January 5th, 2012, 04:28 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: I'm a ninja!
Location: Stone Mtn
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 453
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America's obsession with more/bigger
I started a new job and today a coworker noticed I was a bike rider, so he asked me what I rode. His next question was how long I've had the 250. I told him since March of 2011 and he asked "You've had it that long and haven't upgraded yet?" I told him I like my bike and don't intend on upgrading soon and this is where he tries to convince me to upgrade. He told me he bought a 250 and 3 months later he sold it because it was "too slow" and was going to buy a 650 but never got around to it. For the next few minutes he tried to convince me to upgrade and get a bigger bike. Every time I tried to make a point about how my bike is perfect for me, he would cut me off and go back to "making his point about how 250s are inferior." I can see we are not going to get along already....
I decided I can't win an argument with someone who has a Masters in Idiocy so I just stopped talking. What is the obsession with Americans wanting more or wanting bigger? Maybe I should ask him what he drives and then suggest that his vehicle doesn't have enough horse power and he should upgrade? That probably wouldn't go well either I bet. If you made it this far, thanks for listening to my rant. |
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January 5th, 2012, 04:33 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
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If you argue with an idiot, you're an idiot!
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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January 5th, 2012, 04:44 PM | #3 |
Ambrosia.
Name: Jaymie
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1974 Honda CB550K0 W.I.P. Posts: A lot.
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Don't focus on just America.
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Life's better on the Mountain. |
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January 5th, 2012, 05:38 PM | #4 |
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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You're an idiot! (oh, wait, that means I'm a..., nevermind, I take it back).
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January 5th, 2012, 06:04 PM | #5 |
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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I blame all the women for this mentality bigger is better.
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January 5th, 2012, 06:17 PM | #6 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Andy
Location: Indianapolis
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 771
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Wait I thought women like smaller since it wouldn't hurt as bad? We're still talking about bikes right?
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January 5th, 2012, 06:43 PM | #7 |
2012 Ninja 250R Green
Name: Ryan
Location: North Carolina
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Green Posts: 76
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^
I think so |
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January 5th, 2012, 06:48 PM | #8 |
Milkshake Drinker
Name: Skippii
Location: Richmond, Va
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Orange DRZ400-S, 2005 Ninja 250 & Custom Thundercunt Dirt Chopper Posts: A lot.
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If someone starts talking like that I sometimes mention that before this bike I had a 1,000cc Suzuki and a Ducati Supersport, but I like this bike better. They then assume I'm a total moron and leave me alone.
Posted via Mobile Device |
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January 5th, 2012, 07:25 PM | #9 |
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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It's not about enjoying things like scenery, technical turns, or challenging yourself. It's about how fast you can go in a straight line, all the time.
Geeze who taught you how to ride? :-P No but seriously I know some people who are only concerned with how fast vehicles can do the quarter mile. They want to get straight on a Busa and go to town. Some people have no respect for what they're doing and it tends to catch up with them, one way or another. Plus you can laugh you way to the bank with how much you're saving on insurance. |
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January 5th, 2012, 08:32 PM | #10 |
nub
Name: Adam
Location: PA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 zx-14 Posts: 142
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It's not always a "More or Bigger" idea. It's the idea of how people think they are perceived and what they think they "should" do or have. If you took the guy who preaches all day about how a 250 was too small so he went and bought xxxx supersport and stuck him on an island with absolutely no other souls around I'd bet you half of the "250 is too small" screamers would take the 250 on their rides around the island.
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January 5th, 2012, 08:57 PM | #11 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: I'm a ninja!
Location: Stone Mtn
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 453
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Quote:
You know, you are absolutely correct. I believe a previous coworker once told me not to argue with a fool because he will beat me down with experience. |
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January 5th, 2012, 09:09 PM | #12 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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I've also posted the saying: "never argue with an idiot, he'll only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience."
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January 5th, 2012, 09:18 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Prescott
Location: Terrell, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 BMW F800S; 2012 Ninja 250; 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, 2016 Triumph Street Triple Rx; 1996 Ducati 900 SS CR Posts: 77
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I know; weird prejudice. I've had several bigger bikes, some of which I really did not get along with. People rave about the Yamaha FJR, but the engine gave off so much heat it was unbearable. So heavy it was hard to move around garage or parking lot. And despite the mass, it felt less comfortable than the little Ninja. Anyway, the FJR is certainly better if you want to run 135 mph down the interstate---but how often do you really need to do that???
Bottom line: if you actually ride a lot and like a particular bike for whatever reason, then good for you. Otherwise, people are basing their opinions on paper statistics or peer pressure about what is worthy. Besides, if they don't ride, then what is their opinion worth anyway?? |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
January 6th, 2012, 08:00 AM | #14 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: L
Location: WI
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709
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yup, got a few ppl like that where i work at. "why, don't you get a real bike? 600 or 1000?" i just ignore what they say, it's easiest. one is a HD d-bag and the other is a fat dopey slob. neither ride their bikes much at all.
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January 6th, 2012, 08:46 AM | #15 |
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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Don't leave out the "Thundercunt" who would argue with someone who rides one of those.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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January 6th, 2012, 08:58 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
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Just tell the idiots that it's your property and your life; why do they feel so opinionated about your life? Tell them if they feel so strongly about you riding at least a 600, then they can buy you a 600 which you'll gladly ride for them
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
January 6th, 2012, 09:09 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Joel
Location: Atlanta GA.
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 11 CBR250R Posts: 99
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I can see valid points on both sides from someone who actually owns a motorcycle. If im talking to this guy though Im going to ask.. "wait.. do you own a bike? No? Then STFU cager!!
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January 6th, 2012, 09:14 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mani
Location: NY
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): ZX6-R and etc. Posts: 137
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I really wonder how many of the larger displacement riders can ride their bikes to their limits.
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January 6th, 2012, 09:19 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Tom
Location: Kentucky
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 13
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Part of the problem is America's obsession with instant gratification. Let me offer an example:
I happen to be a competitive shooter, and the particular regimen I'd chosen is Service Rifle. In Service Rifle you have to shoot a rifle that conforms to one of three rifles as issued to the US military - either an M1 Garand, an M14 (or it's civilian non machine gun version the M1A), or the M16 (or again it's civilian equivalent the AR15), and in all cases you have to use 'iron sights - no scopes, in other words. You shoot a course of fire that has targets at 200 yards, 300 yards, and 600 yards. Consequently I know that it is possible to hit a target at 600 yards with a fairly inexpensive rifle using iron sights. It does require a little disciptoline and use of proper position and technique. However, go to any rifle range in the country for a little practice, and what you see commonly is the shooting version of the 'squid'. The ranges are full of guys with AR15's with big scopes on them, using sandbag rests, and shooting at 25 or 50 yards! The issue is that they honestly believe that you HAVE TO HAVE a powerful scope and have to shoot off of a rest in order to hit anything. They don't even consider that the reason they can't hit the target is because they aren't following even the most basic principles of marksmanship. If they can't hit the target, they blame the equipment, then go out and buy a bigger scope! |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
January 6th, 2012, 09:26 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Benji
Location: Wadsworth, IL
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Sold), 2009 FZ6, 2015 Honda Grom Posts: 898
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All of my friends have 600cc super sports, and yeah they do make me feel like I'm not going anywhere when we take off from the stoplights. But luckily for me they aren't trying to loose their license so typically I have no problem keeping up with them when we're just cursing around. Once we start hitting turns I have absolutely no problems keeping up. But I'm still thinking about upgrading to a super sport sometime in the next couple of years, I just can't stand being at 9k rpm while cursing down the highway.
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January 6th, 2012, 01:20 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Roy
Location: Cathedral City, CA
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 650 Posts: 164
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I think part of the "bigger, better" mentality comes from being bombarded by advertising - and that's across the board - from can openers to houses. The real goal is to separate us from our money - bigger ______ usually means more profit. Not to say that getting something bigger or more "refined" is a bad thing. I guess you just have to know if that's what YOU really want and not what you think you should have... IMHO.
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January 6th, 2012, 01:36 PM | #22 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
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life is a dick measuring contest right?
it isnt? ohh.....
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I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/ |
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January 6th, 2012, 02:43 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Andy
Location: Indianapolis
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 771
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January 6th, 2012, 02:48 PM | #24 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
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I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/ |
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January 6th, 2012, 02:51 PM | #25 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
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In all seriousness I should post up the discussions Ive had with some guy who knows one of my buddies... He always says stuff like "you ride a 250 faggot" , "go ride your moped bitch" etc. etc.
lulz. Funny thing is Im a great troll, so I just troll the **** out of the convo and he gets all pissed off. In my opinion whoever gets angry at the end of the argument losses... I win a lot.
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I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/ |
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February 16th, 2013, 09:01 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Tim
Location: Quad Cities
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 102
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I love my 250, it really seems perfect for me. The power, size, weight, handling, it fits me nicely. It's fun to ride, especially how long $12 worth of gas lasts. I got it in like September and rode it as much as I could up through the end of November. Only for the sake of riding on the interstate, I may look into something just a little bigger so I don't have to rev it out so high to cruise at 65mph.
The 250 isn't fast, but it only has 2 wheels and I'm not trying to kill myself. If I want to go fast, I would make my car fast.
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Motorcycle noob, feel free to ignore me. |
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February 16th, 2013, 09:05 PM | #27 |
Gear crash test dummy
Name: Max
Location: South Bay (So. Cal)
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.
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....thanks tim.
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CVMA #531 |
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February 17th, 2013, 01:06 AM | #28 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Matt
Location: San Diego, CA
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Triumph Bonneville; 2008 Ninja 250r (trackbike) Posts: 748
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A former coworker of mine said she would only date "crotch rocket" guys if they ride Ducatis and are big bikes.
When I first got my Triumph Daytona 675. She loved the looks and asked if it was a Ducati. I told her it's not and that it's a Triumph. She then asked who makes Triumph...Honda?
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February 17th, 2013, 06:25 AM | #29 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
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Quote:
IMHO is all about most Americans' social competition or rate race mentality that they acquire at young age. A rat race is an endless, self-defeating and pointless pursuit. A rat race is mainly based on the vision sense. How you look to the eyes of others and how expensive the staff that you have accumulated or are financing looks to the eyes of others. If the other person is an ignorant about that staff, then an affirmative statement follows regarding the monetary value, dimension, speed, HP, c.c. or whatever may be an indicative of superiority not too evident to the eyes of the inferior ignorant. Frequent American statement: I bought a 5,000 square feet house worth $600,000 in a nice looking neighborhood. Atypical American statement: I bought a house that is very practical and comfortable, that is close to my workplace and that my family enjoys very much. It is not how impressive to others' eyes is what you have, it is how much you enjoy and what you do with what you have. The real success in life, the happiness, the skills, the education, the shame or the misery are not that visible. "And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." - Antoine de Saint Exupéry / The Little Prince
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Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
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February 17th, 2013, 06:41 AM | #30 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Sarah
Location: NYC
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Silver 2005 Ninja 250 - Available for free mustache rides. Posts: 842
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I think most woman care more about how you ride that it's size...
... Just happily accept your place as one of the few who sees a snake eating an elephant in a country full of hats-seers.
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February 17th, 2013, 07:38 AM | #31 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Justin
Location: Florida
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 2001 Posts: A lot.
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It seems we all learn the same lessons from riding the 250. I also hate it when someone that doesn't ride wants to talk about how little power my bike has. It's a shame but what can you do... I'd love to have a 600 super if I could afford it. I try not to pass judgment on anything or anyone and after owning a 250 this has just been reinforced.
Here is a kewl article I was reading yesterday on Ben Franklin's thoughts on how we spend our wealth: http://artofmanliness.com/2012/02/15...amin-franklin/ |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 17th, 2013, 08:10 AM | #32 |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
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Great article, Justin, thanks !!!
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Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
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February 17th, 2013, 08:38 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jim
Location: Schofield Barracks, HI
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 Concours 14 Posts: 130
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Really screws with people's heads when you tell them you downsized from a 1000cc racebike... I have a Concours 14 and the 250, and the 250 is way more fun.
I tried reasoning with one of these 'dudemen' (defined as an idiot who constantly blathers on about stuff they have no clue about, but act as though they're the divinely inspired authority on) at the Kawi shop recently. She was trying to upsell a kid from the new 300 to a 650. When she made the "none of us that work here and ride would ever put ABS on a bike, you don't want things vibrating when you are trying to ride..." statement, I realized I had fell for the 'drag you down and beat you with experience' ploy, and left. It annoys me when this level of stupid exists, but it's dangerous when it's concentrated so strongly in one who tries to influence new riders' decisions about bike purchases.
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Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparat bellum... |
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February 17th, 2013, 09:15 AM | #34 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Stuart
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja 250 Posts: 18
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A few days ago I watched some 3 or 4 guys admiring my bike and I overheard the conversation.They couldnt tell what size it was.But 1 guy knew he said thats a 250 they suck.So I had to step in lol.The guy that knew what it was and said nice bike. I said thank you .So He starts bragging about all the 600s 750s and 1000s he HAD before.But he will never ride one again because he wrecked so many times there just too fast !!
HERES YOUR SIGN I love mine the interstate is a little rough but oh well I dont have to take it my choice.I had a 06 goldwing which I think is the best interstate bike they make.But the the only reason I had that was my fat ass X liked the seat.If you got a motorcycle why the heck would you wana cruise around I-95 lol ninja 250
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Ready 2 Ride |
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February 17th, 2013, 10:19 AM | #35 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Kevin
Location: Oklahoma City
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300SE Posts: 47
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Quote:
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February 17th, 2013, 10:33 AM | #36 |
ninjette.org member
Name: JP
Location: Bear, DE
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 123
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I think most folks appreciate that we actually ride and not care about the CC.
If i have anyone who tries to convert me to a higher CC I have my reply ready. Sure "Give me the extra 6K that I need to buy the bigger /nicer bike and the extra 100$ per month i need to pay for the full coverage insurance and I will surely go for it" Yep , I may come across as a cheap b****d, but hey I dont let that stop me from riding and enjoying my bike.. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 17th, 2013, 11:02 AM | #37 |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
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Almost criminal...........
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Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
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February 17th, 2013, 12:37 PM | #38 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Tim
Location: Quad Cities
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 102
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Quote:
Maybe the intake and exhaust can be tweaked. Lengthen or shorten one, change diameters, make a manifold around the pods and put velocity stacks on. Its probably pointless, but could be educational.
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Motorcycle noob, feel free to ignore me. |
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February 17th, 2013, 05:42 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Tim
Location: Goshen CA
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 red 250 ninja Posts: 740
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I just tell people that I understand where they are coming from, but personally, I don't need a supersport bike to understand the feeling of absolute power between my legs.
Then I go back to drooling over supersport bikes. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 17th, 2013, 07:02 PM | #40 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Weezy
Location: Massachusetts
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Posts: 169
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Quote:
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