Good Morning from Socal!

[mariorivera830]

Hey everyone! I have been reading these forums for a few months now and now that my wife has finally removed my ass from my bike, I figured I would register.
I bought my black Ninja 250 SE about 6 days ago and haven't gotten off of it since. I was going to take everyone's advice on buying used, but when I went to the dealership to see what it's supposed to feel like (as a baseline when I check out the used ones), I came across my (future) bike. All black 2012 250 SE with 126 miles. I figured they they demo'd it.... alot. Turns out it was bought two weeks prior and returned for a bigger bike. My gain! I got a brand new 2012 in my favorite color, only 126 miles and a full warranty for 4400 OTD. and i got talked into the extended warranty... But now that I am starting to get used to everything, I really need to, kind of , make it my own. Any suggestions?
And thanks for all of your advice that everyone puts on here. It makes things a little less rough for us new guys.

[Stingray1000]

Welcome!

[mariorivera830]

Thanks for the welcome!

Now that I think of it, there are a few issues that I have and thought that maybe someone has a solution for me...
1) Is there a way to beef up the suspension? SoCal freeways are horribly bumpy when I ride and if I carry a soda for lunch, its going to expode eventually.
2) Is there a way to further reduce the wind? No matter how much I lean on the tank, my head feels like I'm in a hurricane. I'm almost 6 feet tall, so I almost want to chalk that up to my height on a smaller bike, but hopefully someone has a solution.

Thanks in advance.

[toua70]

Originally Posted by mariorivera830

Thanks for the welcome!

Now that I think of it, there are a few issues that I have and thought that maybe someone has a solution for me...
1) Is there a way to beef up the suspension? SoCal freeways are horribly bumpy when I ride and if I carry a soda for lunch, its going to expode eventually.
2) Is there a way to further reduce the wind? No matter how much I lean on the tank, my head feels like I'm in a hurricane. I'm almost 6 feet tall, so I almost want to chalk that up to my height on a smaller bike, but hopefully someone has a solution.

Thanks in advance.

Welcome dude! Lets see, the ninja 250s, you can't adjust the suspensions.. which kinda sucks. And for wind, i would suggest a zerogravity double bubble windscreen. I don't really have any problems with stock windshield but for you, I would recommend you look into it. May or may not help but its an option

[mariorivera830]

Originally Posted by toua70

Welcome dude! Lets see, the ninja 250s, you can't adjust the suspensions.. which kinda sucks. And for wind, i would suggest a zerogravity double bubble windscreen. I don't really have any problems with stock windshield but for you, I would recommend you look into it. May or may not help but its an option

That does suck... would a different tire help with the bumps? Thanks for suggesting the double bubble. Any suggestions as to a certain brand or style? Also, is that something that i can put on myself. It looks fairly easy to just bolt on, but who knows? Thanks for your input.

[toua70]

Originally Posted by mariorivera830

That does suck... would a different tire help with the bumps? Thanks for suggesting the double bubble. Any suggestions as to a certain brand or style? Also, is that something that i can put on myself. It looks fairly easy to just bolt on, but who knows? Thanks for your input.

yes, the windscreen is something you can definitely do yourself. If you're unsure for whatever reason, refer to youtube or the DIY threads here on the forum. You simply unscrew the bolts and it should slide right out. I had to take mines out because I painted mines black. Tires will help with bump and little ridges on the fwys. I recently replaced my stock tires to the new Bridgestone Battlax S20r tires. Stock tire size is 110/70/17 in the front and 130/70/17 in the rear. I kept the size in the front stock and the rear i had a 150/70/17 on there so its a bit wider and handles really good. On my way to replace the tires, I had to cross this bridge to get to san pedro. Anyway, over the bride, there were ridges and as i ride through them, the bike would move from side to side so that sucked. After tires were replaced, i headed back and when i came to those ridges again, I kinda braced myself for it but guess what? I didn't feel a thing! so yeah, i would say having a wider tire would make the bike more stable based off my experienced.

[broilmebk]

welcome! I think people usually go with the Zero Gravity or PUIG DB screen. I myself have the zero gravity. Looks great and very functional.

[toua70]

Originally Posted by broilmebk

welcome! I think people usually go with the Zero Gravity or PUIG DB screen. I myself have the zero gravity. Looks great and very functional.

don't listen to broilmebk - he doesn't know what he's talking about
hahahahha jk..

[EthioKnight]

Welcome aboard brother.
In addition to DB screens, you might look into getting clip-ons and a rearset to stretch your 6 foot frame over the bike for better comfort...I kinda realize that the work needed to install the two might be a bit over your head, considering you're just starting out, but just look into them.

[mariorivera830]

Originally Posted by toua70

yes, the windscreen is something you can definitely do yourself. If you're unsure for whatever reason, refer to youtube or the DIY threads here on the forum. You simply unscrew the bolts and it should slide right out. I had to take mines out because I painted mines black. Tires will help with bump and little ridges on the fwys. I recently replaced my stock tires to the new Bridgestone Battlax S20r tires. Stock tire size is 110/70/17 in the front and 130/70/17 in the rear. I kept the size in the front stock and the rear i had a 150/70/17 on there so its a bit wider and handles really good. On my way to replace the tires, I had to cross this bridge to get to san pedro. Anyway, over the bride, there were ridges and as i ride through them, the bike would move from side to side so that sucked. After tires were replaced, i headed back and when i came to those ridges again, I kinda braced myself for it but guess what? I didn't feel a thing! so yeah, i would say having a wider tire would make the bike more stable based off my experienced.

Thanks for that! I wasn't sure what size would be best for the back wheel. We have those ridges in the freeways down here too, they must be a california thing.
As for the zero gravity windshield, thanks as well. I will definitely be looking into these tomorrow night. As well as the tron helmet that I saw a picture of earlier today.

[mariorivera830]

Originally Posted by EthioKnight

Welcome aboard brother.
In addition to DB screens, you might look into getting clip-ons and a rearset to stretch your 6 foot frame over the bike for better comfort...I kinda realize that the work needed to install the two might be a bit over your head, considering you're just starting out, but just look into them.

What are clip ons? And I assume that a rear seat is something that makes the rear seat the main seat, right? That may work! I think I may start with the zero gravity first then if that doesn't work, go with the rear seat. I've got a long upper torso and stubby short legs, so somehow its not uncomfortable riding 50 mins to and from work.

[mariorivera830]

Originally Posted by broilmebk

welcome! I think people usually go with the Zero Gravity or PUIG DB screen. I myself have the zero gravity. Looks great and very functional.

Apparently I'm not supposed to listen to you; you don't know what you're talking about...... kidding! Thanks. I seem to read zero gravity alot so I will take that as a glowing endorsement! Thanks!

[toua70]

Originally Posted by mariorivera830

What are clip ons? And I assume that a rear seat is something that makes the rear seat the main seat, right? That may work! I think I may start with the zero gravity first then if that doesn't work, go with the rear seat. I've got a long upper torso and stubby short legs, so somehow its not uncomfortable riding 50 mins to and from work.

no rear sets are pretty much your foot pegs. If you get some good aftermarket ones, you can pretty much adjust them to different positions. You can move the pegs further back so that it will stretch out your body more so that it will be more comfortable for you since you are taller, you won't be sitting upright.

[toua70]

Originally Posted by mariorivera830

Apparently I'm not supposed to listen to you; you don't know what you're talking about...... kidding! Thanks. I seem to read zero gravity alot so I will take that as a glowing endorsement! Thanks!

lmao i'm joking btw, i ride with broilmebk and he's really good

[mariorivera830]

Originally Posted by toua70

lmao i'm joking btw, i ride with broilmebk and he's really good

I was hoping you were or else that may have come off as a bit dickish. About the rear SETS, I thought he meant rear SEAT. That may work even better than my idea of rear seat. Does that replace my pegs or the passenger pegs? My wife wants to take a few rides with me once I have a few more miles and experience under my belt, that's why I ask.

I would like to really get into the whole 250 community, but with my work schedule, it makes it really hard. I work 12 hour rotating shifts. Who knew papermaking was so demanding?!

BTW, I have my MSF (is that right? The motorcycle safety class) this weekend, any tips from anyone who's gone through it ready?

[toua70]

Originally Posted by mariorivera830

I was hoping you were or else that may have come off as a bit dickish. About the rear SETS, I thought he meant rear SEAT. That may work even better than my idea of rear seat. Does that replace my pegs or the passenger pegs? My wife wants to take a few rides with me once I have a few more miles and experience under my belt, that's why I ask.

I would like to really get into the whole 250 community, but with my work schedule, it makes it really hard. I work 12 hour rotating shifts. Who knew papermaking was so demanding?!

BTW, I have my MSF (is that right? The motorcycle safety class) this weekend, any tips from anyone who's gone through it ready?

Haha yeah me and broilmebk are buddies. As far as msg, you should be fine man. You just go thru a bunch of courses. Practice emergency quick stops, swirving, etc. Easy stuff and fun and informative.

[toua70]

Stupid autospell on my phone... msf *

[broilmebk]

Originally Posted by toua70

Haha yeah me and broilmebk are buddies. As far as msg, you should be fine man. You just go thru a bunch of courses. Practice emergency quick stops, swirving, etc. Easy stuff and fun and informative.

HAH. Says you! I don't know this toua person...

[toua70]

Originally Posted by broilmebk

HAH. Says you! I don't know this toua person...

awww

[mariorivera830]

Originally Posted by toua70

awww

I guess you ARE brothers! By that response, you must be the younger brother tuoa. That's awesome that you guys are cool, did you guys know each other prior to these boards?

[broilmebk]

Originally Posted by mariorivera830

I guess you ARE brothers! By that response, you must be the younger brother tuoa. That's awesome that you guys are cool, did you guys know each other prior to these boards?

hahah all joking aside...We met through ninjette. LT is super cool. Helps out a lot

Hope to see you around

[Kevin2109]

Originally Posted by toua70

Welcome dude! Lets see, the ninja 250s, you can't adjust the suspensions.. which kinda sucks. And for wind, i would suggest a zerogravity double bubble windscreen. I don't really have any problems with stock windshield but for you, I would recommend you look into it. May or may not help but its an option

Wrong The rear shock is adjustable It will help

also tires make a huge difference, the stock tires are rough, best upgrade I did was the bt-016 fro street on my 250

they make a Chinese $25 double bubble, look on ebay

[mariorivera830]

T

Originally Posted by Kevin2109

Wrong The rear shock is adjustable It will help

also tires make a huge difference, the stock tires are rough, best upgrade I did was the bt-016 fro street on my 250

they make a Chinese $25 double bubble, look on ebay

About the suspension, how?
And as far as the double bubble goes, should I get one like that (will it be safe) Or should I just bite the bullet and get one from zero gravity?
Thanks for your input!

And the tires are going to be the first major thing I'm going to change. It seems everyone has that suggestion.

[Kevin2109]

There is a ring back there that you spin. The tool is in your little tool kit in the back

Ebay one is fine, I used it for a while. The hot boddies looks the best imho

[toua70]

Originally Posted by Kevin2109

There is a ring back there that you spin. The tool is in your little tool kit in the back

Ebay one is fine, I used it for a while. The hot boddies looks the best imho

whhhhaaaaaatttt!?!?!? i thought they shocks on the 250s are not adjustable?? don't listen to Kevin. He has no idea what the heck he's talking about. LMAO see you tomorrow kevin!

[Kevin2109]

Originally Posted by toua70

whhhhaaaaaatttt!?!?!? i thought they shocks on the 250s are not adjustable?? don't listen to Kevin. He has no idea what the heck he's talking about. LMAO see you tomorrow kevin!

haha I'll show you tomorrow how to adjust it

[toua70]

Originally Posted by Kevin2109

haha I'll show you tomorrow how to adjust it

lol i know how to adjust it, i just never bothered with it because i read somewhere that the shocks on the 250s were non adjustable.. plus it doesn't bug me so i just left it but yes, be at my place by 650am so we can go meet up broilmebk by 730..

[toua70]

Originally Posted by mariorivera830

I guess you ARE brothers! By that response, you must be the younger brother tuoa.

actually, i'm a little older than brian... but not by much, just by 4 years lmao.. im old

[Kevin2109]

Originally Posted by toua70

lol i know how to adjust it, i just never bothered with it because i read somewhere that the shocks on the 250s were non adjustable.. plus it doesn't bug me so i just left it but yes, be at my place by 650am so we can go meet up broilmebk by 730..

It makes a huge difference lol


Just took a pic of the shock on the 636 to help give an idea how to adjust it

[toua70]

Originally Posted by Kevin2109

It makes a huge difference lol


Just took a pic of the shock on the 636 to help give an idea how to adjust it

lmao so funny dude.. when i bought the 250, the guys at the dealership gave me those crappy tools and they took the tool to adjust the shocks away bc they said i didnt need it -___- i was sure i read that it wasnt adjustable either so i never bothered with it.. now im curious... but yeah, trust kevin on this one man. He's real good on bikes. And i'm not being sarcastic lol

[Kevin2109]

Originally Posted by toua70

lmao so funny dude.. when i bought the 250, the guys at the dealership gave me those crappy tools and they took the tool to adjust the shocks away bc they said i didnt need it -___- i was sure i read that it wasnt adjustable either so i never bothered with it.. now im curious... but yeah, trust kevin on this one man. He's real good on bikes. And i'm not being sarcastic lol

They did?! wtf... Long beach motor sports?

and thanks

[toua70]

Originally Posted by Kevin2109

They did?! wtf... Long beach motor sports?

and thanks

yeah they did. And yes, long beach motorsports. That's super lame. :

[Kevin2109]

Those ****ers, I hate them. I got my 636 from del amo (same company)

[toua70]

Originally Posted by Kevin2109

Those ****ers, I hate them. I got my 636 from del amo (same company)

I EFFIN HATE DEL AMO MOTORSPORTS LOL (DAMN DUDE, WE'RE BLOWING UP THIS THREAD)

[Kevin2109]

Originally Posted by toua70

I EFFIN HATE DEL AMO MOTORSPORTS LOL (DAMN DUDE, WE'RE BLOWING UP THIS THREAD)

Yeah, the sales people are retarded, the staff is all retarded, and there pricing is full retarded. Good thing I'm less retarded lol so I got my bike for a dumb deal


And yeah #threadjack

[Snake]

Hello and welcome.

[mariorivera830]

Alright folks, I just got back from my first day of msf class. Aside from the heat, it was decent teachings. To be honest, alot of what they went over today was stuff that I have read here on the forums. From emergency stopping, to turns and basic stuff like that. So it felt like a refresher course for me. Tomorrow is the test for the written and driving skills. I kind of felt like the experienced guy there cause the rest of the class had never touched a bike. They dropped one chick (a super petite Asian girl maybe 105 and 5' tall) because she kept dropping the bike and stalling it out. Crazy, because I was talking to her prior to class and she told me she wanted either a 600 or at the very least a 250. We all rode 250s and considering, I was torn between the Honda and the kawasaki, I'm glad I picked the ninja. The class is at the "Honda Rider Education Center" so the instructors got a kick out of that.

[KJohnson21]