Mental prep for my first ride home...

rph12 · November 22nd, 2011, 12:09 AM

So I'm looking for some advice from people. I am going out to check out my first Craigslist prospect after five months of looking (2005 Dark Blue, has dual Two Brothers exhausts, and a K&N filter...1100? Worth a look at only 5600 miles...). It's been a couple months since my MSF course (which I passed), but I'm nervous about having to ride the thing home. Ok, well not that nervous, mostly just anxious. I have all my gear, but its supposed to be chilly in good ol' Western PA tomorrow and I'm not sure what to expect on the journey back.

Any advice to a new rider out on a nice long 45 mile trip home on his newly acquired Ninja 250? Any *specific* cold weather hints? Thanks for any help!

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/2713605661.html

^^^Accepting advice on my decision to pay a visit tomorrow as well...

Guoseph · November 22nd, 2011, 12:52 AM

Not sure what your riding experience is aside from MSF, but 45 miles for a first real ride ever would seem very very long. Make sure to plan a few breaks to warm up and stretch. If your body is not used to riding you'll be stiff all over trying to get used to the position.

Again, sorry if I understated your riding experience, but just having an MSF class a few months ago doesn't really give you enough practice for all the necessary skills to survive the potential hazards out there. Not trying to discourage you from the ride, just be extra careful out there.

If you have had plenty of experience then I would say just be careful since it's an unknown bike, and make sure to stop and warm up if you start to lose feelings in your fingertips. Dress warmer than you think you need, especially your core, you easily lose 15-20 degrees to windchill at speed. Drive around in your car with the windows down for practice

cbdallas · November 22nd, 2011, 07:01 AM

Give the bike a thorough once-over. During my test ride, it was discovered that both tires had only 7 pounds of air in them, so I had to bring my air tank with me when I picked the bike up the next day. And of course that's when I discovered the rear tire had a nail. You're riding a lot further than I did, so check things out first. Oil, tires, chain, brakes, fuel.

"A" · November 22nd, 2011, 07:13 AM

Get a good night sleep (staying up until 2AM to post probably doesn't help),
relax during the ride.

Take breaks during the ride, even if it's only a few minutes along the side of the road.

While you are riding, turn your head and look where you want to go, do not look down.

If you look down, you go down.

If you look where you don't want to be, that's likely where you will end up.

csmith12 · November 22nd, 2011, 07:21 AM

Welcome!

I would also avoid the freeway... it's not the place to test the unknown. Take it easy and enjoy the ride.

SteveL · November 22nd, 2011, 08:09 AM

When I picked up my 250R I had also 40 miles to ride the snow had just melted and it was 3˚C new bike new tyres and a wet road, on top of that I had not ridden for over 40 years. Plan you route so that you can stop anytime you feel you need to, put some long johns on, the knees get very cold on a bike adjust the mirrors before you start. Take it easy and enjoy the ride.

Steve

massacremasses · November 22nd, 2011, 08:13 AM

I had a 30 mile trip back as well. I hadnt taken any course or anything and I had to take the freeway.

Had my buddy ride it back for me. problem solved

You have one up on me though, I think that I would have felt ok if I had taken my MSF course though...

Malicious Logic · November 22nd, 2011, 09:05 AM

Only 45 miles? Hehe, makes me rethink my plans on how I'm gonna get my bike home if I can't find one in town. Definitely try to get a good nights sleep the night before and make sure to plan out stops. Maybe even have someone follow you incase anything goes wrong.

akima · November 22nd, 2011, 09:25 AM

The day I first rode my bike, I took a 5 mile trip to a nearby shop before taking a 50 mile trip to get home. I was fine! Well: I got lost like 5 times and what should've been a 2 hour journey ended up being a 4 hour journey... but other than that, I was fine.

rph12 · November 22nd, 2011, 01:06 PM

Thanks for all the responses! The seller and I decided just to move the day of sale back to this Friday, when it will be 60 and sunny

.

I'm very excited, can't wait to be a part of the Ninja 250 fam!

TBC · November 22nd, 2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rph12

Any advice to a new rider out on a nice long 45 mile trip home on his newly acquired Ninja 250? Any *specific* cold weather hints? Thanks for any help!

Given the weather today, I wouldn't do it...

I paid ~$1700 for a 2004 in near-mint condition earlier this year. $1100 sounds like a steal.

rph12 · December 20th, 2011, 01:51 AM

So nearly a month later, this bike is a dream. It was, in fact, in perfect condition. I rode it all over campus at Pitt for a couple weeks and now that I'm home on break from a couple weeks, I'm ready to tear up a bit of the back roads up north of the city where I'm from. I'm am forever in love and couldn't be happier about my beautiful 250. Feels good to officially live life on the road with two less wheels than I ever have had before

P.S. - Have done a couple trips on 79 (65 mph limits) and got it up to about 80 on them. SCARY. There were a few points it seemed like I was gunna go off the road >.< You really have to put some force into it to get around those bends in the road through the mountains. Still some of the most enjoyable adventures yet...

coondog · December 20th, 2011, 06:19 AM

Knowing how to counter-steer is mandatory, and you can do it immediately. It's takes forever for it to be second nature but just knowing to go against your brain works til then and you'll be fine on the highway, providing you with that option in a fearless manner. (you'll be able to maintain position at any speed). Great deal on the bike, make sure the inside of fuel tank is O.K. due to lack of miles and age. If it's rusted out there a bitch if you can clean/clear it out and $500 new, and all that's in between. Just checking the tire pressure like your other brother said is extremely important. Happy Trails, you've got a good mindset, just relax your body while riding (especially avoid death grip on bars). Peace out.

akima · December 23rd, 2011, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rph12

So nearly a month later, this bike is a dream. It was, in fact, in perfect condition. I rode it all over campus at Pitt for a couple weeks and now that I'm home on break from a couple weeks, I'm ready to tear up a bit of the back roads up north of the city where I'm from. I'm am forever in love and couldn't be happier about my beautiful 250. Feels good to officially live life on the road with two less wheels than I ever have had before

P.S. - Have done a couple trips on 79 (65 mph limits) and got it up to about 80 on them. SCARY. There were a few points it seemed like I was gunna go off the road >.< You really have to put some force into it to get around those bends in the road through the mountains. Still some of the most enjoyable adventures yet...

I'm not very muscly, but I can easily put my bike at whatever angle I need. I don't use my weight or strength to turn the bike, I just gently push the bars in the opposite direction I want to go. eg Turn the bars to the left and the bike tilts to the right and then you go right.

Awesome to hear you're loving your bike! I miss mine so much. It's still being fixed.

Ride safe.

TBC · December 23rd, 2011, 02:11 PM

I have to ask - what color is the bike? I think I might have seen you around.

nickjpass · December 23rd, 2011, 03:04 PM

Check the first post...there's a link.

TBC · December 23rd, 2011, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

Check the first post...there's a link.

Ah - in that case yep, definitely seen you around

.

Dragone · December 24th, 2011, 10:06 AM

Congrats with the new ride. Continue to learn your new toy, gear up and enjoy.

rph12 · December 25th, 2011, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBC

Ah - in that case yep, definitely seen you around

.

Where at?!?!?!?! I've been looking for other Pittsburgh 250 people, haven't seen any yet.

On a side note...now that I have my bike, I notice a lot of people get into a conversation about it with me that almost *ALWAYS* includes the words, "Yeah, I've planned on getting a (insert 600cc+ bike here) as my first one, just haven't gotten around to it since (insert lame excuse here)." I don't understand why people think I judge them for also not being out on a bike

TBC · December 25th, 2011, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rph12

Where at?!?!?!?! I've been looking for other Pittsburgh 250 people, haven't seen any yet.

I'm fairly certain I saw you at Forbes & Bigelow a few weeks ago (or at least another 250 with that exact coloring). My 250 isn't in Oakland, so I'm under the radar

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rph12

On a side note...now that I have my bike, I notice a lot of people get into a conversation about it with me that almost *ALWAYS* includes the words, "Yeah, I've planned on getting a (insert 600cc+ bike here) as my first one, just haven't gotten around to it since (insert lame excuse here)." I don't understand why people think I judge them for also not being out on a bike

Funny, most of the responses I've gotten have been in the "You'll shoot your eye out, kid" vein

.

rph12 · December 25th, 2011, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBC

I'm fairly certain I saw you at Forbes & Bigelow a few weeks ago (or at least another 250 with that exact coloring). My 250 isn't in Oakland, so I'm under the radar

.

Yup, I'm a student at pitt so I zip around Oakland all the time going down the hill to class. It's kinda bad, because I got to the point near the end of the semester where if I couldn't ride down to class, I wouldn't go :X

November 22nd, 2011, 12:09 AM	#1
rph12 ninjette.org member Name: Ryan Location: Pittsburgh, PA Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250 Posts: 28	Mental prep for my first ride home... So I'm looking for some advice from people. I am going out to check out my first Craigslist prospect after five months of looking (2005 Dark Blue, has dual Two Brothers exhausts, and a K&N filter...1100? Worth a look at only 5600 miles...). It's been a couple months since my MSF course (which I passed), but I'm nervous about having to ride the thing home. Ok, well not that nervous, mostly just anxious. I have all my gear, but its supposed to be chilly in good ol' Western PA tomorrow and I'm not sure what to expect on the journey back. Any advice to a new rider out on a nice long 45 mile trip home on his newly acquired Ninja 250? Any specific cold weather hints? Thanks for any help! http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/2713605661.html ^^^Accepting advice on my decision to pay a visit tomorrow as well...

November 22nd, 2011, 07:21 AM	#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! I would also avoid the freeway... it's not the place to test the unknown. Take it easy and enjoy the ride. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 22nd, 2011, 08:09 AM	#6
SteveL old git Name: Steve Location: Geneve Switzerland Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW K1300S Posts: 479	When I picked up my 250R I had also 40 miles to ride the snow had just melted and it was 3˚C new bike new tyres and a wet road, on top of that I had not ridden for over 40 years. Plan you route so that you can stop anytime you feel you need to, put some long johns on, the knees get very cold on a bike adjust the mirrors before you start. Take it easy and enjoy the ride. Steve __________________________________________________ Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

November 22nd, 2011, 08:13 AM	#7
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	I had a 30 mile trip back as well. I hadnt taken any course or anything and I had to take the freeway. Had my buddy ride it back for me. problem solved You have one up on me though, I think that I would have felt ok if I had taken my MSF course though... __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

December 23rd, 2011, 03:04 PM	#16
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Check the first post...there's a link. __________________________________________________

November 22nd, 2011, 12:52 AM	#2
Guoseph ninjette.org member Name: Alex Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Husky FE501S, 2007 KTM 525 EXC, 2002 KTM 250 EXC, 1998 Honda VFR 800 Posts: 113	Not sure what your riding experience is aside from MSF, but 45 miles for a first real ride ever would seem very very long. Make sure to plan a few breaks to warm up and stretch. If your body is not used to riding you'll be stiff all over trying to get used to the position. Again, sorry if I understated your riding experience, but just having an MSF class a few months ago doesn't really give you enough practice for all the necessary skills to survive the potential hazards out there. Not trying to discourage you from the ride, just be extra careful out there. If you have had plenty of experience then I would say just be careful since it's an unknown bike, and make sure to stop and warm up if you start to lose feelings in your fingertips. Dress warmer than you think you need, especially your core, you easily lose 15-20 degrees to windchill at speed. Drive around in your car with the windows down for practice

November 22nd, 2011, 07:01 AM	#3
cbdallas ninjette.org guru Name: Charlie Location: Wylie, TX Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 650R Posts: 317	Give the bike a thorough once-over. During my test ride, it was discovered that both tires had only 7 pounds of air in them, so I had to bring my air tank with me when I picked the bike up the next day. And of course that's when I discovered the rear tire had a nail. You're riding a lot further than I did, so check things out first. Oil, tires, chain, brakes, fuel.

November 22nd, 2011, 07:13 AM	#4
"A" vampire Name: A Location: IT Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.	Get a good night sleep (staying up until 2AM to post probably doesn't help), relax during the ride. Take breaks during the ride, even if it's only a few minutes along the side of the road. While you are riding, turn your head and look where you want to go, do not look down. If you look down, you go down. If you look where you don't want to be, that's likely where you will end up.

November 22nd, 2011, 09:05 AM	#8
Malicious Logic hates stupid people Name: Mark Location: Oklahoma City Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R Posts: 860	Only 45 miles? Hehe, makes me rethink my plans on how I'm gonna get my bike home if I can't find one in town. Definitely try to get a good nights sleep the night before and make sure to plan out stops. Maybe even have someone follow you incase anything goes wrong.

November 22nd, 2011, 09:25 AM	#9
akima Nooblet Name: Akima Location: England Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '13	The day I first rode my bike, I took a 5 mile trip to a nearby shop before taking a 50 mile trip to get home. I was fine! Well: I got lost like 5 times and what should've been a 2 hour journey ended up being a 4 hour journey... but other than that, I was fine.

November 22nd, 2011, 01:06 PM	#10
rph12 ninjette.org member Name: Ryan Location: Pittsburgh, PA Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250 Posts: 28	Thanks for all the responses! The seller and I decided just to move the day of sale back to this Friday, when it will be 60 and sunny . I'm very excited, can't wait to be a part of the Ninja 250 fam!

December 20th, 2011, 01:51 AM	#12
rph12 ninjette.org member Name: Ryan Location: Pittsburgh, PA Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250 Posts: 28	So nearly a month later, this bike is a dream. It was, in fact, in perfect condition. I rode it all over campus at Pitt for a couple weeks and now that I'm home on break from a couple weeks, I'm ready to tear up a bit of the back roads up north of the city where I'm from. I'm am forever in love and couldn't be happier about my beautiful 250. Feels good to officially live life on the road with two less wheels than I ever have had before P.S. - Have done a couple trips on 79 (65 mph limits) and got it up to about 80 on them. SCARY. There were a few points it seemed like I was gunna go off the road >.< You really have to put some force into it to get around those bends in the road through the mountains. Still some of the most enjoyable adventures yet...

December 20th, 2011, 06:19 AM	#13
coondog ninjette.org sage Name: john Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812	Knowing how to counter-steer is mandatory, and you can do it immediately. It's takes forever for it to be second nature but just knowing to go against your brain works til then and you'll be fine on the highway, providing you with that option in a fearless manner. (you'll be able to maintain position at any speed). Great deal on the bike, make sure the inside of fuel tank is O.K. due to lack of miles and age. If it's rusted out there a bitch if you can clean/clear it out and $500 new, and all that's in between. Just checking the tire pressure like your other brother said is extremely important. Happy Trails, you've got a good mindset, just relax your body while riding (especially avoid death grip on bars). Peace out.

December 23rd, 2011, 02:11 PM	#15
TBC ninjette.org guru Name: Dave Location: Pittsburgh Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250F Posts: 308	I have to ask - what color is the bike? I think I might have seen you around.

December 24th, 2011, 10:06 AM	#18
Dragone ninjette.org member Name: Ted Location: Nevada Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): '86 VFR 750, '90 ZX7, '92 KZ1000, '05 ninja 500, '05 6RR, '06 10R, '07 ninja 250 Posts: 122	Congrats with the new ride. Continue to learn your new toy, gear up and enjoy.

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