A sad, sad time of year - Page 2

adouglas · November 3rd, 2013, 04:33 AM

Get the tires off the ground if you possibly can. With the 500 it's easy, since the bike has a center stand... just finagle a way to lift the front. (I had an EX500, which had a center stand... I assume the Ninja 500 still did.)

iplante · November 3rd, 2013, 09:26 AM

I'm hoping to get one more day of riding to fully test my Kerker exhaust. I need to move to California, lol

84blue · November 3rd, 2013, 06:17 PM

I got in my November ride on the ninja today. That's an accomplishment that doesn't always happen in Minnesota. I was just happy that it started. These bikes don't seem to like cold weather.

iplante · November 3rd, 2013, 06:29 PM

blue, I got mine in today too. It was super nice out.

Mine started right up with choke and ran great the whole time.

slickrick · November 3rd, 2013, 06:57 PM

I just got the 300 about three weeks ago so I'm planning to ride until there's a risk of snow or ice. I've started to have to take shorter rides, and it's really depressing. I'll still probably install some mods on her while she's hibernating. Maybe pretend to ride.

Anyway after awhile of riding it feels like I'm gripping a snowball. Are gauntlet leather gloves warm or should I look for another kind of glove? Are heated grips essential? They're pretty tempting at this point.

84blue · November 3rd, 2013, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickrick

I just got the 300 about three weeks ago so I'm planning to ride until there's a risk of snow or ice. I've started to have to take shorter rides, and it's really depressing. I'll still probably install some mods on her while she's hibernating. Maybe pretend to ride.

Anyway after awhile of riding it feels like I'm gripping a snowball. Are gauntlet leather gloves warm or should I look for another kind of glove? Are heated grips essential? They're pretty tempting at this point.

I had heated grips on a BMW and I didn't find them all that useful. If I wore gloves thin enough to feel the heated grips, my hands still got cold. If I wore heavy gloves, I couldnt feel the heat from the grips. Maybe I never found the right combination? YMMV as a lot of people use them.

My suggestion is buy warm gloves and see if they are enough.

kirk595x · November 3rd, 2013, 08:09 PM

Year round for me rain or shine. Gearing up does suck though!

fast1075 · November 4th, 2013, 03:31 AM

"Winter" in Florida only lasts a few days at a time.

I however don't ride in the rain unless I do it by accident.

Over the years, I tried all manner of gloves, heated grips, 20 layers, etc.

I got one word for yah. Gerbing!

Heated vest with a fleece pullover under a rain jacket, heated gloves, and the fancy controller. Yer golden till under 30 degrees.

Many winter days here start out in the 30's, but end up in the 70's or even 80's, so I take a back pack to stow the heated gear after I take it off.

Now, if I could just find a way to keep my glasses from fogging up.

Somchai · November 4th, 2013, 06:01 AM

@adouglas, a good time to change your brake fluid, if you didn't already.
Recall in Germany:
KBA reference: 4407
Manufacturer / Brand: SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE
Sale Name: GSX-R600, GSX-R750, GSX-R1000
Affected module: brake system
Year from: 2004
Manufacturing year to: 2013
Release Date: 25.10.2013
Hotline: Contact the vehicle manufacturer or your dealer
Description: For non-compliance of the brake fluid change intervals can cause the brake fading on the front brake.

Kokosun · November 4th, 2013, 06:46 AM

Luckily, I live in the UK so can ride all year round. The temperature here rarely drops below 60 and it only rains a couple of days a year.

allanoue · November 4th, 2013, 08:03 AM

23 degrees this morning The new touring windscreen and leather suite under ski suite. I think I can ride in high teens in comfort. Go-cruise was a huge help to keep my right hand warmer.
Thanks again Terry

Quote:

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

It's a Go Cruise from Cycle Guys

Yes the whole office is laughing at me when I walk in the door.

Chuffmonkey · November 4th, 2013, 08:49 AM

A friend of an acquaintance here in Utah rides year round - sun, rain, wind, snow, ice. It does help that he has a sidecar rig (Ural) and it has 2 wheel drive. It looks like it's a blast in slippy conditions. I would love to have one myself

adouglas · November 4th, 2013, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somchai

@adouglas, a good time to change your brake fluid, if you didn't already.
Recall in Germany:
KBA reference: 4407
Manufacturer / Brand: SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE
Sale Name: GSX-R600, GSX-R750, GSX-R1000
Affected module: brake system
Year from: 2004
Manufacturing year to: 2013
Release Date: 25.10.2013
Hotline: Contact the vehicle manufacturer or your dealer
Description: For non-compliance of the brake fluid change intervals can cause the brake fading on the front brake.

Roland, there's actually been a major hardware recall on this issue. Suzuki is replacing the master cylinders on 210,000 motorcycles.

Had mine done on Saturday. Perfect timing... the dealership called Friday afternoon to tell me the parts were in. Spent a pleasant hour on Saturday shooting the breeze with the guys at the dealership while they did the work. Had 'em change the oil while they were at it, just to throw them a little paying business. Rode home, put the bike on stands, plugged in the battery tender and threw the cover on. Mission accomplished, ready to go for next year.

Somchai · November 5th, 2013, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

Roland, there's actually been a major hardware recall on this issue. Suzuki is replacing the master cylinders on 210,000 motorcycles.

Had mine done on Saturday. Perfect timing... the dealership called Friday afternoon to tell me the parts were in. Spent a pleasant hour on Saturday shooting the breeze with the guys at the dealership while they did the work. Had 'em change the oil while they were at it, just to throw them a little paying business. Rode home, put the bike on stands, plugged in the battery tender and threw the cover on. Mission accomplished, ready to go for next year.

This is good to hear, especially with a rocket like the Gixxer it's important to have the brakes working well and for you to let the time not getting to long I send a lil bit sun to you

bob706 · November 5th, 2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokosun

Luckily, I live in the UK so can ride all year round. The temperature here rarely drops below 60 and it only rains a couple of days a year.

LMFAO!

csmith12 · November 8th, 2013, 08:55 AM

backinthesaddleagain · November 8th, 2013, 10:26 AM

I won't be riding this winter at all (first time). In fact the bike is going to storage today. A nice blood clot decided to wreak havoc with me last week. At home and resting and doing ok.

Daks · November 15th, 2013, 01:14 PM

I'm bike only.

So winterizing is wind-proof long johns, glove liners, waterproof boots and some overpants. B)

Doing it right this year.

greg737 · November 15th, 2013, 01:43 PM

Winter? Bought myself a project bike, a 1993 Suzuki GSF400 Bandit, hope to have it all up and running by springtime.

The project will consist of: 1. refurbishment of a 20 year old bike and 2. modification with fuel injection.

(I'd been wanting a small-displacement inline-4 engined bike for a long time)

ally99 · November 15th, 2013, 03:58 PM

I'm so glad I never really have to "put my bike away". I still ride occasionally in the winter.

backinthesaddleagain · November 16th, 2013, 02:18 PM

60 degrees today and I can't ride.

Bigballsofpaint · November 16th, 2013, 09:42 PM

Took the 1000 and 250 out today

ChickenRun · November 16th, 2013, 10:31 PM

I don't have any thing other than the ninja so that's what I'll have to ride if it decides to snow here in Orlando

. I do have to deal with the rain though and thats not always fun

Slick_Stevo · November 17th, 2013, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

Now I'm conflicted.

My bike is subject to the massive Suzuki master cylinder recall. I'm on the list at the local dealer.

So... prep and park the bike now, and fire it up to take it to the dealer when the parts arrive?

Or leave it in service and maybe have to let it sit for an extended period if the weather turns bad?

Hmmmm... will probably do the latter.

I have the same issue. Just got my letter in the mail on friday. I'll probably wait until spring to get the work done.

csmith12 · November 17th, 2013, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

I won't be riding this winter at all (first time). In fact the bike is going to storage today. A nice blood clot decided to wreak havoc with me last week. At home and resting and doing ok.

That sucks and I hope it will not have lasting effects for you. I have a family member that has to deal with that. Going to have your blood checked once a month or ever other month totally sucks and gets pricey. And taking meds every day blows. Heck, even getting dental work is made more complicated by blood clots and the risks of getting more.

Good luck good sir.

backinthesaddleagain · November 17th, 2013, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

That sucks and I hope it will not have lasting effects for you. I have a family member that has to deal with that. Going to have your blood checked once a month or ever other month totally sucks and gets pricey. And taking meds every day blows. Heck, even getting dental work is made more complicated by blood clots and the risks of getting more.

Good luck good sir.

Thanks Chris. Don't you know this weekend was over 60 degrees both days!!tough to sit that out

csmith12 · November 26th, 2013, 06:59 PM

84blue · December 1st, 2013, 04:24 PM

I got in my December ride here in Minnesota today. Albeit on my FZ1. It's great to be riding at this time of year! I'm jeleous of all of you that live in the south.

Bigballsofpaint · December 1st, 2013, 06:15 PM

Same, i took both bikes out today for about 10 min each. Hit about 40 degrees today

adouglas · December 1st, 2013, 06:26 PM

My quality time with the bike was spent learning the basics of safety wiring. Did my filter.

Those pliers are pretty cool.

csmith12 · December 1st, 2013, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

Those pliers are pretty cool.

+1 to skeelz

EDIT: Bonus points to whoever can name one of the brands of oil filters who are safety wire friendly.

November 3rd, 2013, 04:33 AM	#41
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	Get the tires off the ground if you possibly can. With the 500 it's easy, since the bike has a center stand... just finagle a way to lift the front. (I had an EX500, which had a center stand... I assume the Ninja 500 still did.) __________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.

November 3rd, 2013, 09:26 AM	#42
iplante I ride like a granny Name: Isabelle Location: Minneapolis Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250R - EX250F Posts: 521 Blog Entries: 1	I'm hoping to get one more day of riding to fully test my Kerker exhaust. I need to move to California, lol __________________________________________________ WANTED for 88-07 Ninja 250: Corbin Gunfighter & Lady seat

November 3rd, 2013, 06:29 PM	#44
iplante I ride like a granny Name: Isabelle Location: Minneapolis Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250R - EX250F Posts: 521 Blog Entries: 1	blue, I got mine in today too. It was super nice out. Mine started right up with choke and ran great the whole time. __________________________________________________ WANTED for 88-07 Ninja 250: Corbin Gunfighter & Lady seat

November 3rd, 2013, 08:09 PM	#47
kirk595x ninjette.org guru Name: Robbie Location: Sacramento Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 03' Ninja 250ex Posts: 333	Year round for me rain or shine. Gearing up does suck though! __________________________________________________ Perform Random Acts of Coolness!!ATGATT

November 4th, 2013, 03:31 AM	#48
fast1075 ninjette.org guru Name: harry Location: Central Florida Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250, 2004 Buell XB12s, Honda 110 Elite Posts: 332	"Winter" in Florida only lasts a few days at a time. I however don't ride in the rain unless I do it by accident. Over the years, I tried all manner of gloves, heated grips, 20 layers, etc. I got one word for yah. Gerbing! Heated vest with a fleece pullover under a rain jacket, heated gloves, and the fancy controller. Yer golden till under 30 degrees. Many winter days here start out in the 30's, but end up in the 70's or even 80's, so I take a back pack to stow the heated gear after I take it off. Now, if I could just find a way to keep my glasses from fogging up. __________________________________________________ "They don't pay me enough to ride this thing!" Kenny Roberts after winning the Indy Mile on the TZ750 powered Grand National bike.

November 3rd, 2013, 06:17 PM	#43
84blue ninjette.org member Name: Royal Location: Faribault, MN Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): '04 FZ1 / '89 EX250 Posts: 10	I got in my November ride on the ninja today. That's an accomplishment that doesn't always happen in Minnesota. I was just happy that it started. These bikes don't seem to like cold weather.

November 3rd, 2013, 06:57 PM	#45
slickrick ninjette.org member Name: Rick Location: Boston Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 13	I just got the 300 about three weeks ago so I'm planning to ride until there's a risk of snow or ice. I've started to have to take shorter rides, and it's really depressing. I'll still probably install some mods on her while she's hibernating. Maybe pretend to ride. Anyway after awhile of riding it feels like I'm gripping a snowball. Are gauntlet leather gloves warm or should I look for another kind of glove? Are heated grips essential? They're pretty tempting at this point.

November 4th, 2013, 06:01 AM	#49
Somchai Freedom for Germany Location: This World Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-FI Posts: A lot.	@adouglas, a good time to change your brake fluid, if you didn't already. Recall in Germany: KBA reference: 4407 Manufacturer / Brand: SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE Sale Name: GSX-R600, GSX-R750, GSX-R1000 Affected module: brake system Year from: 2004 Manufacturing year to: 2013 Release Date: 25.10.2013 Hotline: Contact the vehicle manufacturer or your dealer Description: For non-compliance of the brake fluid change intervals can cause the brake fading on the front brake.

November 4th, 2013, 06:46 AM	#50
Kokosun Are you sure about that? Name: That's "Sir" to you! Location: Chorleywood (Nr. London) Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-F16, Versys KLE650 CAF Posts: 418	Luckily, I live in the UK so can ride all year round. The temperature here rarely drops below 60 and it only rains a couple of days a year.

November 4th, 2013, 08:49 AM	#52
Chuffmonkey ninjette.org member Name: Alex Location: Salt Lake City Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2011 250R SE (sold 5/8/13) Posts: 128	A friend of an acquaintance here in Utah rides year round - sun, rain, wind, snow, ice. It does help that he has a sidecar rig (Ural) and it has 2 wheel drive. It looks like it's a blast in slippy conditions. I would love to have one myself

November 8th, 2013, 08:55 AM	#56
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

November 8th, 2013, 10:26 AM	#57
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	I won't be riding this winter at all (first time). In fact the bike is going to storage today. A nice blood clot decided to wreak havoc with me last week. At home and resting and doing ok.

November 15th, 2013, 01:14 PM	#58
Daks Jersey Devil Name: Daks Location: Austin, TX Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250 Posts: 469	I'm bike only. So winterizing is wind-proof long johns, glove liners, waterproof boots and some overpants. B) Doing it right this year. __________________________________________________ ~Riding like a grandma because I wanna ride as a grandma~
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

November 15th, 2013, 01:43 PM	#59
greg737 - Name: - Location: - Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.	Winter? Bought myself a project bike, a 1993 Suzuki GSF400 Bandit, hope to have it all up and running by springtime. The project will consist of: 1. refurbishment of a 20 year old bike and 2. modification with fuel injection. (I'd been wanting a small-displacement inline-4 engined bike for a long time)

November 15th, 2013, 03:58 PM	#60
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	I'm so glad I never really have to "put my bike away". I still ride occasionally in the winter. __________________________________________________ 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

November 16th, 2013, 02:18 PM	#61
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	60 degrees today and I can't ride.

November 16th, 2013, 09:42 PM	#62
Bigballsofpaint ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jay Location: CT Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.	Took the 1000 and 250 out today

November 16th, 2013, 10:31 PM	#63
ChickenRun ninjette.org member Name: Brandon Location: Orlando, FL Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250r SE (without stupid tribal decals) Posts: 110	I don't have any thing other than the ninja so that's what I'll have to ride if it decides to snow here in Orlando . I do have to deal with the rain though and thats not always fun __________________________________________________ "It sounds like a lawnmower." "Shut up no it doesn't."

November 26th, 2013, 06:59 PM	#67
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
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

December 1st, 2013, 04:24 PM	#68
84blue ninjette.org member Name: Royal Location: Faribault, MN Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): '04 FZ1 / '89 EX250 Posts: 10	I got in my December ride here in Minnesota today. Albeit on my FZ1. It's great to be riding at this time of year! I'm jeleous of all of you that live in the south.

December 1st, 2013, 06:15 PM	#69
Bigballsofpaint ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jay Location: CT Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.	Same, i took both bikes out today for about 10 min each. Hit about 40 degrees today

December 1st, 2013, 06:26 PM	#70
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	My quality time with the bike was spent learning the basics of safety wiring. Did my filter. Those pliers are pretty cool. __________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

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