First track day on the Ninja 300

Darling Ninja · March 7th, 2013, 02:26 PM

Technically, I don't own a Ninja 300, however, since I work for Motorcyclist magazine I was able to ride the Special Edition 300 for a couple of months. Last November, I signed up for my first track day at Chuckwalla and then wrote about it. Click on the link below to read the full story.

http://blogs.motorcyclistonline.com/...#axzz2MtIbnW48

Unfortunately, I crashed the Ninja 300 a few months later at my second track day. The bike is now at my work getting repaired.

I've been thinking a lot about buying one for myself, but I'm undecided, and waiting for the Honda CBR500R to come out.

EternalNewb · March 7th, 2013, 02:29 PM

How did you manage to land such a job? Sounds like lots of fun

CC Cowboy · March 7th, 2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EternalNewb

How did you manage to land such a job? Sounds like lots of fun

First, you have to be able to write (proper English). Second, you have to be able top ride. Third, you don't tell anyone that you crashed.

Two out of three ain't bad!

Darling Ninja · March 7th, 2013, 02:40 PM

I wrote a second story all about my crash! It's still pending approval.

EternalNewb · March 7th, 2013, 02:41 PM

Hahaha, are they accepting interns? I'll have my Bachelor's degree come June.

Back to the topic though, what went wrong on the track? Any idea why you crashed?

Alex · March 7th, 2013, 02:44 PM

Alex · March 7th, 2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darling Ninja

I wrote a second story all about my crash! It's still pending approval.

If they don't like it, I'm sure we certainly would up in our @&(#)&(*#)&@(* ) section.

tooblekain · March 7th, 2013, 02:55 PM

Good article...reminds me of my first few trackdays.

Hopefully we'll see you more at the track. Chuckwalla is my favorite track.

Darling Ninja · March 7th, 2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

If they don't like it, I'm sure we certainly would up in our @&(#)&(*#)&@(* ) section.

Sounds good.

sk1l1ne · March 7th, 2013, 04:36 PM

Ive seen your 'fashion police' section. some funny stuff sometimes.
glad to see you with some gear on! think the last time I saw you on a bike in the mag you had some tight jeans on.

Darling Ninja · March 7th, 2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk1l1ne

Ive seen your 'fashion police' section. some funny stuff sometimes.
glad to see you with some gear on! think the last time I saw you on a bike in the mag you had some tight jeans on.

Thanks.

Yes, for some time I didn't own riding pants but I wore everything else (helmet, gloves, jacket, boots).

Darling Ninja · March 8th, 2013, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooblekain

Good article...reminds me of my first few trackdays.

Hopefully we'll see you more at the track. Chuckwalla is my favorite track.

Thank you! What's your second favorite track?

tooblekain · March 8th, 2013, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darling Ninja

Thank you! What's your second favorite track?

This always revolves because the following two has their disadvantages:

Buttonwillow--love the format...hate the bumps but deal with it. Its kind of further away too so you have to make a weekend out of it. Prior to Chuckwalla being built, this was my hands down favorite track that I loved to go to and was only an hour further away from Willow Springs. The Lost Hills turn (now named Phil's Hill) still stands as my all-time favorite turn out of any track---however the Bowl at Chuckwalla is slowly starting to replace it the more I ride Chuckwalla.

Pahrump--very cool format and great surface...just really far. However I have only gone their twice. (first time with Socal Trackdays. Second time with Ti2TT) With the new layout, I want to give it another shot. I plan on being out there again with TrackXperience for Memorial Day Weekend. The turn 1-2 combo is awesome

However considering I now have a 250 and the Daytona 675 is trashed, I may have to revisit the following tracks to see if my rankings for them change:

Buttonwillow, Pahrump, Streets of Willow.

As for the rest:

Fontana--convenient and expensive, but got old quick for me. Really only liked Turn 1 and 2 at high speed and the rest was okay. With the 250 this track would be even more boring for me.

Big Willow--never really liked it...Turn 6 cresting over it is cool. Turn 8 is fun at speed. Turn 9 is terrifying when at speed because of the wall.

Streets of Willow--on my 600 I liked it but would get tired quick. I want to revisit this track on my 250 to see if my opinion of it changed.

Nemesis · March 8th, 2013, 01:50 PM

I'm confused. You crashed the 300 but now am considering the 500 that produces more HP? Not sure if that's a smart decision.

Just looking out for ya.

sk1l1ne · March 8th, 2013, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

I'm confused. You crashed the 300 but now am considering the 500 that produces more HP? Not sure if that's a smart decision.

Just looking out for ya.

Hold on now. She went down at the track. Maybe pushing that lil 300 to the limit??
Better there than the street.

Darling Ninja · March 8th, 2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooblekain

This always revolves because the following two has their disadvantages:

Buttonwillow--love the format...hate the bumps but deal with it. Its kind of further away too so you have to make a weekend out of it. Prior to Chuckwalla being built, this was my hands down favorite track that I loved to go to and was only an hour further away from Willow Springs. The Lost Hills turn (now named Phil's Hill) still stands as my all-time favorite turn out of any track---however the Bowl at Chuckwalla is slowly starting to replace it the more I ride Chuckwalla.

Pahrump--very cool format and great surface...just really far. However I have only gone their twice. (first time with Socal Trackdays. Second time with Ti2TT) With the new layout, I want to give it another shot. I plan on being out there again with TrackXperience for Memorial Day Weekend. The turn 1-2 combo is awesome

However considering I now have a 250 and the Daytona 675 is trashed, I may have to revisit the following tracks to see if my rankings for them change:

Buttonwillow, Pahrump, Streets of Willow.

As for the rest:

Fontana--convenient and expensive, but got old quick for me. Really only liked Turn 1 and 2 at high speed and the rest was okay. With the 250 this track would be even more boring for me.

Big Willow--never really liked it...Turn 6 cresting over it is cool. Turn 8 is fun at speed. Turn 9 is terrifying when at speed because of the wall.

Streets of Willow--on my 600 I liked it but would get tired quick. I want to revisit this track on my 250 to see if my opinion of it changed.

Thanks for your input! It seems like every track rider that's been to Chuckwalla really enjoys it. I'll probably keep going there till I get tired of it.

Nemesis · March 8th, 2013, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk1l1ne

Hold on now. She went down at the track. Maybe pushing that lil 300 to the limit??
Better there than the street.

Really? Oh, I'm sorry. My bad. Plz buy a litre bike instead. Why bother with a puny 46HP bike when you can settle for a 150HP bike.

Silly me...what was I thinking?

Darling Ninja · March 8th, 2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk1l1ne

Hold on now. She went down at the track. Maybe pushing that lil 300 to the limit??
Better there than the street.

I agree. Crashing at the track is completely different than crashing on the street, and I definitely pushed myself more the second time around at Chuckwalla.

Nemesis · March 8th, 2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darling Ninja

I agree. Crashing at the track is completely different than crashing on the street, and I definitely pushed myself more the second time around at Chuckwalla.

That's a given.

However that's not what I'm questioning. <--sorry I'm being an @$$ but sometimes there's some truth in what this @$$ has to say.

sk1l1ne · March 8th, 2013, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

Really? Oh, I'm sorry. My bad. Plz buy a litre bike instead. Why bother with a puny 46HP bike when you can settle for a 150HP bike.

Silly me...what was I thinking?

I understand where you're coming from.
I've been on plenty of group rides where I've asked 'why in the hell is this person on this bike?' There was an individual that was on a Ninja 650 that couldnt ride for s$%t but insisted he needed a ZX10R.
If this were an instance like that I'd be right there with you on my soapbox.

Darling Ninja · March 8th, 2013, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

Really? Oh, I'm sorry. My bad. Plz buy a litre bike instead. Why bother with a puny 46HP bike when you can settle for a 150HP bike.

Silly me...what was I thinking?

How can you compare wanting to purchase a 500 to wanting a liter bike? They are both on completely different ends of the spectrum. A 500 is still considered entry-level.

I've been riding my 250 for almost four years now, and the 300 for a few months. Yes, I crashed at the track, but that can happen when you push yourself.

Trailerboy531 · March 8th, 2013, 04:44 PM

I've ridden with Annette and can vouch for her. She's a very safe and cautious rider and would do well on a 500 as well as a 300. For her it's a matter of preference, not what she can and can not handle because she is more than capable of either.

Darling Ninja · March 8th, 2013, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailerboy531

I've ridden with Annette and can vouch for her. She's a very safe and cautious rider and would do well on a 500 as well as a 300. For her it's a matter of preference, not what she can and can not handle because she is more than capable of either.

Thank you, Max.

CC Cowboy · March 8th, 2013, 05:04 PM

There is nothing better than a 250 in the turns. You can flick it like a booger.

600s have to be in the power range and liter bike are just for straight lines.

ahamay · March 8th, 2013, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk1l1ne

Hold on now. She went down at the track. Maybe pushing that lil 300 to the limit??
Better there than the street.

I believe what he is saying is that if she could not yet maintain the 300 at limit, trying to step up to something with more pony's will only lead to a worse situation. Only a guess as I cannot speak for the guy but I'm sure he is trying to tell her to stick with the 300 until she can comfortably rail it at the limit before moving to something with less forgiveness.

Also to the op, congrats on the track day. Stick with it and have fun.

Gurk · March 9th, 2013, 10:43 AM

1) If you're responsible and know your limits, you'll be fine on the 500.

2) Unless you were turning very low 2 minute laps, doubt you were pushing the 300 to its limits but that's fine. Most of us don't push our bikes to their limits. You were probably pushing your own limits. Just like I did when I crashed last year in April. I was going at a fraction of the pace I'm capable now. But it was still pushing my own limits at the time.

So whatever bike you get, I think you'll be fine. I rode with you on track. You don't seem to be the kind of person that's gonna have a bin it or win it attitude at a track day. Enjoy it!

sk1l1ne · March 9th, 2013, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahamay

I believe what he is saying is... Only a guess...

If you're going to start a post with either of these two phrases I suggest you keep your comments to yourself.
Until we know WHY/HOW she went down I dont think anyone has the right to assume anything.
A$$holes and assumptions
Everyone has 'em

gt_turbo · March 9th, 2013, 06:27 PM

cool story! i wish my job involved riding motorcycles all day. also when the CB500R shows up at your work place, please take pics/vids and post up your personal review.

Darling Ninja · June 10th, 2013, 11:08 AM

Alex · June 10th, 2013, 11:12 AM

Congratulations!!!

geeker · June 10th, 2013, 11:15 AM

Awesome! More track time? i loved mine at the track. Can't wait to go back.

Darling Ninja · June 10th, 2013, 11:20 AM

@Alex - Thank you!!

@geeker - Yes, I definitely want to take it to the track. I'm thinking Chuckwalla in September/October C group.

csmith12 · June 10th, 2013, 01:11 PM

NevadaWolf · June 10th, 2013, 01:42 PM

Congrats on the new addition to your family.

Xtina · June 11th, 2013, 10:06 AM

The 300 is a fun bike and on the track it can only get better. Op maybe work on your body positioning and foot position. But that's just my opinion

. I've contemplated taking my 300 to the track with me but I'm thinking new tires are in order first.

Dark · June 11th, 2013, 12:01 PM

Glad to hear you went with the 300!

The 300 will be my track bike back in the states, it helps tune all the skills that you can't put a lot of focus on when riding a larger bike...that's why kids that start with karts are usually amazing racers as they grow up. Start small and build it up...and save money while you're at it

felo · June 11th, 2013, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darling Ninja

so, what happend to the 500?

ally99 · June 11th, 2013, 02:55 PM

Hot bike!

massacremasses · June 11th, 2013, 03:08 PM

Nice, but I also wanted to know if you ever tried the 500 out and if you liked it and such.

Darling Ninja · June 11th, 2013, 03:56 PM

Yes, I did ride the 500. Click on the link for my opinion.

http://bit.ly/17wXSoT

March 7th, 2013, 02:40 PM	#4
Darling Ninja ninjette.org guru Name: Annette Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: 270	I wrote a second story all about my crash! It's still pending approval. __________________________________________________ "You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck."

March 7th, 2013, 02:44 PM	#6
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	__________________________________________________ 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)

March 7th, 2013, 02:55 PM	#8
tooblekain ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Triumph Bonneville; 2008 Ninja 250r (trackbike) Posts: 748	Good article...reminds me of my first few trackdays. Hopefully we'll see you more at the track. Chuckwalla is my favorite track. __________________________________________________ CVMA #312SoCal TrackdaysBigHeadz RacingMotion ProFactory EffexLeatt Brace* Racetech Bell Woodcraft CFMVortexHotbodiesSurface Sun SystemsBrakingLiveWire EnergyFreegun Underwear

March 8th, 2013, 01:50 PM	#14
Nemesis CVMA #74 WSMC #750 Name: Nemesis Location: On the track Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.	I'm confused. You crashed the 300 but now am considering the 500 that produces more HP? Not sure if that's a smart decision. Just looking out for ya. __________________________________________________

March 8th, 2013, 04:44 PM	#22
Trailerboy531 Gear crash test dummy Name: Max Location: South Bay (So. Cal) Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.	I've ridden with Annette and can vouch for her. She's a very safe and cautious rider and would do well on a 500 as well as a 300. For her it's a matter of preference, not what she can and can not handle because she is more than capable of either. __________________________________________________ CVMA #531

March 7th, 2013, 02:29 PM	#2
EternalNewb ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: S Location: CA/MA, usually Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2007 Ninja 650R, 2001 F650 Dakar Posts: A lot.	How did you manage to land such a job? Sounds like lots of fun

March 7th, 2013, 02:41 PM	#5
EternalNewb ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: S Location: CA/MA, usually Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2007 Ninja 650R, 2001 F650 Dakar Posts: A lot.	Hahaha, are they accepting interns? I'll have my Bachelor's degree come June. Back to the topic though, what went wrong on the track? Any idea why you crashed?

March 7th, 2013, 04:36 PM	#10
sk1l1ne ninjette.org member Name: sk1l1ne Location: loudoun va Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 ninja 250 2009 cbr600rr (rip) Posts: 31	Ive seen your 'fashion police' section. some funny stuff sometimes. glad to see you with some gear on! think the last time I saw you on a bike in the mag you had some tight jeans on.

March 8th, 2013, 05:04 PM	#24
CC Cowboy 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	There is nothing better than a 250 in the turns. You can flick it like a booger. 600s have to be in the power range and liter bike are just for straight lines. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! Last futzed with by CC Cowboy; March 9th, 2013 at 09:11 AM.

March 9th, 2013, 10:43 AM	#26
Gurk Done here. Name: - Location: Track Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.	1) If you're responsible and know your limits, you'll be fine on the 500. 2) Unless you were turning very low 2 minute laps, doubt you were pushing the 300 to its limits but that's fine. Most of us don't push our bikes to their limits. You were probably pushing your own limits. Just like I did when I crashed last year in April. I was going at a fraction of the pace I'm capable now. But it was still pushing my own limits at the time. So whatever bike you get, I think you'll be fine. I rode with you on track. You don't seem to be the kind of person that's gonna have a bin it or win it attitude at a track day. Enjoy it!

March 9th, 2013, 06:27 PM	#28
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	cool story! i wish my job involved riding motorcycles all day. also when the CB500R shows up at your work place, please take pics/vids and post up your personal review. __________________________________________________ Mods: 636 front suspension conversion, wc clip ons, bohemian rear sets, FP jets, k&n filter, and AP full race exhaust

June 10th, 2013, 11:12 AM	#30
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	Congratulations!!! __________________________________________________ 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)

June 10th, 2013, 11:15 AM	#31
geeker ninjette.org guru Name: Richie Location: Arkansas Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally, 2015 Ninja ZX6R 636, 2014 Ninja 1000, 2013 Ninja 300 (sold), 2011 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 479	Awesome! More track time? i loved mine at the track. Can't wait to go back.

June 10th, 2013, 11:20 AM	#32
Darling Ninja ninjette.org guru Name: Annette Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: 270	@Alex - Thank you!! @geeker - Yes, I definitely want to take it to the track. I'm thinking Chuckwalla in September/October C group. __________________________________________________ "You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck."

June 10th, 2013, 01:11 PM	#33
csmith12 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	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

June 10th, 2013, 01:42 PM	#34
NevadaWolf 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	Congrats on the new addition to your family. __________________________________________________ <-- 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.

June 11th, 2013, 10:06 AM	#35
Xtina ninjette.org guru Name: Christina Location: Toronto Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300, 2007 Gsxr 600, R6-sold :( Posts: 270	The 300 is a fun bike and on the track it can only get better. Op maybe work on your body positioning and foot position. But that's just my opinion . I've contemplated taking my 300 to the track with me but I'm thinking new tires are in order first.

June 11th, 2013, 12:01 PM	#36
Dark Simple kind of man Name: Ryan Location: Stuttgart, Germany Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 133	Glad to hear you went with the 300! The 300 will be my track bike back in the states, it helps tune all the skills that you can't put a lot of focus on when riding a larger bike...that's why kids that start with karts are usually amazing racers as they grow up. Start small and build it up...and save money while you're at it __________________________________________________
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

June 11th, 2013, 02:55 PM	#38
ally99 Ninja chick Name: Allyson Location: Athens, GA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 4 MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15	Hot bike! __________________________________________________ Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson

June 11th, 2013, 03:08 PM	#39
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	Nice, but I also wanted to know if you ever tried the 500 out and if you liked it and such. __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

June 11th, 2013, 03:56 PM	#40
Darling Ninja ninjette.org guru Name: Annette Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: 270	Yes, I did ride the 500. Click on the link for my opinion. http://bit.ly/17wXSoT __________________________________________________ "You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck."
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

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