Hi from Jersey!

Mistyfate · April 13th, 2011, 08:45 AM

Hi!

My name is Joanna and I'm from New Jersey. My husband and I took are motorcycle license tests last May through one of the Rider Safety courses offered in our state. We loved it and would suggest it to anyone who wants to ride. (It was tough, but worth it.)

Since then, he found and started riding a Harley Sportster 1100 and I haven't found anything! The 1100 is way too big for me and I just don't like how the Harleys run. (Don't tell my family I said that, they'll beat me!) :P

I was thinking about getting a Ninja 250. We've done some internet research and it seems to be the best starter (and possibly keeper) bike for me.

I don't have much riding experience.

Any advice is appreciated!

Alex · April 13th, 2011, 08:49 AM

Mistyfate! Glad you found us...

Fly'in Ninja · April 13th, 2011, 11:03 AM

Welcome!! The ninja 250 is easy and friendly to ride for newbies!!

slolane · April 13th, 2011, 04:25 PM

Welcome Joanna, congrats on the course, great idea.

The Ninja 250 is a great starter bike and like you said can keep a long time. I have had lots of bikes and 2 were Sportsters (a 1200 and a 883), pairing up with a Sportster 1100 isn't too far off from the Ninja 250... The 250 is a little quicker than an 883 Sportster in the 1/4 mile but the nice thing is the 250 is a 6 speed and the 883/1200 Sportys are 5 speeds so the highway would be a little better on the 250.

Anyway, after many street bikes from supermotos, many sport bikes and a Street Glide I'm now down to riding my Ninja 250 as my only bike and love it.

Best of luck to you guys, enjoy and search around on the forum as there is lots of great info here.

bob706 · April 13th, 2011, 05:43 PM

Welcome to the forum

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistyfate

I was thinking about getting a Ninja 250. We've done some internet research and it seems to be the best starter (and possibly keeper) bike for me.

Couldn't have said it better

"A" · April 13th, 2011, 06:16 PM

I ride into Jersey few times a month. Hoboken, New Brunswick, Belle Mead, Lambertville,.. don't get out to the shore or southern Jersey much though.
Hunterdon County has some great motorcycling roads.. that's mostly where I ride.
Van Sant Airport is a regular motorcyclist handout, surrounded by great motorcyclist roads. If you ever see a yellow Ninja 250 there with a tank bag, look around for its owner and I could let you have a ride on it:

Mistyfate · April 13th, 2011, 06:42 PM

Wow, everyone! Thank you for your warm welcome and awesome advice!!! It is much appreciated.

Slolane - When I originally posted, I mentioned the 1100 Sportster...I meant the 1200. (I was literally sitting in the jury pool for jury duty and they called my name as I was posting... so I didn't have time to edit and catch my goof.) We actually have the 1200 and an 883 sitting in our garage. (The 883 is my husband's cousin's.) I've ridden the 883 once -- I didn't like how it idled or how much throttle it needed to get going.

And I feel so new (bc I am!) to riding... it is nice to hear what everyone's experiences (with different types of bikes) have been. I get to learn vicariously through you guys.

"A" - I'll be keeping an eye out for your yellow Ninja 250.

Anyone know if the third generations would fit into a 6 foot truck bed?

kkim · April 13th, 2011, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistyfate

Anyone know if the third generations would fit into a 6 foot truck bed?

what kind of truck is it? it should. you can either load it and tie it down straight in and leave the tailgate down, if it's too long or load the bike diagonally in the bed and I'm quite sure it will fit so the the tail gate can be shut.

welcome to ninjette.

slolane · April 13th, 2011, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistyfate

Slolane - When I originally posted, I mentioned the 1100 Sportster...I meant the 1200. (I was literally sitting in the jury pool for jury duty and they called my name as I was posting... so I didn't have time to edit and catch my goof.) We actually have the 1200 and an 883 sitting in our garage. (The 883 is my husband's cousin's.) I've ridden the 883 once -- I didn't like how it idled or how much throttle it needed to get going.

Cool, they did make 1100's a while back so I didn't know for sure.

In stock form the 883 you rode is just a wee bit slower than the 250, the 250 will feel a bit more refined and with it being a lot lighter it feels faster/more nimble as well.

883 = 565 lbs.
250 = 375 lbs.

dragonfly · April 13th, 2011, 08:28 PM

Hello and welcome

My husband has a Harley as well and it was not what I wanted. I recently started riding and I am happy I went with the 250. Love my bike!

KJohnson21 · April 13th, 2011, 10:29 PM

jmgrande · April 13th, 2011, 10:34 PM

Welcome!!

Mistyfate · April 14th, 2011, 09:19 AM

The truck we have access to is a 2001 Dodge Dakota. We were figuring we could fit a Ninja in one way or another... but it never hurts to ask.

vnranger · April 16th, 2011, 01:26 AM

itsmeanuj · April 16th, 2011, 02:31 PM

Hey Joanna! I am also in NJ. Where are you and your husband from?

kkim · April 16th, 2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistyfate

The truck we have access to is a 2001 Dodge Dakota. We were figuring we could fit a Ninja in one way or another... but it never hurts to ask.

just be careful when tying the bike down in the bed that you don't end up pinching/cutting any wiring on the handlebars or scratching the plastic bodywork due to the tie downs touching. it takes some maneuvering and planning, but should be very doable in the Dakota.

pics when you get it.

Mistyfate · April 16th, 2011, 04:33 PM

kkim - Thanks for the heads up about the tie-downs. I'm heading down tomorrow to take a look at the bike. It sounds promising.

Itsmeanuj - My husband and I live in West Orange. (And to be VERY JERSEY... Exit 145 off the Parkway.) :P Where are you from?

Mistyfate · April 16th, 2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragonfly

Hello and welcome

My husband has a Harley as well and it was not what I wanted. I recently started riding and I am happy I went with the 250. Love my bike!

It's funny... I think my husband wants a Kawasaki now. We went to a motorcycle showroom today, and he sat on the 250 and he was AMAZED at how light-weight it was. Then he went over to the Versys and wanted to sit on that.

Other than the Harley, he really had no experience with other bikes. I think that, in researching a bike for me, his eyes were opened to many other possibilities. He might ditch his Sportser after this summer.

I can't wait to start riding!

kkim · April 16th, 2011, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistyfate

It's funny... I think my husband wants a Kawasaki now. We went to a motorcycle showroom today, and he sat on the 250 and he was AMAZED at how light-weight it was. Then he went over to the Versys and wanted to sit on that.

Other than the Harley, he really had no experience with other bikes. I think that, in researching a bike for me, his eyes were opened to many other possibilities. He might ditch his Sportser after this summer.

lol... classic!

Snake · April 17th, 2011, 03:25 PM

Hello and welcome

itsmeanuj · April 18th, 2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistyfate

kkim - Thanks for the heads up about the tie-downs. I'm heading down tomorrow to take a look at the bike. It sounds promising.

Imeanuj - My husband and I live in West Orange. (And to be VERY JERSEY... Exit 145 off the Parkway.) :P Where are you from?

haha I also quote Parkway exits... right off 153! in Clifton. Maybe we'll see each other around.

Mistyfate · April 19th, 2011, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsmeanuj

haha I also quote Parkway exits... right off 153! in Clifton. Maybe we'll see each other around.

Maybe at Rutt's Hut! :P

itsmeanuj · April 19th, 2011, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistyfate

Maybe at Rutt's Hut! :P

hahah when my family first moved to Clifton in '97 I was in middle school. I actually used to live nearby there. I remember those bike nights but it was mostly non-sportbikes. I know on 46 in Totowa/Wayne there are Bike Nights and also on Route 17 down in East Rutherford area there are also bike nights.

What else do you know about Clifton lol .. I actually went to school nearby you for a year! (Seton Hall).

ninjohn · April 19th, 2011, 07:52 PM

Hey welcome aboard Mistyfate! I did a lot of research before buying my little 250r... I love how easy they are to learn on, great gas mileage, aerodynamic, quiet, comfortable and they just flat out look fast! I have buddys with the big old cruisers and taking those suckers out looks like a chore to me... I read on other forums how a lot of riders go through the bigger and bigger bike phases and then circle back around to our little ninja in the end. Then again, I hope your family doesn't beat you if you buy one!!

Mistyfate · April 19th, 2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsmeanuj

hahah when my family first moved to Clifton in '97 I was in middle school. I actually used to live nearby there. I remember those bike nights but it was mostly non-sportbikes. I know on 46 in Totowa/Wayne there are Bike Nights and also on Route 17 down in East Rutherford area there are also bike nights.

What else do you know about Clifton lol .. I actually went to school nearby you for a year! (Seton Hall).

I know Clifton Commons too! Tick Tock Diner (although I've never been there). I would go to Rutt's Hut with my dad when I was younger. We would sometimes go for bike night and other times just for the hotdogs!

Did you go to SH for high school or college?

I'm lucky because I have at least three other people to ride around with (my hubs and a few friends). So whether we go for a ride around town or to a bike specific venue, I'll have my mini-crew.

I'll also have people to teach me more about riding.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjohn

Hey welcome aboard Mistyfate! I did a lot of research before buying my little 250r... I love how easy they are to learn on, great gas mileage, aerodynamic, quiet, comfortable and they just flat out look fast! I have buddys with the big old cruisers and taking those suckers out looks like a chore to me... I read on other forums how a lot of riders go through the bigger and bigger bike phases and then circle back around to our little ninja in the end. Then again, I hope your family doesn't beat you if you buy one!!

My dad has one of those big old cruisers (Harley Ultra Classic). And, whoa, those bad boys are heavy. I literally couldn't even get the thing to budge! I think those big bikes are nice if you are a passenger though!

April 13th, 2011, 08:45 AM	#1
Mistyfate ninjette.org newbie Name: Joanna Location: New Jersey Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 7	Hi from Jersey! Hi! My name is Joanna and I'm from New Jersey. My husband and I took are motorcycle license tests last May through one of the Rider Safety courses offered in our state. We loved it and would suggest it to anyone who wants to ride. (It was tough, but worth it.) Since then, he found and started riding a Harley Sportster 1100 and I haven't found anything! The 1100 is way too big for me and I just don't like how the Harleys run. (Don't tell my family I said that, they'll beat me!) :P I was thinking about getting a Ninja 250. We've done some internet research and it seems to be the best starter (and possibly keeper) bike for me. I don't have much riding experience. Any advice is appreciated!

April 13th, 2011, 08:49 AM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Mistyfate! Glad you found us... __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

April 13th, 2011, 10:29 PM	#11
KJohnson21 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	__________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

April 13th, 2011, 10:34 PM	#12
jmgrande YEAH! Custom name tag. Name: Jon Location: CT Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R SE- SOLD to maverick9611 Posts: 525	Welcome!! __________________________________________________ Don't touch it. Don't even look at it. Go on, get out, you heard me. Don't look at me either. Yeah, you better walk on. I'll hit an old man in public.

April 16th, 2011, 04:33 PM	#17
Mistyfate ninjette.org newbie Name: Joanna Location: New Jersey Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 7	kkim - Thanks for the heads up about the tie-downs. I'm heading down tomorrow to take a look at the bike. It sounds promising. Itsmeanuj - My husband and I live in West Orange. (And to be VERY JERSEY... Exit 145 off the Parkway.) :P Where are you from? Last futzed with by Mistyfate; April 19th, 2011 at 08:45 PM. Reason: typo

April 13th, 2011, 11:03 AM	#3
Fly'in Ninja ninjette.org guru Name: Al Location: Bay Area Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): C-250R-ST Posts: 287	Welcome!! The ninja 250 is easy and friendly to ride for newbies!!

April 13th, 2011, 04:25 PM	#4
slolane Motorcyclist Name: James Location: Maryland Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.	Welcome Joanna, congrats on the course, great idea. The Ninja 250 is a great starter bike and like you said can keep a long time. I have had lots of bikes and 2 were Sportsters (a 1200 and a 883), pairing up with a Sportster 1100 isn't too far off from the Ninja 250... The 250 is a little quicker than an 883 Sportster in the 1/4 mile but the nice thing is the 250 is a 6 speed and the 883/1200 Sportys are 5 speeds so the highway would be a little better on the 250. Anyway, after many street bikes from supermotos, many sport bikes and a Street Glide I'm now down to riding my Ninja 250 as my only bike and love it. Best of luck to you guys, enjoy and search around on the forum as there is lots of great info here.

April 13th, 2011, 06:16 PM	#6
"A" vampire Name: A Location: IT Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.	I ride into Jersey few times a month. Hoboken, New Brunswick, Belle Mead, Lambertville,.. don't get out to the shore or southern Jersey much though. Hunterdon County has some great motorcycling roads.. that's mostly where I ride. Van Sant Airport is a regular motorcyclist handout, surrounded by great motorcyclist roads. If you ever see a yellow Ninja 250 there with a tank bag, look around for its owner and I could let you have a ride on it:

April 13th, 2011, 06:42 PM	#7
Mistyfate ninjette.org newbie Name: Joanna Location: New Jersey Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 7	Wow, everyone! Thank you for your warm welcome and awesome advice!!! It is much appreciated. Slolane - When I originally posted, I mentioned the 1100 Sportster...I meant the 1200. (I was literally sitting in the jury pool for jury duty and they called my name as I was posting... so I didn't have time to edit and catch my goof.) We actually have the 1200 and an 883 sitting in our garage. (The 883 is my husband's cousin's.) I've ridden the 883 once -- I didn't like how it idled or how much throttle it needed to get going. And I feel so new (bc I am!) to riding... it is nice to hear what everyone's experiences (with different types of bikes) have been. I get to learn vicariously through you guys. "A" - I'll be keeping an eye out for your yellow Ninja 250. Anyone know if the third generations would fit into a 6 foot truck bed?

April 13th, 2011, 08:28 PM	#10
dragonfly ninjette.org member Name: Erica Location: GA Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: 16	Hello and welcome My husband has a Harley as well and it was not what I wanted. I recently started riding and I am happy I went with the 250. Love my bike!

April 14th, 2011, 09:19 AM	#13
Mistyfate ninjette.org newbie Name: Joanna Location: New Jersey Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 7	The truck we have access to is a 2001 Dodge Dakota. We were figuring we could fit a Ninja in one way or another... but it never hurts to ask.

April 16th, 2011, 01:26 AM	#14
vnranger ninjette.org sage Name: Jonathan Location: Beaverton OR Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Candy Thunder blue 2009 kawasaki 250r, 2010 Dark Stealth Ducati Monster 696. Posts: 891

April 16th, 2011, 02:31 PM	#15
itsmeanuj ninjette.org member Name: Anuj Location: NJ Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 250r! Posts: 12	Hey Joanna! I am also in NJ. Where are you and your husband from?

April 17th, 2011, 03:25 PM	#20
Snake 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	Hello and welcome

April 19th, 2011, 07:52 PM	#24
ninjohn ninjette.org member Name: John Location: Waynes World Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 12 Ninja 1000 Posts: 31	Hey welcome aboard Mistyfate! I did a lot of research before buying my little 250r... I love how easy they are to learn on, great gas mileage, aerodynamic, quiet, comfortable and they just flat out look fast! I have buddys with the big old cruisers and taking those suckers out looks like a chore to me... I read on other forums how a lot of riders go through the bigger and bigger bike phases and then circle back around to our little ninja in the end. Then again, I hope your family doesn't beat you if you buy one!!

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