November 8th, 2012, 12:10 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: nath
Location: montreal
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 30
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>.< short girl learning to master the ninjette
Hi my name is Nath,
I Bought a brand new 2011 black 250 in may but just got my temp licence in july. I put around 1000 milles so far. I had the bike lowered by 1inch but its not low enough, I'm still having the hardest time to park it, I have so much anxiety when the bike comes to a complete stop But I love riding it!!! I'm still searching for other options to lower it more. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated some mods I've done so far: -Two brothers black series exhaust -seat cowl -fender eliminator -yoshimura frame sliders -1inch lowering kit talk to you guys/gals soon! I'll post the same pic I did in another thread |
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November 8th, 2012, 12:13 AM | #2 |
Boring is my middle name.
Name: Jason
Location: Bay Area, CA
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250r Posts: 258
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Welcome!
I've heard of people shaving an inch or so off of the seat and getting soles for their shoes that add a couple of inches to their height. How tall are you? |
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November 8th, 2012, 12:22 AM | #3 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: nath
Location: montreal
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 30
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Quote:
dont mind the pic, camera makes me look taller.... I'll search on the shaving of the seat...but it seems already so thin... thanks |
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November 8th, 2012, 12:41 AM | #4 |
Boring is my middle name.
Name: Jason
Location: Bay Area, CA
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250r Posts: 258
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Okay ya from the picture I was thinking you were taller than that.
Here's a DIY for seat shaving: http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/fo...hreadid=120053 |
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November 8th, 2012, 12:45 AM | #5 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: nath
Location: montreal
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 30
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Quote:
that will be my first winter project! |
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November 8th, 2012, 12:47 AM | #6 |
Jersey Devil
Name: Daks
Location: Austin, TX
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250 Posts: 469
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I'm 5' 0" myself, and while I'm on a pre-gen, I had a similar issue. What I did was get a pair of moto boots with a bit of heel, and learned to stop and hold with one foot on the ground. It's nerve-wracking at first and a bit weird on push-off, but it feels much better and you don't need to do anything but adjust your habits. When you take it in for maintenance, ask about adjusting the suspension as well. It could be dialed up for a heavier rider.
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November 8th, 2012, 03:04 AM | #7 |
Freedom for Germany
Location: This World
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-FI Posts: A lot.
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Welcome Nath.
Here you can see what you can do for your seat http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r...-seat-mod.html |
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November 8th, 2012, 03:12 AM | #8 |
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.
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November 8th, 2012, 05:46 AM | #9 |
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
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Welcome again Nath!
For just casual riding, you can lower the bike more than 1 inch but keep the bike in balance. If you lower the rear 3 inches you have to address the front as well. If you shave the seat, not only thickness but width as well. For my wife, width did the trick. And finding boots with top notch protection with "thicker than average" soles is hard but they are out there. I have learned a shoe repair shop can resole a boot with a thicker sole but not sure of the costs. I still think that pic is cool and unique. Enjoy your time here and don't be afraid to ask questions. Ride safe!
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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November 8th, 2012, 05:48 AM | #10 |
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
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Oh! Nice stealth bike too.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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November 8th, 2012, 07:13 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: S
Location: CA/MA, usually
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2007 Ninja 650R, 2001 F650 Dakar Posts: A lot.
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Welcome aboard! I'm a bit of a shorty myself, but not to that extent. As other members have mentioned, I've noticed that seat width or the width of the bike makes a big difference.
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November 8th, 2012, 07:28 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Marc
Location: Castaic, CA
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1986 Goldwing, 1996 CR500, 2011 Ninja 250, 2009 Harley Heritage Softail, 1941 Suzuki Gerbil 250 Posts: 427
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I know there's a 7th gear here somewhere... Changing to 15T/41T, now I'll get that 7th gear, lol. |
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November 8th, 2012, 08:10 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Eric
Location: Portland
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 13' zx-6r 636 Posts: 155
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welcome nath!
yeah, from your pic, you seemed taller lol. be sure to gear up, you're beautiful, lets keep it that way
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Yes, I'm a squid. But it's okay, I love squid, so can you |
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November 8th, 2012, 08:47 AM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: nath
Location: montreal
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 30
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Thanks everyone,
I'll look into shaving the seat height and width this winter. I do have all my riding gear, helmet boots gloves pant and jacket I just wore something different for the photoshoot... |
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November 8th, 2012, 08:52 AM | #15 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: nath
Location: montreal
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 30
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Quote:
I purchased these boots but I'm still missing a good inch |
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November 9th, 2012, 12:20 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ken
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< ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name? |
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November 9th, 2012, 03:11 AM | #17 | |
Jersey Devil
Name: Daks
Location: Austin, TX
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250 Posts: 469
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Quote:
Stopping was the hardest thing for me and really still is, but if you're gonna practice it, may as well learn the least time consuming and cheapest way. xP |
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November 9th, 2012, 05:51 AM | #18 |
IC2(SW)
Name: Kerry
Location: Pensacola
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.
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November 9th, 2012, 07:58 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Ryan
Location: Columbia, MD
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 R6 Posts: 605
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This topic has been discussed a thousand times, but seeing as you're new here I can point you to someone who has done extensive research on the problems and benefits of lowering your bike.
You want to talk to @Minikin_Jo . She is also vertically challenged. She might have some great recommendations for you.
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I UPGRADED to a YZF-R6 Mods: Shermoto LF7 Levers / Proton Flushmounts / Puig Smoked DB / Woodcraft Sliders / Tech Spec C3 Tank Grips / Rizoma Grips / Jardine |
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November 9th, 2012, 08:00 AM | #20 |
One Loyal Fox
Name: Rahul
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R (RIP), 2011 ZX-6R Posts: 869
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Welcome!! I'm pretty short too, 5'3". Kept mine at stock height and can put balls of my feet down on both sides, but I find it honestly easier and WAY more comfortable to keep my right foot on the peg/brake and flat foot on the left side. Once you get used to that, you are pretty much golden.
Also, the longer you ride the stronger your legs will get inevitably. When I first bought mine, it felt sooo heavy. Now, I feel like I can manhandle it. Don't worry about parking the bike, you either have to get creative parking, or get off and push, even though it looks weird. No shame in it, I do it all the time. Looks more silly to slip and drop your bike trying to backpedal than to get off and push it. Parking tips that I use..try often as possible to pull through spaces so your front end is facing out, so no backpedaling involved. If you do need to backpedal, try to find an area that is very slightly downhill so the bike will work with you to back in. If it's uphill behind you, put the kickstand down, get off and push. If you are parking on the street, if there's enough space, try to pull in normally and then turn and stick bike out a bit back towards the roadway. That'll at least get you somewhat oriented and then you can quickly hop off and push if necessary.
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My riding blog! Check it out if you are bored!aninjaridingpandabear.blogspot.com RIP Alex 8.10.12 |
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November 9th, 2012, 10:02 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: nath
Location: montreal
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 30
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thanks all,
I will try using one foot on the ground, but I also would feel more comfortable if I can get 1 or 2 inch extra. I will look into that corbin seat that everyone is talking about. |
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November 9th, 2012, 10:10 AM | #22 |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jun '16
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Hiya fellow vertically efficient rider
I'm 5'2", and I can echo a lot of what the others have said -- esp. the part about most of it being a new rider. I actually backed out of having my ninja lowered and am still riding stock and after a while 'figured it out'. A corbin seat is on my 'todo' list though, just for extra comfort. You may also like this youtube video I saw when I was considering what to do with my new ninja (and it is by a fellow ninjette-r as well): |
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November 9th, 2012, 10:15 AM | #23 |
Biker
Name: Steve
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 723
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November 9th, 2012, 10:29 AM | #24 | |
Biker
Name: Steve
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 723
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And to not seem like a douchebag, here is some actual helpful info per @Minikin_Jo:
Quote:
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November 9th, 2012, 12:27 PM | #25 |
One Loyal Fox
Name: Rahul
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R (RIP), 2011 ZX-6R Posts: 869
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exactly lol. on the way home there's one spot that comes around a downhill curve which falls inwards to the left and stops at a traffic light while slanted..it's really weird but I lean against the curve otherwise if I stop it's a longggg reach to the ground hahah
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My riding blog! Check it out if you are bored!aninjaridingpandabear.blogspot.com RIP Alex 8.10.12 |
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November 9th, 2012, 02:03 PM | #26 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: nath
Location: montreal
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 30
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Quote:
hahahahaha |
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November 9th, 2012, 02:47 PM | #27 |
ninjette.org mafioso
Name: Ben
Location: Dillon, MT
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337
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Welcome Nath!
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November 9th, 2012, 04:02 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Morgan
Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot.
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There's a couple of things you can do to try & improve your confidence on the bike.
You can avoid coming to a complete stop by timing your arrival at the lights & rolling slowly up to them if you have to (not really the best idea to practise in traffic), when you have to stop left foot down & flick the bars left to full lock, the bike will naturally lean left. To take off again point the bars forward & go, the bike will stabilise once it's moving. I'm 5'7 with a 28" inseam & I can handle my mate's F650GS (which has a 33 inch high seat) without much of a problem. Welcome by the way |
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November 9th, 2012, 04:37 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sean
Location: Middle TN
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (sold) / '03 CBR 600RR Posts: A lot.
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Welcome Nath!
I approve of everything I see here. |
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November 10th, 2012, 09:05 AM | #30 |
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
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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 |
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November 11th, 2012, 07:10 AM | #31 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: nath
Location: montreal
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 30
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Quote:
How much does your kit lowers it by? thanks |
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November 11th, 2012, 09:28 AM | #32 |
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
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Don't know.
Just found that post from @cuong-nutz and forwarded to you. Sorry, didn't notice yours was already lowered.
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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 |
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November 18th, 2012, 09:38 PM | #33 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
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Hello and welcome.
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November 21st, 2012, 12:27 PM | #34 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Jo
Location: Howard County, MD
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 528
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Quote:
If I sit on a 32.7" high seat I can barely touch my left big toe while the bike is on the kick stand. I'd never be able to stand the bike to take it off the kick stand. My 250 was lowered 2" so it was approx 28.5" seat height. I could flat foot my left or put both balls of my feet down.
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I'm not short, I'm concentrated AWESOME! |
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November 21st, 2012, 01:12 PM | #35 |
CVMA #74 WSMC #750
Name: Nemesis
Location: On the track
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.
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Welcome Nath.
A former co-worker of mine was only 4'8" and he rode a 600cc bike. Every time I saw him on a bike I was amazed how someone so short had no problems riding let alone keeping the bike upright. He prolly got annoyed with me constantly saying, "How cool it was for him to ride"...like he was a freak of nature or something. LOL Then I saw this guy and I was like that's the last time I complain about being too short.
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November 21st, 2012, 02:19 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
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that could get tiring in stop and go traffic, lol.
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November 21st, 2012, 02:43 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Jo
Location: Howard County, MD
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 528
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HOLY COW OMG THAT IS SO AWESOME!!!! I mount a bicycle like that but never a motorcycle!!!
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I'm not short, I'm concentrated AWESOME! |
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November 21st, 2012, 07:14 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Mary
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): EX250J DL1000K5 Posts: 3
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lowering link kit
Hi, I am 5 foot, with short legs and ride a 2007 Ninja. My husband put on the lowering links from Soupy's.
http://www.soupysperformance.com/cat...00/5405407.htm This kit lets you lower the bike up to 4 inches. If you lower the bike more than an inch you will want to adjust the front bars to compensate. Soupy's also sells that kit: http://www.soupysperformance.com/cat...00/5527850.htm This made a big difference to me, allowing the balls of my feet to touch when I come to a stop. |
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November 21st, 2012, 07:24 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Benji
Location: Wadsworth, IL
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Sold), 2009 FZ6, 2015 Honda Grom Posts: 898
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I'd also work on stopping with just one foot down. I never take my right foot off the pegs (mostly because I can only touch my tippy toes), at first I was a little nervous, but now it feels 100% stable.
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