September 24th, 2014, 04:58 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Nick
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 8
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Interested in getting into bikes!
I'm sure I'm not the first 17 year old you've had join asking about ninja 250s, but I do know that I want to learn everything I can about the bike (I'm not good mechanically, but would love to learn to work on my own bike) but overall, I'm just a new rider hungry for information!
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September 24th, 2014, 05:14 AM | #2 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Artie
Location: Canada
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): Stuff Posts: 284
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So are you already riding, or interested in purchasing a bike? Confusing thread is confusing
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September 24th, 2014, 05:16 AM | #3 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Nick
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 8
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Interested in riding, sorry for that.
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September 24th, 2014, 05:33 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Artie
Location: Canada
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): Stuff Posts: 284
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Start reading, good place to start
https://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Category:Pre-gen_Bikes https://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Index
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Paint side up, rubber side down! |
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September 24th, 2014, 06:31 AM | #5 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
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Have you ever ridden a motorcycle before? If not my advice is to pick up a small dirt bike to learn on. Nothin' fancy, just something cheap that runs. That way you can learn to ride without having to worry about traffic.
Also would be a good way to learn about working on bikes, since they are easy to work on.
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Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
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September 24th, 2014, 06:58 AM | #6 |
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
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Best recommendation other than what's been said is to look into your local MSF courses for the Beginner course. That will teach all the basics you will need to start riding safely. In NJ they also gave you the voucher for you motorcycle endorsement so you don't need to take the DMV test. Not sure what the laws and licensing age in your state is.
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Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better... |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
September 24th, 2014, 08:16 AM | #7 |
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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^^^^ this
Do the MSF first and If you feel that riding is for you, then you're on your way. Welcome 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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September 24th, 2014, 08:45 AM | #8 |
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
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September 24th, 2014, 09:15 AM | #9 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
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You don't have to be a mechanical genius to work on these things... If ya don't know the steps you're gonna need a PDF, book, YouTube, here, or one of the many other sources to reference. Welcome to Ninjette, an the ride of your life
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September 24th, 2014, 09:48 AM | #10 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Nick
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 8
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For the MSF course, would the "Basic RiderCourse" or the "H-D New Rider Course" be better? I am assuming the new rider, but am not entirely sure...
As to the dirtbike option, that does sound like something I should do (plus dirtbikes are fun to have on my grandparents farm, they need variety from their ATVs) Thanks for all the welcomes! |
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September 24th, 2014, 09:59 AM | #11 |
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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It's really up to you but check to ensure the HD Rider course will give you the DMV voucher for your license, some do, some don't. The BRC (Basic Rider Course) is commonly referred to as the MSF. Both the HD New Rider and BRC are targeted to a rider who has never been on a bike before.
Here is what I would do in your shoes. If you are interested in a ninja 250 as your first bike, then make a few phone calls to training facilities that offer the BRC. Some of those facilities may have a ninja 250 that you can use for the course. The HD version will almost surely only have... well HD's . But don't pass up the chance to sit on a few other bikes if they offer them.
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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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September 24th, 2014, 10:01 AM | #12 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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When I got into riding I did two things that turned out to be really smart:
1) Took the MSF basic rider course before buying my first bike 2) Took the course with my then-new wife, so she could see for herself what riding was all about. She's been fine with me riding ever since. Doing the course with someone else is great fun... invite a parent, sibling, friend... it's not that expensive and the GIVE you a bike to ride! How cool is that? You're gonna love this....
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
September 24th, 2014, 10:07 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Nick
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 8
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According to the website, they both do license waivers, however as I am interested in the 250, I will call and ask if the BRC has one. I doubt I will prefer HD over sport though, so I'll probably stick to the BRC regardless.
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September 24th, 2014, 10:32 AM | #14 |
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
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Check with Missouri DOR to ensure they accept the waiver (wow, that website is not very helpful) or to just make sure you have everything covered before going in to get your permit/license.
Whatever bikes your local MSF course has will be good for a complete beginner, regardless if they have the Ninja 250 or not. My local course has a stable of Korean bikes, while another had a smattering of Japanese bikes ranging from cruisers to sport bikes. The basics are the same.
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<-- 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. |
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September 24th, 2014, 10:37 AM | #15 |
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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start with msf. don't forget to save for track days. budget for gear before you get a bike. gear is a prerequisite not an accessory.
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
September 24th, 2014, 11:46 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Nick
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 8
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I have already began researching the gear, and it seems I need to budget around $600-700. However, if that number is off, please let me know (I am not against spending more on safety gear, "Buy nice or buy twice" and if buying twice means more risk to my life, then all the more reason to buy nice)
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September 24th, 2014, 12:03 PM | #17 |
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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dot/snell helmet - ~$100
good gloves - $50-$100 good boots - $150 reasonable jacket - $100-200
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September 24th, 2014, 12:05 PM | #18 |
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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No riding pants?
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
September 24th, 2014, 12:17 PM | #19 |
Inline 4!!!
Name: Danny
Location: MA
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.
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I'm impartial towards the MSF course. They actually teach you some things that are not advisable. Such as, use all 4 fingers to pull in the front brake..
After riding for 3 months I took the MSF course and didn't get much out of it (except I was really happy I got a 10% discount on insurance +license) The only thing they really taught me was low speed maneuvering (Don't put your foot down!) Mainly just stuff that will help you in a parking lot but isn't very necessary for safety. I'd still recommend taking it though, getting your license + the 10% discount is great, also since you're a new rider you'll get a lot more out of it than I ever did.
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September 24th, 2014, 12:34 PM | #20 |
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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It's a 2 day beginner course on the range Danny, perhaps your expectations were a bit on the high side.
hmmm.... all 4 fingers
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
September 24th, 2014, 12:41 PM | #21 |
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
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Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better... |
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September 24th, 2014, 12:55 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jim
Location: North Hills, CA
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R Posts: 36
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I just took the MSF course and learned a few new things from it that I didn't know. I had ridden dirt bikes a long time ago and got my license back then but just picked up my first street bike a few months ago. If you have never been on a bike I think he MSF course is a great way to get a safe start and learn the basics. Like others had said take a friend it's a lot of fun.
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September 24th, 2014, 01:05 PM | #23 | |
Inline 4!!!
Name: Danny
Location: MA
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
My expectations were too high, I'd admit to that. I would love to take a course on how to go around the track, though. Too bad I heard those classes cost about $500
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Be careful. Remember you are invisible |
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September 24th, 2014, 01:20 PM | #24 | |
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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Quote:
If you're interested in a track school, the total cost could very well be near $500. But actually, smaller schools such as Mid-Ohio offer a novice track day/school for $205. When you start to add in the cost of everything else, travel, hotel bla bla bla is when the cost goes up to near $500.
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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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September 24th, 2014, 01:44 PM | #25 |
Intrepid Adventurer
Name: Josh
Location: Rochester/Buffalo NY
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2004 GSXR 750 , 71 cb350streettracker, 07 Polaris Predator 500 Posts: A lot.
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They said it - The smartest way to get into motorcycling
Dirtbike - teaches you clutch, breaking and shifting - plus maintenance. MSF - teaches you the basics and tells you the reality of the dangers Gear- Buy it before you ride My advice. - used gear on CRAIGSLIST or EBay will save you a lot of money if you shop around. Or go grab clearance at CYCLEgear . They have some amazing deals. The down side about a dirt bike. You will need gear for that too. You end up buying a dirt bike and gear then paying for the msf and then buying a street bike and gear. That can realllllly add up. I recommend you buy a used bike on CL for super cheap while we are going into winter. Spend the winter getting proper gear and making the bike in top notch mechanical condition. Take the MSF in spring . And then bam you are done. Do you have proper tool? if you are want to develop mechanical skills. Start caring for your own car and other items. Build your tool kit. Rules for a new grease monkey 1.)Lefty loosey and righty tighty. (except when said fastener is at the center of a spinning mass - then its usually opposite of rotation is tighten) 2.)Never EVER EVER FORCE anything 3.)Whatever you lack in knowledge you make up for in research! 4.)Patience and perseverance You must never rush or become impatient because that when things go wrong. Always step back, wait for the proper tools and parts. 5.)When you dont know, find someone who does, or at least come up with a good theory based on facts. Another important ITEM. Never ride with people who pier pressure you or try to influence you in a bad way. Find a friend or person who is mature and experienced if you plan on ridding in groups or taking advice. The guys who say "one burn out wont hurt anything" or "try to pop a wheelie, my cousin does it all the time" or "how fast can that thing go?> prove it" or "lets race" Those are a few of the phrases that lead to trouble when you are a newb. FINAL DISCLAIMER Decide how interested are you in motorcycling as a sport and hobby. It will cost you time and money for certain. It will not get you all the girls or make you as cool as the guy in a cigarette commercial. Have realistic expectations. Also you will very possibly get hurt while ridding and I have met many people who give up after a broken collar bone. Just like anything . You get out of it what you put into it. It will either be one of the most rewarding things you ever do, or the most punishing thing you ever do. Is the juice worth the squeeze? if yes . then you are in the right place because the people on this forum are the most helpful encouraging people you will ever meet on two wheels.
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LIFE IS NOT FOR REGRETS OR EXCUSES. Breath deep, seek peace. Embrace the Madness. Life is good, let it be |
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September 24th, 2014, 08:30 PM | #26 |
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
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I'd been riding for 20+ years before I took the MSF Advanced course. It helped me clean up some issues that I didn't really know I had with low to mid-speed maneuvers. Lotta good discount gear out there if you shop around. Just make sure it's the real thing, not a fake look-alike. And you should only use a new helmet that fits you well. Welcome to the party!!
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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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September 25th, 2014, 05:20 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Nick
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 8
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I read around a little before I joined, but I had no idea you guys would be this nice or helpful, based off of the little bit of information I gave. My reasoning for getting a bike is this: they look fun to ride, and practical in ways of much better gas. I don't plan on using it to try to be a "cool guy" (I do appreciate the concern there, though.)
Anything worth doing is risky, you just have to decide what is worth the risk. Something such as this, in my opinion, will be worth the risk. So far, I have gotten this: -I can buy used gear on anything EXCEPT helmet -Buy a bike going into winter, when people are cleaning out their garage -Fix up said bike, get gear over winter -Take MSF/Permit test come spring -Be driving it by mid-spring What are the major things to look at when buying a used bike? *I am looking exclusively at Ninja 250s* |
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September 25th, 2014, 06:03 AM | #28 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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Since you say you're not good mechanically, it'll be hard for you to know what's good and what isn't. Do you have a friend who is mechanically inclined?
In general, trust your gut. If it feels like the seller isn't being honest, chances are he's not. Here are some giveaways to tell if a bike has been abused/crashed: - Almost nobody paints fairings to make the bike look good. They usually do it because it's been crashed. - Check the bar ends, balls on the ends of the brake levers, turn signals, exhaust and foot pegs for scratches. Tip-overs leave tiny scratches. Crashes on the street leave long scratches. So if the guy tells you "oh, I just dropped it in the driveway" and you see an 8-inch-long abrasion on one side, you know he's lying. - Brand-new levers often mean the old ones were damaged in a crash. - Beware of half-baked mods. Some people would rather install HID headlights and LED kits than keep the bike in good shape. - Likewise, look for half-baked redneck repairs. If a bolt falls out, it should be replaced with a proper bolt, not a zip tie or something from the hardware store. Someone who cares for their bike does it right. - The chain should have NO rust. It should also not be massively caked with crud. - Stick your finger in the tailpipe with the bike off. Finding soot is okay. Finding oil is bad. - Start it and run it. Does it smell funny? - Look in the oil sight glass. Honey colored and clear means the oil just got changed. Black is okay. Milky is bad. In general, within obvious limits you can tell if a bike's been well taken care of just by looking closely at it. People who neglect maintenance also neglect cleanliness. A bike that's really ratty on the outside probably hasn't been maintained. Walk away from flaky "stories" about the bike's history. There are many bikes out there... be patient and pick a good one. Spend a little more for the better bike. Don't nickel and dime yourself. The best bikes are bone-stock, owned by adults (of either gender), clean, and undamaged.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
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September 25th, 2014, 06:21 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Nick
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 8
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Between work and school, I am sure I know someone who is mechanically inclined, if they're good with cars would they have the ability to distinguish the good from the bad on a bike?
The things you mentioned are ones that I think I could do on my own, it seems like $2k is the average price for a used 250 in my area (Eastern Missouri.) |
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September 25th, 2014, 06:24 AM | #30 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Lane
Location: Medford, OR
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 (trackbike), CBR600RR, GS500F Posts: 588
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Quote:
I've currently got one I'm looking to unload for cheap that has literally only been worn for 3 weekends (2 trackdays and 1 race weekend). The only reason I'm selling it is that it is past the 'expiration' date for the club I race it, but it is in perfect condition. (I bought it new.) Welcome to the Ninjette family. |
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September 25th, 2014, 06:44 AM | #31 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: -
Location: somewhere cold
Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 Posts: 596
Blog Entries: 1
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Find the closest Harbor Freight store in your area.
adouglas has some seriously solid advice: Quote:
My bike came with those fake carbon fiber, ugly, shoddy "flushmount" turn signals screwed onto the tail accompanied by a really crappy wiring job. I spent $50 on tools and stock parts and came out ahead knowing a lot more about the bike's electrical wiring and turn signal circuit. |
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September 25th, 2014, 07:06 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Nick
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 8
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What exactly should I look for from Harbor Freight? Growing up without a father has left me pretty near incompetent when it comes to tools...
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September 25th, 2014, 07:49 AM | #34 |
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
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My recent Harbor Frieght purchase was the three click type torque wrenches. Sure they are cheap (wait for them to go on sale, $10 vs $20+) but they get the job done.
I was going to write up a list, but @Flying has a nice one here https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?p=854594 that will give you a shopping list to build on. A basic good quality metric set of wrenches and sockets will get you through the easier maintenance items. Buy as you need more when you branch into the tougher stuff. Don't cheap out on the tools, check out Sears for Craftsmen. With Christmas not too far off, some sales should start cropping up on basic sets.
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<-- 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. |
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September 25th, 2014, 08:53 AM | #35 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jim
Location: North Hills, CA
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R Posts: 36
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Be careful about tools at harbor freight. They seem like a good deal because they are so cheap and when you're just starting out that's really enticing. I went down that road years ago and I bought, broke and replaced almost everything Harbor freight sells several times over.
If you have to have something immediately it might do as a first set of tools but be warned they might not last. If you have the money to invest in something like craftsman with a lifetime warranty it's worth it. Like was mentioned above they have good starter sets that go on sale fairly cheap right around the holidays. I have a lot of craftsman stuff and do a lot of modification work on Jeeps and muscle cars. I have had good luck but in the few cases I have broken something I walked into the local sears told them it broke and walked back out with a brand new shinny one in my hand. And to be fair in most instances when I broke a craftsman tool it was my fault because I had a stuck bolt and used a really long cheater bar to force issues. Be especially cautious of power tools at harbor freight. They might get you through a project or two but I had a portable compressor to air up my Jeep tires that ran off the Jeep battery and it caught fire while attached to the Jeep. The battery clamps were so hot I burnt myself trying to unhook them to get the compressor away from the jeep. Sure I saved $100 bucks on the compressor but almost lost my $40,000 Jeep in a fire. Keep an eye out on after Christmas sales and you can probably pickup some good deals on tools. |
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September 30th, 2014, 02:32 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Jason
Location: WV
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 650R & 2007 Buell Blast Posts: 323
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September 30th, 2014, 03:54 PM | #37 |
Wrench wench
Name: The Stigette
Location: DC/MD/VA
Join Date: Jun 2014 Motorcycle(s): TWO HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT CUBIC CENTIMETERS (R.I.P.), SIX HUNDRED FORTY FIVE CUBIC CENTIMETERS Posts: 415
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Use this guide to help you with buying a used bike. It the most indispensable, exhaustive buying guide I've ever seen. Do you have any friends that are into bikes? If so, take them along, they're worth their weight in gold - or ask a forum member from your area to help you out. I would if I was nearby. I think I overpaid a little for my ninja because I didn't know a god damn thing and was on my own. They can also test ride it for you. AND ride it home, which will be a problem for you, if you're buying the bike before your msf - personally I recommend doing the msf before anything at all, so you can figure out if you actually like riding in the first place.
I barely even knew how an engine worked before I got the bike. The wiki is extremely, extremely helpful for people that have never touched a ratchet. I can do most things on my own now, except stuff that requires large tools like wheel balancers (and in that case, I beg them off friends :P). I also live in an apartment and do all my work in the parking lot. If I can do it, so can you. I would recommend craftsman tools, because they have a lifetime warranty and if one breaks, you can just get it replaced for free at any hardware store that carries them. Don't get 12 point wrenches, 6 is much better at not stripping bolts. This is the first tool set I ever bought, it has everything for you to pull most of the bolts off the bike. Get some box+open ended metric wrenches (17mm to 8mm will be enough), a torque wrench that goes to 80ft/lb off craigslist, and a japanese industrial standard screwdriver (this will be a lifesaver for not stripping every god damn philips screw on the bike). Later, you can get some smaller ratchet drives, a couple of socket extenders, some other odds and ends that will cover you for pretty much everything. The wiki tells you what tools/parts/fluids you need for specific jobs, too, so you're golden as long as you read it. |
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September 30th, 2014, 07:29 PM | #38 |
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
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Hello and welcome.
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October 3rd, 2014, 01:35 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
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About the tools.. It doesn't take a dad to teach you how to turn a wrench. DON'T skimp on tools. Buy some Craftsman or Kobalt at least. Good quality, and they won't break 5 minutes before finishing a valve job the way Harbor Freight tools will. Some of their stuff is okay, but mostly junky.
A good, comprehensive Craftsman set should be sub $300 at most and will likely contain every tool you'll need to do most things to a bike.. or any vehicle, for that matter. A $300 Craftsman set has taken apart and put together my Toyota pickup and friend's Jeep numerous times, with MANY tools I haven't even touched yet! Invest in quality and they will pay for themselves. As for your riding, definitely take the MSF course. Indispensable knowledge that also pays for itself. Good luck! And welcome aboard!
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