To be rider from Glendale

1994juggernaut · February 6th, 2012, 10:20 PM

So it looks like I'll be acquiring a little 250 of my very own!

But first a little back story. I am 17 years old, I am currently a senior at my high school, and have finally convinced my parents to let me purchase a Ninja 250.

I have ridden dirt bikes since I was a little kid so I have some experience on the back of an iron horse. I have always wanted to ride street bikes but have never bothered to bring it up with my parental units. I just assumed they would say no. Last summer something inside me awoke and gave me the courage to finally ask them and their answer was......"no." "Well that's ok just persevere," I said. Waited a few months and I brought it up again, this time they thought about it then said no

. Not to be discouraged I just backed off and laid low. Today I asked them again and they said yes with the condition of me achieving the rank of Eagle Scout

!

I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! My grandfather said he will equal whatever money I can front as an early grad present meaning I have plenty of funds for a brand new 250. I'm going to buy used, though, so I can get some good safety gear.

This is where you all come in I would appreciate if people would throw in some suggestions for good leathers, boots, gloves, helmets and maybe even some worthwhile upgrades. I also have a main question:

Would it be safe

for me to wear just a jacket instead of the jacket/pant combo? the majority of my riding will be from home to school (maybe 3 miles, no freeway)

Trailerboy531 · February 6th, 2012, 10:32 PM

Good leathers - Icon, Alpinestars, Scorpion, AGV Sport, Speed and Strength
Great leathers - Dainese
I suggest getting perforated leather, it gets hot out - especially in summer. During the winter just layer up and you wont even notice the extra flowing air but you will love it in the summer, not that you wont still fry at stop lights...

When you get gloves, go for gauntlet gloves (extend past the wrist.) You're going to want that extra protection. Great (and expensive) gloves include the Knox Handroids, Held Phantoms, and Hero..something Pro lol I think its XPR or something like that.

Boots!
Get full length boots. They're not as comfortable, they're not as easy to walk around in (though I personally don't mind walking in mine) but they provide superior protection over any others. Even ankle high boots are not enough, you want them to go past the ankle.

Look in to Dainese boots, Alpinestars (the SMX line) or SIDIs which I personally have and love.

Do not skimp on your helmet, it protects your damn head! Bilt helmets from cycle gear get the job done and are cheap, but they feel just that. Spending extra $$$ on helmets is often worth it. You want to make sure the helmet is squishing your face, almost painfully, when you get it. It will break in and fit just right if you do it like that. Keep in mind that all helmets fit people differently, if you try on only one piece of gear before you buy it (ie, instead of buying online) make sure its the helmet. Do not buy used either, always get a new helmet.

While you're looking for a good helmet keep these in mind:
Weight
Field of vision
Fit
Potential for venting air

Shoei make great helmets as well as Arai. HJC, Scorpion, and Icon make good helmets as well. I personally have a Nexx XR1R Carbon and I am absolutely in love with it as are anyone else I know that own it.

As far as pants go, I know plenty of guys that wear just jeans; but when they crash, and they have crashed, they should be considered lucky to have suffered minimal damage below the waste. I personally have kevlar lined jeans which you can buy from Sartso, Alpinestars, Draggin Jeans, etc.

There's lots of great info on this site, take a look around!

Trailerboy531 · February 6th, 2012, 10:36 PM

I decided to break up that novel; here's another short blurb about upgrades.

Frame sliders are generally a good idea. They protect your plastics in case of a drop, which you can almost expect from any new guy. I know guys who have gone down upwards of 50mph where sliders saved their plastics from a fair amount of damage. Some will argue that the sliders can cause frames to bend or bikes to flip if crashed at high speeds but I personally believe the pros outweigh the cons.

Also look in to getting flushmount turn signals. If you do drop the bike with stock signals they usually punch right through the plastics (a quick search on the site will verify that) so I almost think of flush mounts as a little extra plastic protection along with looking better.

After that aftermarket slip on exhausts are popular, though I recommend getting a full exhaust. You can also shim your carb needles, rejet, get a tank pad, FENDER ELIMINATOR BECAUSE THOSE THINGS ARE U-G-L-Y, get new rear sets and clip ons for a more aggressive position. Change the gauges, add LEDs, get HID headlights... Have fun!

Which Glendale are you in? CA?

1994juggernaut · February 6th, 2012, 10:43 PM

Yeah Glendale CA(should have specified). Although I do have a license plate cover on my truck that says "I'd rather be in Glendale... Arizona"

Trailerboy531 · February 6th, 2012, 10:44 PM

You are clearly highly misguided then

Truck you say???
Hmmm you could be of use to us So Cal guys...

get your tenderfoot ass up to Eagle Scout!

1994juggernaut · February 6th, 2012, 10:48 PM

Not misguided, just a conservative stuck in California.

I'd be glad to offer up the services of my baby, 350 foot pounds of pure manliness!

Luckily all I have left is my eagle project so I could be finished by the end of March.

KJohnson21 · February 6th, 2012, 10:50 PM

1994juggernaut · February 6th, 2012, 10:51 PM

Thank you.

Trailerboy531 · February 7th, 2012, 12:24 AM

Truck ---> bike transport
Bike transport ---> Track
Track = love

Once you get a couple thousand miles under your belt we'll drag you out there with us and you'll thank us every day for it

choneofakind · February 7th, 2012, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailerboy531

Truck ---> bike transport
Bike transport ---> Track
Track = love

^^ this is the only intelligent thing Max has said lately, so you should really feel honored that it was directed at you

sorry max...

anyhow, welcome to ninjette Logan! I got my bike the summer between junior and senior year, so I know how it goes with the parents thing. Nice job getting them on board

Oh and I wish you the best of luck on getting your eagle! I helped out with all my buddies' eagle projects because they do a lot of good for your community. Plus I wish I hadn't dropped out of scouts in 4th grade...

Again, welcome!! And good luck with Max and the SoCal guys.

Malicious Logic · February 7th, 2012, 06:40 PM

Welcome!

I don't know if I'd follow the whole 'deform yourself to get a good helmet fit' route but yeah...My advice would be, find something that meets the safety standards. Stop by a dealer and try on some helmets. It should feel snug but not overly tight. If your head starts to hurt after 5-10 minutes, you might want to consider a smaller size. Do keep in mind that it will break-in but again, wouldn't suggest getting a helmet that rips your ears off.

greenaero · February 7th, 2012, 06:58 PM

Welcome aboard

Cazper · February 9th, 2012, 03:02 PM

Welcome to the forums... Max did give you a ton of good advice... and us SoCal guys are always looking to meet new members! Keep your eyes peeled in the Group Ride forum for our next get together... we usually get together at least once a month

massacremasses · February 9th, 2012, 04:44 PM

I cant have my 30 round magazines here!!

**** ca!!!

Snake · February 14th, 2012, 11:51 AM

Hello and welcome.

1994juggernaut · February 14th, 2012, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massacremasses

I cant have my 30 round magazines here!!

**** ca!!!

I know right! Although being guilty of owning a few I don't bother taking them to ranges just out to the desert.

nickjpass · February 16th, 2012, 09:11 PM

to Ninjette!!!

!!!

Keep the shiny side up!

1994juggernaut · May 21st, 2012, 05:20 PM

It has been a while but I got my permit finally so I may be able to get a bike this week.

February 6th, 2012, 10:20 PM	#1
1994juggernaut ninjette.org member Name: Logan Location: Henderson Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Vulcan 800 Classic and 2005 KX250F Posts: 110	To be rider from Glendale So it looks like I'll be acquiring a little 250 of my very own! But first a little back story. I am 17 years old, I am currently a senior at my high school, and have finally convinced my parents to let me purchase a Ninja 250. I have ridden dirt bikes since I was a little kid so I have some experience on the back of an iron horse. I have always wanted to ride street bikes but have never bothered to bring it up with my parental units. I just assumed they would say no. Last summer something inside me awoke and gave me the courage to finally ask them and their answer was......"no." "Well that's ok just persevere," I said. Waited a few months and I brought it up again, this time they thought about it then said no. Not to be discouraged I just backed off and laid low. Today I asked them again and they said yes with the condition of me achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! My grandfather said he will equal whatever money I can front as an early grad present meaning I have plenty of funds for a brand new 250. I'm going to buy used, though, so I can get some good safety gear. This is where you all come in I would appreciate if people would throw in some suggestions for good leathers, boots, gloves, helmets and maybe even some worthwhile upgrades. I also have a main question: Would it be safe for me to wear just a jacket instead of the jacket/pant combo? the majority of my riding will be from home to school (maybe 3 miles, no freeway)

February 6th, 2012, 10:50 PM	#7
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?

February 7th, 2012, 06:40 PM	#11
Malicious Logic hates stupid people Name: Mark Location: Oklahoma City Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R Posts: 860	Welcome! I don't know if I'd follow the whole 'deform yourself to get a good helmet fit' route but yeah...My advice would be, find something that meets the safety standards. Stop by a dealer and try on some helmets. It should feel snug but not overly tight. If your head starts to hurt after 5-10 minutes, you might want to consider a smaller size. Do keep in mind that it will break-in but again, wouldn't suggest getting a helmet that rips your ears off. __________________________________________________ My vlogging channel: Ma1iciousLogic

February 9th, 2012, 03:02 PM	#13
Cazper ninjaholic Name: Dustin Location: Oceanside, CA Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' SE 250R (sold), 03' ZX-6R, 99' XL1200C SP Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	Welcome to the forums... Max did give you a ton of good advice... and us SoCal guys are always looking to meet new members! Keep your eyes peeled in the Group Ride forum for our next get together... we usually get together at least once a month __________________________________________________ 09' SE Ninja 250R $2,547.83 worth of mods installed... come on Unregistered, you know you want to know what? Check my Blog "Modification List"

February 9th, 2012, 04:44 PM	#14
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	I cant have my 30 round magazines here!! **** ca!!! __________________________________________________ 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/

February 6th, 2012, 10:32 PM	#2
Trailerboy531 Gear crash test dummy Name: Max Location: South Bay (So. Cal) Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.	Good leathers - Icon, Alpinestars, Scorpion, AGV Sport, Speed and Strength Great leathers - Dainese I suggest getting perforated leather, it gets hot out - especially in summer. During the winter just layer up and you wont even notice the extra flowing air but you will love it in the summer, not that you wont still fry at stop lights... When you get gloves, go for gauntlet gloves (extend past the wrist.) You're going to want that extra protection. Great (and expensive) gloves include the Knox Handroids, Held Phantoms, and Hero..something Pro lol I think its XPR or something like that. Boots! Get full length boots. They're not as comfortable, they're not as easy to walk around in (though I personally don't mind walking in mine) but they provide superior protection over any others. Even ankle high boots are not enough, you want them to go past the ankle. Look in to Dainese boots, Alpinestars (the SMX line) or SIDIs which I personally have and love. Do not skimp on your helmet, it protects your damn head! Bilt helmets from cycle gear get the job done and are cheap, but they feel just that. Spending extra $$$ on helmets is often worth it. You want to make sure the helmet is squishing your face, almost painfully, when you get it. It will break in and fit just right if you do it like that. Keep in mind that all helmets fit people differently, if you try on only one piece of gear before you buy it (ie, instead of buying online) make sure its the helmet. Do not buy used either, always get a new helmet. While you're looking for a good helmet keep these in mind: Weight Field of vision Fit Potential for venting air Shoei make great helmets as well as Arai. HJC, Scorpion, and Icon make good helmets as well. I personally have a Nexx XR1R Carbon and I am absolutely in love with it as are anyone else I know that own it. As far as pants go, I know plenty of guys that wear just jeans; but when they crash, and they have crashed, they should be considered lucky to have suffered minimal damage below the waste. I personally have kevlar lined jeans which you can buy from Sartso, Alpinestars, Draggin Jeans, etc. There's lots of great info on this site, take a look around!

February 6th, 2012, 10:36 PM	#3
Trailerboy531 Gear crash test dummy Name: Max Location: South Bay (So. Cal) Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.	I decided to break up that novel; here's another short blurb about upgrades. Frame sliders are generally a good idea. They protect your plastics in case of a drop, which you can almost expect from any new guy. I know guys who have gone down upwards of 50mph where sliders saved their plastics from a fair amount of damage. Some will argue that the sliders can cause frames to bend or bikes to flip if crashed at high speeds but I personally believe the pros outweigh the cons. Also look in to getting flushmount turn signals. If you do drop the bike with stock signals they usually punch right through the plastics (a quick search on the site will verify that) so I almost think of flush mounts as a little extra plastic protection along with looking better. After that aftermarket slip on exhausts are popular, though I recommend getting a full exhaust. You can also shim your carb needles, rejet, get a tank pad, FENDER ELIMINATOR BECAUSE THOSE THINGS ARE U-G-L-Y, get new rear sets and clip ons for a more aggressive position. Change the gauges, add LEDs, get HID headlights... Have fun! Which Glendale are you in? CA?

February 6th, 2012, 10:43 PM	#4
1994juggernaut ninjette.org member Name: Logan Location: Henderson Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Vulcan 800 Classic and 2005 KX250F Posts: 110	Yeah Glendale CA(should have specified). Although I do have a license plate cover on my truck that says "I'd rather be in Glendale... Arizona"

February 6th, 2012, 10:44 PM	#5
Trailerboy531 Gear crash test dummy Name: Max Location: South Bay (So. Cal) Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.	You are clearly highly misguided then Truck you say??? Hmmm you could be of use to us So Cal guys... get your tenderfoot ass up to Eagle Scout!

February 6th, 2012, 10:48 PM	#6
1994juggernaut ninjette.org member Name: Logan Location: Henderson Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Vulcan 800 Classic and 2005 KX250F Posts: 110	Not misguided, just a conservative stuck in California. I'd be glad to offer up the services of my baby, 350 foot pounds of pure manliness! Luckily all I have left is my eagle project so I could be finished by the end of March.

February 6th, 2012, 10:51 PM	#8
1994juggernaut ninjette.org member Name: Logan Location: Henderson Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Vulcan 800 Classic and 2005 KX250F Posts: 110	Thank you.

February 7th, 2012, 12:24 AM	#9
Trailerboy531 Gear crash test dummy Name: Max Location: South Bay (So. Cal) Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.	Truck ---> bike transport Bike transport ---> Track Track = love Once you get a couple thousand miles under your belt we'll drag you out there with us and you'll thank us every day for it

February 7th, 2012, 06:58 PM	#12
greenaero Motorcycle Hypermiler Name: Vic Location: Livermore CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.	Welcome aboard

February 14th, 2012, 11:51 AM	#15
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.

February 16th, 2012, 09:11 PM	#17
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	to Ninjette!!! !!! Keep the shiny side up! __________________________________________________

May 21st, 2012, 05:20 PM	#18
1994juggernaut ninjette.org member Name: Logan Location: Henderson Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Vulcan 800 Classic and 2005 KX250F Posts: 110	It has been a while but I got my permit finally so I may be able to get a bike this week.

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