February 17th, 2013, 06:37 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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Had my 250R for three days...low sided :(
Well, **** me. I purchased my 09 250R on valentines day; 17k on the odometer, and a perfect body. I have never operated a motorcycle before and I rode it the day I got it (for a minute or so, just to move it into my garage and try it), rode it on Saturday for a bit, and rode it today.
Today was short lived, because I took at a turn and ended up low-siding. I don't really know what happened to be honest. The turn was a left hander, with an uneven/slanted entry (going up hill, and the street I was turning on was level so there was a weird incline to it). I was not going too fast or anything but all I know is, I was turning and straightened up way too early; heading straight towards the curb. I guess I panicked and either tried to counter steer or hit the front brake but I ended up low siding and the bike spun 180 degrees. Luckily I only have a scrape on both hands and my left knee, a tear in my jeans, and jacket, and a scrape on my brand new helmet My left wrist is pretty frickin sore though; it hurts to rotate my hand (pronate/supinate). I am kind of afraid of riding...I had to walk back home to my car to pick up some coolant since I lost a bit and the bike wouldnt start but I got it started and rode it back home. Each turn was terrifying... My bike however, no long has a perfect body Which was the main reason that I purchased it. Had I known I was going to drop my bike I would have saved a couple hundred and purchased a bike with the same damage, and a 1/4 of the miles Not to mention my new helmet also has a battle scar I really need to hurry up and buy a real jacket, and possibly some riding pants. Anyways, pictures Gear lever is bent, but still works Turn signal is gone, which isnt a big deal since that was the first thing I was going to change My clutch lever is really flimsy feeling...the brake lever has a little bit of vertical play but the clutch lever is even flimsier...any ideas what I can do to fix this? Even my shoes got some rash |
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February 17th, 2013, 06:51 PM | #2 |
Riding Ruby..
Name: Stephen
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec, 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 392
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woah glad you're ok man.
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February 17th, 2013, 06:55 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Weezy
Location: Massachusetts
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Posts: 169
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Did you take the MSF course? Sounds like you got a little too excited about your new bike and forgot the small detail that you don't know how to ride a motorcycle. Glad it didn't end up worse. Next time, start with an older, crappier bike. Then when you crash it there won't be as many in your posts.
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February 17th, 2013, 07:09 PM | #4 |
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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Sorry, dude. Have you taken the msf? What did you learn from your crash?
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February 17th, 2013, 07:20 PM | #5 |
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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Welcome to the site, Jon !!!
You have made an impressive introduction. We cannot help you fix your bike here, but we certainly can help you improve your riding skills and your chances of enjoying motorcycling without getting hurt. I am glad that this accident happened at low speed and that you did not get really hurt.
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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, 07:25 PM | #6 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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I dont have my license yet; I was just out learning. I was planning on taking the msf, and was kind of thinking maybe I can just skip out on it, but now I am sure as hell taking it. Unfortunately the first one wont be until late March
Kind of hard to say what I have learned because I dont know anything but I definitely feel like counter steering is throwing me off; I think I need to stop thinking about it so hard and sort of let my body react to it because when I think about it (in this case where I am heading straight for the curb) I make mistakes. Correct me if I am wrong, but counter steering needs to be done quickly right? Even the smallest pushes will start to lean you over but the speed of the push determines how quick you turn correct? I think maybe I tried to correct for the turn (by pushing left, to go left) but pushed too slowly so I didnt actually start leaning? I dont know |
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February 17th, 2013, 07:38 PM | #7 |
Crashing sux
Name: Rick
Location: N. Ga
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 07 EX250, 04 ZX6R, 96 Vulcan EN500, 79 XS650-SF, 80 TS185 Posts: 62
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I just finished graduating a full class of 12 today in a MSF BRC, they now have the tools to practice on their safe riding techniques. Please don't "think about" taking it, may save your life some day!
You should also invest in & wear full gear while riding. Just sayin' ! |
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February 17th, 2013, 07:53 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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I am defnitely taking it, I just wish it was sooner. I think I might buy my jacket tonight, maybe gloves as well. I wasnt planning on getting pants but now with my torn up jeans I think I should :/
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February 17th, 2013, 08:01 PM | #9 |
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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Don't rush on anything, you have time to research and shop around and repair the damage and heal that wrist.
Check this link: http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/New_Riders Do you have any experienced friend that could help you learning the basics? Maybe taking the MSF basic course somewhere else where there are openings available for a sooner time?
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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, 08:17 PM | #10 |
Crashing sux
Name: Rick
Location: N. Ga
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 07 EX250, 04 ZX6R, 96 Vulcan EN500, 79 XS650-SF, 80 TS185 Posts: 62
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February 17th, 2013, 08:38 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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I would like to get some boots, or at least riding shoes (that offer some protection). The thing is, I would like to ride as often as I can (ie commuting) but standard riding boots are a pain. Is there anything out there that offers protection and is still use able when not riding?
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February 17th, 2013, 08:55 PM | #12 |
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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__________________________________________________
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, 09:33 PM | #13 |
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
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good luck and heal quick. Repairs and gear! No cracks? Sand and paint that and some flush mounts and roll on.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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February 17th, 2013, 09:37 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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There are cracks. Not worried about the fairings really, I can paint everything my self, buy new ones if I must but I figure I will just wait until I get really comfortable with riding and then fix them, rather than fix them up, drop the bike again and have to do it all over :/
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February 17th, 2013, 09:41 PM | #15 | |
ninjette.org mafioso
Name: Ben
Location: Dillon, MT
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337
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Quote:
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February 17th, 2013, 09:46 PM | #16 | |
Chicken strips R US
Name: Geoff
Location: Washington, DC
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): Silver 2007 Ninja 250 EX250F, Silver 2007 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Posts: 29
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Quote:
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February 17th, 2013, 09:54 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: 591
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Your helmet got a scratch/ding? Not sure I'd use it anymore, it might have some unseen damage. Which then means if you have another crash it won't protect you like it should.
I'd think about replacing it if I were you. |
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February 17th, 2013, 09:59 PM | #18 | |
My jigglets are jiggled
Name: Amanda
Location: Vancouver Canada
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 SE 250R, Sym Mio 50 (scooter!) Posts: 28
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Quote:
$300 or life man!
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Paddling gets me wet |
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February 17th, 2013, 10:00 PM | #19 | |
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:
The shifter can be bent back to normal shape (it is made of soft steel). The clutch lever can have some vertical movement, not big deal. All the controls should be adjusted to your body dimensions and comfort:
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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, 10:33 PM | #20 |
InfoWhore
Name: Melashi
Location: 75081
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 StreetFighter ~~~~ 2005 KTM 450 EXC Posts: 628
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BRO, cmon...
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Everyone, go buy a dirtbike hurry |
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February 17th, 2013, 10:36 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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It is really just a scratch...on the plastic where the vent is near the mouth.
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February 17th, 2013, 10:37 PM | #22 | |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
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Quote:
Just curious but can you ride a bike with any skill(no just balancing and pedaling, I mean real riding) or are you new to two wheels? |
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February 17th, 2013, 10:43 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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Yeah, when I first got on it I freaked out a few times because the bike wouldnt turn; I knew about counter steering but the whole idea/feeling of being on the bike took over my thoughts and I forgot all about the concept.
Id say I am pretty decent with bicycles; never really did dirt or trail riding or anything too aggressive but as a kid I was pretty skillful at riding fast and maneuvering, riding down hills with my friends. I can bunny hop as well...so yeah, I am not skillful with bicycles at all |
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February 17th, 2013, 10:45 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Martin
Location: California
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 291
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Good thing your ok. I had a similar crash a few days ago exept mine's was caused by unseen road debris. It would have been a better idea to take the MSF and get a license before buying a bike, but oh well. Live and learn. Maybe get some sliders?
Try the Icon Knee/Shin armor. I have them and they tuck in perfectly into the boot. I have the non-stryker (older) version so check ebay if your interested |
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February 17th, 2013, 11:12 PM | #25 | |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
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Quote:
Last futzed with by rojoracing53; February 18th, 2013 at 06:23 AM. |
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February 18th, 2013, 08:22 AM | #26 | |
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:
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=114372 http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...=progressively
__________________________________________________
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 18th, 2013, 09:30 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Wes
Location: Sumter SC
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 650r 2009 Vulcan 800 2005 Posts: 557
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Glad you not hurt.... chalk it up to experience and learn from it.
I gotta agree with the other posters here... take the MSF course. I was skeptical taking it, my purpose was to get the waiver on the motorcycle endorsement for my license. I had tried twice and could not pass the moto course at the DMV. I expected the MSF to be a bunch of timid softsell common sense BS like the defensive driving class I had to take years ago. Not so... the MSF course is valuable. The classroom side teaches real world info and makes you think about accumulation of hazzards. There were things that I knew about, but not the WHY part. The road course part gave me great confidence and was actually the first time I'd ever ever dragged the pegs. As my kids get old enough to drive, I will require each of them take the MSF whether they have an interest in riding or not. Yeah, it's that important. You made the right choice getting a smaller lighter bike to start with, now make the choice to take the MSF. soapbox off.
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It's all about the curves. If you ride, you understand. If you have a stick skinny g/f and ride, you're 1/2 way there. |
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February 18th, 2013, 11:54 AM | #28 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Travis
Location: Washington, DC
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664
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I know you don't want to hear it, but you're posting on here, so I'll go ahead and say it: even if you think the scratch on your helmet is 'only a scratch', you really need to get it inspected. The fact that there is a mark means that it impacted the ground, and all it takes is one impact (with your mellon in it) for the EPS to do its job, which is to absorb the kinetic energy by crushing. Once it has done that, an impact at the same point will transfer the energy straight through to your skull. I know helmets are expensive and it's hard to hear, but they really ought to be thought of as one-time-use. The guys you see riding around with banged up helmets are basically wearing jewelry. (Except it may still help keep your face off the ground if you slide, but it won't dissipate energy which is the primary job of the helmet.)
Sorry to hear about your off; take care of that wrist and after the MSF course, you'll get your confidence back and this will be a distant memory. Good luck! |
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February 18th, 2013, 12:16 PM | #29 |
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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February 18th, 2013, 12:35 PM | #30 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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I am starting to wonder, it hasn't rained much lately, since our last snow (2 weekends ago) and the neighborhood I was in gets little to no traffic (seriously, two houses are in that area) could it be that I hit a little slick salt spot that could have contributed to me falling?
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February 18th, 2013, 02:05 PM | #31 |
Nooblet
Name: Akima
Location: England
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '13
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Ouch, painful and expensive way to learn @SwagenGTI. Luckily you survived it and you get to start the learning process again. The advice in this thread has been great.
What I would recommend before riding your ninjette again: * Get full protective gear. This means a new helmet (unless the manufacturer confirms your current one is ok), abrasion resistent material covering every inch of your body. Proper riding boots (ankle injuries are very common in motorcycle crashes) and padding in all the important areas (knees, elbows, shoulders and back. I wear a separate back protector too (I like my spine!). Don't ever ride without your gear. People make mistakes - gear helps minimize the huge effect of making a mistake on a motorcycle. * Take a riding course to learn the basics. Counter steering, braking, emergency avoidance, slow speed riding and even simple things like mounting and dismounting the bike should all be covered. Knowledge is power!! * Take riding seriously. You can jump on a bicycle and play around and experiment - if you make a mistake the consequences will be minor. If you jump on a motorcycle on a public road without the proper protection and basic knowledge you need to operate your bike, then you're risking your life. Motorcycles are amazing fun and can be ridden safely and confidently, but you've got to learn the basics and get the gear first. You're so lucky you didn't end up worse in your crash. Finally: regarding how you crashed. You probably freaked out when you realized you were going to go off the road and quickly grabbed the front brake while simultaneously turning the bars. Doing that means you're likely to cause the front wheel to loose traction and thus you crash. I hope you get your confidence back and do things right this time round. |
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February 18th, 2013, 03:52 PM | #32 |
Knee-dragger in Training
Name: Manny
Location: Buford, GA
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R (Sunbeam Red) Posts: 319
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Sucks to hear about your crash man. I know how you feel about messing up a new bike. Glad you did not sustain any major injuries.
At least now you can ride without really worrying too much about dropping the bike and damaging perfect fairings. Sometimes just worrying about all that can really interfere with your focus if you're a new rider. I would just replace the turn signal and ride it as is for a while as you learn. You can always fix it up later and you can just pickup new parts as good deals pop up. Also, I recommend you checkout the Alpinestars S-MX 1 Boots. They're pretty damn comfortable off the bike, I've worn them to work and such. You can probably try them on at Cycle Gear if you have one near you. |
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February 18th, 2013, 04:38 PM | #33 |
Gixxer Powered
Name: Brett
Location: OH
Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 GSXR 600 Posts: 397
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Repair what you need to on the bike but leave it be cosmetically until you get some experience under your belt. Get as much gear as you can and honestly that should be where most of your money goes when you get a bike. And how do you know riding boots are uncomfortable? It does take some time to get used to them but there are plenty of people who walk around for hours on end with full length boots, myself included. You need to decide how much you want to compromise and find what you want. I would suggest riding pants as well, most people skimp out on this but when you slide your legs and going to get pretty beat up and rashed in jeans, although some get lucky and walk away unscathed.
Good luck to you. |
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February 18th, 2013, 05:22 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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New signals have been ordered, and a new shifter lever will be tonight hopefully. I wish I had better motorcycle shops near by; only one in town is harley davidson and they dont carry too much. Another one is maybe a 20 minute drive out of town and they dont carry much either. Best shop is a good 45 minute drive. I might try to go down there this weekend.
Those Alpinestars S-MX 1 Boots look great, but how much protection do they offer for the ankle in terms of sideways movement? I am definitely into those |
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February 18th, 2013, 05:38 PM | #35 | |
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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Quote:
And those A*s are designed to keep your ankle from snapping, and they're a widely used and respected company.
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February 18th, 2013, 06:31 PM | #36 |
Gixxer Powered
Name: Brett
Location: OH
Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 GSXR 600 Posts: 397
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I'm not sure those SMX-1 boots will prevent you spraining an ankle, it will help against impact, though. Those look like your ankle will still have moment and if that's the case they won't do much, you'd need a full length boot to immobilizes the ankle.
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February 18th, 2013, 07:48 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R Posts: 123
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^^^ exactly. It definitely looks like it has the padding but based on the pictures, it doesnt look like it would prevent my ankle from snapping from the rest of my leg.
I will definitely be ordering all of my stuff online, my problem is fitment. I already had to deal with my helmet being too big, getting a second one in a smaller size and being too small, now the helmet is damaged :/ I also wear 7s to 8's depending on shoe brand and I feel like boots will be even harder to size properly then helmets. |
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February 18th, 2013, 09:28 PM | #38 |
crash 250, get supersport
Name: Richard
Location: San Diego, CA
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R SE (Sold 6/9/14), 2009 ZX-6R (Sold 6/25/14), Subaru BRZ Posts: A lot.
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If you're going to go with a boot at least get a full boot. Spend the extra $120 or so to get the SMX Plus if you have to and wear your pants over them.
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February 18th, 2013, 09:58 PM | #39 |
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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Woops! I thought you were talking about these:
(A* S-MX 5) You really do want to go with a full boot. Shorties don't do much for you ankle.
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February 18th, 2013, 10:14 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chase
Location: California
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225
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Sorry to hear this. I would take the MSF as soon as possible.
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