Inexpensive/free modifications

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 08:16 PM

So I was wondering, what are some inexpensive or free mods we can do to our bikes? I just did a fender chop; free. Made my bike look nicer. What else can I do???

Alex · March 23rd, 2013, 08:22 PM

List Your Mods!!!

Directory of all 250R DIY threads on Ninjette.org

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

So I was wondering, what are some inexpensive or free mods we can do to our bikes? I just did a fender chop; free. Made my bike look nicer. What else can I do???

take the snorkel out of the airbox... makes the bike roar a little louder.
take off the seat, undo the rubber strap ( it unhooks right behind the battery ) grab the snorkel by the two round holes and yank it out. seat back on and fire up the bike

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desrik

take the snorkel out of the airbox... makes the bike roar a little louder.
take off the seat, undo the rubber strap ( it unhooks right behind the battery ) grab the snorkel by the two round holes and yank it out. seat back on and fire up the bike

Oh realllyyyy. Is there any downside to doing this? Does it disrupt the air flow at all?

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

Oh realllyyyy. Is there any downside to doing this? Does it disrupt the air flow at all?

Not on my bike. Check this link out - DIY- Removing the Snorkel

Jiggles · March 23rd, 2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

Oh realllyyyy. Is there any downside to doing this? Does it disrupt the air flow at all?

You will also need to shim the carbs or your bike will run like doodie

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

So I was wondering, what are some inexpensive or free mods we can do to our bikes? I just did a fender chop; free. Made my bike look nicer. What else can I do???

Also, I flipped my mirrors. Take the mirrors off the mounts and swap them. I makes the mirrors look like broken wings. Essentially when you look through your mirrors you see stuff behind you but from under you hands.

Bike isn't green anymore though

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

You will also need to shim the carbs or your bike will run like doodie

yeah i got the #4s... just dont really wanna tear the bike down that far... plus I dont have the special phillips for the carb screws ( i want to shim, clean, and drill the carbs all at once )

even without the shims my bike still runs good

Jiggles · March 23rd, 2013, 08:43 PM

Just know, your bike is running rather lean right now

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Just know, your bike is running rather lean right now

not trying to thread jack but does the tank have to come off to shim the carbs?

Jiggles · March 23rd, 2013, 08:46 PM

Yes

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Yes

well hell... guess thats a good thing... gotta fix my petcock waterfall anyways... only leaks with gas on and bike off

ricomtzjr · March 23rd, 2013, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desrik

not trying to thread jack but does the tank have to come off to shim the carbs?

Yup. You cannot touch the top of the carbs for shims until the tank is off.

ricomtzjr · March 23rd, 2013, 08:53 PM

I reversed the the shifter linkage for a 1-up/2-6 down, GP shifting. You do have to remove the front sprocket cover. The linkage will not clear it.

If the weather is clear tomorrow, I will post pics.

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricomtzjr

I reversed the the shifter linkage for a 1-up/2-6 down, GP shifting. You do have to remove the front sprocket cover. The linkage will not clear it.

If the weather is clear tomorrow, I will post pics.

I did that too, but I didn't have to remove anything. Is that only on NewGen? Mine is PreGen.

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desrik

Not on my bike. Check this link out - DIY- Removing the Snorkel

Took a read! This is exactly the kind of stuff I am looking for. Something to tinker with one my days off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

You will also need to shim the carbs or your bike will run like doodie

Now here is where I am hesitant... I have just now read a few articles about shimming. It is -3C to 1C for every one of my rides so far this year and my bike starts great, doesn't require hardly any choke and warms up fast. I've never had it bog or stall on me either. I think I have one of the rare properly tuned carbs possibly. My bike runs amazing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricomtzjr

I reversed the the shifter linkage for a 1-up/2-6 down, GP shifting. You do have to remove the front sprocket cover. The linkage will not clear it.

If the weather is clear tomorrow, I will post pics.

Ah that sounds cool. Although I've ridden dirtbikes my whole life and I am pre-programmed for the 1 down rest up kind of shifting. I don't think I'd enjoy reversing it. Just me though

Would love to see pics if it's a current gen... after all we are in the 2008-2012 section!

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

Would love to see pics if it's a current gen... after all we are in the 2008-2012 section!

Found this pic in the forums. ( Originally posted by @Thrak )

Guess the sprocket cover mod is only for newgen.

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desrik

Found this pic in the forums. ( Originally posted by @Thrak )

Guess the sprocket cover mod is only for newgen.

Ah awesome, but yeah, don't think that one's for me.

Plus it'd be a pain in the butt when I go to sell down the line.

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

Ah awesome, but yeah, don't think that one's for me.

Plus it'd be a pain in the butt when I go to sell down the line.

yeah... unless you plan on racing its just a personal preference thing

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desrik

take the snorkel out of the airbox... makes the bike roar a little louder.
take off the seat, undo the rubber strap ( it unhooks right behind the battery ) grab the snorkel by the two round holes and yank it out. seat back on and fire up the bike

Also, if I try this and it runs poorly without shimming, will I need to get some kind of glue to put it back in or will it just go in and be ok without the glue?

desrik · March 23rd, 2013, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

Also, if I try this and it runs poorly without shimming, will I need to get some kind of glue to put it back in or will it just go in and be ok without the glue?

should pop right back in but im sure a little glue couldn't hurt

EDIT:: Original DIY states that the snorkel is just press fitted in but does have some glue for waterproofing reasons

ricomtzjr · March 23rd, 2013, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desrik

Found this pic in the forums. ( Originally posted by @Thrak )

Guess the sprocket cover mod is only for newgen.

Yeah, I don't want to have to modify the sprocket cover. I am fine exposed.

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 09:43 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiggles
You will also need to shim the carbs or your bike will run like doodie

Now here is where I am hesitant... I have just now read a few articles about shimming. It is -3C to 1C for every one of my rides so far this year and my bike starts great, doesn't require hardly any choke and warms up fast. I've never had it bog or stall on me either. I think I have one of the rare properly tuned carbs possibly. My bike runs amazing. I do not want to or plan on shimming the carbs. If I have a bike that runs nicely and doesn't show any of the "lean-set" symptoms should I be fine?

Jiggles · March 23rd, 2013, 10:06 PM

Well if u remove the snorkel you'll be adding more air to your engine and upset that perfect balance that you currently have

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Well if u remove the snorkel you'll be adding more air to your engine and upset that perfect balance that you currently have

Shimming the only way to balance things out?

psych0hans · March 23rd, 2013, 10:26 PM

You can install a cbr rear fender on your ninja which is pretty economical.

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psych0hans

You can install a cbr rear fender on your ninja which is pretty economical.

I'm pretty happy with the stock fender. I just did a small chop to get rid of the long bit that sticks down and I'm pleased with how it looks now. Trying to keep it pretty much completely stock. I have a tutorial on exactly how I did it in this section.

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 10:34 PM

I'm just curious if there's any way to help with the air/fuel ratio other than shimming. I'd love to help the exhaust sound a little nicer but an exhaust is out of the question.

Jiggles · March 23rd, 2013, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

I'm just curious if there's any way to help with the air/fuel ratio other than shimming. I'd love to help the exhaust sound a little nicer but an exhaust is out of the question.

You can rejet but its more complicated

Mauchner · March 23rd, 2013, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

You can rejet but its more complicated

Fair enough. Oh well. Scratch the snorkel idea! Thanks for the ideas everyone, any others you could think of?

psych0hans · March 24th, 2013, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

I'm pretty happy with the stock fender. I just did a small chop to get rid of the long bit that sticks down and I'm pleased with how it looks now. Trying to keep it pretty much completely stock. I have a tutorial on exactly how I did it in this section.

When I say rear fender, I mean tire hugger... Keeps your suspension clean.

choneofakind · March 24th, 2013, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

I'm just curious if there's any way to help with the air/fuel ratio other than shimming. I'd love to help the exhaust sound a little nicer but an exhaust is out of the question.

It depends where your fuel delivery is wrong.

The stock main jets are a tad rich, so removing the snorkel helps get those closer to perfect. However, this little bit of extra air means that the already EPA-compliant midrange is now a tad lean. Raising the needles by shimming them out helps deliver a little more fuel during the transition from pilot jet into the main jet, aka during mid-throttle use.

So yes, there's plenty of ways to richen the mixture. But each part of the carb controls mixture at a specific area of the throttle range. so it's important to be able to tell where in that throttle range the bike needs a different amount of fuel.

The main jets control mixture during WOT.
The pilot jets control mixture during very small throttle openings.
The needle height controls mixture during all the transition between those two.
We'll get into float height later if you find that you need to adjust that, but I doubt you'll need to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

You can rejet but its more complicated

Jiggles, changing main jet sizes =/= changing the needle height. Stop confusing the noobs with wrong info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by desrik

take the snorkel out of the airbox... makes the bike roar a little louder.
take off the seat, undo the rubber strap ( it unhooks right behind the battery ) grab the snorkel by the two round holes and yank it out. seat back on and fire up the bike

OP has a newgen. You have a pregen. They're different bikes. The newgen snorkel looks nothing like our intake lid. Besides, you're better to modify the intake lid instead of taking it off because you still need to hold the air filter in place. Add 2 washers to your needles. You'll realize how much you were missing in the mid-range by just taking off the lid.

CC Cowboy · March 24th, 2013, 08:50 AM

Lose some weight. It will make your bike faster.

Motofool · March 24th, 2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

So I was wondering, what are some inexpensive or free mods we can do to our bikes?.......

Synthetic oil.

http://www.bikebandit.com/bikemaster...FQmFnQodUCMA0Q

Extra or flashing brake lights.

Blind spot mirror.

Proper maintenance and service (don't neglect lubrication of cables and control levers).

Mauchner · March 24th, 2013, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psych0hans

When I say rear fender, I mean tire hugger... Keeps your suspension clean.

Ah! That's not really cheap though. I'd love one, my suspensions filthy...

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Lose some weight. It will make your bike faster.

OK! Starting a fast for a few days, let you know how much I drop!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Synthetic oil.

http://www.bikebandit.com/bikemaster...FQmFnQodUCMA0Q

Extra or flashing brake lights.

Blind spot mirror.

Proper maintenance and service (don't neglect lubrication of cables and control levers).

Bikes only on it's 1200th km so synthetic I believe should wait? Till about 3000 or so?

I dislike the mirrors on my bike, don't feel like they stick out enough, maybe a little dome blindspot checker from wal mart will do the trick.

Ya for sure, I should look into maintaining the cables and levers. Didn't think that was something I really had to worry about seeing as the bike is only 1200km's new

CC Cowboy · March 24th, 2013, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

OK! Starting a fast for a few days, let you know how much I drop!

Fast until you're faster.

Motofool · March 24th, 2013, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauchner

.......Bikes only on it's 1200th km so synthetic I believe should wait? Till about 3000 or so?

Second oil change is best.

You did not comment on the foam hand grips (link): they are priceless about reducing vibrations on your hands.

Mauchner · March 24th, 2013, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Fast until you're faster.

lol yup

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Second oil change is best.

You did not comment on the foam hand grips (link): they are priceless about reducing vibrations on your hands.

Foam hand grips? Didn't read anything about foam hand grips? :S

choneofakind · March 24th, 2013, 01:40 PM

Mauchner,

My question is, what are you looking to get out of this bike? I could list some modifications that can be done to a bike for less than $500 that make it a sportier bike, but that doesn't mean much if you're not looking for the same bike I am.

So give us some more info; are you going for a certain look? a more aggressive bike in the twisties? a better bike for touring/commuting? how much do you weigh and what are your thoughts on the bike so far/what feels odd to you? etc etc.

I hope this helps you get the answers you're looking for so you can get the bike you want. Modding a bike is cool, but modding just to mod sounds silly to me.

choneofakind · March 24th, 2013, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desrik

drill the carbs

Oh!!

The newgen takes well to having drilled slides. The pregen does not do as well. I did it, and ended up using epoxy to seal the holes off again. I got a funky lean sputter if I cruised at exactly 6k. The second I changed my throttle input either way, it was perfect again, but it was bad for daily use. I tried all kinds of needle heights thinking that I could adjust for it, but all that did was throw off the needle height for the rest of the throttle openings.

Just my

here. Stick with raising the needles via washers. Don't drill pregen slides. Idk why it doesn't work as well as the newgens, it just doesn't.

March 23rd, 2013, 08:16 PM	#1
Mauchner ninjette.org member Name: Kyle Location: Kelowna Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250 Posts: 115	Inexpensive/free modifications So I was wondering, what are some inexpensive or free mods we can do to our bikes? I just did a fender chop; free. Made my bike look nicer. What else can I do???

March 23rd, 2013, 08:22 PM	#2
Alex 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	List Your Mods!!! Directory of all 250R DIY threads on Ninjette.org __________________________________________________ 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)

March 23rd, 2013, 08:43 PM	#9
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	Just know, your bike is running rather lean right now __________________________________________________ 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

March 23rd, 2013, 08:46 PM	#11
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	Yes __________________________________________________ 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

March 23rd, 2013, 08:53 PM	#14
ricomtzjr Razor's Edge Name: Richard Location: El Paso, San Antonio, Ennis...Texas Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Sportster XL1200C Posts: 196	I reversed the the shifter linkage for a 1-up/2-6 down, GP shifting. You do have to remove the front sprocket cover. The linkage will not clear it. If the weather is clear tomorrow, I will post pics. __________________________________________________

March 23rd, 2013, 09:43 PM	#23
Mauchner ninjette.org member Name: Kyle Location: Kelowna Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250 Posts: 115	Quote: Originally Posted by Jiggles You will also need to shim the carbs or your bike will run like doodie Now here is where I am hesitant... I have just now read a few articles about shimming. It is -3C to 1C for every one of my rides so far this year and my bike starts great, doesn't require hardly any choke and warms up fast. I've never had it bog or stall on me either. I think I have one of the rare properly tuned carbs possibly. My bike runs amazing. I do not want to or plan on shimming the carbs. If I have a bike that runs nicely and doesn't show any of the "lean-set" symptoms should I be fine?

March 23rd, 2013, 10:06 PM	#24
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	Well if u remove the snorkel you'll be adding more air to your engine and upset that perfect balance that you currently have __________________________________________________ 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

March 23rd, 2013, 10:26 PM	#26
psych0hans ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Hansveer Location: Bombay, India Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.	You can install a cbr rear fender on your ninja which is pretty economical. __________________________________________________ GETTING BACK INTO RIDING? Read this.

March 23rd, 2013, 10:34 PM	#28
Mauchner ninjette.org member Name: Kyle Location: Kelowna Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250 Posts: 115	I'm just curious if there's any way to help with the air/fuel ratio other than shimming. I'd love to help the exhaust sound a little nicer but an exhaust is out of the question.

March 24th, 2013, 08:50 AM	#33
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Lose some weight. It will make your bike faster. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

March 24th, 2013, 01:40 PM	#39
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Mauchner, My question is, what are you looking to get out of this bike? I could list some modifications that can be done to a bike for less than $500 that make it a sportier bike, but that doesn't mean much if you're not looking for the same bike I am. So give us some more info; are you going for a certain look? a more aggressive bike in the twisties? a better bike for touring/commuting? how much do you weigh and what are your thoughts on the bike so far/what feels odd to you? etc etc. I hope this helps you get the answers you're looking for so you can get the bike you want. Modding a bike is cool, but modding just to mod sounds silly to me.

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