October 24th, 2012, 11:15 AM | #1 |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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New female rider, love my lean mean green Ninja!
Hi everyone!
My name is Yelena, I'm from the Portland area all the way up in Maine. I just got my motorcycle license this July, and having never ridden any sort of four-wheeler, dirt bike or snowmobile this was a pretty huge accomplishment for me! Then in August I purchased my very first bike, a 2012 Ninja 250R in candy apple green. I frickin' love it I had frame sliders installed because I knew I was definitely taking a risk buying such a new bike for my first one, and I will be the first to admit that yes, they have definitely come in handy haha. I look forward to learning so much more about my bike and becoming part of the community! And since we're on the subject, I do have a very important question if someone can lead me in the right direction: I'm not super short, an ambitious 5'2'', but I do not sit flat-footed on the Ninja. It becomes very difficult to move the bike while in neutral because I just have no grip on the ground, I have to get off the bike and push it. Sort of a pain in the ass to be honest Then there was in incident where I stopped a little too quickly at a light and the bike just tilted slightly to the side, because I'm short it almost took me with it and the lean resulted in me scrambling to stay up and revving the throttle like crazy. The bike has already been lowered on its own as much as it can be, so I know I'm going to have to buy a lowering kit or something so I can ride it comfortably and not worry about falling off at the slightest lean. Someone told me I didn't have to drop so much $ on a kit but can just buy this wish-bone shaped piece that is placed near the front of the bike? Any advice is super appreciated! PS My bike's not leaking anything lol thanks for everyone's concerns though! It's simply the water that drained when I took my bike cover after a few days of rain Last futzed with by laynaru; October 24th, 2012 at 02:30 PM. Reason: clarified my photo |
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October 24th, 2012, 11:25 AM | #2 | |
I told you bro
Name: Noor
Location: Austin, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Ninja 250r Posts: 680
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Quote:
Yes, lowering kits aren't expensive. You could also consider buying handle bar risers so that your riding position is more relaxed and back which should give you a more easier time maintaining your position on your bike. |
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October 24th, 2012, 11:35 AM | #3 |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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I think that the stance the bike puts me in is fine, I hardly ever notice I'm in that forward-leaning position. The only slight discomfort it's caused me is sometimes my left elbow will lock up. I think it's the fact that I hardly touch the ground haha. I can't use my legs to really help move the bike, especially on an incline or downhill, the bike's just too heavy without me being able to plant my feet firmly on the ground. Any suggested lowering kits?
Thanks for the help! |
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October 24th, 2012, 11:52 AM | #4 |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.
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October 24th, 2012, 11:55 AM | #5 |
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.
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Welcome from the Portland of the West, my friend. Can't help you on the lowering kit. No knowledge base. You might want to take a look at what most alarmingly looks like an oil leak, however.
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October 24th, 2012, 11:56 AM | #6 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Quote:
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October 24th, 2012, 12:01 PM | #7 |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Haha oh no, the picture does make it appear to have a serious leak. No worries though! It's actually all the water that collected in my bike cover after the crappy weather we had, once I took the cover off it just spilled everywhere
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October 24th, 2012, 12:02 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Hansveer
Location: Bombay, India
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.
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October 24th, 2012, 01:34 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ken
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October 24th, 2012, 01:37 PM | #10 |
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.
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Welcome Yelena!
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October 24th, 2012, 01:47 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
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I go to Portland a few times a year. Great restaurants, sucky weather (except the 2 weeks of summer).
I think your bike is leaking something!
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October 24th, 2012, 01:53 PM | #12 |
RIP Alex
Name: Cuong
Location: Houston, TX
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 2
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I think her bike just has a small bladder syndrome lol.
I have some stock links from a 07 ZZR600 if you want. It'll lower your rear a good bit. I have no idea how low it'll lower it. Non adjustable, of course.
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October 24th, 2012, 02:19 PM | #13 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Quote:
My bike's OK! It's just the water that spilled when I took the bike cover off after it had rained for a few days. |
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October 24th, 2012, 02:36 PM | #14 |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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I think I'll probably invest in some new links for the front and rear, reading up on it a bit it looks like if they're too low it can really cause some damage to the wiring and surrounding plastic. Thanks though!
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October 24th, 2012, 03:09 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Linda
Location: minneapolis
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 24
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Welcome and lowering links
Hi!
I purchased the lowering links that you're talking about. I haven't used them. I shaved the seat a lot, and now I can tiptoe the bike. It takes a lot of fore thought and planning strategic stops/parking, but I've decided to not lower it after all... so the links are up for sale. Let me know if you're interested. They are brand new. Thanks and welcome! |
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October 24th, 2012, 03:09 PM | #16 |
RIP Alex
Name: Cuong
Location: Houston, TX
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 2
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If you ever change your mind, just let me know.
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HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days |
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October 24th, 2012, 03:15 PM | #17 |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Let me talk to one of my more bike-knowledge equipped friends and see what he's got to say about the links, I'm still new to modifying/adjusting a motorcycle so I really don' know much about it! If we were talking about mods on cars I'd be all up in thissss. I'll get back to you!
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October 24th, 2012, 03:19 PM | #18 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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October 24th, 2012, 04:12 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: Concord, NC
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1976 CB550 Cafe, 2011 Ninja 250, 1999 Honda CR125 Posts: 264
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Welcome to the forum!
I like the idea of shaving your seat like @Tenacious_Me did. I'm not sure how much you can shave off of these seats without making them unbearable, but if you can make it work, I think you'll be happier with the ride. |
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October 24th, 2012, 04:26 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Laurence
Location: Bangbuathong Thailand
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Green 2012 Ninja 250SE and a Yamaha fino scooter (my wife's really) Posts: 355
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welcome
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Be safe ride smart .....a dumb rider is a dead rider |
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October 24th, 2012, 09:16 PM | #21 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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October 24th, 2012, 10:14 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Eric
Location: Portland
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 13' zx-6r 636 Posts: 155
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Welcome from the opposite side of the States.
even though i'm 5'6'', i can't fully flat foot both my feet either. when you're making a stop, do you use both your front and rear brakes together? i find that it smooths out my braking and as i approach a complete stop, it is easy for me to drop my left foot and i just leave my right on the brake.
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October 24th, 2012, 10:25 PM | #23 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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October 24th, 2012, 10:57 PM | #24 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Eric
Location: Portland
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 13' zx-6r 636 Posts: 155
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Quote:
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Yes, I'm a squid. But it's okay, I love squid, so can you |
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October 25th, 2012, 01:39 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: scott
Location: australia
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250r se Posts: 435
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October 25th, 2012, 04:21 AM | #26 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Domagoj
Location: Rijeka, Croatia
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2009 Posts: 396
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Welcome to the forum!
There is a nice article in wiki section about lowering. You can also find it in the DIY directory. |
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October 25th, 2012, 06:50 AM | #27 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
you just need to be more aware of the ground surfaces, and your footing. anything different from normal needs to be treated with care. start practicing using the front brake but only use two fingers. a handful of brake is usually NOT a good thing. did you take the MSF? if not i think you should look into it, the drills are low speed but build confidence and control.
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October 25th, 2012, 09:37 AM | #28 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Quote:
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October 25th, 2012, 09:44 AM | #29 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Quote:
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October 25th, 2012, 10:11 AM | #30 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
during a stop, just try to think it through, and analyze potential dangers. it will become natural soon after you learn balance. try using the right peg to help balance the bike while putting your left foot down. if you feel uncomfortable, get someone to hold the bike while you try it. the front brake provides most of the stopping force during a stop. the rear brake for accounts for about 0-15% since it loses traction due to the weight transfer dynamics. skilled use of the front brake is an important aspect of being a good rider.
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October 25th, 2012, 10:17 AM | #31 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Quote:
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October 25th, 2012, 10:23 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
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glad to be of help.
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October 25th, 2012, 11:24 AM | #33 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Eric
Location: Portland
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 13' zx-6r 636 Posts: 155
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Quote:
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Yes, I'm a squid. But it's okay, I love squid, so can you |
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October 25th, 2012, 04:08 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Andy
Location: New Orleans
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 37
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welcome!
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October 25th, 2012, 05:25 PM | #35 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Morgan
Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
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Quote:
Learn to use the front brake, don't grab it but put it on smoothly & progressively. As you're getting down to running/walking pace add a bit of rear to smooth out the final stop. Once you get to a full stop point the bars left, left foot down & the bike should tip over in a predictable manner. Point the bars forward & use the takeoff to stabilise the bike, once you're moving you can get your foot back on the peg (don't drag it for too long, on the peg keeps the bike more stable). Try that before going for the lowering kit |
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October 25th, 2012, 07:48 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Eric
Location: Portland
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 13' zx-6r 636 Posts: 155
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Yeah, my sister is the same height as you, and she didn't do the lowering kit either and rides fine. sometimes she squids it up a bit too bad..skirt + heels....>.>
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Yes, I'm a squid. But it's okay, I love squid, so can you |
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October 28th, 2012, 07:30 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
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Hello and welcome
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October 28th, 2012, 07:38 PM | #38 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Quote:
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October 28th, 2012, 07:44 PM | #39 | |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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Quote:
So your sister really has no issues with it? I think I just spooked myself after the few small incidents I had with it nearly falling. Time to grow a metaphorical pair. |
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October 28th, 2012, 07:46 PM | #40 |
laynaru
Name: Yelena
Location: South Portland, ME
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 29
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BTW everyone, thanks again so much for the warm welcomes and advice!
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