April 15th, 2014, 10:32 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: Poconos
Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 20
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First 120+ miles on my first motorcycle.. 2009 Ninja 250
Introduction- We'll I bought my Ninja250 back in February. When I went with my buddy to pick it up he had me practice in a parking lot. Did ok just doing circles. It was my first time ever on a bike, never even rose a dirt bike or a manual transmission car.
Monday 4/14. My buddy was planning on coming over later in the afternoon to practice more riding and I said screw it I'm going for it. He's not always to be there. I get my brand new jacket on, gloves, helmet. Probably took 20 min to get out of my driveway because it's a hill. My mom was laughing at me the whole time, but I got out, and was on the road. I live on a quiet street, pretty decent turns. Remembered to look through the turns, never to brake during. Had a hell of a time, but I was in high RPM's and it wouldn't shift. WTF. Get to the end of the road call my buddy up and he explains 1st gear is the other gear you press down on the shift level to go up. (The whole time I thought to shift up you press your foot down). After that I was good. Rode up into town. Probably got it up to 50mph. Stalled out like 5 times at different stop signs and lights, still trying to get used to down shift and braking at the same time. My buddy came over took it to a parking lot, practiced turning, I tried counter steering, but it was hard. I'm going to try the method where you pull on the handlebars instead of push. Put about 30 miles on it the first day. Tuesday 4/15- Snow Wednesday 4/16 - Waited until 12pm it was sunny so the snow melted and the roads were dry. Put on about 10 miles it was cold!!!!!. Went around the mountain. Still having problems finding the friction zone and stalling at intersections and stop lights. Thursday 4/17 - Cold again did the same route still working on the friction zone. Friday 4/18 - Still cold! Met my dad at a restaurant up a windy road. Did good. Lots of turns, just making sure to make judgements before the turn and not during. I think I went the fastest yet on a straight away. Around 55mph. Saturday 4/19- Starting to warm up. Took it for about 40 miles. Really improved on the friction zone, watched videos and took the advice to rock it back and forth at a stop. Sunday - 4/20 - Another nice day. Turn it to the only really Urban downtown area around to get a real life scenario with the stop and taking off. Didn't stall once so I was proud about that. I think I pushed the bike to 65mph today. Still have yet to do highway because I know the highway here is pretty banged up. Summary - I love the Ninja 250, its got pep, its just very comfortable. Im glad I got it. I don't see how I can get bored of this bike. With my job I travel alot. Usually 10 days on the road and 4 days at home so Im sure if I road it everyday that I may get bored of it. My MSF course is scheduled for late May. Last futzed with by ROSS11988; April 21st, 2014 at 06:05 AM. Reason: Edited Post |
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April 15th, 2014, 11:01 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, '15 CRF110F, '13 TT-R50E Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Hi Matt - do you have MSF courses available nearby? There's a banner link at the bottom of this page that can help you find the closest.
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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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April 15th, 2014, 11:34 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: Poconos
Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 20
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Yes I do. They start at the end of the month, with my job I travel throughout the week so it's hard to fit one in, but I am registered for one at the end of next month.
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April 15th, 2014, 11:36 PM | #4 |
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, '15 CRF110F, '13 TT-R50E Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Good news - they are a great way to start this whole thing off correctly. This site is about how much we enjoy our Kawi's, and not about doom & gloom, but you really ought to check this thread out, just posted earlier this month.
__________________________________________________
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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April 15th, 2014, 11:46 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: Poconos
Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 20
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Yeah that was the one thing that did concern me driving. Especially going down a hill and having to turn. There was once instance like this when I was driving. I had to turn had cars behind me. Didn't slow down enough that I felt comfortable to make the turn so I continued going and turned around further up the road.
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April 16th, 2014, 04:56 AM | #6 |
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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Even with the little things, first motorbike rides are always fun. Enjoy your MSF!
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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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April 21st, 2014, 06:06 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: Poconos
Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 20
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Added week of riding.
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April 21st, 2014, 06:19 AM | #8 |
I'm crazy,your excuse is?
Name: Winston
Location: Connecticut
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250 2007 ninja Posts: A lot.
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April 21st, 2014, 08:10 AM | #9 |
King Hamfist
Name: Cameron
Location: NorCal East Bay
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Crf 150R, 2011 Hypermotard 796 Posts: 940
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Quick tip. You can practice finding the friction zone by just letting out the clutch slowly and walking with the bike. Don't apply the gas. Just get to the point where you can move the bike by just letting out the clutch. It will help you get more comfortable and fix the stalling issue.
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