Just got my Ninja

Proteus · July 22nd, 2014, 12:14 AM

Hey everyone, I just (finally) got my Ninja tonight.

I live in Chicago, and have been riding my 1989 Elite 80 for the last year. I gave that to my wife for our anniversary and she's riding it now.

We just completed our MSF class and tonight I picked up a 2012 Ninja 250. It's in great shape and is a blast to ride. I rode it home and then went for a late night ride around the city.

Looking forward to many years of Ninja bliss.

subxero · July 22nd, 2014, 01:04 AM

Proteus! Glad you found us...

Proteus · July 22nd, 2014, 06:34 AM

Did my first commute on the bike this morning. Took side streets and only took me 5 minutes longer than taking the car on the expressway. Definitely way more fun! I’m not sure if it’s just because it’s new, but I feel like I am absolutely flying and I look down and I’m going 45 mph.

ForceofWill · July 22nd, 2014, 08:49 AM

Welcome!

NevadaWolf · July 22nd, 2014, 08:53 AM

more and more folks getting the absolutely beautiful 2012 candy lime green ninjette. Ain't she purdy?

Congrats on the new bike, completing the MSF, and discovering the fun of commuting.

Proteus · July 22nd, 2014, 10:23 AM

I do love the green color. I've wanted a bright green Ninja since I was a kid.

I’m trying to figure out the best way to transport my backpack with me – it’s heavy and stuffed full (I’m in business school as well so I have work stuff, school stuff, lunch, and office shoes crammed in there).

It’s too heavy/bulky to wear on my back while riding, on the Elite I just stuck it in the milkcrate I had attached to the back.

This morning I just laid it on the pillion seat with the straps down and cinched it with a bungee cord through the straps in the middle. It held the whole way, but did move around a bit and I wasn’t 100% on it being secure on a hard corner.

I’m thinking that maybe a cargo net would be the best bet? I could lay my backpack the same way and stretch the cargo net over the whole thing.

Any suggestions?

NevadaWolf · July 22nd, 2014, 10:34 AM

If you want to stick with cheap and what you've got, then yeah, a cargo net is probably the best thing to strap to the tail.

Unfortunately, the new gens aren't really designed with luggage in mind. I bought a floppy tailbag to store my necessities, there are inexpensive soft saddle bags that can hang over the tail, or the full out expensive method is a locking hard saddlebag set up.

i know @Kevin1956 has a duffel bag solution or there are more ideas in the Cargo Space section

csmith12 · July 22nd, 2014, 12:57 PM

Welcome!

allanoue · July 22nd, 2014, 01:09 PM

Steve

I have been using a cargo net for years but next week I am going to go the duffle bag option that NWolf mentioned

Proteus · July 22nd, 2014, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanoue

I have been using a cargo net for years but next week I am going to go the duffle bag option that NWolf mentioned

I'm going to try to pick up a net on my way home today. I'd really like to use the same bag because then I can take it to work, school, and on the train without transferring anything. Hopefully the bungee cord will at least get me home today.

Proteus · July 22nd, 2014, 01:11 PM

Also it looks like my pictures disappeared? Did I link them incorrectly?

allanoue · July 22nd, 2014, 01:22 PM

your pictures are good
the plan is two pillion seats, one bolted to the bag, the other in the duffel bag to go on the bike when the bag goes with me.

NevadaWolf · July 22nd, 2014, 01:31 PM

I still see two pics, one an instagram style bike shot and another shot with the scooter and the bike.

Proteus · July 22nd, 2014, 01:36 PM

Cool, I wonder why I'm not seeing them. The forum software is the same as the music forum I frequent so I'm pretty familiar with how it works.

KJohnson21 · July 23rd, 2014, 08:03 PM

Proteus · July 24th, 2014, 07:23 AM

Well I got my cargo situation worked out.

I switched to a smaller bag that fits nicely under the cargo net. It's cool how motorcycles make you really reconsider what's essential!
My lunch box then goes on top of that and is bungee corded around the net.
It's very secure and I have plenty of room in the seat.

I'll need to get a tank bag and soft saddlebags for any longer trips with my wife.

NevadaWolf · July 24th, 2014, 08:55 AM

If you can I would advise looking into a set of bags that have a support method to prevent them from flopping inward under the tail. Some companies offer a bar that goes from the rear peg back that holds the bags out. My dad gave me the brillant idea of wrapping a strap around both bags and pulling them outward against each other.

Not sure if they would ever flop inward enough to hit the tire or exhaust, but it really makes loading and unloading them easier!

Proteus · July 24th, 2014, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

If you can I would advise looking into a set of bags that have a support method to prevent them from flopping inward under the tail. Some companies offer a bar that goes from the rear peg back that holds the bags out. My dad gave me the brillant idea of wrapping a strap around both bags and pulling them outward against each other.

Not sure if they would ever flop inward enough to hit the tire or exhaust, but it really makes loading and unloading them easier!

Cool, thanks for the tip. Do you have any experience riding with soft saddlebags and a passenger?

NevadaWolf · July 24th, 2014, 09:03 AM

Soft bags, yes. Passenger, never.

I swapped out my rear seat for a cowl and carry a tail bag with all my gunk. So, no passengers for me.

Um.... Trying to think of who does 2-up on their ninja.

allanoue · July 24th, 2014, 09:27 AM

I think if you want saddle bags and a passenger you would need a tail rack.

Proteus · July 24th, 2014, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanoue

I think if you want saddle bags and a passenger you would need a tail rack.

I haven't seen those before. So you'd hang the bags off the rack extension? And they wouldn't interfere with the turn signals?

I thought I had read reports of people riding a 250 with bags and a passenger in my months of Ninja research but I can't find them at the moment.

capt_bugaloo · July 24th, 2014, 12:39 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Snake · July 28th, 2014, 06:41 AM

hello and welcome.

psych0hans · July 28th, 2014, 06:56 AM

Congratulations on the new bike!!!

Proteus · July 28th, 2014, 06:57 AM

Thanks for the welcome everybody. This seems like a great forum.

LittleRedNinjette · July 28th, 2014, 07:54 AM

cbinker · August 4th, 2014, 10:05 PM

welcome

snot · August 6th, 2014, 04:05 AM

Welcome

July 22nd, 2014, 12:14 AM	#1
Proteus Daily Ninjette Rider Name: Steve Location: Hollywood, FL Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402	Just got my Ninja Hey everyone, I just (finally) got my Ninja tonight. I live in Chicago, and have been riding my 1989 Elite 80 for the last year. I gave that to my wife for our anniversary and she's riding it now. We just completed our MSF class and tonight I picked up a 2012 Ninja 250. It's in great shape and is a blast to ride. I rode it home and then went for a late night ride around the city. Looking forward to many years of Ninja bliss.

July 22nd, 2014, 01:04 AM	#2
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	Proteus! Glad you found us... __________________________________________________ I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once.

July 22nd, 2014, 08:53 AM	#5
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	more and more folks getting the absolutely beautiful 2012 candy lime green ninjette. Ain't she purdy? Congrats on the new bike, completing the MSF, and discovering the fun of commuting. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

July 22nd, 2014, 10:34 AM	#7
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	If you want to stick with cheap and what you've got, then yeah, a cargo net is probably the best thing to strap to the tail. Unfortunately, the new gens aren't really designed with luggage in mind. I bought a floppy tailbag to store my necessities, there are inexpensive soft saddle bags that can hang over the tail, or the full out expensive method is a locking hard saddlebag set up. i know @Kevin1956 has a duffel bag solution or there are more ideas in the Cargo Space section __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

July 22nd, 2014, 12:57 PM	#8
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! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

July 22nd, 2014, 06:34 AM	#3
Proteus Daily Ninjette Rider Name: Steve Location: Hollywood, FL Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402	Did my first commute on the bike this morning. Took side streets and only took me 5 minutes longer than taking the car on the expressway. Definitely way more fun! I’m not sure if it’s just because it’s new, but I feel like I am absolutely flying and I look down and I’m going 45 mph.

July 22nd, 2014, 08:49 AM	#4
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	Welcome!

July 22nd, 2014, 10:23 AM	#6
Proteus Daily Ninjette Rider Name: Steve Location: Hollywood, FL Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402	I do love the green color. I've wanted a bright green Ninja since I was a kid. I’m trying to figure out the best way to transport my backpack with me – it’s heavy and stuffed full (I’m in business school as well so I have work stuff, school stuff, lunch, and office shoes crammed in there). It’s too heavy/bulky to wear on my back while riding, on the Elite I just stuck it in the milkcrate I had attached to the back. This morning I just laid it on the pillion seat with the straps down and cinched it with a bungee cord through the straps in the middle. It held the whole way, but did move around a bit and I wasn’t 100% on it being secure on a hard corner. I’m thinking that maybe a cargo net would be the best bet? I could lay my backpack the same way and stretch the cargo net over the whole thing. Any suggestions?

July 22nd, 2014, 01:09 PM	#9
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	Steve I have been using a cargo net for years but next week I am going to go the duffle bag option that NWolf mentioned __________________________________________________ Keep calm and ride on -Motofool Never quit on a rainy day -ally99

July 22nd, 2014, 01:11 PM	#11
Proteus Daily Ninjette Rider Name: Steve Location: Hollywood, FL Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402	Also it looks like my pictures disappeared? Did I link them incorrectly?

July 22nd, 2014, 01:22 PM	#12
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	your pictures are good the plan is two pillion seats, one bolted to the bag, the other in the duffel bag to go on the bike when the bag goes with me. __________________________________________________ Keep calm and ride on -Motofool Never quit on a rainy day -ally99

July 22nd, 2014, 01:31 PM	#13
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	I still see two pics, one an instagram style bike shot and another shot with the scooter and the bike. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

July 22nd, 2014, 01:36 PM	#14
Proteus Daily Ninjette Rider Name: Steve Location: Hollywood, FL Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402	Cool, I wonder why I'm not seeing them. The forum software is the same as the music forum I frequent so I'm pretty familiar with how it works.

July 23rd, 2014, 08:03 PM	#15
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?

July 24th, 2014, 07:23 AM	#16
Proteus Daily Ninjette Rider Name: Steve Location: Hollywood, FL Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402	Well I got my cargo situation worked out. I switched to a smaller bag that fits nicely under the cargo net. It's cool how motorcycles make you really reconsider what's essential! My lunch box then goes on top of that and is bungee corded around the net. It's very secure and I have plenty of room in the seat. I'll need to get a tank bag and soft saddlebags for any longer trips with my wife.

July 24th, 2014, 08:55 AM	#17
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	If you can I would advise looking into a set of bags that have a support method to prevent them from flopping inward under the tail. Some companies offer a bar that goes from the rear peg back that holds the bags out. My dad gave me the brillant idea of wrapping a strap around both bags and pulling them outward against each other. Not sure if they would ever flop inward enough to hit the tire or exhaust, but it really makes loading and unloading them easier! __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

July 24th, 2014, 09:03 AM	#19
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Soft bags, yes. Passenger, never. I swapped out my rear seat for a cowl and carry a tail bag with all my gunk. So, no passengers for me. Um.... Trying to think of who does 2-up on their ninja. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

July 24th, 2014, 09:27 AM	#20
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	I think if you want saddle bags and a passenger you would need a tail rack. __________________________________________________ Keep calm and ride on -Motofool Never quit on a rainy day -ally99

July 24th, 2014, 12:39 PM	#22
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	Welcome to the forum. __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

July 28th, 2014, 06:41 AM	#23
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.

July 28th, 2014, 06:56 AM	#24
psych0hans ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Hansveer Location: Bombay, India Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.	Congratulations on the new bike!!! __________________________________________________ GETTING BACK INTO RIDING? Read this.

July 28th, 2014, 06:57 AM	#25
Proteus Daily Ninjette Rider Name: Steve Location: Hollywood, FL Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402	Thanks for the welcome everybody. This seems like a great forum.

July 28th, 2014, 07:54 AM	#26
LittleRedNinjette Certified Troublemaker Name: Teri Location: Hamilton, NJ Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17	__________________________________________________ Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better...

August 4th, 2014, 10:05 PM	#27
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	welcome __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

August 6th, 2014, 04:05 AM	#28
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	Welcome