New guy with question!!

[cobra94svt]

I just purchased a red 2009 250R with 13,500 miles. It's In good shape but there are some little things like the fairing by the turn signal is busted. What are some good places to get fairings. I've seen complete kits with different designs on them from eBay. Maybe a carbon fiber body kit? Also I think I may need a chain, I'm getting a little noise in first gear as I take off. Maybe some chain slap? It's coming from the rear around the sprocket. What kind of mods for power? Looking to put a full exhaust on it too, but want something loud!! Also what about some tires for a all around daily driver? I will keep searching the forum for answers. Thank for any help. I can wait to tear into this bike!!!

[csmith12]

Welcome Chris!

First thing... clean, lube and adjust the chain and your sound my go away. If the chain will not hold it's adjustment, then it's time for a new one barring any other damage/wear. Check your sprockets where your there.

[Ghostt]

The best bang for the buck is suspension modifications/upgrades, and better tires.

There is some ponies to be unlocked, but not a lot for the money it takes, best bet it to tune it up, and dial it in.

[CaliGrrl]

Welcome!

[cobra94svt]

Does anyone have a recommendation on a chain. Looked at mine this morning and it really stretched. Any specific people online to order from?

[adouglas]

Welcome, Chris!

I'll assume you're a fairly new rider. The very first thing to spend your money on, hands down, is good gear. All of it, and wear it all the time. Protect your hide. The bike is a lot less important and aside from safety-related fixes, it'll keep. I'm not going to give you the grisly-roadrash-photo safety lecture, but just stop and THINK for about 30 seconds about why gear matters. You've got a brain. Use it.


Assuming you've got good gear already....


Ghostt said it. Best way to spend your money is on handling. An exhaust is the lowest bang for the buck out there. Tires first, then suspension.

I have no direct experience with eBay fairings, but if it were me I'd stay away. I've heard not-so-favorable things about fit and quality. Real carbon fiber is spending a HELL of a lot of money for not particularly good reason.

Re tires: There are several good options out there for these bikes now. You'll find a tradeoff between ultimate grip and durability (=$$). OEM tires are hard so they last, but they're not that great in terms of grip. A sport touring tire like the Pirelli Sport Demon is a good choice and offers a nice balance between durability and grip. PS: Guys I know at the track ride on sport touring tires and go hellaciously fast... in a battle of skill against bike parts, skill will win every time.

Re suspension: Live with it until you figure out what you don't like, rather than throw money at it just because someone told you to. If you're a new rider, chances are it'll be awhile before you really start testing the limits of the suspension. Starting points are springs for your weight, different spacers to get the sag right, plus different fork oil and/or different fork oil height to improve damping. From there you get into modding hard parts, swapping the shock, etc.

Re chain: You may want to fiddle with your sprocket sizes; many do, but it's a tradeoff. I left mine stock. Do some reading. OEM is fine, or a reputable brand; go get a bike magazine and see who advertises. Get a rivet-type (not clip-style) master link and a decent chain tool.

Finally... regarding exhaust, just my $0.02 but loud does not mean better. A freeer flowing exhaust can make more power, but volume and power are not correlated. The loudest pipes aren't the ones that deliver the most horsepower.

What loud likely does mean is a bike that's annoying as hell, and not just for those around you. It gets pretty old for you too. Think about how your head will feel after two hours on the bike. Don't be fooled.... 250s are LOUD!!!!

I had an AreaP QuietCore on my bike and it was fantastic. Louder than stock, but not obnoxious... but the best part was that it sounded GOOD. Throaty, rumbly, sexy. That bike had tons of character.

If you go for an exhaust you'll want to rejet the carbs and do the other usual power mods. I did snorkel delete, Kleen Air delete, and K&N panel filter in addition to the exhaust. Time to educate yourself... do a bunch of searching and learn how carbs work.

Last note: Ride it like ya stole it. The bike is happiest north of 9,000 rpm and will run that way all day long.

[verboten1]

Rocky Mountain ATV has a great chain at a great price.
It's their brand, Primary drive, made by DID from what I hear.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by cobra94svt

............ I can wait to tear into this bike!!!

Welcome !!!

Is this your first bike?
Do you have riding experience?

[snot]

Welcome.

For the farings check for used OEM.

[cobra94svt]

Thanks for the warm welcome and all the info. In 2003 I bought a new cbr 600 for my first bike but left it stock and had it for about 6 months. Wanted another one and my wife said she wanted to try and learn to ride. That led me to the the 250. Went to the Kawasaki dealer yesterday and picked up a chain and some pj chain lube. May get some sprockets too, probably 14T/47T.

[Ryan_005]

I beleive you get alot of bang for your buck on an full exhaust system and jetting your carbs on a 250.... I recently did mine and spent around $600 and am blown away by the results.

[cadd]

Also pick up some chain cleaner as well. Make sure you clean the chain before you re-lube it. My OEM chain lasted me 18,000 miles before it stretched and wouldn't hold its tightness.