December 21st, 2013, 11:07 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mitchell
Location: las vegas NV
Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 114
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The beginning and end of my riding career
First post
Let's see I'll start from the beginning All my life I've loved motorcycles, as a kid I would put soda cans on my bicycle tires and pretend I was on a motorcycle. I just turned 21 this past June and this past September I finally bought a ninja 250. Found one on Craigslist for $1,800 08 250 with 2,700 miles on it had a few cosmetic damages broken mirror, foot peg, and some faring damage. Apparently someone came to see it before me took it for a test ride and laid it down turning back into the owners driveway. Before selling it to me he just had a full tune up done because it sat for a while before that. I had a friend who rides bring it home for me. I found all the parts on ebay and Craigslist really cheap and fixed it up. At first I bought the bike for the low cost and great gas mileage but I was instantly hooked. I learned how to ride very quickly with no prior experience 2 days after getting on it for the first time some friends and I took a little trip to Red Rock Canyon I live in Las Vegas by the way. I was riding everywhere even when we had a cold spell and the temps were in the 20's which is very rare for Vegas. I rode a lot with experienced friends who taught me everything, and I did tons of research on riding safety. I was doing great up-until this past Thursday night I was going home from the Palms hotel some friends and I got a suite for free and was planning a party that night. I was going home to change and pack up for the night. It was about 8 at night my house is only about 7 miles away but it's a very high traffic area with a lot of bad Vegas drivers. I'm riding home doing about 50 MPH in the center lane on Flamingo a 3 lane road good distance from the car in front of me. When I see traffic up ahead has suddenly stopped, I notice the right lane is clear. I signal, look and merge into the right when suddenly the guy in front of me has the same idea but he quickly signals for a second and swerves into the right lane. I brake hard to avoid hitting him locking up my brakes losing control and falling. I hit the ground on my left side and my bike continues to slide about 80 to 100 feet. I broke my left ankle in 3 places, sprained right wrist, and some mild road rash that went thru my gloves, pants, and leather jacket. My bike was towed to an impound lot about 15 miles away and now just for being there for 2 days it cost $400 to get out. The left side has bad cosmetic damage but appears to be running fine. I also got a ticket for care less driving and speeding the cop that came to the hospital to serve me the tickets said based on where I was and where the bike was I had to be going about 70 MPH. I find that hard to believe I was behind the same car in the center lane for a while how could I be doing that if I was doing 70. I don't know how good my chances are but I will definitely try to fight it. My family and friends all love my bike as much as I do but they are telling me to sell it. I hate to admit it but I think this is the wrong city for it, to many horrible careless drivers for such a small city. |
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December 21st, 2013, 11:21 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
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Sounds like user error.
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December 21st, 2013, 11:46 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
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/moved to crash area
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December 22nd, 2013, 12:30 AM | #4 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
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MSF course???
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December 22nd, 2013, 12:40 AM | #5 |
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Don't give up. Fight the ticket. Take care of your ankle and move on. Maybe don't ride at night as much. Take the MSF course. Read David Huffs book ." Proficient cycling" . I don't think the crash was your fault. But you could have avoided it. Good luck.
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Top speed 123.369mph. Ohio mile Worlds fastest 250 ninja |
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December 22nd, 2013, 02:19 AM | #6 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mitchell
Location: las vegas NV
Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 114
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Quote:
I was planning to take the advanced MSF course soon. Yea I do more night riding than day riding vegas is more of a night city. I know the more I think about it I should of predicted what that car was most likely to do like I normally do. |
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 22nd, 2013, 02:20 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mitchell
Location: las vegas NV
Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 114
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December 22nd, 2013, 06:19 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
Location: Iowa City
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The MSF course is good. But study riding from books and other riding classes. Lee Parks is a good next step.
Riding at night is lots of fun. I also rode mostly at night. There are just different rules. That's all.
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Top speed 123.369mph. Ohio mile Worlds fastest 250 ninja |
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December 22nd, 2013, 06:19 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
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Don't give up...
I personally crashed my 250 twice, and my new Fz6r is now gone due to being hit from behind in Nov. I thought about giving it up, after the fz was totaled while I was on it. I quickly decided I like riding and lookin into getting another bike now. Get back on and keep more space...it's my plan |
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December 22nd, 2013, 07:25 AM | #10 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
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Rotten luck man and impounding always blows.
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December 22nd, 2013, 07:53 AM | #11 | |
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
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Quote:
I hope you decide staying with us and with motorcycling. An error becomes one only if you choose not learning from it. Right now you have your passion and your fear on each end of a balance. Passion comes naturally from the heart and fear is a demon that our mind creates. We only fear what we don't know and understand. Learning is the best way you have for making that balance tip toward your passion. With better preparation, regarding knowledge, practice and skills, you could have avoided this catastrophe easily and completely. This time you framed yourself for a crash a few seconds before things that could go wrong happened. You can learn how not to repeat that riding mistake and that will always be a better alternative to quitting what you have loved since a kid. Post #5 and #8 above are priceless; please read them again.
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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 |
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December 22nd, 2013, 08:45 AM | #12 |
ᗧ•••ᗣ•ᗣᗣ•••ᗣ
Name: Nick
Location: NY
Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R and 2014 Triumph 675R Posts: A lot.
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Welcome
Any one who doesn't ride bike will tell you to put it away/sell it if anything ever happens no matter if its something small or large. If you have the passion to still ride do it. Most every lawyer will tell you to always fight any traffic violation. As long as you can hold your self up straight in the court room you are fine, most cops use the idea of being worried to bully your statements around and make you confess. Just have confidence. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 22nd, 2013, 08:51 AM | #13 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 4
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Crashes happen and result in bruises, even if to just the ego. Sorry you were hurt physically too. Sounds like it was quite a challenging amount of traffic for someone who has just started riding. In education, we call it scaffolding...you want to learn to ride first in an empty parking lot, then on rural or uncrowded roads, and build up to high traffic situations. This will help you build up the knowledge and experience you need to know yourself as a rider, your bike, and then you can start factoring in busier roads.
If you decide to ride again (which I would highly suggest!), take the MSF class FIRST, then take baby steps to build yourself up to riding crowded areas like the Las Vegas strip.
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Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson |
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December 22nd, 2013, 10:00 AM | #14 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
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Quote:
You never finished the 10,000 mile newbie requirement. What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas. There is a 100 word limit ( to my reading of posts).
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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December 22nd, 2013, 10:18 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brian
Location: Cal
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Yes, please. Posts: 121
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I had the same philosophy when I started riding streetbikes:
"1 crash limit." As soon as I crashed, my riding days would be over. That was in 1985, and I still haven't hit the limit! |
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December 22nd, 2013, 10:32 AM | #16 |
Motorcycle Hypermiler
Name: Vic
Location: Livermore CA
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.
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Bummer... Sorry to hear about your crash and injury. I hope you heal up quickly and with no lasting impairments. Lots of great advice here on how you can learn and improve from this experience. If you have a passion for motorcycling you shouldn't give it up but that is something only you can decide.
I personally avoid night riding as much as possible. It's harder for the rider to see potential hazards and for drivers to see the motorcyclist. Also the night time brings out all the worst drivers( drunks, crooks, deadbeats, etc.). Fortunately you don't have too many of those in Vegas.
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235 MPG Hypermotorcycling to a better tomorrow |
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December 22nd, 2013, 10:42 AM | #17 |
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Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.
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Speed differential is such a common cause of crashes.
Any time you are going faster than the traffic around you the potential for a crash goes up, way up. Unfortunately, a lot of riders seem to believe that going faster than the traffic around them is the primary purpose of a motorcycle. Go on Youtube and watch a few of the motorcycle crash compilations that are so common. If you're paying attention to it you'll quickly notice that speed differential plays a part in many of the crashes. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 22nd, 2013, 10:52 AM | #18 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
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you will be able to get off the ticket easily in court. the cop gave you a ticket based on assumptions and ideas, and him thinking he's a big smart guy and gonna do some CSI vegas ****, no actual evidence. your best bet is trial by declaration. spend a lot of time and be detailed.
you may have given up riding for some reason (i guess the broken ankle?), but i'd like to point out the lessons for the other people who haven't given up lessons: 1) should have taken msf where they teach you proper ways for braking and emergency swerving 2) should have practiced those things to the point they became natural (esp emergency braking- knowing how quickly you can brake is a very important thing you need to know. it determines if braking is correct or if you simply need to change direction a bit) 3) should have WORN GEAR, like protective boots to prevent shattering your ankle from a little crash at 50mph. sorry about your off, these things happen. you shouldn't give up riding just because you had an accident though. do what you enjoy and make your own decisions in life though.
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December 22nd, 2013, 10:53 AM | #19 | |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
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Quote:
speed differential -> WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO GET IN FRONT OF YOU is dangerous speed differential where people cannot get in front of you, not an issue. let me guess, you'll say people can get in front of you at any time when lane splitting, right? ignorance.
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December 22nd, 2013, 10:55 AM | #20 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
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That sucks... Hope ya get your ankle healed up, an your bike back soon. :whattheysay:
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December 22nd, 2013, 10:57 AM | #21 | |
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Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 22nd, 2013, 11:00 AM | #22 |
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Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.
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Okay then, let me ask you a question... Why did you feel it was so vitally important to "beat me to the punch" on this particular item? Maybe you should put a little thought into your own motivations and ego.
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:02 AM | #23 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
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because i'm tired of reading you talking **** on what i do every day with no incident.
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:07 AM | #24 | |
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Name: -
Location: -
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Quote:
You actually believe that just because you're tired somebody they should be made to shut up? Bet you're a treat to live with. |
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:08 AM | #25 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
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no, simply that we both have opinions, and we're both entitled to share them.
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:11 AM | #26 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
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literally, the entire world, including california lane splits. it's only the other 49 states of the usa that don't split. but they must be wrong, right? it's not like asia has the largest percentage of 2 wheel vehicles. and its not like everyone splits there regularly. and its not like we have this thing called the hurt report that clearly states a lot of benefits.
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:12 AM | #27 | |
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Name: -
Location: -
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Quote:
(Maybe you could try to hide your behavior here on this thread by deleting the posts where you acted like a petulant little child.) |
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:16 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Josh
Location: Kern
Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): '04 Ninja 250R Posts: 367
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Twist of the wrist 2..... Watch that!! Great info super sucky acting!!
Hope you make a full recovery, sorry for the bum ticket! |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
December 22nd, 2013, 11:17 AM | #30 |
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Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.
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Well, that pretty much says it all doesn't it?
I know from prior experience that you see yourself as an rather important guy and "thought leader" here on ninjette.org, but man, you sure do run out of juice quickly don't you? |
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:19 AM | #31 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
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greg737, let me explain something. when i say ignorance, i mean just that. how much experience lane splitting do you have? none? fancy. but you seem to have a strong opinion on it. i wonder why? what's it called when you have an opinion about something you have no experience with again? lets go to the definition of ignorance... "lack of knowledge or information"... so, you don't lane split as you have said plenty times before. so that satisfies the lack of knowledge part. but you love telling people about it? hmm.
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:30 AM | #32 | |
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Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
You're beginning to sound pretty insecure. Your little diatribe just now is a pathetic "grasping at straws" effort that lacks logic. It's pretty simplistic and childish to try and tell us that the only way that anyone could possibly have any applicable information, knowledge or valid opinion on a given subject is by directly engaging in that activity. That is a complete logic fail. |
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:37 AM | #33 |
Intrepid Adventurer
Name: Josh
Location: Rochester/Buffalo NY
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2004 GSXR 750 , 71 cb350streettracker, 07 Polaris Predator 500 Posts: A lot.
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Well , Ill get the popcorn and sit back and watch you boys hash it out.
but a tiny bit of advice. I do not consider myself an authority on the subject of motorcycles or anything else for that matter. But if you ride your motorcycle with situational awareness and you treat every other driver on the road as if they are a threat(not a possible threat) you will be able to anticipate the different things that may happen. Basically assume every driver is waiting for the perfect moment to kill you. because that is about the jist of it. watch your 6 because they will rear-end you or plain run you over. watch your sides because they will merge into and over you watch in front because they will blow lights cut you off come head on while texting. Also you have to watch other cyclists, many are respectful and many are running wild and taking chances. That guy who wants to race you, pass you, wheelie in front of you or lane share with you..... will some day plow right into you ruining both of your days. So basically you have first hand knowledge of the person who merged into you..... assume every other driver on the road is going to do like wise at anytime. I hope you have a quick and full recovery, and good luck with the tickets. you may be wise to consult a lawyer. |
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December 22nd, 2013, 12:07 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
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Just want to kindly remind everyone here about the terms of service you agreed to when you made an account here. I don't want to read garbage like this. Can't we at least coexist?
You gentlmen always have the option to take arguments to PM's at any time. Please take advantage of that function. |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
December 22nd, 2013, 12:18 PM | #35 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
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I had a nice police officer hell at me lane splitting comin out of mall traffics yesterday, when I opened my visor and said huh he was yelling "good job man, keep it safe" guess he didn't want me tying up the traffic he was directing anymore than I wanted to be thing it up. Glad he wasn't one of those Leo's I normally run across I was also surprised nobody seemed to get mad at me like they normally do around here, guess its the spirit of Christmas. Glad that Christian lady that beat up the Salvation Army bell ringer wasn't in that traffic jam, lord only knows what her pastor told her about motorcycles
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December 22nd, 2013, 12:28 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
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Mitch...bad things happen to good people.
If YOU are personally afraid of accidents....stop riding. This is the friendliest, most enthusiastic and knowledgable board I've ever been on and you'll find lots of different opinions here...but riding in not for everybody...IMHO |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
December 22nd, 2013, 07:21 PM | #37 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mitchell
Location: las vegas NV
Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 114
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Quote:
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December 22nd, 2013, 08:55 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE GREEN! Posts: 562
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I have to ask, stock IRCs? **** those things
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December 22nd, 2013, 10:08 PM | #39 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Neither showed breaks on Xrays but neither are back to same size as they were, nor same range of movement. I mostly self medicated at home for these, and didn't really let myself rest.. 3 days after accident I had an interview to make. Anyway lookin to get 300 after taxes, I just want a '13 w recalls done.. or might get a 14 and trade the plastics/tank for a '13 white. Oh..and some of the xtra money from crash is buying me a Skully Helmet! |
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December 22nd, 2013, 11:18 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mitchell
Location: las vegas NV
Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 114
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