A basic question I bet ANYONE can answer

Grumpy Old Biker · July 18th, 2012, 04:25 PM

Hey folks. Just joined and just bought a 2010 250 from my friend. Now just so ya know, I've had a 1979 Yamaha SR500 thumper, a 1971 Yamaha 250 Enduro, and a 1976 Triumph Bonneville so I'm used to bikes but this Ninjer is a whole different creature. I need to re-learn some stuff one question at a time.

Question #1 - any tips on how to tune the suspension to my specific weight? I'm over 6" tall so this bikes one of the smallest I ever had, and I weigh about 165 + - 5lbs and it seems a little on the stiff side. I see the clicks on the rear mono but dont know how the forks work. Bear with me - I'll pick this up quick but I gotta ask for now.

Thanks in advance
Rick in CO

dirty nasty · July 18th, 2012, 04:29 PM

A Ninja 250 suspension is too stiff? I NEVER thought I would have heard that. If anything, it needs to be much, much stiffer. The new-gen is much better than the pre-gen in that department, but I felt it still needed much work.

No adjustments! The rear shock has your pre-load adjustment and that is it. You can try changing the fork fluid level/oil viscosity first to see if it's more to your liking. The next piece of advice I would offer if that isn't enough is go for a lighter spring rate. However, I don't believe anyone makes a fork spring with a lighter spring rate than stock. Only stiffer. Other than that you really don't have much more reasonable cost/labor options for adjusting your front suspension.

When determining your suspension setting remember that you need to take into account your weight + all your riding gear. If you haven't, throw on your full gear and get on the scale.

Motofool · July 18th, 2012, 04:58 PM

Welcome to the site, Rick !!

The suspension of this bike was designed for riders who were lighter than you and I, I believe.

The front and rear suspensions of the previous generation were not adjustable.

If you find the front suspension too hard, it is possible that it has been previously modified (spring and/or oil).

It could also be an over-inflated tire; 28 psi is what the manual recommends for the front and 32 for the rear.

Grumpy Old Biker · July 18th, 2012, 07:40 PM

Awesome guys! Thanks! Yup looks like I found the right group. The tire pressure is correct. One of the first things I checked actually. Mebbe I'm just used to those heavy 2-wheelers and their squishy suspension and the "da-dup - da-dup" over bumps. I'll never ride this 250 when suffering from a 'roid thats fer sure.

Welp ok then. It stays as is. My next question will be posted in the next day or two. Regarding jetting. I'm in CO and I thinks maybe my jets are too rich.

Thanx guyz

Rick in CO

csmith12 · July 18th, 2012, 08:11 PM

Welcome Rick!

I am nearly the same height/weight as you and for casual street riding, I find preload setting 3 in the rear about perfect. Maybe you will too.

I still have a thing for those old bikes, I wanna find another Kawi 440LTD (my first street bike) just for nostalgia sake.

July 18th, 2012, 04:58 PM	#3
Motofool 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	Welcome to the site, Rick !! The suspension of this bike was designed for riders who were lighter than you and I, I believe. The front and rear suspensions of the previous generation were not adjustable. If you find the front suspension too hard, it is possible that it has been previously modified (spring and/or oil). It could also be an over-inflated tire; 28 psi is what the manual recommends for the front and 32 for the rear. __________________________________________________ *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

July 18th, 2012, 08:11 PM	#5
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 Rick! I am nearly the same height/weight as you and for casual street riding, I find preload setting 3 in the rear about perfect. Maybe you will too. I still have a thing for those old bikes, I wanna find another Kawi 440LTD (my first street bike) just for nostalgia sake. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

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July 18th, 2012, 04:25 PM	#1
Grumpy Old Biker ninjette.org member Name: Rick Location: Rocky Mountains Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 14	A basic question I bet ANYONE can answer Hey folks. Just joined and just bought a 2010 250 from my friend. Now just so ya know, I've had a 1979 Yamaha SR500 thumper, a 1971 Yamaha 250 Enduro, and a 1976 Triumph Bonneville so I'm used to bikes but this Ninjer is a whole different creature. I need to re-learn some stuff one question at a time. Question #1 - any tips on how to tune the suspension to my specific weight? I'm over 6" tall so this bikes one of the smallest I ever had, and I weigh about 165 + - 5lbs and it seems a little on the stiff side. I see the clicks on the rear mono but dont know how the forks work. Bear with me - I'll pick this up quick but I gotta ask for now. Thanks in advance Rick in CO

July 18th, 2012, 04:29 PM	#2
dirty nasty ninjette.org sage Name: Karl Location: MA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Kwak Ninja 250 and 1998 Yamaha YZ400F Posts: 534	A Ninja 250 suspension is too stiff? I NEVER thought I would have heard that. If anything, it needs to be much, much stiffer. The new-gen is much better than the pre-gen in that department, but I felt it still needed much work. No adjustments! The rear shock has your pre-load adjustment and that is it. You can try changing the fork fluid level/oil viscosity first to see if it's more to your liking. The next piece of advice I would offer if that isn't enough is go for a lighter spring rate. However, I don't believe anyone makes a fork spring with a lighter spring rate than stock. Only stiffer. Other than that you really don't have much more reasonable cost/labor options for adjusting your front suspension. When determining your suspension setting remember that you need to take into account your weight + all your riding gear. If you haven't, throw on your full gear and get on the scale.

July 18th, 2012, 07:40 PM	#4
Grumpy Old Biker ninjette.org member Name: Rick Location: Rocky Mountains Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 14	Awesome guys! Thanks! Yup looks like I found the right group. The tire pressure is correct. One of the first things I checked actually. Mebbe I'm just used to those heavy 2-wheelers and their squishy suspension and the "da-dup - da-dup" over bumps. I'll never ride this 250 when suffering from a 'roid thats fer sure. Welp ok then. It stays as is. My next question will be posted in the next day or two. Regarding jetting. I'm in CO and I thinks maybe my jets are too rich. Thanx guyz Rick in CO