First time riding my 2010 ninjette!

[wtfh4xx]

Well, after a moderately sized safety thread I went out and purchased all my gear today. I then headed home to meet my brother on his bike for my first ride.
I had already familiarized myself with the controls (with exception of gear pattern, more later on) and got myself all strapped up.
I got on the bike and practiced a few 1st gear clutch engagements in a straight line to get a feel for the clutch.
Then we rolled down my driveway, me first and my brother behind with intent as a cage barrier :P
I pulled out just fine and made it a good 200' nice and slow before trying to go to second. Ooops, silly me didnt know that bikes are 1 down 5 up lol. My bro pulled up and yelled 1 down 5 up with hand signals to accentuate, Ohhhhhh I said in my head, clicked up and along she purred.
We pulled into a nice empty block and made a few turns, my brother watching and giving me notes.
Then we cruised through a nice slow 30mph s turn and back before heading through the backroads to my mothers place to show her the bike and then cruised home.

I have to say it was one of the funnest things ive done in a long LONG time.
My only oopsie moment after the gearing was downshifting before a turn before letting my rpms drop sufficiently and I broke the rear tire loose for a half second, nothing scary just a nice little hey this is whatsup from the bike which I duly noted.

Im looking forward to the next sunny day, BRING IT ON!
Thanks to everyone who helped get me into appropriate safety gear and to those unfortunate souls who have downed and posted their stories. I absorbed every bit of info I could and applied it today, end result getting me home safe and sound!

[kkim]

MSF, yet?

[Too40gawlf]

No joke, take the MSF ASAP before you start riding on the street regularly. At this point, its the single most important thing you can do to make yourself a better/safer rider.

[Vegedurden]

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

No joke, take the MSF ASAP before you start riding on the street regularly. At this point, its the single most important thing you can do to make yourself a better/safer rider.

Agreed.

On a lighter note: i did the same with downshifting, locked the rear wheel for a second...

Hope you keep on enjoying the bike

Ride safe!
Vegedurden

[Mizono]

As previously stated MSF course ASAP!!!!

But congrats. it is one of the best feelings to be out on your bike. All i can say is take your time and ride safe and NOT over your skill limit. No one will laugh at you for going slower or NOT going on the super twisty road yet.

[RedCromwell]

Congrats! Sounds like your first ride on your bike went smoother than mine.

Took me awhile to get used to the friction zone on the Ninjette and with how cold blooded it is she'd stall on me quite frequently trying to take off in first. (I did most of my riding at night when it was cooler and traffic was light my first two weeks.)

[alex.s]

Seriously. take the MSF BRC.

but yeah, congrats. hope you have many, many years of enjoyment from it.

[coondog]

glad you downshifted before not during corner. if your heart wasn't in your mouth it wasn't as bad as it can be, even on a straight. get to know your gears through your tach (and speed) before you stall out or go over the handlebars. welcome aboard, peace out.

[Lockshi3]

Definitely register for the MSF. You learn so much and it's really fun. I definitely wouldn't have loved riding as much as I do without the course.

[wtfh4xx]

Forgot to mention im signed up for the MSF already

Still super fun although i noticed that with the slip on the bike seems to be running a bit lean, popping the exhaust a bit instead of a smooth tone and ill notice small drop offs in power if holding at a steady throttle.
Will the washer mod for shimming needles fix this for me?

[kkim]

yes, shim the needles, but for the popping, you will need to remove the Kleen system.

check the DIY thread in the new gen tech section.

[wtfh4xx]

Originally Posted by kkim

yes, shim the needles, but for the popping, you will need to remove the Kleen system.

check the DIY thread in the new gen tech section.

Thanks kim your a big help around here.
I have read of the Kleen air block causing engine sludge, word on if this is true or not?

Dont want to hurt my baby.

[kkim]

where are you reading that? surely not here.

[n4mwd]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Forgot to mention im signed up for the MSF already

Glad to hear it. Not sure about CA, but in FL the MSF course is mandatory. That is, No MSF = No driver's license endorsement. They cover all the basic safety and how to ride stuff. The swerving and countersteering stuff can save your life some day.

But to pass the course, you'll need to be able to beat the U-turn box.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Don't forget to turn your head.

[Mizono]

Originally Posted by n4mwd

Glad to hear it. Not sure about CA, but in FL the MSF course is mandatory. That is, No MSF = No driver's license endorsement. They cover all the basic safety and how to ride stuff. The swerving and countersteering stuff can save your life some day.

But to pass the course, you'll need to be able to beat the U-turn box.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Don't forget to turn your head.

Ahhh the U Turn Box that little B****

If you practice anything practice THAT. It is the hardest part of the test. The rest are fairly easy that one just SUCKS!!!!!!

[wtfh4xx]

Originally Posted by kkim

where are you reading that? surely not here.

Yes, I read it here with a large quote on exactly why it promotes it.
Because the kleen air system supposedly sends unburned oil to be reburned resulting in the popping. When its blocked this cant be performed.
At least thats what I believe it was saying. Im also in california where its illegal to mess with emissions equipment. :\

That U turn box looks like a bugger.

[kkim]

please post a link to the source.

[wtfh4xx]

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...+engine+sludge

second post from the bottom.

WARNING: Removing or disconnecting the clean air system in an attempt to improve engine performance, gains nothingand is illegal. EPA rules prohibit tampering with any emission control device. Disabling or disconnecting the clean air system can also allow moisture to accumulate in the crankcase, which will reduce oil life and promote the formation of engine-damaging sludge.

[rockNroll]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Yes, I read it here with a large quote on exactly why it promotes it.
Because the kleen air system supposedly sends unburned oil to be reburned resulting in the popping. When its blocked this cant be performed.
At least thats what I believe it was saying. Im also in california where its illegal to mess with emissions equipment. :\

That U turn box looks like a bugger.

its not legal to mess with the emissions/exhaust in the USA, not just California.

[wtfh4xx]

Originally Posted by rockNroll

its not legal to mess with the emissions/exhaust in the USA, not just California.

gotcha, I was more concerned with sludging up my engine.
Waiting on a reply from kkim.

Im going out to the garage today to shim my needles and remove kleen air if he says its safe to do so. My bike shouldnt sound like my WRX.
BRAHWBopwoppowbop bubble bubble...

[kkim]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...+engine+sludge

second post from the bottom.

then heaven forbid... don't do it.

believe who/what you want, but what he explains is how the Kleen air system is designed, which I agree in part with. He is completely wrong with regards to the sludge and function of the vacuum operated switch and the removal of the system. Ask yourself... if he's right, how have the decades of bikes before the Kleen system was installed, functioned without catastrophic failure?

yes, tampering with ANY part of the emissions controls is illegal, which includes any changes to the carbs, airbox and exhaust system... including even adding a slipon.

if you want to adhere to the exact letter of the law, leave your bike entirely stock and enjoy it.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Im going out to the garage today to shim my needles and remove kleen air if he says its safe to do so.

do you have and aftermarket full exhaust or slipon? if not, removing the Kleen system gains you nothing.

[wtfh4xx]

Yes, I have a Yoshi slipon.
Im gonna shim the needles with 2 washers and do the kleen air remove today.
If its a tad rich ill then remove the snorkel.

[rockNroll]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Yes, I have a Yoshi slipon.
Im gonna shim the needles with 2 washers and do the kleen air remove today.
If its a tad rich ill then remove the snorkel.

Sounds like a plan

[kkim]

remove the snorkel and shim w/ 3 washers. why the doubt on removing the snorkel?

[wtfh4xx]

Dunno, I just enjoy my bike how it is and would rather save some MPG's rather than try to squeeze .4 HP out of my bike. :P

[kkim]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Dunno, I just enjoy my bike how it is and would rather save some MPG's rather than try to squeeze .4 HP out of my bike. :P

then leave it completely stock. make up your mind then stick to a plan.

[wtfh4xx]

Because its not ok to fix my lean condition from the yoshi slip on? lol
Ive read your posts and know how you feel about modding your bike, however mine is 3 days old in my hands and Im nowhere near needing to squeeze max power out of the bike.
Its not really proper to to tell someone that if their gonna mod they need to go all out or not at all.
I mod all my vehicles myself and this is what I feel is right for my bike and myself at this time.

Like I said before, if the bikes a tad too rich with 2 shims I feel the snorkel removal would be appropriate.

[kkim]

okay... you know better. gl

[wtfh4xx]

Kkim, I respect your knowledge of these bikes and your contributions to this forum.
It just feels like your previous post is telling me I shouldnt play with the other kids unless I'm doing everything they are.
No bad feelings your way

[Xceler8]

Originally Posted by Mizono

Ahhh the U Turn Box that little B****

If you practice anything practice THAT. It is the hardest part of the test. The rest are fairly easy that one just SUCKS!!!!!!

I passed the test, but I still have trouble with the figure 8 turns. I can make a regular u-turn fine, but not a double u-turn. Luckily, there will almost never be a reason for me to pull off a figure 8 turn in real life riding situations.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Kkim, I respect your knowledge of these bikes and your contributions to this forum.
It just feels like your previous post is telling me I shouldnt play with the other kids unless I'm doing everything they are.
No bad feelings your way

no, sir... just trying to prevent you from having to reshim a multiple number of times. I already know you are going to want the most from the bike w/o spending the most money you can, so my advice to someone who has a slipon (which shows me they want something more from their 3 day old bike) is to configure the hardware first, then jet accordingly. from my experience with these bikes, that means... remove snorkel, insert a high flow air filter element into the airbox, add slipon and shim carbs w/ 3 shims on each needle. remove Kleen system when the popping occurs after slipon installation.

[Reddoak]

Originally Posted by Xceler8

I passed the test, but I still have trouble with the figure 8 turns. I can make a regular u-turn fine, but not a double u-turn. Luckily, there will almost never be a reason for me to pull off a figure 8 turn in real life riding situations.

Nonsense, you just need to think about real world applications of the things you learn and practice at the MSF course. Some are easy, such as the brake and turn drill. Some require a bit more imagination. For the box maneuver, consider the following scenario:

You are riding down the road, and pass an attractive midget hooker (don't ask, OK.) You perform a u-turn to get a second look. Upon closer examination, you realize that it is fact a male midget hooker (not that there's any thing wrong with that) so you make another u-turn and continue on. See, real world use!

Go get some cones and practice, just in case, OK?

[Reddoak]

Originally Posted by kkim

no, sir... just trying to prevent you from having to reshim a multiple number of times. I already know you are going to want the most from the bike w/o spending the most money you can, so my advice to someone who has a slipon (which shows me they want something more from their 3 day old bike) is to configure the hardware first, then jet accordingly. from my experience with these bikes, that means... remove snorkel, insert a high flow air filter element into the airbox, add slipon and shim carbs w/ 3 shims on each needle. remove Kleen system when the popping occurs after slipon installation.

I removed the snorkle on mine because I liked the snorty noise... Power, meh. But yeah, shimming the needles isn't hard, but you don't want to do it any more than you have to. I never did remove the KLEEN system on mine, I liked the popping noise I got.

It all comes down to personal taste. But I've got to tell you, I got mine running well, and set up the way I wanted it. Then I left it alone for 1 1/2 years other than maintenance. I'd rather ride it than keep screwing with it, and I think this is what Kelly is suggesting. Get it done the first time, then enjoy it. Most people wind up doing what Kelly suggested, so I think he's suggesting it to save a few steps, that's all. Even then, every bike is different. Mine ran OK stock, and ran very well with 2 washers. There's always some variation.

Odds are (and here comes some heresy here) you can just leave it the way it is, and you'll enjoy it fine! How do you know it's running lean or rich? Are you checking the plugs for evidence, running a wideband O2 sensor, or just guessing?

Good luck, enjoy it!

[rockNroll]

Originally Posted by Reddoak

You are riding down the road, and pass an attractive midget hooker (don't ask, OK.) You perform a u-turn to get a second look. Upon closer examination, you realize that it is fact a male midget hooker (not that there's any thing wrong with that) so you make another u-turn and continue on. See, real world use!

Go get some cones and practice, just in case, OK?

Wait!

[wtfh4xx]

Originally Posted by kkim

no, sir... just trying to prevent you from having to reshim a multiple number of times. I already know you are going to want the most from the bike w/o spending the most money you can, so my advice to someone who has a slipon (which shows me they want something more from their 3 day old bike) is to configure the hardware first, then jet accordingly. from my experience with these bikes, that means... remove snorkel, insert a high flow air filter element into the airbox, add slipon and shim carbs w/ 3 shims on each needle. remove Kleen system when the popping occurs after slipon installation.

It came with the slip on (I made sure i got the stock one as well)
I have heard from some around the forums that the stock air filter works as well as the K&N does and doesnt require as much maint. is this true?

I just feel 3 shims is gonna kill my mpg
Thats why i was hesitant to remove snorkel and then need a 3rd shim.
Today it started right up with no choke, but i rolled throttle to test it and it died. In conjunction with the issues i felt yesterday i definitely feel that it needs shimming, just debating between 2 or 3.

[wtfh4xx]

Originally Posted by Reddoak

Odds are (and here comes some heresy here) you can just leave it the way it is, and you'll enjoy it fine! How do you know it's running lean or rich? Are you checking the plugs for evidence, running a wideband O2 sensor, or just guessing?

Good luck, enjoy it!

Im calculating that its a lean condition due to the yoshi slip on exhaust and the symptoms ive noticed. Need choke after start on cold days, slight drop offs in power on steady throttle during colder days (more o2 less fuel), and sometimes popping form the exhaust is an indicator of lean mixture as well although likely the kleen air in my case.

And thanks!

[rockNroll]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

It came with the slip on (I made sure i got the stock one as well)
I have heard from some around the forums that the stock air filter works as well as the K&N does and doesnt require as much maint. is this true?

I just feel 3 shims is gonna kill my mpg
Thats why i was hesitant to remove snorkel and then need a 3rd shim.
Today it started right up with no choke, but i rolled throttle to test it and it died. In conjunction with the issues i felt yesterday i definitely feel that it needs shimming, just debating between 2 or 3.

Stay with the stock filter. It cleans and oils easier and cheaper than K&N filters and it is foam, which is gonna filter better than a gauze K&N.

Don't get too concerned with the 2 vs 3 washers. Try one way and then the other and then decide. Once you've done it, its much easier the second time. Its not a major job and this type of wrenching (meaning this isn't repairing something that broke) is fun I run the stock exhaust, no snorkel and two washers.

[wtfh4xx]

Originally Posted by rockNroll

Stay with the stock filter. It cleans and oils easier and cheaper than K&N filters and it is foam, which is gonna filter better than a gauze K&N.

Don't get too concerned with the 2 vs 3 washers. Try one way and then the other and then decide. Once you've done it, its much easier the second time. Its not a major job and this type of wrenching (meaning this isn't repairing something that broke) is fun I run the stock exhaust, no snorkel and two washers.

Cool, sounds like 2 washers will be perfect as I have a slip on only.
Ill give it a go and then adjust if it needs

perhaps you wouldnt mind sharing your current MPG?

[rockNroll]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Cool, sounds like 2 washers will be perfect as I have a slip on only.
Ill give it a go and then adjust if it needs

perhaps you wouldnt mind sharing your current MPG?

No clue. I've never bothered to figure out the mpg of a motorcycle.