011, 06:24 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: North Georgia - Lake Lanier
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100, 2010 Ninja 250R SE (SOLD), 2002 Honda Rebel Posts: 62
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June 9th, 2011, 06:57 AM | #8 |
User Title Free Since '12
Name: Floyd
Location: Barbados
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 13
MOTM - Feb '12
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This is worthy of a signature quote.
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"Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake Last futzed with by gfloyd2002; June 9th, 2011 at 08:36 AM. |
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June 9th, 2011, 07:10 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bonnie
Location: Wilmington, MA
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250 Posts: 132
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"B" |
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June 9th, 2011, 07:13 AM | #10 | |
Ninja Dog
Name: Brady
Location: Sunset, UT
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Posts: 186
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Quote:
I will never EVER look at Harley riders the same now! LOL
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ALL YOUR NINJA ARE BELONG TO US! |
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June 9th, 2011, 07:21 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: North Georgia - Lake Lanier
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100, 2010 Ninja 250R SE (SOLD), 2002 Honda Rebel Posts: 62
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June 9th, 2011, 07:51 AM | #12 |
40 on the road
Name: Vod
Location: Victor, NY
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2012 Ninja 650, 2006 Bonneville, 1990 Sportster Posts: 67
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Now you've done it. I'm 66, been riding for 42 years, have made every effort to keep an open mind about every fashion of riding, but have succumbed to the hilarious image of the GynoCruiser. Clearly, your wife has earned an honored spot in the Cycle Humor Hall of Fame.
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June 9th, 2011, 07:54 AM | #13 |
CVMA #74 WSMC #750
Name: Nemesis
Location: On the track
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.
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If I had a wife who loved road trips on a bike as a passenger I'd sell my street bike and get a cruiser in a heart beat--no questions asked.
But I'd also keep my race bikes too. |
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June 9th, 2011, 07:55 AM | #14 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Luke
Location: Sevierville, TN
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 Buell Uly, 05 VStar 1100 Posts: 577
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How big of a bike do you want, what do you want it to do? A V-Strom 650 or 1000 would be good, or you could find a decent priced Concours 1000. I have one and LOVE it, shes a bit top heavy, but my gf and I have no problem logging 400 or more mile days. It has a Ninja motor as well.
Edit: Heres a linky to me on the dragon last week, Loved it besides getting behind this old Harley rider who wouldnt turn off and going 15 mph. http://www.129pix.net/jps/store.jsp?...01679830617523 |
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June 9th, 2011, 08:16 AM | #15 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: North Georgia - Lake Lanier
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100, 2010 Ninja 250R SE (SOLD), 2002 Honda Rebel Posts: 62
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Quote:
I think a Bonnie T100 would suit us just fine and still be a fun bike to hit the twisties on by myself sometimes. |
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June 9th, 2011, 08:16 AM | #16 | |
nooblet
Name: P
Location: Chicago
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1994 ex250 Posts: 47
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Quote:
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June 9th, 2011, 08:27 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: North Georgia - Lake Lanier
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100, 2010 Ninja 250R SE (SOLD), 2002 Honda Rebel Posts: 62
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Most of our riding time will be two-up but she still wants to occaisionally ride on her own. I'd rather take on the larger bike for myself because if I kept the Ninja and upsized her bike, she'd never ride alone again - she's already a little intimidated riding solo. A larger bike for her would just increase that intimidation. It's only a small sacrifice for me but the benefits more than make up for it.
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June 9th, 2011, 08:45 AM | #18 |
Motorcyclist
Name: James
Location: Maryland
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.
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A different bike could do the trick but I wouldn't just sell the 250 if you love it. Have you considered getting a second rear seat pan and building a custom passenger seat? You could add to the width and length if needed (just leave room for the key to fit into the front) and then put whatever padding/gel in there you want. The stock seats are cheap and not much went into the rear so it could only be better. This wouldn't look as good as the stock rear seat but you can always swap it out when she isn't riding in just a few seconds. I would try this for a small investment before selling a bike I love... just an idea. I have built seats before so PM me if you want to chat specifics.
Either way, best of luck to you guys |
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June 9th, 2011, 09:25 AM | #19 | |
nooblet
Name: P
Location: Chicago
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1994 ex250 Posts: 47
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Quote:
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June 9th, 2011, 09:59 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: North Georgia - Lake Lanier
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100, 2010 Ninja 250R SE (SOLD), 2002 Honda Rebel Posts: 62
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June 9th, 2011, 11:46 AM | #21 |
Always.
Name: Alex
Location: Calgary, AB
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '05 GSX-R600 Posts: A lot.
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I'de buy her some padded pants so her butt's more comfy! Or make a custom seat with extra coushin? Might not look too appealing, but she might like it more!
Because depending on your plan, a 600 or 1000 SS won't solve the problem, you need a ST bike because the Gixxer 600, 750, and 1000 have even small seats than the 250! And I assume you aren't stuck on a SS, but just a heads up. I found this interesting that a 600's is even smaller =[ |
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June 9th, 2011, 12:01 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: T
Location: U.S.
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): Current: '11 ZX-6R; Previous: '09 Ninjette; '08 ZX-6R (Ex-Wife '09 TU250X) Posts: 981
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Thank god my wife can ride her bike. I'd much rather her ride beside me on her bike than behind me on my bike. I would really miss riding the twisties.
Though, I would, in a heartbeat, have gotten whatever she wanted to ride on. We talked about it for a bit, because it looked like it might be necessary. Thankfully it wasn't. Good luck finding something that works for the both of you while still being enjoyable for you. Lots of good choices out there.
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R.I.P EthioKnight (Alex) |
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June 9th, 2011, 12:59 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Casey
Location: Salem, OR
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Posts: 12
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My regular passenger doesn't have an issue being on the back of mine, but then again, she's only 20 and hasn't been on anything more comfortable.
She actually initiates most of the rides ("It's really sunny and beautiful outside, you should take me for a ride!"), and of course I oblige. My only issue is I can't get going faster than 90mph with us both on the bike! |
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June 9th, 2011, 01:11 PM | #24 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: North Georgia - Lake Lanier
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100, 2010 Ninja 250R SE (SOLD), 2002 Honda Rebel Posts: 62
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Quote:
I don't mind. A standard bike like a Bonnie is more than capable in the twisties (remember, they were the original superbikes) and plenty comfy for a passenger and a little luggage. I'll miss the Ninja but, I'll still be able to get my lean on when I need to. |
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June 9th, 2011, 01:29 PM | #25 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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your wife's a riot!! can we have her on the forum instead of you?
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June 9th, 2011, 03:44 PM | #26 | |
Motorcyclist
Name: James
Location: Maryland
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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June 9th, 2011, 03:59 PM | #27 |
Cranky Old Fart
Name: TXJ
Location: TX
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 DRZ400SM Posts: 189
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I'd personally pay off the ninja and own it, then invest in a "weekend rider" touring bike. My wife and I use to have 3 bikes, 2 for commuting and one for weekend trips. It was a amazing convenience to have the third bike rather than have one of us commute on a touring ready bike daily. Insurance wasn't that bad either, IIRC it only added about $120/yr for the third bike (full coverage). The only annoying part was I had to do maintenance on 3 bikes! lol
If you're dead set on a new bike you can try and get the best of both worlds; they are some of the worst looking things I've ever seen, but try looking at Silver Wings, Majestys etc. They're like a baby touring bike and extremely comfortable. I am actually considering buying one after sitting on one with my wife. We both have ninjettes now and they are rather bad to take a trip with since we like to travel 400+ miles at a time. The silver wing we sat on felt great, it had a driver & passenger backrest, and apparently you can upgrade the "queen" seat with arm rests and such. Both her pregen and my new gen failed the test of touring 2 up after about 60 miles on the highway. At least for us cranky old farts, young people can probably put up with it better. lol |
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June 9th, 2011, 04:06 PM | #28 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: T
Location: U.S.
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): Current: '11 ZX-6R; Previous: '09 Ninjette; '08 ZX-6R (Ex-Wife '09 TU250X) Posts: 981
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Quote:
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R.I.P EthioKnight (Alex) |
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June 9th, 2011, 05:01 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812
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believe it or not i don't take passengers nor have i ever been one. if that's my sh*t so be it.
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June 10th, 2011, 01:47 PM | #30 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Jeremy
Location: Philadelphia
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '04 Aprilia RSV, '10 Bonneville, '10 Ninjette Posts: 359
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Quote:
I think it's a gorgeous bike and surprisingly quick.
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-Jeremy |
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June 10th, 2011, 06:25 PM | #31 |
my hair matches my bike
Name: Tiffany
Location: Greater Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Red 250r Posts: 411
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Yeah the 250 seat is definitely uncomfortable for a passenger.
Sinister ended up getting the ZX14 so we could ride two-up. While it's probably a little less comfy than a cruiser with a sissy bar it's worlds better than the 250. |
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June 10th, 2011, 06:44 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Bill
Location: Orlando
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r - Traded for 2009 ER-6N Posts: 424
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I started riding with my son (100 lbs of 10 year old fury) a lot more, and it just wasn't comfortable on the 250 anymore. The local dealer had a leftover brand new 2009 ER-6n that ran $6,000 out the door so I got that. It's much more comfortable to ride 2 up than the 250 was, for both of us. The larger seating area, and overall larger bike helps. The extra ~30 Hp helps, too.
I've said it before, the Ninja 250 is perfectly capable of carrying a passenger, but it isn't really good at it.
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June 13th, 2011, 08:54 PM | #33 | |
nub
Name: Adam
Location: PA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 zx-14 Posts: 142
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Quote:
It wasn't the ONLY reason i got the 14..... Last futzed with by Sinister; June 14th, 2011 at 11:58 PM. |
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