New Rider - long story kinda boring but will take advice :)

AGFE0914 · April 8th, 2013, 03:05 PM

Hello everyone,

Got my motorcycle license by taking the weekend class (which is awesome if you have the right instructors and class mates) last year.

Bought a 2001 Ninja EX250 that week. Got on it and was scared to death!! Learned on a Suzuki DR200SE, so I could plant my short legs on the ground firmly so had a little more confidence.

I'm only 5'2 and without boots I can only tippy toe on my 250. I had 2 jobs last year and bought the bike in late August so didn't get to practice as much as I would have liked.

Just took the refresher course this past weekend (same class without the paperwork) and I'm feeling very confident. I would have taken the experienced rider course with my own bike but it's not around my area until May (BOO!)

I think a lot of my scares were mental. I was nervous because my fiance learned how to ride on a bad ass 750 in just an hour or so and I didn't understand how i could take a class and not get it!

I think I've gained some confidence and realize that once you control the bike and continue to learn about it you can get better. And of course practice practice practice. Just bought a new battery for my baby so can't wait to hit the road this week. I'm really hoping that this month is the month that I can go on the road and be a confident safe rider.

Anyone have suggestions for a new rider?

A

csmith12 · April 8th, 2013, 03:10 PM

Hellz yea, Welcome Anju!

My advice... gear up and ride. Ride as much as you can and do whatever it takes to make you feel confident on the bike, even if that means lowering it. And FYI... nobody learns to ride in a hour, so take your time and have fun with it. Being new is one of the best times on a bike, everything is so fresh and each experience is thrilling.

Enjoy and welcome again!

AGFE0914 · April 8th, 2013, 03:18 PM

Thanks CSmith!

I'm super amped about getting on my bike and on the road!!!!

Ashdawn · April 8th, 2013, 04:41 PM

I am an inch taller than you are I ride a 05 250 thats been lowered 2 inches. I bought it that way and at the time it made me feel more comfortable but now the 2 inches seems like it is too much. My best advice is to just breathe, relax, and ride as often as you can! Also reach out to other riders in your area and join in on some group rides.

allanoue · April 8th, 2013, 05:11 PM

welcome Anju
Do what Chris said

AGFE0914 · April 8th, 2013, 05:16 PM

Thanks AshDawn, I just got boots with a 3 inch wedge so I'm going to try those, mentally I'm feeling way better so I'm going to practice, practice, practice and hopefully come back with a happy happy post

AGFE0914 · April 8th, 2013, 05:17 PM

Thanks Allanoue!

cuz · April 8th, 2013, 05:29 PM

Welcome to the 250 party.

Look ahead.
Look were you want to go.

AGFE0914 · April 8th, 2013, 05:40 PM

Wooooooooop wooooooop!!!!!

Panda · April 8th, 2013, 08:32 PM

If you are still scared or not confident ride in a parking lot until you get comfortable. Make sure you are comfortable braking, turning, and shifting. Take your time, relax, have fun, and don't judge yourself against others. Ride your own ride and enjoy.

KawiKid860 · April 8th, 2013, 11:00 PM

Ugh that was so long and boring! Lol I kid, welcome to the madness. Enough time on two wheels and you won't even notice you aren't quite tall enough for the bike.

Whiskey · April 9th, 2013, 12:09 AM

Height doesn't matter when you're moving. When you are about to stop bring it to a stop on the rear brake, pick a point where you want to put your foot down (clean patch of road) as you stop tip the bars right & put your left foot down. Tipping the bars right will cause the bike to fall to the left

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 07:12 AM

Thanks rPanda, that is the plan for the week. I hope it doesn't rain here.

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 07:13 AM

Thanks KawiKid, I get my battery back today so I am excited to hop on and practice.

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rPanda

If you are still scared or not confident ride in a parking lot until you get comfortable. Make sure you are comfortable braking, turning, and shifting. Take your time, relax, have fun, and don't judge yourself against others. Ride your own ride and enjoy.

Whiskey!!! Thank you for that I am def going to practice this method so I am comfortable stopping. I tend too stop way to early in fear of not stopping in time. When I get in the lot i'm def going to practice this method of stopping.

Thanks so much!

csmith12 · April 9th, 2013, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGFE0914

I tend to stop way to early in fear of not stopping in time.

How often do you here that?

If only more riders had that problem....

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 07:51 AM

But it's a little bad because I don't want to be 15 feet in front of a stop sign and have a car cut me off, I'm getting better in judgement though

daisha · April 9th, 2013, 08:24 AM

Hey! I am a new rider too! Just bought my bike about a week and a half ago. What part of Boston are you from? Its kind of scary riding out here in traffic!

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daisha

Hey! I am a new rider too! Just bought my bike about a week and a half ago. What part of Boston are you from? Its kind of scary riding out here in traffic!

Hi Daisha!

I live on the south shore. So there are some good spots around me.

Have you been on the roads in Boston? What part are you in? Are you riding on the streets?

daisha · April 9th, 2013, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGFE0914

Hi Daisha!

I live on the south shore. So there are some good spots around me.

Have you been on the roads in Boston? What part are you in? Are you riding on the streets?

I live in Norwood and work in West Roxbury. So far I've only been up and down Route 1 between work and down to Foxboro. I haven't ridden around Boston quite yet, I'm waiting to get more comfortable with my skills first!

allanoue · April 9th, 2013, 08:34 AM

Testosterone free practice/riding buddies
Win/Win

aeroblade · April 9th, 2013, 08:40 AM

Well all the good advices have already been given so I'll just get straight to welcoming you

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 08:55 AM

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 08:56 AM

Thanks aeroblade

250rr · April 9th, 2013, 10:34 AM

Welcome, my friend.

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250rr

Welcome, my friend.

Thanks Mark

Motofool · April 9th, 2013, 11:06 AM

Practice away from the dangerous distractions of traffic first.

Please read this article:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ur_motorcycle/

Ev3rL0nG · April 9th, 2013, 11:06 AM

Welcome! Women riding sportbikes are sooo appealing in my opinion.

If you didn't lay the bike down the first day you got it you're already doing better than myself.

Jiggles · April 9th, 2013, 11:10 AM

Hey, 250s are 3x more badass than 750s

Jiggles · April 9th, 2013, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ev3rL0nG

Welcome! Women riding sportbikes are sooo appealing in my opinion.

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Practice away from the dangerous distractions of traffic first.

Please read this article:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ur_motorcycle/

Ooooh Motofool thanks for the article and welcomes!

daisha · April 9th, 2013, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Practice away from the dangerous distractions of traffic first.

Please read this article:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ur_motorcycle/

That entire article makes me so happy I am tall.

Might be more of a challenge to find a comfortable riding position but it makes stopping easier!

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ev3rL0nG

Welcome! Women riding sportbikes are sooo appealing in my opinion.

If you didn't lay the bike down the first day you got it you're already doing better than myself.

Actually I did drop it the first day

that was last year though, this year I'm ready (wishful thinking)

and I agree, I think anyone on a motorcycle (especially a sports bike) is f'n badass

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

wow they actually have emoticons humping feet HA HA!

aeroblade · April 9th, 2013, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGFE0914

and I agree, I think anyone on a motorcycle (especially a sports bike) is f'n badass

I own a 250 so I'm only quarter badass!

allanoue · April 9th, 2013, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGFE0914

Actually I did drop it the first day

that was last year though, this year I'm ready (wishful thinking)

and I agree, I think anyone on a motorcycle (especially a sports bike) is f'n badass

You need to vote in the dropped bike poll

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeroblade

I own a 250 so I'm only quarter badass!

a badass is a badass

AGFE0914 · April 9th, 2013, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanoue

You need to vote in the dropped bike poll

Done!

Motofool · April 9th, 2013, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGFE0914

Ooooh Motofool thanks for the article and welcomes!

You are welcome

KJohnson21 · April 9th, 2013, 08:06 PM

April 8th, 2013, 03:05 PM	#1
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	New Rider - long story kinda boring but will take advice :) Hello everyone, Got my motorcycle license by taking the weekend class (which is awesome if you have the right instructors and class mates) last year. Bought a 2001 Ninja EX250 that week. Got on it and was scared to death!! Learned on a Suzuki DR200SE, so I could plant my short legs on the ground firmly so had a little more confidence. I'm only 5'2 and without boots I can only tippy toe on my 250. I had 2 jobs last year and bought the bike in late August so didn't get to practice as much as I would have liked. Just took the refresher course this past weekend (same class without the paperwork) and I'm feeling very confident. I would have taken the experienced rider course with my own bike but it's not around my area until May (BOO!) I think a lot of my scares were mental. I was nervous because my fiance learned how to ride on a bad ass 750 in just an hour or so and I didn't understand how i could take a class and not get it! I think I've gained some confidence and realize that once you control the bike and continue to learn about it you can get better. And of course practice practice practice. Just bought a new battery for my baby so can't wait to hit the road this week. I'm really hoping that this month is the month that I can go on the road and be a confident safe rider. Anyone have suggestions for a new rider? A

April 8th, 2013, 03:10 PM	#2
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	Hellz yea, Welcome Anju! My advice... gear up and ride. Ride as much as you can and do whatever it takes to make you feel confident on the bike, even if that means lowering it. And FYI... nobody learns to ride in a hour, so take your time and have fun with it. Being new is one of the best times on a bike, everything is so fresh and each experience is thrilling. Enjoy and welcome again! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

April 8th, 2013, 05:29 PM	#8
cuz cuz Name: Israel Location: Houston (me) Galveston Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 ninja 250r Posts: A lot.	Welcome to the 250 party. Look ahead. Look were you want to go. __________________________________________________ THE GOOD LIFE

April 9th, 2013, 11:06 AM	#27
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Practice away from the dangerous distractions of traffic first. Please read this article: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ur_motorcycle/ __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

April 9th, 2013, 11:10 AM	#29
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	Hey, 250s are 3x more badass than 750s __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs

April 8th, 2013, 03:18 PM	#3
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	Thanks CSmith! I'm super amped about getting on my bike and on the road!!!!

April 8th, 2013, 04:41 PM	#4
Ashdawn ninjette.org newbie Name: Ashley Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 250 Posts: 2	I am an inch taller than you are I ride a 05 250 thats been lowered 2 inches. I bought it that way and at the time it made me feel more comfortable but now the 2 inches seems like it is too much. My best advice is to just breathe, relax, and ride as often as you can! Also reach out to other riders in your area and join in on some group rides.

April 8th, 2013, 05:11 PM	#5
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	welcome Anju Do what Chris said

April 8th, 2013, 05:16 PM	#6
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	Thanks AshDawn, I just got boots with a 3 inch wedge so I'm going to try those, mentally I'm feeling way better so I'm going to practice, practice, practice and hopefully come back with a happy happy post

April 8th, 2013, 05:17 PM	#7
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	Thanks Allanoue!

April 8th, 2013, 05:40 PM	#9
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	Wooooooooop wooooooop!!!!!

April 8th, 2013, 08:32 PM	#10
Panda not an actual panda Name: dan Location: philadelphia Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.	If you are still scared or not confident ride in a parking lot until you get comfortable. Make sure you are comfortable braking, turning, and shifting. Take your time, relax, have fun, and don't judge yourself against others. Ride your own ride and enjoy.

April 8th, 2013, 11:00 PM	#11
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	Ugh that was so long and boring! Lol I kid, welcome to the madness. Enough time on two wheels and you won't even notice you aren't quite tall enough for the bike.

April 9th, 2013, 12:09 AM	#12
Whiskey ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Morgan Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Height doesn't matter when you're moving. When you are about to stop bring it to a stop on the rear brake, pick a point where you want to put your foot down (clean patch of road) as you stop tip the bars right & put your left foot down. Tipping the bars right will cause the bike to fall to the left

April 9th, 2013, 07:12 AM	#13
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	Thanks rPanda, that is the plan for the week. I hope it doesn't rain here.

April 9th, 2013, 07:13 AM	#14
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	Thanks KawiKid, I get my battery back today so I am excited to hop on and practice.

April 9th, 2013, 07:51 AM	#17
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	But it's a little bad because I don't want to be 15 feet in front of a stop sign and have a car cut me off, I'm getting better in judgement though

April 9th, 2013, 08:24 AM	#18
daisha ninjette.org member Name: Daisha Location: Redlands, CA Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 06 Ninja 250, 14 FZ-09 Posts: 80	Hey! I am a new rider too! Just bought my bike about a week and a half ago. What part of Boston are you from? Its kind of scary riding out here in traffic!

April 9th, 2013, 08:34 AM	#21
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	Testosterone free practice/riding buddies Win/Win

April 9th, 2013, 08:40 AM	#22
aeroblade Doh! Name: Matt Location: Locating GPS... Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: 286	Well all the good advices have already been given so I'll just get straight to welcoming you

April 9th, 2013, 08:55 AM	#23
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77

April 9th, 2013, 08:56 AM	#24
AGFE0914 ninjette.org member Name: Anju Location: Boston Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 77	Thanks aeroblade

April 9th, 2013, 10:34 AM	#25
250rr ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Mark Location: Portland Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.	Welcome, my friend.

April 9th, 2013, 11:06 AM	#28
Ev3rL0nG ninjette.org member Name: Sean Location: Akron, OH Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250 Posts: 25	Welcome! Women riding sportbikes are sooo appealing in my opinion. If you didn't lay the bike down the first day you got it you're already doing better than myself.

April 9th, 2013, 08:06 PM	#40
KJohnson21 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	__________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

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