July 7th, 2011, 06:26 AM | #1 |
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
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Usability of 600cc and greater supersports on actual streets
Not trying to start any sort of flame war, but I'm a little curious, how do super sports perform in actual road conditions compared to something like our 250s or a 650r(or its other variants)?
I find that my 250 performs great in basically all street conditions, the only thing that I find lacking is performance for 2-up riding(but I don't do long 2-up trips just usually for quick errands around the city) My impression thus far is that supersports don't provide any real benefit unless you're on a track? Is that correct? |
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July 7th, 2011, 06:43 AM | #2 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Toly
Location: NY
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): KTM 390 Duke Posts: 428
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What is your benefit? Practical commuting or fun?
Compared to a 250r, supersports have a ton of power. Compared to a 650r, they have sublime handling. So, there's a world of difference, even on public streets. |
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July 7th, 2011, 06:50 AM | #3 |
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
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I'd say a bit of both commuting and fun. For me, my bike is basically both, I use it for commuting and as a recreational vehicle. Can a supersport work as a commuter?
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July 7th, 2011, 06:59 AM | #4 |
B-Town Ninja
Name: Nathan
Location: Bloomington, IN
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Black 2013 Ninja ZX6R ABS Posts: 609
Blog Entries: 3
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It depends on the area. Around where I live street riding is typically stop and go 25-40mph. This is perfect 250r conditions.
Up around where I grew up, typical speed limits are 35-55 with a heavy focus on the constant 50-55. In area's like that the 250r does just fine, but I still think I would prefer something along the lines of a 650r over a 250r in those conditions. Every time I make a trip from Bloomington IN to Chicago (about 250miles) I wish I were on a 650r. I personally want a zx6r but feel the 650r would be a much smarter/more fun choice so that's what I plan to buy. Also.. call me crazy but I like the sound of a parallel twin over an inline 4.... (rsv-4 trumps all though)
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Downgraded to a 2013 636. Previous owner of a 2010 250r --------------------------------- My moto-vlog YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bloomingtonninja |
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July 7th, 2011, 07:00 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: justin
Location: Odessa
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250r Posts: 223
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I don't see why not. It won't get a great has milage as the 250 but it will also perform better on highway IMO. Not to many public roads can get get the full potential of a ss but who cares realy it all about you 2 wheels and the excitement of the road.
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July 7th, 2011, 07:01 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.
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It can but the up-keep will be substantially more.
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09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map |
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July 7th, 2011, 07:03 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: David
Location: Burlington, MA
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250 (sold); 2008 Plasma Blue Ninja 250 Posts: 364
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I think you could use a SS fine for commuting/fun but I don't think it would be the best choice, but I do know people that do that. It should be able to handle the street roads fine but you will probably never leave second gear. Also I believe some of the SS lack a bit of response in the lower rpm range but I may be wrong. Personally for me I am looking at a ninja 650 or SV650 for my next bike. I think it is a good blend between the usability of the 250 and the higher power of SS.
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July 7th, 2011, 07:04 AM | #8 | |
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
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July 7th, 2011, 07:06 AM | #9 |
B-Town Ninja
Name: Nathan
Location: Bloomington, IN
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Black 2013 Ninja ZX6R ABS Posts: 609
Blog Entries: 3
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Exactly. I didn't mind the seat but the vibrations on my hands and feet are what drove me crazy. Running at 10k rpm for almost 4 hours certainly takes it's toll...
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Downgraded to a 2013 636. Previous owner of a 2010 250r --------------------------------- My moto-vlog YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bloomingtonninja |
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July 7th, 2011, 07:06 AM | #10 | |
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
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Quote:
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July 7th, 2011, 07:07 AM | #11 |
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
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July 7th, 2011, 07:16 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: David
Location: Burlington, MA
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250 (sold); 2008 Plasma Blue Ninja 250 Posts: 364
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It might be a slight exaggeration but I can't imagine them having to shift many gears, shifting constantly with the 250 is a big part of fun I find.
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July 7th, 2011, 07:31 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.
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^+100
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July 7th, 2011, 07:48 AM | #14 |
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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Depends on your definition of "usefulness".
I commute on a 19 year old gixxer 750. We're talking 40-80 minute commute times in stop and go traffic here. She does just fine. The only minor issue I have is that she tends to over heat when standing still due to all of the freakin' plastic covering the radiator and the engine. That's nothing a manual fan switch couldn't fix, though. I went fancy with the switch and that mod cost me $1.50 Is it as easy to ride as a ninja 250 in traffic? Not quite. It's larger and heavier, for one thing. The seating position doesn't lend itself well to laziness either. Gotta be fit and sharp to be able to hold a leaned over position while crawling in traffic for 40 minutes without getting sloppy. But it sure is nice not to have to downshift everytime I want to cut someone off, though. |
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July 7th, 2011, 07:50 AM | #15 |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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Your impression doesn't hold much value if you haven't ridden them. They have many benifits, go try one
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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July 7th, 2011, 08:19 AM | #16 |
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
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very usable if you know how to ride and have good throttle control, otherwise you end up sliding down the road into a bus.
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July 7th, 2011, 09:36 AM | #17 |
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
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July 7th, 2011, 10:00 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org Monkey Spank
Name: Kevin
Location: Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.
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They work fine.
Given: you have a strong core you dont mind the riding position you want gas mileage like a small car And you dont mind all the increased costs that come with a 600 SS I like the idea of the SV650 I would take one of these in a second....... if I could find a good deal. Great street AND trackbikes.
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Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket |
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July 7th, 2011, 10:21 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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You will leave second gear even around town. When I ride the highway I click it up into 6th and the lower rpms's return decent gas mileage. Just because a certain bike can do a certain speed in a certain gear doesn't mean you ride it that way. I believe the 2009 ZX10 would hit 100mph in first, that doesn't mean riding it down the highway in 1st at even 70 for more than a second or 2 would make much sense.
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July 7th, 2011, 10:41 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Dave
Location: Tucson
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 CBR600rr, 11 Ninja 250r, 03 CR250r, 84 DT-175 Posts: 8
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I have an 08 CBR600 and an 11 250r for the girlfriend and like to switch bikes every couple of days. It is my opinion that my commute on the 250 is a bit more relaxed and forgiving. The 250 has very little power and allows me to keep up with traffic without feeling like traffic is going overly slow. My commute is 18 miles consisting of 4 miles of freeway driving at ~80 and the rest are streets at ~45 with 5 traffic lights. I do not like the lack of power on freeways as it does not allow me to quickly get by or in front of careless drivers but is perfectly suited for city streets. The 600 is much more fun to ride but requires better throttle control and overall concentration. All bikes require absolute attention to the road and everything around you but the 250 has such little power and is extremely agile it makes for a great little commuter.
As far as the gear shifting comments you shift quite often on a SS. Granted, my 600 can reach 72 MPH in first there is no reason why I would do that on the street. I usually get up to 5th gear by 40 MPH and hit 6th anywhere above that. |
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July 7th, 2011, 10:43 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jeff
Location: PA
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08 R6 Posts: 224
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I like my R6, I dont really commute on it that much, just ride it for pleasure on backroads. You shift on a 600 often
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July 7th, 2011, 10:45 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: David
Location: Burlington, MA
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250 (sold); 2008 Plasma Blue Ninja 250 Posts: 364
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Ya I guess my comment was poorly worded.
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July 7th, 2011, 10:50 AM | #23 | |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Dave
Location: Tucson
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 CBR600rr, 11 Ninja 250r, 03 CR250r, 84 DT-175 Posts: 8
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Quote:
I don't the 250s seat to be comfortable at all but everyone's different. |
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July 7th, 2011, 12:26 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: T
Location: U.S.
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): Current: '11 ZX-6R; Previous: '09 Ninjette; '08 ZX-6R (Ex-Wife '09 TU250X) Posts: 981
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I guess it depends on what you want out of it. I use my ZX to commute nine miles and it isn't a problem. Granted, it's only nine miles, but I have ridden the bike on plenty of long, boring straight rides and the comfort factor isn't a problem (again, so long as your core is in good condition).
I find the boredom factor to be my biggest issue. The problem with a supersport is that you are always in "attack mode". The riding position is meant to be suited for triple-digit speeds, hard braking, and fast, aggressive cornering. So it is very underwhelming riding on a straight slab at 60ish mph on one. As far as maintenance, I doubt it actually costs that much more to use a supersport for commuting and weekend duty. My 600 barely holds more oil than the 250, and I would change either at the same interval. The valve job on the 600, though more costly, is done half as much, so that's a wash. Tires, well, if you are using the bike for commuting as well as weekend fun, tires won't be that much more on the bigger bike, and even then only the rear is a noticeable difference in cost. Taking the 600 to the track would cost more than taking a 250 to the track, but when you start talking about that, it's a moot point. In this situation, run whichever you prefer if you can afford it, and if money is an issue, then you get a 250 track bike. Insurance is likely to be the largest cost difference between a 250 and a 600. I have only briefly checked insurance for the literbikes, but it wasn't much more than the 600s. Either way, the insurance costs are easily doubled for most people.
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July 7th, 2011, 12:43 PM | #25 | |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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July 7th, 2011, 12:50 PM | #26 |
Ridin Dirty
Name: Ed
Location: Delaware
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 white se 250r , 2008 zx6R Posts: 921
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never owned a 600cc but did have a 200whp zx12r and 2 stock zx9's.. they were mainly used as a commuter bikes. i just enjoy riding the sportbikes more then i do say a harley or similiar cruiser . but the biggest thing i noticed using the big sport bikes to commute .. i was never late to work..loL!
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#1 |
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July 7th, 2011, 11:21 PM | #27 |
ratlab
Name: reese
Location: tracy, ca
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): gsxr1000,R3x2,RC390,FZ07,XR100 Posts: 132
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i've owned every size bike and really you get used to the power and they all seem slow after a while -the 1000's i find easiest to ride because you can be lazy and use 1 gear most of the time-no downshifting ,you don't have to plan your passes for 5 minutes before you do them-you can ride them slow, the power band is forgiving and suspensions are fantastic-i'm finding the 250 super fun,but difficult for me, i can keep up with friends on 600's and 1000's on tight roads, but it takes a level of commitment that is scary-actually i think it's making me a better rider -keeping corner speed up,planning overtakes,thinking about my riding more than just nailing the throttle -i don't ride my other bikes at all anymore,i was kind of getting burnt out on the motorcycle thing,i do a lot of track days and instruct for let's ride,but the 250 got me back into it
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July 7th, 2011, 11:34 PM | #28 |
meow?
Name: kevin
Location: I.E. SoCal
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2004 636 Posts: 587
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get a standard or sport touring bike for commuting and comfort
get a SS for aggressive riding, be it commuting or canyons i commute 130 miles a day everyday on my 04 636 dont like having a heavy back pack wasnt a problem b4 on the 250 |
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July 7th, 2011, 11:59 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: F
Location: seattle Wa
Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): '90 250 project, '03 250r, '14 STR,12 STR, '01 R6 Posts: 84
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I'll chime in. I started out on 600cc bikes, and moved down to the 250 when I got one for my fiancee... i rode it more then she has...
The super sport bikes are not as comfy, but they are pretty dang close to a purpose built race machine. You're giving up creature comforts like upright riding position, being able to be sloppy in shifts and throttle etc... For feeling like you are one with the bike and the road in a way a ninja 250 cant give with out a lot of work done to it! Of course there are less sporty bikes then the ninja250, and there is a lot of gray in between all of it. Its really a balance of , power, comfort, handling, and cost. and its all different to every person. The supersports can give something on the street, it can be hard pushing(knee dragging wheelies stopies etc...). Or it can simply be that feeling that riding a race derived bike gives. In my case its so I can go out, ride a decent pace on the street, and know that im not pushing the bike anywhere near its limits. Just in case something comes up I was not expecting! deer in the road, fallen tree, car in my lane. Having a bike that can lean further, stop or accel a bit faster, may just save my bacon when I find something I didn't want to. In the end its all opinion. -Levi p.s. I tend to have more fun on the little ninja, but I also tend to run higher corner speeds/lean angles... leaving less lean angle and grip for the unexpected... |
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July 8th, 2011, 08:41 AM | #30 |
ninjette.org Monkey Spank
Name: Kevin
Location: Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.
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I think the 250 that has rearsets will lean just as far as any of the 600 SS. As a matter of fact I think the 250 is on par with of even better than the 600's in every category but acceleration and top speed. Slap-on some clip-ons and its sporty but not too sporty. PERFECT........ IMO
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Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket |
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July 8th, 2011, 08:57 AM | #31 |
Ninjette wanabe :D
Name: Ruslan
Location: San Jose
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): white 300 :D Posts: A lot.
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++++^^^^ if it had fi too there would prolly be more buyers when it comes to picking a bike. :S
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VROOOM vrooom >.> |
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July 8th, 2011, 09:01 AM | #32 |
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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July 8th, 2011, 09:36 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org Monkey Spank
Name: Kevin
Location: Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.
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I understand what your saying Flashmonkey but 95% of the riders out there cant push the stock 250 suspension beyond its limit. They push the bike beyond their own skill limit, not the suspensions. Proper form pays HUGE dividends along with being SMOOTH.
An Advanced group rider (like myself) on a 250 with a stock supension (like mine) will run circles around a 600ss with trick suspension in Intermediate group. I know, Ive done it, many many times. It all boils down to the rider and his skill level. The bikes suspension in stock form is PLENTY capable and on par with any 600 for 95% of the riders out there. I see those guys at every trackday I attend, They talk like they are fast. Then you nearly a$$ pack them in the corner because they really have no IDEA what the machine they are riding is capable of. My best friend rides an 07 R6. His machine will outperform my 04 FZ in every way. I run a second and a half faster every lap. WHY?? Im alot smoother than he is and more in tune with my bikes limit. When I take his bike onto the track I shave 3/4 of a second off MY lap times compared to my FZ without even trying. Is he a bad rider?? NO. He just doesnt know how far he can take his ability.(which he has plenty of)
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Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket |
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July 8th, 2011, 09:22 PM | #34 |
Name: ...
Location: ...
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): ... Posts: 999
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SS make great commuters. They are weapons for the war on traffic.
Last futzed with by ducducgooseit; July 20th, 2011 at 08:50 AM. |
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July 8th, 2011, 09:28 PM | #35 |
I hate driving...
Name: S
Location: SW Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.
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I feel like I could live with having a zx-6r. It really wasn't that bad. True, it had more of an aggressive leaned forward position but it didn't bother me after riding it for about an hour. It was smooth and for me it was easy to ride.
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09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast |
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July 9th, 2011, 11:26 AM | #36 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
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If you're going to stay on the streets in Philly the 250 is more useable. Follow 611 up north and the Ninjette will do everything the bigger bikes will do...except pass traffic.
The ONLY time you'll ever be totally outclassed is on the straight smooth roads and even at that, you'll be way above the speed limit. The Ninjette is a true sport bike...but slower on straightaways. |
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July 9th, 2011, 11:36 AM | #37 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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Anyone that has a brain in the head (and reads all the post on this forum) knows that 600s and 1000s are track bikes and should only be ridden by professionals ( or aspiring professionals). I feel even the 250s are too big for local riding and people should ride 50 (or 150) scooters around town. Everyone knows that highway riding is for cruisers (Harleys and Goldwings, BMWs if you're in Europe). I know I might let flamed by those who think differently but if more people rode scooters the roads would be safer.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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July 9th, 2011, 12:18 PM | #38 |
So, where's the reverse?
Name: Anson
Location: Ontario, Canada
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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I don't see why it wouldn't work. A Ferrari Enzo will work as a commuter if you want it to as well. I guess the more appropriate question should be more along the lines of "does it make sense to use a super sport primarily as a commuter?" What works doesn't always make sense.
It's kinda like buying a thoroughbred to drag a cart when a donkey will do just fine . Not that I'm saying the 250 is a donkey in any way. Even the 250 doesn't get pushed to its limits (legally) unless you take it to a track. But hey, if a SS is what you want and you have the money and feel you can handle it, then don't let others decide what will make you happy. I applaud the fact that you are at least not rushing into this (yet? ) and asking for opinions. Last futzed with by Boom King; July 9th, 2011 at 02:34 PM. |
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July 9th, 2011, 12:25 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
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CC knows something.
A long time ago in another galaxy far away... pro racers ran 50cc, 125cc and the big bikes, the 250's around the tracks. |
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July 11th, 2011, 04:15 AM | #40 | |
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
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