The old new guy...

robertfarns · December 19th, 2014, 09:18 AM

Excited. Yes Iv been riding for, gulp, 30+ years and I'm excited to ride again. Like a silly school boy excited. Like first time at Disney excited. Ok, you get the picture.

Just traded my old Yamaha FZ1 yesterday for a gen 2 2012 ninja 250 replete with "Monster" energy drink vinyal wrap and Chinese stainless full exhaust system. 1700 miles and not even broke in.

So Iv wanted a 250 for years but some other bike always got in the way. I learned to ride on an iron head sporty in the early 80's then went on to own/ ride just about every size and make, expect the pocket rocket 250.

I jumped on dumped the clutch and throttled like the FZ and almost fell over and stalled! WTF, where's the beef? 5 minutes later and some auto correcting and Iv got wings! Full throttle in town with traffic? Sure! Scrapping pegs around EVERY corner? Yup. Is this legal? Actually, yes I rarley had to break the speed limit to feel like a GP star. I live in a very crowded urban area and riding a liter class bike is like taking a monster truck to a go cart track.

So, just wanted to say this bike is not a beginner's bike, a chick bike,a stepping stone, etc. It's a full circle, enlightenment, keeper. If you live in an urban area you should never need another motorcycle.

cbinker · December 19th, 2014, 09:29 AM

Hi, welcome to the forum.

csmith12 · December 19th, 2014, 09:37 AM

Welcome Robert!

NevadaWolf · December 19th, 2014, 10:04 AM

Sounds like you had a ball on your new ride.

250rr · December 19th, 2014, 10:15 AM

Hello

JohnnyBravo · December 19th, 2014, 10:29 AM

Welcome to the forum! Glad you finally got a 250, and see what I see every time I go for a ride. Riding a slow bike fast is waaaaaaay funner than riding a fast bike slow!

Thanks for the laughs!

mikromo · December 19th, 2014, 12:27 PM

Funny thing, sold my 2010 to a guy who had never ridden before, so when he came by to pick it up, he brought his Harley riding friend to ride it home for him. My back driveway is on a cul de sac and the street is a hill (not terrible). The Harley guy stalled the wee Ninja 4 - 5 times, until I walked out in the street and shouted "rev it up, it's a 250!"

robertfarns · December 19th, 2014, 12:47 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome...quick question, how do I make member's comments "helpful"?? This is my first forum member experience and I feel like Yeti at a kid's birthday party. Is there an area of the forum to show you how to use the forum?

robertfarns · December 19th, 2014, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikromo

Funny thing, sold my 2010 to a guy who had never ridden before, so when he came by to pick it up, he brought his Harley riding friend to ride it home for him. My back driveway is on a cul de sac and the street is a hill (not terrible). The Harley guy stalled the wee Ninja 4 - 5 times, until I walked out in the street and shouted "rev it up, it's a 250!"

I know right!! I feel like I'm abusing the crap out of the poor thing. Are you guys sure I am going to get 50K+ miles out of it revving it like an as# h*&!

?

Alex · December 19th, 2014, 12:58 PM

The helpful rating ability is one of the privileges long-time posters get when they hit a certain milestone (hint: you're approximately 993 posts from hitting it

). It does mean that when one of your posts has been rated helpful, that came from someone who has been here long enough to care about what is actually helpful for this site.

For general forum usage tips, there is some good info in the FAQ. The sticky threads (the threads that "stick" at the top of many subforums), also sometimes have relevant guidance for that area. For example the sticky thread at the top of the Pictures subforum goes into detail about how to post pics. There is a similar one at the top of the Videos section. If you have a question about a particular feature, you can post up a question in either the Forum Information or the Help subforums, and someone will likely jump in quickly.

Glad you found us!

csmith12 · December 19th, 2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertfarns

I know right!! I feel like I'm abusing the crap out of the poor thing. Are you guys sure I am going to get 50K+ miles out of it revving it like an as# h*&!

?

Maintain it like you gots OCD and she will return the favor.

NevadaWolf · December 19th, 2014, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertfarns

I know right!! I feel like I'm abusing the crap out of the poor thing. Are you guys sure I am going to get 50K+ miles out of it revving it like an as# h*&!

?

I don't red line mine every ride, but I do settle in around the 6-8k range depending on speed (and which sprocket I have on at the time).

Just take care of the bike, regular maintenance, keep it clean-ish, and she'll last you a long time.

JohnnyBravo · December 19th, 2014, 02:11 PM

People that take care of the lil ninja get loads of miles out of them. Don't wanna take care of your motor for some reason... You can get a motor for around $300

dcj13 · December 19th, 2014, 03:09 PM

Welcome, Robert. Your assessment of the bike is dead-nuts on!
It comes alive at about 9K rpm.

robertfarns · December 19th, 2014, 03:16 PM

Cool, thanks guys for the info and advise. Much appreciated.

ninjamunky85 · December 19th, 2014, 03:56 PM

Welcome Rob, That was one of the best first posts ever on this forum.

Funny too that I have an uncle Rob that lives in Tampa, I don't think he's ridden a motorcycle for about 30 years though.

snot · December 19th, 2014, 04:15 PM

Welcome, it sounds like you found the perfect bike.

cadd · December 19th, 2014, 04:22 PM

Scraping peg on corners?! Damn, you either take corners real aggressively or you're counter leaning?

I scraped peg only once on the 250. But that's with one cheek off the seat and my face near the mirrors. I do admit. Scared the crap out of me as it was my first time touching down on the road!

For 99.9% of thr time, I'm too timid of a rider to hit corners that fast or have the bike that far over. I have a trust issue (don't trust the road is clear of debris, don't trust the tires, don't trust the driver in front of me to not slam on the brakes).

But I would eventually like to learn how to take corners more aggressively just in case I have to in an emergency situation where I've made a poor decision and am I'm entering too hot.

Have fun and keep the rpms up! Also enjoy the 60mpg fuel sipper even when you're up in the tach range!

KJohnson21 · December 19th, 2014, 11:08 PM

greenaero · December 20th, 2014, 10:25 AM

Welcome Robert!

Snake · December 22nd, 2014, 08:38 AM

Hello and welcome.

michvin · December 29th, 2014, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadd

...I have a trust issue (don't trust the road is clear of debris, don't trust the tires, don't trust the driver in front of me to not slam on the brakes).

I think, it is called defensive driving, which is excellent in my books!

December 19th, 2014, 09:18 AM	#1
robertfarns ninjette.org member Name: Robert Location: Tampa Bay Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250 Posts: 15	The old new guy... Excited. Yes Iv been riding for, gulp, 30+ years and I'm excited to ride again. Like a silly school boy excited. Like first time at Disney excited. Ok, you get the picture. Just traded my old Yamaha FZ1 yesterday for a gen 2 2012 ninja 250 replete with "Monster" energy drink vinyal wrap and Chinese stainless full exhaust system. 1700 miles and not even broke in. So Iv wanted a 250 for years but some other bike always got in the way. I learned to ride on an iron head sporty in the early 80's then went on to own/ ride just about every size and make, expect the pocket rocket 250. I jumped on dumped the clutch and throttled like the FZ and almost fell over and stalled! WTF, where's the beef? 5 minutes later and some auto correcting and Iv got wings! Full throttle in town with traffic? Sure! Scrapping pegs around EVERY corner? Yup. Is this legal? Actually, yes I rarley had to break the speed limit to feel like a GP star. I live in a very crowded urban area and riding a liter class bike is like taking a monster truck to a go cart track. So, just wanted to say this bike is not a beginner's bike, a chick bike,a stepping stone, etc. It's a full circle, enlightenment, keeper. If you live in an urban area you should never need another motorcycle.
	4 out of 4 members found this post helpful.

December 19th, 2014, 09:29 AM	#2
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	Hi, welcome to the forum. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

December 19th, 2014, 09:37 AM	#3
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome Robert! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

December 19th, 2014, 10:04 AM	#4
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Sounds like you had a ball on your new ride. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

December 19th, 2014, 10:29 AM	#6
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Welcome to the forum! Glad you finally got a 250, and see what I see every time I go for a ride. Riding a slow bike fast is waaaaaaay funner than riding a fast bike slow! Thanks for the laughs! __________________________________________________

December 19th, 2014, 10:15 AM	#5
250rr ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Mark Location: Portland Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.	Hello

December 19th, 2014, 12:27 PM	#7
mikromo ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Independence, MO Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador, 1999 Honda VFR800, 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, 2010 Kawasaki ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 59	Funny thing, sold my 2010 to a guy who had never ridden before, so when he came by to pick it up, he brought his Harley riding friend to ride it home for him. My back driveway is on a cul de sac and the street is a hill (not terrible). The Harley guy stalled the wee Ninja 4 - 5 times, until I walked out in the street and shouted "rev it up, it's a 250!"

December 19th, 2014, 12:47 PM	#8
robertfarns ninjette.org member Name: Robert Location: Tampa Bay Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250 Posts: 15	Thanks for the warm welcome...quick question, how do I make member's comments "helpful"?? This is my first forum member experience and I feel like Yeti at a kid's birthday party. Is there an area of the forum to show you how to use the forum?

December 19th, 2014, 12:58 PM	#10
Alex 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. Blog Entries: 7	The helpful rating ability is one of the privileges long-time posters get when they hit a certain milestone (hint: you're approximately 993 posts from hitting it ). It does mean that when one of your posts has been rated helpful, that came from someone who has been here long enough to care about what is actually helpful for this site. For general forum usage tips, there is some good info in the FAQ. The sticky threads (the threads that "stick" at the top of many subforums), also sometimes have relevant guidance for that area. For example the sticky thread at the top of the Pictures subforum goes into detail about how to post pics. There is a similar one at the top of the Videos section. If you have a question about a particular feature, you can post up a question in either the Forum Information or the Help subforums, and someone will likely jump in quickly. Glad you found us! __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

December 19th, 2014, 02:11 PM	#13
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	People that take care of the lil ninja get loads of miles out of them. Don't wanna take care of your motor for some reason... You can get a motor for around $300 __________________________________________________

December 19th, 2014, 03:09 PM	#14
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	Welcome, Robert. Your assessment of the bike is dead-nuts on! It comes alive at about 9K rpm.

December 19th, 2014, 03:16 PM	#15
robertfarns ninjette.org member Name: Robert Location: Tampa Bay Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250 Posts: 15	Cool, thanks guys for the info and advise. Much appreciated.

December 19th, 2014, 03:56 PM	#16
ninjamunky85 Que Buenos Son!!! Name: Ryan Location: Grovetucky, OH Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '14	Welcome Rob, That was one of the best first posts ever on this forum. Funny too that I have an uncle Rob that lives in Tampa, I don't think he's ridden a motorcycle for about 30 years though. __________________________________________________ Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!!

December 19th, 2014, 04:15 PM	#17
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	Welcome, it sounds like you found the perfect bike.

December 19th, 2014, 04:22 PM	#18
cadd cadd cadd cadd Name: Cadd Location: 41°21'13.1"N, 74°41'37.4"W Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 300 Posts: A lot. MOTM - May '15	Scraping peg on corners?! Damn, you either take corners real aggressively or you're counter leaning? I scraped peg only once on the 250. But that's with one cheek off the seat and my face near the mirrors. I do admit. Scared the crap out of me as it was my first time touching down on the road! For 99.9% of thr time, I'm too timid of a rider to hit corners that fast or have the bike that far over. I have a trust issue (don't trust the road is clear of debris, don't trust the tires, don't trust the driver in front of me to not slam on the brakes). But I would eventually like to learn how to take corners more aggressively just in case I have to in an emergency situation where I've made a poor decision and am I'm entering too hot. Have fun and keep the rpms up! Also enjoy the 60mpg fuel sipper even when you're up in the tach range!

December 19th, 2014, 11:08 PM	#19
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	__________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

December 20th, 2014, 10:25 AM	#20
greenaero Motorcycle Hypermiler Name: Vic Location: Livermore CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.	Welcome Robert! __________________________________________________ 235 MPG Hypermotorcycling to a better tomorrow

December 22nd, 2014, 08:38 AM	#21
Snake 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	Hello and welcome.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New Guy In WV	crispy23	New Members	7	May 5th, 2012 07:08 PM
New Guy	Bosgarage57	New Members	12	June 30th, 2011 07:31 AM
New guy from DE	greatwhiteninja	New Members	11	June 23rd, 2011 11:25 AM
[hell for leather] - Guy Martin on Guy Martin	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	May 13th, 2010 10:10 AM
New guy from AZ here!	jzizzi	New Members	14	May 10th, 2010 12:27 PM