March 15th, 2012, 07:18 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250R Posts: 160
|
Upgrade the 250 or get new bike
So recently I've been a little bored with the 250. I'm still happy with it, but I have been contemplating putting it up for sale and perhaps buying something else. I'm entirely sure what I would buy as an alternative, so I started thinking maybe I should just spend some money and fix the things I don't like about the 250 and make it interesting again.
As of now I'm thinking new tires (something I need that would also help), clip ons, new brake lines, and new fork springs. I think realistically I would be happy with just clip ons and the new tires, eventually doing the fork springs. I'm posting this here in hopes that I'll be convinced that I don't need a different bike, so share your thoughts and any advice for mods. |
|
March 15th, 2012, 07:38 AM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
|
If you're not completely happy with your ninjette right now, then I doubt any mod you do will make it somehow less boring.
If you want to get a new bike then get a new bike. Don't put in thousands of dollars into the ninja only to later realize you are still bored with the bike. |
|
March 15th, 2012, 08:19 AM | #3 | |
crash 250, get supersport
Name: Richard
Location: San Diego, CA
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R SE (Sold 6/9/14), 2009 ZX-6R (Sold 6/25/14), Subaru BRZ Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
I'd suggest that you sign up for a track day so you can see its full potential, there's still plenty of fun in the 250R when you're not on the street. |
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 08:31 AM | #4 | |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page! |
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 08:38 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: David
Location: Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 357
|
If my paychecks are good this summer, I'm thinking of modding my 250, putting some sports tires on it, and buying used Alpinestars leathers I've been eyeing on for a while. I'm going to take it to the track and really learn how to ride. I'd say get a new bike if you can't foresee squeezing anything more out of the bike.
If you just need more oomph from the bike, then you should get a bigger bike |
|
March 15th, 2012, 08:38 AM | #6 |
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.
Blog Entries: 1
|
Try the tyres first, a bike with new tyres will sell quicker than one with worn ones if you decide to trade up anyway. Good tyres make a real difference to the bike's handling. I've BT045s front & rear, which give good mileage and good grip, and were a major improvment over the old tyres (Avon Roadrider) which were great for milage, I put 15000 on them and changed them with plenty left, they were just not grippy enough to do the fast corners on the route I was commuting on, but were way better than the cheng shing rings of sh!te that were on it when I got it
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 08:41 AM | #7 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
|
There is nor more to squeeze out of these bikes, im just saying, its not possible. If you arnt satisfied with the speed of the 250 then modding this **** out of it isnt going to make you any happier
Go to track and learn the real potential of the bike, if you dont plan on doing so upgrade
__________________________________________________
----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page! |
|
March 15th, 2012, 09:07 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
If you're going to keep it, do whatever. If you plan on selling it within a couple years, don't do anything except learn how to do maintenance on it and learn how to ride.
The reason I've changed things on my bike, is because I plan to keep it till it dies, I love it for what it is (I've ridden a 600 a lot and know there's no way to make my 250 do that) and I want to improve a few things (brakes, suspension, jetting, tires, etc). however, if you already need tires, take the chance to get some better ones, and enjoy how the bike feels with them |
|
March 15th, 2012, 09:21 AM | #9 |
my hair matches my bike
Name: Tiffany
Location: Greater Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Red 250r Posts: 411
|
There's a lot of demo days for bikes. Maybe try taking a bigger one for a spin and see how you like it.
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 09:37 AM | #10 |
There's a limit to s2pdty
Name: A.D.
Location: NoVa the burg
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250r ninja (sold) Posts: A lot.
|
+1 for new bike
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 09:39 AM | #11 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
|
__________________________________________________
----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page! |
|
March 15th, 2012, 09:40 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250R Posts: 160
|
I'm not necessarily bored with the bike, I just think some change would help me enjoy it more. I have absolutely no need for something faster, and having ridden larger bikes, I know I'd be hard pressed to find something that is as nimble. I would obviously be saving money by keeping the 250 and doing the mods I listed, as I would have to put atleast $1500 on top on the money I could get from selling, not to mention the insurance hike on a bigger bike.
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 09:43 AM | #13 |
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
|
We have seen ninjas on the street/track, and ninjas in the mud on this forum. What do want out of yours? What part is boring?
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
March 15th, 2012, 10:21 AM | #14 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 12:35 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250R Posts: 160
|
I'd like to improve the front suspension. I'm considering going the cheap route at first and perhaps putting a spacer in there and using some heavier fork oil. Really, the front suspension is the only thing I know I can't live with. My plan has always been to keep this bike for as long as possible and tracking it eventually.
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 12:46 PM | #16 |
hates stupid people
Name: Mark
Location: Oklahoma City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R Posts: 860
|
Your words man, not ours. I'd agree with the others in, if you're bored with it, just get a new one. It would be a lot better than wasting money on mods that'll only keep you happy for another month or two before you get bored of it again for some reason. If you don't need more power, what's so boring about it?
Also, depending on where you live, unless you're looking to buy a BRAND NEW 600, you can find a used 600, a couple years old, for $4k-$4.5k on craigslist if you keep your eyes open.
__________________________________________________
My vlogging channel: Ma1iciousLogic |
|
March 15th, 2012, 12:49 PM | #17 |
Ms. Personality
Name: CB
Location: Murvill, TN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.
|
Kevin, in California, if the police were to see your Youtube video... If they have documented proof of you street racing (as shown in the video), can't they take your ride and crush it? They can also clearly see your speedometer, which at one point read 106 mph.
Just wondering if they are sticklers for Youtube "confessions." |
|
March 15th, 2012, 01:04 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250R Posts: 160
|
Maybe bored was the wrong word to use. I still love the bike and enjoy riding it as much as possible.
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 01:13 PM | #19 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Quote:
I made them on a 45 mph road which isn't bad, but I for sure won't post the 0-60 test where I might have gone up to 75. Or I'll just cut the video off at 63 indicated (60 actual) idk. |
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 01:18 PM | #20 | |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page! |
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 01:19 PM | #21 |
Ms. Personality
Name: CB
Location: Murvill, TN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.
|
It's just such a nice bike, I'd hate to see the "state" crush it. I mean, whoever's bike it is. Wherever it was. lalalalala :-)
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 01:22 PM | #22 | |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
I doubt they have a OCYD Orange County Youtube Department lol
__________________________________________________
----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page! |
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 02:03 PM | #23 | |
hates stupid people
Name: Mark
Location: Oklahoma City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R Posts: 860
|
Quote:
And to the youtube thing, I would think you'd have to either show your face or have some way to link it to you. Just showing a bike accelerating with no views of the rider's face wouldn't be much to go on.
__________________________________________________
My vlogging channel: Ma1iciousLogic |
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 03:16 PM | #24 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoram...195346223.html |
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 04:28 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250R Posts: 160
|
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 04:38 PM | #26 |
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 know the owner/rider in that video and would be glad to point the authorities in the proper direction...or not... for a fee.
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 04:49 PM | #27 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
|
i hear people complain about the front suspension being soft. i personally think 9 times out of 10 the problem is the rider not being smooth enough. are you bottoming out your forks? are you sliding your front wheel when you are hard on the brakes? have you put a zip tie on the stanchions to see how far they are actually compressing? or do you simply not like the look of standard forks. it's easy to get jealous of fancy things when theres all this marketing telling you you need to buy a brand new R6. honestly though, MOST riders will not be able to take advantage of 3-way adjustable shocks, let alone super fancy 5 way adjustable shocks.
__________________________________________________
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 05:03 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250R Posts: 160
|
The only time I ever bottomed them out was when I weighed about 80 pounds more than I do now. The front would dive alot when i started riding due to too much front brake too fast, but that hasn't happened for a while as well. Sometimes they feel a little a little floaty and I would prefer if they were stiffer. Honestly, my CB500's forks feel tons better and they are notorious for being too soft.
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 05:41 PM | #29 |
hates stupid people
Name: Mark
Location: Oklahoma City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R Posts: 860
|
Just make sure you know which is which....it would really suck for you to drop money into the 250 only to find yourself still 'bored' with it and want something new. You won't necessarily get back money for mods in a sale and I myself wouldn't pay extra for a bike just for mods.
__________________________________________________
My vlogging channel: Ma1iciousLogic |
|
March 15th, 2012, 05:51 PM | #30 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250R Posts: 160
|
Yeah I realize that I wouldn't get money out of anything I put in. I keep all the stock parts I take off so I can put it back to stock if need be. I might try the cheapo fork preload adjuster and the tires were a necessity, so I won't be into it for much.
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 07:56 PM | #31 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
|
spongey forks means you want thicker oil. if its an older bike your existing fluid might not be as thick as it used to be. sometimes it can even suck some water in there like brake fluid does. if its not bottoming out, dont add preload. adding preload will simply make your forks less effective. (less travel to work with, wont sit suspended) if you can get a buddy to help you measure, check the static and dynamic sag on the front and rear suspension. it will tell you if your preload is correct or not.
what exactly "doesn't feel right"? in the suspension? you just feel it moving up and down? does it chatter when you turn in or on the brakes? when you are leaned over gassing it hard, does it feel mushy? does it shake a little bit? does it sometimes feel like the steering is not quite going straight where the bike is going? are you putting any weight on the front of the bike or is it all on your lower body? you might try hanging off the bike more when braking. this takes less effort to hold yourself upright by using the side of your leg on the back of the gas tank. if you brake hard while sitting upright on the bike, it almost forces you to push on the bars unless you are practicing your reverse-crunches every day. (some of us actually do...)
__________________________________________________
|
|
March 15th, 2012, 08:17 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: gitoy
Location: rpv, ca
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 04 ninja 250, 05 zzr 600 (sold), 07 cbr600rr Posts: 319
|
dan, you don't need a bigger more powerful bike...all you need to do to keep from being bored is to wring the 250's neck till it squawks like a chicken...
i am on my fourth pregen 250 with 65k+ miles and i am not bored...i also have a cbr600 and i have just as much fun with the 250... |
|
March 16th, 2012, 12:16 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250R Posts: 160
|
Trust me, I ride the bike like I stole it every time I take it out.
Alex- I haven't had much seat time this season due to a bad rear tire, so maybe my mind is exaggerating the feel of the front. I guess I would just prefer if the front was a little more firm. Maybe I'll just do the oil and see where that gets me. Cheap and easy, worse case scenario is that I decide maybe eventually I will buy different springs. |
|
March 16th, 2012, 08:33 AM | #34 | |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
Ive bottomed out my forks a few times before I had them unprofessionally adjusted, but that was on the track, never in the street
__________________________________________________
----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page! |
|
|
March 16th, 2012, 08:57 AM | #35 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
|
Dan, if you are bored with the bike, you should try a track day. you'll find a whole new respect for the girl
__________________________________________________
|
|
March 16th, 2012, 10:22 AM | #36 |
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
|
word..
Or buy a dirt/tard bike for some off road/cart track fun. Sometimes it's good to mix it up a bit.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
March 16th, 2012, 11:55 AM | #37 |
Always.
Name: Alex
Location: Calgary, AB
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '05 GSX-R600 Posts: A lot.
|
Trust me, if you are getting bored, mods will entertain you for a week or two. Won't change the riding experience exponentially.
If you don't want a bigger bike, maybe try dirt bikes, cruisers, something like an sv650,
__________________________________________________
blink-182 |
|
March 16th, 2012, 04:40 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Toly
Location: NY
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): KTM 390 Duke Posts: 428
|
As good pipl have mentioned already, either take her to the track, or get a different bike. Just make sure to test drive whatever next bike you are considering before deciding on it.
|
|
March 16th, 2012, 06:46 PM | #39 |
CBR250R Traitor
Name: Jon
Location: Greater Philadelphia Area
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924
|
Demo day? A good way to try out lots of bikes.
I ended up liking my 250 the best |
|
March 16th, 2012, 06:59 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Toly
Location: NY
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): KTM 390 Duke Posts: 428
|
Believe it or not, there are better bikes out there But Ninjette is surprisingly hard to beat. A thorough test ride is a must.
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
What to upgrade to after the 250? | ajcadoo | General Motorcycling Discussion | 121 | May 22nd, 2013 07:26 AM |
[webbikeworld.com] - 250 Watt Alternator Upgrade for the Suzuki DR650 | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | September 23rd, 2011 10:50 AM |
[topix.net] - 250 Watt Alternator Upgrade for the Suzuki DR650 | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | September 23rd, 2011 06:40 AM |
Bike Upgrade, what would you get? | Apex | General Motorcycling Discussion | 100 | May 21st, 2009 08:18 PM |
|
|