Newbie here in NJ!

[cadd]

I guess it's time to introduce myself with my 100th post. I originally joined this board due to the amount of resources for these Ninjettes. I was mainly browsing, searching for answers. Didn't really intend to stick around.

But here I am! Let me tell you.....some of the guys here are EXTREMELY resourceful. Special shout out goes to @DaBlue1 for assisting in troubleshooting my Horrible gas mileage thread. You sir, are an incredible patient gentleman.

So.....here's my story:

I purchased the 250 after a 10 year riding hiatus. Why a little 250? Many reasons; however, the top three are: low maintenance costs (reliability record), excellent fuel economy (which isn't working out for me with my particular bike) and low insurance premiums.

My story starts in New York, NY.

My first bike (10 yrs ago) was a late 90s 900cc Honda Fireblade. Retarded decision. Rode it for 2 months and sold it back to the previous owner (my buddy). It's just not a good bike to ride in NYC. Never left 2nd gear. Hit a pothole and accidentally twist my right wrist and the front wheel was off the ground for a moment. Almost shat in my pants.

My 2nd bike (the following year) was a 600cc F4. Also not that great for NYC riding. It kept getting close to overheating because I was moving along from stop light to stop light in Manhattan traffic. Sold it back to the previous owner (another buddy) after the summer. My plan was to get a smallish standard (naked) bike the following season.

The following season, I took the MSF course (should've done this BEFORE getting the Fireblade)....after completing the MSF course, life happened. No time to ride.

Fast forward 10yrs:

Moved out of the city and into NJ. Drivers are much less aggressive. Roads are much nicer than the potholed roads of NYC.

I wanted to start riding again.....and here I am with the 250. From my very limited riding experience, it is by far the most fun out of the three. It's so much more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. It's so much more involving and technical. With the big bikes, the torque is there, so it doesn't matter what gear I was in, I'll just twist the throttle and go.

With the 250, it gets more technical and you HAVE to get everything right. (example would be bogging down the motor and the bike will gently remind you that your technique is a bit off).

Do I miss the power of the big bikes? Yes!!! Absolutely!!! Especially when I'm entering a long (and straight) on-ramp to the interstate. I want to hit the speed limit as soon as possible so I'll have a much easier time to merge.

Would I give up the light weight and easy to ride characteristics of the 250 for that power? Hell no!!!! I love the fact that the 250 is so forgiving compared to the bigger bikes.

I decided that it's time to get serious about riding. I want to learn as much as possible.....the technicalities/mechanics of riding, the wrenching aspect of ownership, and above all, defensive riding (always have an escape route ready at any given time). It becomes a game for me when I'm riding in traffic. I'm trying to outsmart all other road users by having an escape route planned each and every moment on the road.

I've already read Twist2 (Keith Code), Total Control (Lee Parks) and Proficient Motorcycling (David Hough) along with a few other books. But these three stood out to me as the most comprehensive.

Anyways, I'm going off a tangent here. I'm really glad I'm riding again. And I'm even more glad that I'm REALLY learning how to ride this time around. And I'm really glad I chose the Ninja 250 as my training partner. I just wished my particular bike could get better gas mileage

[cuong-nutz]

So is Cadd your real name? Either way I am glad you found us and test our pool of knowledge regarding this mysterious gas.

Nick Ienatsch's book is a good read too.

Go flog your bike long and hard and maybe it will fix itself.

[misfitsailor]

Glad you are enjoying the site!

[EternalNewb]

Glad you found us, Cadd! Here's a late welcome. Thanks for the informative introduction post. From what you said, it sounds like you're someone I'd like riding with if I ever get to the east coast and rent a motorcycle.

[csmith12]

Welcome!

You look very happy on your cbr.

[KJohnson21]

[cadd]

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

So is Cadd your real name? Either way I am glad you found us and test our pool of knowledge regarding this mysterious gas.

Nick Ienatsch's book is a good read too.

Cadd is a nickname my friends made up for me in grade school. Thx for the book recommendation! I'll be sure to check it out.

Originally Posted by EternalNewb

From what you said, it sounds like you're someone I'd like riding with if I ever get to the east coast and rent a motorcycle.

Thx! If you're ever in NJ, let's go!

Originally Posted by csmith12

Welcome!

You look very happy on your cbr.

Was it the smile that gave it away?

[Gaorilla]

I'm from NYC as well, Brooklyn to be specific. Took the MSF course and the day after I took the waiver card to the DMV. I'vetaken the bike over the highway in the ffirst day riding and nearly got hit too. To all the new riders, you really gotta be careful!

[Snake]

Hello and welcome.

[crazymadbastard]

Welcome!