New Bike

OGjackafidy · June 8th, 2011, 03:39 PM

I just got my 2009 250 a few weeks ago and i was looking for some advice on modifications. it already has an aftermarket fender eliminator and i was looking for something else to improve it. i dont think im intersted in custom exhaust for now because i like the way the stock muffler sounds but anything else that would make it cooler or better

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 03:41 PM

what did you have in mind? performance, cosmetic or ergonomics?

have you visited the DIY section?

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5586

OGjackafidy · June 8th, 2011, 04:22 PM

performance or cosmetic

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 05:01 PM

when it came to modding my bike, I approached it from fixing what I felt were the weakest points first. That will vary with each person.

What is it that you feel is a weak point on the bike right now? Any? If none, ride it and enjoy it till something develops into a wart.

OGjackafidy · June 8th, 2011, 05:58 PM

everything seems okay on it right now but i have only been riding for a week or so but im sure over time il find things that i want done

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 06:02 PM

enjoy the bike.

I assume you've purchased all your safety gear and taken the MSF course?

wtfh4xx · June 8th, 2011, 06:04 PM

An MSF course and proper gear will make you cooler than hell.
Also, go check out the threads on the 15 and 18 year olds that died yesterday on MC's.

Cazper · June 8th, 2011, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

...Also, go check out the threads on the 15 and 18 year olds that died yesterday on MC's.

That's kinda morbid advice... I understand where you are coming from... but still

Kelly gave you some good sound advice... these bikes really are very capable and pretty sweet right out of the crate. Personalization and some mods that make the bike better for you is what would work best.

That being said I've also done a lot to my bike only because I liked it better and it didn't necessarily serve a true purpose. If everything seems pretty good so far... just ride it and ride it and learn more about it and what you and the machine are capable of!!!

Enjoy and ride safe

OGjackafidy · June 8th, 2011, 06:48 PM

im schelduled to take the msf course this week and i have an armored jacket but i live in missouri and its been in the upper 90s and its humid as hell in missouri so idk how much im going to get to wear it

k-os · June 8th, 2011, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OGjackafidy

im schelduled to take the msf course this week and i have an armored jacket but i live in missouri and its been in the upper 90s and its humid as hell in missouri so idk how much im going to get to wear it

I'd still wear the jacket. Being warm in a jacket for an hour is better than getting skin grafts if you go down.

I wear my leather jacket every time I ride, whether it's 35 F or 95 F.

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OGjackafidy

im schelduled to take the msf course this week and i have an armored jacket but i live in missouri and its been in the upper 90s and its humid as hell in missouri so idk how much im going to get to wear it

summer is the time for vented gear.

you can never have too many jackets, pants and boots.... or helmets, or gloves, or... well, you get the idea.

buy stuff on closeouts... they are normally less than $100 each for some basic protection.

remember, the best/most expensive safety gear is useless, unless you wear it.

OGjackafidy · June 8th, 2011, 07:14 PM

i dont think my jacket is vented but il look into one after i get paid i do have a helmet and gloves though

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 07:20 PM

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...kets_and_pants

wtfh4xx · June 8th, 2011, 07:23 PM

My advice wasnt intended to be morbid but its a sure way to take things seriously.
I looked at all the wrecked threads to set it into my mind what NOT to do and just how serious of an injury you can receive while riding.
I mean look at his picture, I'd hate to see another highschooler die on his new bike.

TylerNinja · June 8th, 2011, 07:46 PM

Its been at 100f to 105f for the pst week in texas. i'd rather sweat in all my gear than never be able to ride again because of one bad decision to not wear gear... gear is cooler and more bada*s. dont let anyone else tell you or make you try to think otherwise...

ninjaknobs · June 8th, 2011, 07:54 PM

Your bike is how my bike used to look.. then the mod bonanza kicked in. Check out my pics in my album and i can tell you what stuff costs and ease of installation.

I wouldn't ride your bike till you graduate the riding course. I took one.. learn alot. After that ride around quiet streets.. practice being smooth with gear changes, braking.. front AND rear brake, turn signals etc etc. I don't care how hot it is i still wear all my gear, leather jacket, gloves, helmet, boots, and leather pants on our weekend blasts through the canyons.

I learned quick to trust the tires on the bike, if your going around a corner a little too fast.. don't nail the brakes but keep leaning the bike over! I've scraped the footpegs numerous times and gear shifter(went from second gear into third) .. after that i installed rear sets so your feet are higher up and further back. Point is your bike is very capable in the corners.. unlike a 800lb harley

wtfh4xx · June 8th, 2011, 08:07 PM

Yeah, I need some rearsets as well.
My feet need to be higher and more to the rear for easier shifting.

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjaknobs

I've scraped the footpegs numerous times and gear shifter(went from second gear into third) .. after that i installed rear sets so your feet are higher up and further back. Point is your bike is very capable in the corners.. unlike a 800lb harley

word of warning... if you have the stock tires, do yourself a favor and change them out for some stickier rubber. Also, when you install rearsets, they allow your feet to clear and enable the bike to lean over more, but the next thing to touch is the kickstand bracket on the left side. There have been crashes on this forum attributed from the kickstand bracket dragging and taking the bike/rider down. Know/learn your bike's cornering angle limitations.

clintalmighty · June 8th, 2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerNinja

Its been at 100f to 105f for the pst week in texas. i'd rather sweat in all my gear than never be able to ride again because of one bad decision to not wear gear... gear is cooler and more bada*s. dont let anyone else tell you or make you try to think otherwise...

+1 for wearing gear in hot and humid Texas. It's honestly not as bad as you'd expect it to be

ninjaknobs · June 8th, 2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

word of warning... if you have the stock tires, do yourself a favor and change them out for some stickier rubber. Also, when you install rearsets, they allow your feet to clear and enable the bike to lean over more, but the next thing to touch is the kickstand bracket on the left side. There have been crashes on this forum attributed from the kickstand bracket dragging and taking the bike/rider down. Know/learn your bike's cornering angle limitations.

totally agree, i dumped the IRC tires after 1,500 miles. They still had plenty miles left on them, but i switched to bridgestone battlax RS bt003, 150/60 rear 120/60 front.. love em

Yes i noticed the kickstand juts out and could be a hazard

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 08:49 PM

cool... just wanted to warn others of the rearset dilemma.

people who race their bikes have taken to grinding the bracket off, but then you're left with no sidestand.

OGjackafidy · June 8th, 2011, 09:07 PM

if you buy a replacement back tire is it as skinny as the stock one is and how much would it cost?

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 09:10 PM

Jack,

concentrate on learning how to ride and control the bike. Once you get the basics down and start pushing it, then consider changing the tires. I would recommend you change both front and rear tires when you do with a matching set.

make sure your present tires are set to the recommended pressures.

OGjackafidy · June 8th, 2011, 09:35 PM

i will. ive just been riding around neighboorhoods and sidestreets for now. im not gonna take it onto any busy roads untill i take the msf course. how often do you usually change your oil on your bike

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 09:38 PM

I changed mine often during break in.

OGjackafidy · June 8th, 2011, 09:51 PM

mine has 1700 miles on it is it still breaking in?

kkim · June 8th, 2011, 10:40 PM

during the first 1000 miles, I changed my oil 4 times.... 53,297, 528 and 1008. I changed it again at 2000 miles.

If you haven't done so yet, I'd recommend it (it was supposed to be changed at 600 miles according to the maintenance schedule). Was it?

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10577

blink · June 9th, 2011, 12:01 PM

Hey have fun, and as for the gear trust me and the rest wear it all the time. Even if it's 110+ if you unzip your jacket halfway at regular road speeds 50+ then it will keep you cool.

Also how much experience do you have? I.e driving a car etc? Now for all the other members; reason I ask is for road experience, if you have been driving a car for years you will have learned to anticipate what other drivers do, to look ahead and so forth! It will not have taught you how to ride a bike, but you all know what I mean =p

Anteraan · June 9th, 2011, 05:11 PM

As far as bike mods, being a relative noob myself (entering my 3rd yr of riding), I have done the following:

Mirror extenders
fender eliminator
double bubble windscreen

Let me preface this by saying that I'm 6'2 and have broad shoulders. I simply couldn't see with the mirrors stock. The Motech extenders are pricy for what you get, but invaluable to me. If I were buying another 250, it would be my first mod, period. In fact, I'd bring them with me to the dealership and put them on before I rode home.
The windscreen (mine is Zero Gravity, Puig's is also fine) stopped my chest from turning into a sail at 50+mph. I didn't like riding the bike at or near highway speeds until this fix came into play. The fender eliminator is purely cosmetic.

In terms of gear, I will echo what Kelly said. You can never have too many jackets, gloves, etc. My favorite piece of gear is a Joe Rocket perforated leather jacket - but it's not the best choice at <70 degrees. Two sets of gloves (one lighter/perforated, and another gauntlet style) is also something to build towards.

Also, ditto on the MSF course. It can save your life, AND it's great fun. I will never forget how much fun the figure-8 drill was.

June 8th, 2011, 03:39 PM	#1
OGjackafidy ninjette.org member Name: Jack Location: columbia MO Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 132	New Bike I just got my 2009 250 a few weeks ago and i was looking for some advice on modifications. it already has an aftermarket fender eliminator and i was looking for something else to improve it. i dont think im intersted in custom exhaust for now because i like the way the stock muffler sounds but anything else that would make it cooler or better __________________________________________________ "The goal in life is to die young at a very old age" " Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul'

June 8th, 2011, 04:22 PM	#3
OGjackafidy ninjette.org member Name: Jack Location: columbia MO Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 132	performance or cosmetic __________________________________________________ "The goal in life is to die young at a very old age" " Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul'

June 8th, 2011, 05:58 PM	#5
OGjackafidy ninjette.org member Name: Jack Location: columbia MO Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 132	everything seems okay on it right now but i have only been riding for a week or so but im sure over time il find things that i want done __________________________________________________ "The goal in life is to die young at a very old age" " Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul'

June 8th, 2011, 06:04 PM	#7
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	An MSF course and proper gear will make you cooler than hell. Also, go check out the threads on the 15 and 18 year olds that died yesterday on MC's. __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

June 8th, 2011, 06:48 PM	#9
OGjackafidy ninjette.org member Name: Jack Location: columbia MO Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 132	im schelduled to take the msf course this week and i have an armored jacket but i live in missouri and its been in the upper 90s and its humid as hell in missouri so idk how much im going to get to wear it __________________________________________________ "The goal in life is to die young at a very old age" " Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul'

June 8th, 2011, 03:41 PM	#2
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	what did you have in mind? performance, cosmetic or ergonomics? have you visited the DIY section? http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5586

June 8th, 2011, 05:01 PM	#4
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	when it came to modding my bike, I approached it from fixing what I felt were the weakest points first. That will vary with each person. What is it that you feel is a weak point on the bike right now? Any? If none, ride it and enjoy it till something develops into a wart.

June 8th, 2011, 06:02 PM	#6
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	enjoy the bike. I assume you've purchased all your safety gear and taken the MSF course?

June 8th, 2011, 07:14 PM	#12
OGjackafidy ninjette.org member Name: Jack Location: columbia MO Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 132	i dont think my jacket is vented but il look into one after i get paid i do have a helmet and gloves though __________________________________________________ "The goal in life is to die young at a very old age" " Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul'

June 8th, 2011, 07:20 PM	#13
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...kets_and_pants

June 8th, 2011, 07:23 PM	#14
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	My advice wasnt intended to be morbid but its a sure way to take things seriously. I looked at all the wrecked threads to set it into my mind what NOT to do and just how serious of an injury you can receive while riding. I mean look at his picture, I'd hate to see another highschooler die on his new bike. __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

June 8th, 2011, 07:46 PM	#15
TylerNinja ninjette.org member Name: Tyler Location: Houston, TX / Fayetteville, AR Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 12	Its been at 100f to 105f for the pst week in texas. i'd rather sweat in all my gear than never be able to ride again because of one bad decision to not wear gear... gear is cooler and more badas. dont let anyone else tell you or make you try to think otherwise... __________________________________________________ 2010 Ninja 250r*

June 8th, 2011, 07:54 PM	#16
ninjaknobs ninjaknobs Name: Lee Location: thousand oaks, california Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 34	nice color choice ;) Your bike is how my bike used to look.. then the mod bonanza kicked in. Check out my pics in my album and i can tell you what stuff costs and ease of installation. I wouldn't ride your bike till you graduate the riding course. I took one.. learn alot. After that ride around quiet streets.. practice being smooth with gear changes, braking.. front AND rear brake, turn signals etc etc. I don't care how hot it is i still wear all my gear, leather jacket, gloves, helmet, boots, and leather pants on our weekend blasts through the canyons. I learned quick to trust the tires on the bike, if your going around a corner a little too fast.. don't nail the brakes but keep leaning the bike over! I've scraped the footpegs numerous times and gear shifter(went from second gear into third) .. after that i installed rear sets so your feet are higher up and further back. Point is your bike is very capable in the corners.. unlike a 800lb harley

June 8th, 2011, 08:07 PM	#17
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	Yeah, I need some rearsets as well. My feet need to be higher and more to the rear for easier shifting. __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

June 8th, 2011, 08:49 PM	#21
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	cool... just wanted to warn others of the rearset dilemma. people who race their bikes have taken to grinding the bracket off, but then you're left with no sidestand.

June 8th, 2011, 09:07 PM	#22
OGjackafidy ninjette.org member Name: Jack Location: columbia MO Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 132	if you buy a replacement back tire is it as skinny as the stock one is and how much would it cost? __________________________________________________ "The goal in life is to die young at a very old age" " Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul'

June 8th, 2011, 09:10 PM	#23
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Jack, concentrate on learning how to ride and control the bike. Once you get the basics down and start pushing it, then consider changing the tires. I would recommend you change both front and rear tires when you do with a matching set. make sure your present tires are set to the recommended pressures.

June 8th, 2011, 09:35 PM	#24
OGjackafidy ninjette.org member Name: Jack Location: columbia MO Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 132	i will. ive just been riding around neighboorhoods and sidestreets for now. im not gonna take it onto any busy roads untill i take the msf course. how often do you usually change your oil on your bike __________________________________________________ "The goal in life is to die young at a very old age" " Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul'

June 8th, 2011, 09:38 PM	#25
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	I changed mine often during break in.

June 8th, 2011, 09:51 PM	#26
OGjackafidy ninjette.org member Name: Jack Location: columbia MO Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 132	mine has 1700 miles on it is it still breaking in? __________________________________________________ "The goal in life is to die young at a very old age" " Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul'

June 8th, 2011, 10:40 PM	#27
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	during the first 1000 miles, I changed my oil 4 times.... 53,297, 528 and 1008. I changed it again at 2000 miles. If you haven't done so yet, I'd recommend it (it was supposed to be changed at 600 miles according to the maintenance schedule). Was it? http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10577

June 9th, 2011, 12:01 PM	#28
blink Always. Name: Alex Location: Calgary, AB Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '05 GSX-R600 Posts: A lot.	Hey have fun, and as for the gear trust me and the rest wear it all the time. Even if it's 110+ if you unzip your jacket halfway at regular road speeds 50+ then it will keep you cool. Also how much experience do you have? I.e driving a car etc? Now for all the other members; reason I ask is for road experience, if you have been driving a car for years you will have learned to anticipate what other drivers do, to look ahead and so forth! It will not have taught you how to ride a bike, but you all know what I mean =p

June 9th, 2011, 05:11 PM	#29
Anteraan ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Indianapolis Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (Blue) Posts: 167	As far as bike mods, being a relative noob myself (entering my 3rd yr of riding), I have done the following: Mirror extenders fender eliminator double bubble windscreen Let me preface this by saying that I'm 6'2 and have broad shoulders. I simply couldn't see with the mirrors stock. The Motech extenders are pricy for what you get, but invaluable to me. If I were buying another 250, it would be my first mod, period. In fact, I'd bring them with me to the dealership and put them on before I rode home. The windscreen (mine is Zero Gravity, Puig's is also fine) stopped my chest from turning into a sail at 50+mph. I didn't like riding the bike at or near highway speeds until this fix came into play. The fender eliminator is purely cosmetic. In terms of gear, I will echo what Kelly said. You can never have too many jackets, gloves, etc. My favorite piece of gear is a Joe Rocket perforated leather jacket - but it's not the best choice at <70 degrees. Two sets of gloves (one lighter/perforated, and another gauntlet style) is also something to build towards. Also, ditto on the MSF course. It can save your life, AND it's great fun. I will never forget how much fun the figure-8 drill was.

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