New 2011 Ninja 250R Owner :)

rcouch358 · August 2nd, 2012, 10:36 AM

Hey guys, i'm new to the forum (obviously) and just wanted to get acquainted! I bought a 2011 Ninja 250R special edition green off craigslist last week. Has 3000 miles and looks brand new! Bought it bone stock. The guy was moving and needed to get rid of it, so I got it for $2900, which I thought was a steal. He bought it brand new last year at a local bike store by me for $5400 so IMO thats a great deal.
This is my first bike but i'm in no way shape or form new to the 2 wheels world. Ive been riding dirtbikes since I was about 9-10 years old, started with an old Honda XR-100, onto a Honda CR-85 and then got out of the motocross game when I was about 14. Now im 19 and couldnt be happier to be on a bike again.
I was going to start with a 600cc sport bike like an R6 or CBR or GSXR, but after much research and thinking I decided it was much smarter and logical to start off with a 250 Ninja for the rest of the season to get comfortable.

So onto the bike! I just put on some ProGrip grips to match the bike, and installed my Yoshimura TRC stainless slip-on exhaust last night, no more lawnmower sound :P
As far as other mods I probably wont go further than shimming, K&N filter, and tinting the windshield. Since i'm probably going to sell the bike by next season and get a 600, it doesnt make much sense to spend more. Funny part is, I ordered my Yoshi off amazon, I got it in the mail, and they never even charged me! Pretty sure I got a free exhaust

However i'm getting a flat spot on the throttle when I turn it very very slighty. I'm guessing I just need to shim the needles and will probably do that this weekend.
Just got an Alpinestars AirFlo jacket and Bell Vortex helmet as well, couldn't be happier!

Anyway I know im rambling, but just want to start sharing my experiences! Feel free to post if anyone has any comments or questions!

Heres the bike the day I got her, I will post some updated pics with the exhaust and grips later on.

bfpower · August 2nd, 2012, 10:40 AM

Welcome!

Tebo · August 2nd, 2012, 10:46 AM

nice steal on bike and exhaust lol!! welcome and good decision with a 250!!

csmith12 · August 2nd, 2012, 10:46 AM

Welcome Ryan!

Yep, shim those needles.

rcouch358 · August 2nd, 2012, 12:11 PM

Thanks guys! Yeah I plan to put 1 washer on each needle and hopefully thattl do the trick. I read a couple of the DIY posts and it seems simple enough once you get the gas tank off.

Couple questions, when I installed my exhaust and took it around a bit, once I parked it back in the garage and shut it off I noticed the exhaust was putting off white smoke quite a bit. Im guessing its just the all the crap on the inside of it burning off. It doesnt do it anymore after riding about 20 miles.

Also, what are some ordinary maintenance things I should do to the bike? Such as services and what not. I dont think the original owner really maintained the bike at all because he got it brand new, didnt seem like a very mechanical guy. The chain was rusty after 3k miles -_- so I need to replace it soon.
What would you guys suggest I do this weekend to keep it running perfect?

Stingray1000 · August 2nd, 2012, 12:41 PM

Welcome! This should be moved to "New Members" :P

Alex · August 4th, 2012, 09:53 AM

/moved

JustRidin · August 4th, 2012, 06:55 PM

Yeah, good deal on an 11'. Welcome

userjh160 · August 5th, 2012, 07:27 PM

Hi Ryan and Welcome

ZackoFF96 · August 5th, 2012, 07:59 PM

Welcome Ryan

I got a 11 ninja too

Usually I lubricate the chain every sunday, wash & wax the bike every 2 weeks, and bring the bike to the dealer if I found any problem

And also I planned to bring it to the dealer for regular maintenance every 2 months

Snake · August 11th, 2012, 05:42 PM

Hello and welcome.

rcouch358 · August 11th, 2012, 06:26 PM

Thanks... think i'll be moving on to an R6 sooner than I thought. Already feeling very comfortable on the bike, but very limited as well. I really dont like taking this thing on the highway for too long, high speeds dont feel the greatest, and the top speed/braking power is starting to get to me. Also dont really like how straight up I sit on the bike (being 6'1).

Its great fun to zip this thing around town, but as my commute to school/work is mostly highway I need something with more power/stopping power/stability

Think im going to ride it another ~450 miles, end up with 1k under my belt and move on. Good thing is i'll be able to make a few hundred bucks when I sell it

KJohnson21 · August 17th, 2012, 09:05 PM

August 2nd, 2012, 10:36 AM	#1
rcouch358 Toasted. Name: Ryan Location: Cherry Hill / New Brunswick Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE Green Posts: 43	New 2011 Ninja 250R Owner :) Hey guys, i'm new to the forum (obviously) and just wanted to get acquainted! I bought a 2011 Ninja 250R special edition green off craigslist last week. Has 3000 miles and looks brand new! Bought it bone stock. The guy was moving and needed to get rid of it, so I got it for $2900, which I thought was a steal. He bought it brand new last year at a local bike store by me for $5400 so IMO thats a great deal. This is my first bike but i'm in no way shape or form new to the 2 wheels world. Ive been riding dirtbikes since I was about 9-10 years old, started with an old Honda XR-100, onto a Honda CR-85 and then got out of the motocross game when I was about 14. Now im 19 and couldnt be happier to be on a bike again. I was going to start with a 600cc sport bike like an R6 or CBR or GSXR, but after much research and thinking I decided it was much smarter and logical to start off with a 250 Ninja for the rest of the season to get comfortable. So onto the bike! I just put on some ProGrip grips to match the bike, and installed my Yoshimura TRC stainless slip-on exhaust last night, no more lawnmower sound :P As far as other mods I probably wont go further than shimming, K&N filter, and tinting the windshield. Since i'm probably going to sell the bike by next season and get a 600, it doesnt make much sense to spend more. Funny part is, I ordered my Yoshi off amazon, I got it in the mail, and they never even charged me! Pretty sure I got a free exhaust However i'm getting a flat spot on the throttle when I turn it very very slighty. I'm guessing I just need to shim the needles and will probably do that this weekend. Just got an Alpinestars AirFlo jacket and Bell Vortex helmet as well, couldn't be happier! Anyway I know im rambling, but just want to start sharing my experiences! Feel free to post if anyone has any comments or questions! Heres the bike the day I got her, I will post some updated pics with the exhaust and grips later on. Last futzed with by rcouch358; August 2nd, 2012 at 12:38 PM.

August 2nd, 2012, 10:46 AM	#3
Tebo ninjette.org member Name: Estevan Location: san fernando valley Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 25	nice steal on bike and exhaust lol!! welcome and good decision with a 250!! __________________________________________________

August 2nd, 2012, 10:46 AM	#4
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 Ryan! Yep, shim those needles. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

August 2nd, 2012, 12:41 PM	#6
Stingray1000 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jon Location: Newark, De Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Welcome! This should be moved to "New Members" :P __________________________________________________ http://www.facebook.com/groups/DeMdNjPagrouprides/ I live my life a quarter mile at a time! Who is affraid of the big bad jiggles???? LOL

August 4th, 2012, 09:53 AM	#7
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	/moved __________________________________________________ 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)

August 2nd, 2012, 10:40 AM	#2
bfpower ninjette.org mafioso Name: Ben Location: Dillon, MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337	Welcome!

August 2nd, 2012, 12:11 PM	#5
rcouch358 Toasted. Name: Ryan Location: Cherry Hill / New Brunswick Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE Green Posts: 43	Thanks guys! Yeah I plan to put 1 washer on each needle and hopefully thattl do the trick. I read a couple of the DIY posts and it seems simple enough once you get the gas tank off. Couple questions, when I installed my exhaust and took it around a bit, once I parked it back in the garage and shut it off I noticed the exhaust was putting off white smoke quite a bit. Im guessing its just the all the crap on the inside of it burning off. It doesnt do it anymore after riding about 20 miles. Also, what are some ordinary maintenance things I should do to the bike? Such as services and what not. I dont think the original owner really maintained the bike at all because he got it brand new, didnt seem like a very mechanical guy. The chain was rusty after 3k miles -_- so I need to replace it soon. What would you guys suggest I do this weekend to keep it running perfect?

August 4th, 2012, 06:55 PM	#8
JustRidin ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Denver, CO Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 R6, 2015 KTM 250XC - Past: 2011 KTM 150XC, 2009 Ninja 250r, 2012 Ninja 650, 2007 CRF250R Posts: 194	Yeah, good deal on an 11'. Welcome __________________________________________________ Try it, you might like it.

August 5th, 2012, 07:27 PM	#9
userjh160 ninjette.org guru Name: Malinda Location: Jonesboro, LA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Posts: 484	Hi Ryan and Welcome

August 5th, 2012, 07:59 PM	#10
ZackoFF96 ninjette.org member Name: Zacko Location: Asia Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R Posts: 84	Welcome Ryan I got a 11 ninja too Usually I lubricate the chain every sunday, wash & wax the bike every 2 weeks, and bring the bike to the dealer if I found any problem And also I planned to bring it to the dealer for regular maintenance every 2 months

August 11th, 2012, 05:42 PM	#11
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.

August 11th, 2012, 06:26 PM	#12
rcouch358 Toasted. Name: Ryan Location: Cherry Hill / New Brunswick Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE Green Posts: 43	Thanks... think i'll be moving on to an R6 sooner than I thought. Already feeling very comfortable on the bike, but very limited as well. I really dont like taking this thing on the highway for too long, high speeds dont feel the greatest, and the top speed/braking power is starting to get to me. Also dont really like how straight up I sit on the bike (being 6'1). Its great fun to zip this thing around town, but as my commute to school/work is mostly highway I need something with more power/stopping power/stability Think im going to ride it another ~450 miles, end up with 1k under my belt and move on. Good thing is i'll be able to make a few hundred bucks when I sell it

August 17th, 2012, 09:05 PM	#13
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?

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