Rear sets and clipons

[Enrgkid]

Hey all,

I went for a great ride today on my 09 ninja 250r, and I was thinking about getting new rearsets to give it a bit more of an aggressive position. and possibly looking into getting some clipons to put on it. to make it a bit more aggressive.

Is this possible at all? Will either of these make it a more aggressive riding poisition? or will I just look like an idiot who spent too much money on making it look shinier?

[tfkrocks]

Those are quite common mods for the bike. Nothing wrong with them if that's what you want.

[anacron]

Originally Posted by Enrgkid

Is this possible at all? Will either of these make it a more aggressive riding poisition? or will I just look like an idiot who spent too much money on making it look shinier?

Absolutely possible and I was one of those idiots. The bike feels much more aggressive but not uncomfortably so.

The main question is how much money are you willing to spend. Other than driven and woodcraft you don't have many options for clip-ons and both are approx. the same price around $170.

Rearsets are where you have lots of options. You have non-adjustable ones (Yoshimura, Woodcraft, etc.) and adjustable ones (Vortex). Price range is from around $100 - $400.

Total: ~$300 - $600

[Enrgkid]

I've got as much as I need it's whether my money would be well spent. I'm thinking clipons first probably woodcrafts. And then rearsets I don't want to get adjustable just easy to install. I'm.guessing those prices are usd? I can about double the them for aud

[anacron]

Originally Posted by Enrgkid

I've got as much as I need it's whether my money would be well spent. I'm thinking clipons first probably woodcrafts. And then rearsets I don't want to get adjustable just easy to install. I'm.guessing those prices are usd? I can about double the them for aud

My bad.. didn't see you're from Aus, the prices are in USD.

IMO, the Vortex install wasn't too bad but then again, I saw it as a learning opportunity and wasn't really upset about splicing wires or bleeding brakes. If electrical/brake work sounds too much then definitely avoid the Vortex rearsets.

If you have no plans of turning the 250 into some kind of track bike then you're better of getting the non-adjustable rearsets.

[adouglas]

Do both at once. You'll be glad you did.

Here's why:

If you do clip-ons only, you'll be folding yourself up tighter on the bike. Your feet will be too far forward and you'll be bending too much at the waist.

If you do rearsets only, the reverse happens.

If you do both, you keep your riding position the way it is, but your whole body is rotated forward.

You don't need true rearsets. You can get plates that move your stock rearsets up and back. Waay cheaper. Look for "rearset adjusters."

Depending on which clipons you get, you may have some fairing interference issues. I did Shintos, which are adjustable for droop. When I adjusted them the way I wanted, the right switch housing ran into the ridge on the top of the side fairing. I believe that Woodcrafts are not adjustable, so this would not be an issue. The tradeoff is that you're stuck with the droop they build into 'em.

Comfort tips... these are more important once you get into sportbike ergonomics.

DO NOT stiff-arm the bike. Stay loose, keep your forearms parallel to the ground and lean on the tank. That's why sport bikes have huge, high tanks. You shouldn't be putting weight on your hands.

Put your weight on your thighs, not your butt. Ride the bike like a jockey rides a race horse. If you're sitting in a chair right now, scoot forward, put your feet way under the chair and perch on the front edge. That's the feeling. I find it very comfortable.

Also, Grip the tank with your knees. Stomp Grips or Gripsters are highly recommended.

Hope this helps!!!

[SMman]

I have Woodcraft clip-ons installed on my 09 Ninja 250 and love them. It really transformed the bike. I am considering rearsets but not sure which ones to go for.

[broilmebk]

I've only done the woodcraft clipons. There was some fairing interference at first, but that was taken care of after adjusting the lever holders a bit.

adouglas puts it very well. It was a noticeable difference with just the clipons, but after some time I've noticed discomfort with feet placement. Will most likely get the rearset adjusters

[LNasty]

I have been wanting to do clip ons and rears sets too, but I wish I could sit on a bike that already has it to see what it is like. At almost 6' my knees already feel like they are up in my face. wish I could move the rear set down and back instead of up

[caineroad]

Im planning to install rearset adjuster too, the cheap way. Can anyone tell me what does clip-on actually do?? to my understanding from google, it looks like something mounted to the steering bar??

[cuong-nutz]

Originally Posted by caineroad

Im planning to install rearset adjuster too, the cheap way. Can anyone tell me what does clip-on actually do?? to my understanding from google, it looks like something mounted to the steering bar??

They replace your current "handle bars" and mount them directly to the forks. This gives you some adjustability as to how angled you want them. Main purpose is to bring you lower and forward for a more aggressive riding position.

[broilmebk]

Originally Posted by caineroad

Im planning to install rearset adjuster too, the cheap way. Can anyone tell me what does clip-on actually do?? to my understanding from google, it looks like something mounted to the steering bar??

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=103601

[caineroad]

lol thanks. im really not a tech guy in modifying bikes thanks

[Slick_Stevo]

Originally Posted by caineroad

lol thanks. im really not a tech guy in modifying bikes thanks

Justin, sometimes its better if you see what guys are doing to their bikes. There is a Toronto based facebook group called Ninja 250/300 GTA. Look them up and ask to join.

[caineroad]

Didnt even know it exists! I usually join the groups on gtam lol. Thanks man

[afelotreyu]

Originally Posted by Slick_Stevo

Justin, sometimes its better if you see what guys are doing to their bikes. There is a Toronto based facebook group called Ninja 250/300 GTA. Look them up and ask to join.

"GTA250 ORIGIN" for the WIN!

[caineroad]

Originally Posted by afelotreyu

"GTA250 ORIGIN" for the WIN!

Is that the group name for the fb group?

[psych0hans]

I bought an A&L rearset adjuster bracket for 79+shipping... Very adjustable and economical to boot... And you don't miss out on quality either, I say it's a win win win... Lol

[SMman]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

I bought an A&L rearset adjuster bracket for 79+shipping... Very adjustable and economical to boot... And you don't miss out on quality either, I say it's a win win win... Lol

Would you say you have less legroom with the A&L installed? Thanks.

[psych0hans]

Originally Posted by SMman

Would you say you have less legroom with the A&L installed? Thanks.

It moved my rear sets up and back... So you decide if that's more or less leg room... Lol... All I know is I love the adjustability and the more sporty stance it gives me...

[SMman]

I like to do long rides on the 250 and often wish for more legroom because my legs get cramped after a few hours in the saddle. I know I would like the more sporty riding position offered by rearsets or rearset adjusters but am concerned about making things worse for the long rides. I'm not sure what effect to expect but guessing it might be less comfortable. I appreciate anyone's input.

[adouglas]

A few hours?

The answer is simple. Take a break. Stop for every hour and walk around for a minute. A minute is all it takes.

I did a 2600 mile tour and that's what worked for me.

Sit on any bike for hours and you'll get uncomfortable IMHO, but perhaps in different places. Think about a Harley with highway pegs... your legs stretched WAAAY out. Sure your knees will feel okay (maybe), but your back and tailbone will be KILLING you.

The rearset adjuster plates I put on my bike didn't change the legroom... they, plus the clipons, simply rotated my body forward. The relationship between legs and torso remained pretty much the same.

[SMman]

My job doesn't allow much time for riding and I coudn't even get to the track this year so I do long rides when the opportunity presents itself. I had a great 15 hour day in August doing the Cabot Trail and other twisty backroads in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. I love my Woodcraft clipons and might go for the A&L adjusters. Any complaints with them or problem installing?

[adouglas]

No complaints, very easy.

The only fiddly bit is the coupler to extend your shift rod. There's a little bit of trial and error involved to get the shift lever positioned just right.

Make sure you loc-tite everything.