August 17th, 2010, 10:38 PM | #1 |
Qtr Ltr
Name: Jeremy
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 64
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Total newb in Nebraska, lots of questions.
Long post, sorry in advance
No bike or Motorcycle license yet, and I have next to no riding experience. About all I've ever done is practice taking off in the driveway on my dads 1600 Harley, which I hated and felt was way to big and for me to control, I'm about 5'7" #150. Mostly I'm nervous about laying it over, and ruining his bike, as well as not being to heavy to be able to get it off of myself if it did. After reading up about beginner bikes around the web, getting insurance quotes, and sitting on several different bikes, I've decided on a Ninja 250 for my first bike, sort of partial to green right now, though purchase is probably a month or so away. I'm signed up to take the Motorcycle Safety Course in a few weeks, and I've started to get together safety gear. I've gotten most of it at a local dealer that helps with the course, they provide bikes, and Kawasaki lets them use a course at their Nebraska production plant, not sure what they make there, but back on topic. Most of its been based on the dealer's recommendations, what I've gotten so far: Helmet: Exo:1000, It was on sale, and think I got a great deal on it at the local dealer, but I don't really know much about helmets. Thoughts on the Exo? Jacket: Castle Turbine Jacket, I like it because i was a fairly lightweight mesh, with an extra zip in liner. Gloves: Joe Rocket Reactor 2.0 Boots: None of the cycle shops in town seemed to have anything my size. Finally found a pair of Harley-Davidson branded riding boots, but I don't particularly care for them. Any thoughts on what I have so far? Anything you'd recommend returning or exchanging? I think I have all the required gear, but what other safety gear would you recommend, that isn't required? One thing I'm nervous about is every dealer I have been to tells be to go with a bigger bike, and that I can't take it down the Highway. I'd be mostly around town maybe some short 5 mile commutes down the interstate to work, and a longer trip every other month or so. Is the ninjette up to that? Some people I have talked to have made it sound like it'll instantly trash the bike. Thanks, Jeremy |
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August 17th, 2010, 10:48 PM | #2 |
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
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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) |
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August 17th, 2010, 11:48 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Cuong
Location: San Diego
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.
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Welcome Jeremy!
Never listen to dealers (applies to both bikes and cars). They generally work on commission so they're always gonna try to sell a more expensive item. Bigger bikes will costs twice as much as a 250 and insurance rates are insanely higher esp since you're new. Also, learning on a bigger bike is a lot more dangerous. You will want to get your muscle memory down and be smooth with all your movements before moving up. Most people will own more than one bike in their lifetime so just think of it as your learning bike. If you want a little more power, there's the 500r or Suzuki gs500, but both are not eye appealing in my opinion. Read this thread about top speed/highway. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=Highway I ride on the freeway everyday about 85-95 indicated without issues. 250's are more flickable (turn faster), is lighter, and has great mileage. The only advantage bigger bikes have is better acceleration and higher top speed; both things that a new rider won't be able to use/control wisely. I do prefer my bigger bike on the highway, but my 250 is more than capable of handling it. |
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August 17th, 2010, 11:53 PM | #4 |
Humble Observer
Name: Truong
Location: Augusta, Maine
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Yamaha XT250 Posts: 612
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Hello jnninja
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Everything I post is "IN MY HONEST OPINION". Why is "Parking Lot Enduro" not a thing? |
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August 18th, 2010, 03:58 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jae
Location: Charleston, SC
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja EX250r Posts: 16
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Gear for the most part is good, it is better than nothing that is for sure. Here in SC, helmets are optional, but I am not playing with my life. Go with the 250. It is more than capable to handle the driving conditions you have eluded to. HTH.
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August 18th, 2010, 05:54 AM | #6 |
Dude, Where's My Car?
Name: Michelle
Location: Jackson, MI
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R "Passion Red" Posts: 114
Blog Entries: 3
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Hi and welcome! You have picked a GREAT forum to join! I am a new rider too and have had many questions.....everyone here is super helpful and so nice! As for your gear and your bike....
A Ninja 250 is a great bike for any travel. In town, highway, leisure....I have done my research, let me tell you! It also seems to fit your frame too. I think that dealerships will tell you whatever they can to sucker that money outta ya! Now...gear just needs to be well padded and comfortable. As long as you have that...you are GOLDEN! WeLcOmE to NiNjEtTe!!!!!! |
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August 18th, 2010, 06:05 AM | #7 |
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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Welcome to the forum
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August 18th, 2010, 11:52 AM | #8 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Aloha and welcome, Jeremy.
Smart boy looking for a green bike. They are faster than the other colors... you do now that, don't you? Even smarter to be taking the MSF course and gearing up properly. With regards to the helmet, buy one that fits your head shape properly and is comfortable. There are differences between manufactures with regard as to what shape heads they fit better. Want to be even smarter??? Look for a used bike as opposed to buying a brand new one from dealers that want to take as much money from you as possible. The reality is that you will most likely drop your bike within the first year of ownership. Used bikes are cheaper intially, plus they usually have been dropped by the previous owner. Just do your shopping wisely and you'll be able to find a well loved, used bike... even if it might not be green. |
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August 18th, 2010, 12:18 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ken
Location: Indio, CA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 3
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< ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name? |
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August 18th, 2010, 07:14 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: don
Location: Port Elgin NB Canada
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250R Posts: 742
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welcome from the north
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August 18th, 2010, 09:03 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14
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Hello and welcome.
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August 19th, 2010, 10:41 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Joel
Location: silicon valley
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 05' CBR 1000rr, 00' 748, 07' R6, 03' RS50, 03' GPR50, and now 09' EX250 Posts: 14
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Welcome!
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August 20th, 2010, 05:56 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Kim
Location: mundo de ensueño
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.
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Progrip tank pad, blue rim stripes, blue Pazzos, Roaring Toyz lowering kit, Puig DB in dark smoke, Cortech sport tail, super mini tank, and saddlebags, OES swingarm spools and Intuitive frame sliders |
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August 21st, 2010, 04:10 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Lil One
Location: NB Canada
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.
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I'm not small, I'm fun sized |
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