February 12th, 2012, 04:12 PM | #1 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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don't hate me
Ok, now don't hate me or my choice in new bike. I have been looking into the idea of a new bike for a little bit now and liked the idea of a mid-size cruiser. After looking around, doing the research, and comparing bikes I made my choice for the one I felt was the best fit and best bargain. I unfortunately traded in the old ninjette for the new bike as I don't have a need for two bikes plus the maintenance on the aging ninjette was becoming too much. So I bit the bullet and got a 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow for around $9000 financed otd.
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February 12th, 2012, 04:16 PM | #2 |
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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Congrats Make! I like, I sold my sportster to buy my 250. Was one of the best cruisers I owned.
Good luck and safe riding with yours.
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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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February 12th, 2012, 04:36 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Zach
Location: Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2003 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 721
Blog Entries: 1
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Pretty clean looking bike! Doubt anyone would hate you unless you bailed off of Ninjette.org or something
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ATGATT |
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February 12th, 2012, 04:47 PM | #4 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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February 12th, 2012, 04:50 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Zach
Location: Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2003 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 721
Blog Entries: 1
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I'd imagine there's a bit of a difference between someone such as yourself going from a ninjette to an HD as opposed to a stereotypical thorough-bred HD'er for life, just saying
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ATGATT |
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February 12th, 2012, 04:58 PM | #6 |
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
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Yeah! Don't leave us! Congrats on your bike. How does it ride compared to the Ninjette?
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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 |
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February 12th, 2012, 04:59 PM | #7 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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Hehehe, this is true. I didn't buy the bike for the image or the lifestyle. I did research and comparisons and this was the best one imo of the mid-size cruiser category for what I wanted. Same thing I did before getting the ninjette in the first place some 3 years and 15k miles ago.
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February 12th, 2012, 05:20 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
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Well Sombo I don't hate you. I'm not a fan of HD's but as long as it's what you're looking for, that's the important part
Have fun on the new bike, and try to get used to the difference in ground clearance Would the Harley people get mad if you painted it Kawasaki Green? |
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February 12th, 2012, 06:11 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sean
Location: Mary Esther, FL
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.
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Congrats on the new bike. Looks really nice
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http://sandollarmotorcycleclub.com/ |
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February 12th, 2012, 06:40 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Paul
Location: Midwest
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100, 2006 Yamaha R1, 2006 Kawasaki ZZR600, 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2017 Kawasaki Z900 Posts: 320
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Congrats...that's a cool looking bike.
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February 12th, 2012, 07:37 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: T
Location: U.S.
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): Current: '11 ZX-6R; Previous: '09 Ninjette; '08 ZX-6R (Ex-Wife '09 TU250X) Posts: 981
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Congrats sombo! Nice bike. I like the Sportsters myself.
Alex, the XR1200, as much as I LOVE that bike, is simply overpriced for what you get out of it. So is the newer X model with the uprated suspension bits. Too many other bikes that have far more flexibility in what you can do with them for the same $12-$13K.
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R.I.P EthioKnight (Alex) |
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February 12th, 2012, 07:42 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
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February 12th, 2012, 08:28 PM | #14 |
CBR250R Traitor
Name: Jon
Location: Greater Philadelphia Area
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924
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February 12th, 2012, 08:42 PM | #15 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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It's actually surprisingly nimble for a cruiser. In all the shootouts it was labeled as the best for in-town cruising. Didn't ride today because not only was it too cold for my standards, but also had things to do around the home. Also with it being so new everything is still a bit stiff; like the clutch, brakes, and shifter are far more heavy duty than the ninjette. It is a bit hard to get it into neutral, but they say it loosens up after a bit. I can definitely feel that the brakes are stronger requiring less pull on them. As for the increase in power (about double the HP and about 3x the torque), I am not sure how much to stress the engine this early on in the break in. I won't be babying it the way the factory says to (hell even the sales man said he doesn't with his bikes lol). So I will be pushing it a little more each time I ride it and get her parts nice and worked in.
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February 12th, 2012, 08:47 PM | #16 |
CBR250R Traitor
Name: Jon
Location: Greater Philadelphia Area
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924
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I'm too used to my light 250s, they just feel more natural in the city to me.
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February 12th, 2012, 09:07 PM | #17 |
Fix It Till Ya Break It
Name: Asspyre
Location: T.Dot
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 250RRrrrr Posts: 623
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they spelled Ninja wrong on the side of the tank....
other than that, looks good. love the color. |
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February 13th, 2012, 06:11 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.
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Congrats, nice bike!!
Just don't turn into a HD squid w/ no gear and half helmets (if any since you can legally go without) and I don't think your going to get any hate. PS -- Considering your in FL a cruiser is probably a better fit for the long straight roads :P |
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February 13th, 2012, 06:12 AM | #19 |
1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass
Name: Jeremy
Location: Dayton, OH
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.
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Very nice man!!! I can appreciate Harleys, I'm starting to get a liking toward the cruiser look...like a Triumph.
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February 13th, 2012, 07:37 AM | #20 | |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
The suspension is nice and smooth, I felt a little less of the road than I did with the pre-gen. It is NOT by any mean jarring like some people try to say it is. It's also not 100% cushy like some other cruisers which are like being on a LazyBoy recliner. It's surprisingly nimble wanting to lean just about as quickly as the 250 did (lower center of weight makes the pivot point rather easy) even though it won't lean as far. I have discovered that it's lean angle is rather short in that I have already scraped both pegs at least once. The seat is also nicely padded, not super soft like the touring bikes with their ultra plush seat cushions. But, it's also softer and better shaped than the pre-gen's was. I have more leg room but am not stretched out, about a 90 degree angle at the knees instead of bent backwards or stretched out in front of me. The hand grips are larger and more comfortable than the pre-gens. The handlebars I will be adjusting today when I get home from work to bring them down and back just a little. My only two real complaints that I will be addressing this payday, are the headlight and the mirrors. The headlight is horrible in low beam. It has like about half the area of the pre-gen's light and is really short (gonna adjust it and see if that helps). The mirrors are better than the pre-gen's, however they are still a bit too short and too close to my hands on the grips. So I will be getting the LED headlamp and some long stem mirrors which should fix both issues just fine. |
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February 14th, 2012, 07:19 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Brad
Location: Centerville, OH
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE (Green) Previous bikes R1, Daytona 675, GSXR600, Pre-Gen 250R Posts: 330
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V a n c e & H i n e s . . .
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'11 Green SE - 2 Bros Blk Series CF, Factory Pro Jet Kit, Spiegler Lines, ZG Windscreen, Pazzo Levers, CW Fender Elim, Custom LED Integrated Tail Light, Protons, OEM Seat Cowl & Ti ProBolts. |
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February 14th, 2012, 07:21 AM | #22 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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February 14th, 2012, 01:32 PM | #24 |
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
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I had many Sportsters. You will love it.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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February 14th, 2012, 01:34 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
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my motorcycle shop tells me that the H-D fuel mapping for screaming eagle stuff leaves the bike lean fyi. I heard them talking to another guy picking up his bike one day when I was getting tires changed.
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February 17th, 2012, 07:42 PM | #26 |
Sexy Beast
Name: Mat
Location: Tampa
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R, 2006 ZX-14, 2012 Ducati Monster Posts: A lot.
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I hate you......
Can i drive it? |
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February 17th, 2012, 09:03 PM | #27 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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Sorry sir, I can not let you do that. I just got it to 300 miles today and am very cautious with my bike after hearing of all the drops from friends and such. You could always go to a bike week and demo it.
I also have to love how it shocked a few of the Orlando crew when I kept up with them zipping through tights spots in traffic on Thursday. See, they aren't slow lumbering hulks like people think they are. |
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February 17th, 2012, 10:23 PM | #28 |
Sexy Beast
Name: Mat
Location: Tampa
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R, 2006 ZX-14, 2012 Ducati Monster Posts: A lot.
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Pfft... I didn't want to drive it anyway (*tear)... I guess I always have Bill's Outback and whatever bike he has at the time to test drive if I ever make it up their for more than an evening.
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February 17th, 2012, 10:39 PM | #29 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
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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/ |
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March 22nd, 2012, 02:26 PM | #30 |
Sexy Beast
Name: Mat
Location: Tampa
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R, 2006 ZX-14, 2012 Ducati Monster Posts: A lot.
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Did you know Adam just traded his 650 in for one of these now we have 2 Harley's in the Cetral Florida Ninjas Group!
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March 22nd, 2012, 04:12 PM | #31 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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No, I didn't know that. Nice, I like it and have been finding all kinds of things I want for it for in the future. One thing I plan to start putting money aside for is a Baker 6-speed overdrive conversion for the bike. That will make highway use more enjoyable and get even better than the 45mpg I'm already getting. But first I plan on getting a detachable windshield and the forward foot controls so I can stretch out a little and have some wind protection.
Cause lemme tell you, everyone on here that has complained about feeling like they are gonna get blown off their ninjette has absolutely no clue what that feeling is really like. Take a naked cruiser with no wind protection what-so-ever and a totally upright seating position down the highway at 80mph and you'll then know what it feels like to have the wind try pushing you off the back of the bike. On the ninjette (especially the new-gens) you are leaning into the wind slightly, have some wind deflection, and really only get hit by the wind from the shoulders up (maybe as low as center chest on some). However, on a cruiser you are upright or even lightly reclined and the wind is hitting you from the waste up full force and also catching on your legs as well. It will wear you out pretty quick.
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March 22nd, 2012, 04:20 PM | #33 |
Sexy Beast
Name: Mat
Location: Tampa
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R, 2006 ZX-14, 2012 Ducati Monster Posts: A lot.
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Eric: yea he ha pics on Facebook. He dd it on the second weekend of bike week.
Mike: that sounds like poop to be honest. I drove the ninjette without a front fairing for one ride and hated it. I couldn't do a naked. Or a cruiser. But definitely not a naked cruiser... |
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March 22nd, 2012, 04:23 PM | #34 | |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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March 26th, 2012, 08:29 PM | #35 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Bill
Location: Orlando
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r - Traded for 2009 ER-6N Posts: 424
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Quote:
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March 27th, 2012, 11:13 AM | #36 | |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Oh no.... trust me, it's 4x worse on a cruiser. I have taken a 650 up to 80mph and barely noticed any wind. Take my cruiser up to 65mph and you already feel 2x the wind as on a 650 at 80+. The 650 still has the wind deflection and seating posture I described for the 250. I highly recommend trying a bare-boned cruiser at 80mph. That will make you really appreciate your 650 and the protection it provides all that much more.
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March 27th, 2012, 11:49 AM | #38 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Joseph
Location: Winter Park, FL
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Black, 2005 ZX-6R Blue Posts: 623
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I am back in town. Any of you guys going to SNS this Thursday?
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March 27th, 2012, 12:13 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
Location: Nashville, TN
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 CBR600rr Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
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I'll be there, but I have class until 2100 (9pm), so I'll get there late. Hopefully you'll still be there, I want to hear about your Europe trip.
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March 27th, 2012, 12:25 PM | #40 |
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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