Hey guys!!

[iNate23]

Hi! My names Nate and im 19 years old. This fall I'm planning on getting a 08+ Ninja 250. I have no prior riding experience but I have done alot of research on it. I know that DOES NOT count as experience lol I hear that the 250 is not only a beginner bike but a great bike for anybody. Its light and I know it has plenty enough power to satisfy me. Please don't go crazy on me when i say this lol but the riding position of a stock 250 kills me. Im wanting to install the woodcraft clip ons for a more aggressive look. Im 6'1 180 pounds and i was wondering if this would indeed give me the aggressive look that i desire. Also, if you have any pointers for a beginner, then please feel free to tell me about them! Alot of people I talk to about the clip ons say its a bad idea for a first time rider, but I assure you that I am not one of these guys that wants to get out and impress there friends with fly bys and wheelies, its just that I do like the more aggressive look. My step dad rides bikes so he's teaching me some stuff, but I do plan on taking a MSF

Thanks so much!
Nate

[Live2ride]

[kkim]

Aloha and welcome, Nate.

my suggestion is to learn to ride the bike as is, first. As you progress in your skill level, you can then start to mod the bike to suit your needs. I'm not a fan of modding for "looks", but approach it from a "what can I fix now" perspective.

Be sure to take the MSF and buy all your safety gear before even thinking of modding.

[rusninja]

welcome i dont own a motorcycle but l want one just like you. :] I have no experience of motorcycles, but from my experience on the forum i would say most riders here would agree that leaving the bike stock would be best until you get more skills down. Then when you get more of a feel for it stock form do as you please but if its a comfort thing go for it.

[rusninja]

ahhh kim you got to it faster i got a little side tracked XD

[iNate23]

thanks guys. The reason i thought of that is because, I had a friend do it, and he said that since he learned from nothing he couldn't tell a difference. I hope that makes sense! But thanks so much!

[NathanUc]

Ah a fellow Nate.. welcome.

I don't think clip-ons alone would make the bike noticeably more dangerous. Give the stock ones a few hundred miles first to see if clip-ons are something you feel will help you become a better rider.

Tips:
-Read up as much as you can about odd situations you might encounter. It might not be first hand experience, but you can still learn A LOT by reading and watching videos. I'll go against the grain and say you can learn everything the MSF has to teach you just on the internet.
-Avoid riding with others until you are extremely comfortable with the bike.
-Avoid traffic for the first 50miles or so. This way you won't have to worry about un-necessarily stress.
-Don't let others talk you into a bigger bike. 250 is 'perfect' for beginners and intermediate riders. You won't outgrow it quickly
-No music while riding for at least 1000 miles I'd say.
-Expect your Ninja to cost more than it appears. (services, mods, gear, etc)
-Be safe, ATGATT
-Stick around here, you'll learn A LOT

Newb to Intermediate 250r rider,
-NathanUc

[jstrain]

Not sure that clipons will make it look that much more aggressive, but it's your bike, so do what you like with it.

As far as comfort goes, I would actually prefer clipons and some rearsets on my 250. I find riding in a bit of a crouch is actually more comfortable for me.