Navy Maintenance Manager checking in!!!

Banzai · May 30th, 2009, 01:06 PM

Hello everyone, just thought I’d post in here and introduce myself. You may have already seen some of my posts in the technical section of the board. I’m getting back into riding again after a 12 year hiatus (courtesy of selling my stuff to fund a divorce (singular best investment I ever made)). I have since remarried very happily, and after a few years of begging, my wife finally gave in and granted me permission to begin the search for a new bike.

Initially it was looking like a used CAN-O-TUNA (Katana) or a 500 Ninja, but once I laid eyes on the new 250, WOW, I knew I had to ride one. Plus, the price point passed muster with the wife, and the “But it’s really only a SMALL bike” line paid off well, too. I hooked up with a local guy that had one and he let me ride it and that only confirmed what I wanted.

I searched and searched in the winter months for a gently used one, and finally one hit Craigslist 90 miles up the road. Green. 200% the color I didn’t want. The price was right, the check was burning a hole in my pocket, and I brought it home the day after he posted the add. $3200 was a high price to pay, but only 1600 miles on it and it was in pristine condition (needed a bath and some corrosion treatment, though). In all of the paperwork, I found his original sales agreement from July of last year, $5100 out the door!!!!!! So, I got a bargain compared to what he paid.

He put 1600 miles on it (as his first bike) and upgraded to 636. Stastic waiting to happen.

4K miles in the last 5 months, and she’s still purring like a kitten. I even rode 240 miles (one way) to participate in Rolling Thunder this Memorial Day in Washington DC. Mom and dad live 30 minutes north of DC, so room and board were free!

I’ve been riding for 30 years, since I was 9 years old, and I’ve seen my share of road rash. I decided this time not to be a statistic and took the MSF course to get my head back into the game. That and the first year alone the $120 paid for itself in insurance coverage. Never mind that it’s mandatory for active duty folks, LOL!! That and seeing at least one kid that I know every year die on a bike that's well beyond his skill level, along with my newfound maturity, led me to the conclusion that I like my skin and bones intact, in original configuration, exactally as Mom issued them to me!!

My background is 20 years (and counting, but not for very much longer) US Navy active duty as an Aviation Electronics Technician. I have worked the entire time in aviation on H2s, F14s, and aboard small ships, gators, and both conventional and nuclear aircraft carriers. So everything that I bring to the table is based on a deep knowledge and understanding of safety and procedure (I live and die by the manual and torque wrench!) and constant corrosion prevention and treatment (rust NEVER sleeps). Oh, and before I got married again, I had several roommates who just loved using my tools during the winter to strip down their bikes and mod ‘em in the living room, so I’ve done everything from engine swaps on sport bikes to full on rebuilds of shovels and late model V Twins. Ahhhh, the days!!!!!!

Thanks for the invite from Kawi forums, KKIM. Very much a more mature, polite, and focused crowd here. I hope that I help add to the community and body of knowledge here in a positive manner.

Oh, and that green that I hated so much? Yeah, once I realized that GREEN BIKES GO FASTER, I wouldn’t give it up for anything!!!!!!!!!

PS, I'm known fleet wide as a very highly skilled technical writer, and I tend to get wordy sometimes. In fact, I see that my posts on the brake pads and frame sliders were greatly appreicated, but WOW, LONG!! I'll try to keep it brief, but if I end up answering your question with an encyclopedia volume, remember....you asked for it!

Cheers,

Tom

Alex · May 30th, 2009, 01:16 PM

Banzai! Glad you found us...

Snake · May 30th, 2009, 01:44 PM

Welcome.

kkim · May 30th, 2009, 01:55 PM

Aloha and welcome, Tom.

It's been a real pleasure reading your recent posts and can see you'll be a positive asset to this already great site. Looking forward to your future contributions.

mahalo for taking the time to check out ninjette and deciding to jump into the crazy house.

KJohnson21 · May 30th, 2009, 02:49 PM

It's a pleasure to read such well written posts!

CC Cowboy · May 30th, 2009, 03:32 PM

Stand up straight and look alive!

Oyea, good to have you aboard.

HKr1 · May 30th, 2009, 04:35 PM

Welcome aboard "shipmate"

Banzai · May 30th, 2009, 04:43 PM

Hey, cool, looks like I'm not the only real squid here!

ATC(AW), currently assigned to the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT CVN71, AIMD, IM3. AIMD RCOH Production Planning Manager.

Incidently, so that no one gets it confused with a street squid, "Squid" carries the same connotation to a real Sailor as "Jar Head" does to a Marine. Used to be an insult before the 80s, but President Ronnie Ray Gun taught us to be proud of our service!

noche_caliente · May 30th, 2009, 05:21 PM

welcome Tom! let me know if you ever get over to the nicer part of the state, and I'll be happy to take you to some of the good roads

PeterJasonMN · May 30th, 2009, 06:41 PM

Heh, you're getting out and here's me hoping to go in next May.

ninjabrewer · May 30th, 2009, 07:39 PM

and welcome to the funny farm. We have something in common. I just retired from the Army after 20 yrs, 6 mt and 4 days as an aircraft electrician and shop supervisor. Glad you picked the ninjette, just started riding a few months ago and love it.

nb

BlueRaven · May 30th, 2009, 10:14 PM

OldGuy · May 31st, 2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banzai

Hey, cool, looks like I'm not the only real squid here!

ATC(AW), currently assigned to the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT CVN71, AIMD, IM3. AIMD RCOH Production Planning Manager.

Welcome aboard Tom. I'm looking forward to you posts and information.

And by the way, just so there is no confusion, the first US Navy ship to bear the name Theodore Roosevelt was the SSBN 600.

Glad to have you aboard even if you server on "targets".

OldGuy EM1(SS)

lockie · May 31st, 2009, 12:59 PM

Welcome aboard. I tend to like the long posts but I'm a retired journalist and full time writer so it's refreshing to hear other view points. That being said that reader over my shoulder always says.... Kepp it short.

Take Care

BlueTyke · June 1st, 2009, 08:07 AM

Welcome to the boards!! I am trying (not so much lately) to get down into VA. I heard rumor there are some good roads. Still Northern MD is a bit of a ride to get down from

komohana · June 2nd, 2009, 10:35 AM

aloha and welcome to the boards tom..
i worked for the navy as a plane captain on H-3's for 23 years at PMRF Barking Sands...doing electronics work now...but i DO miss the smell of jet exhaust in the morning!

May 30th, 2009, 01:06 PM	#1
Banzai Psychic war veteran Name: Thomas Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawi Green '09 Ninja ZX6R Posts: 663	Navy Maintenance Manager checking in!!! Hello everyone, just thought I’d post in here and introduce myself. You may have already seen some of my posts in the technical section of the board. I’m getting back into riding again after a 12 year hiatus (courtesy of selling my stuff to fund a divorce (singular best investment I ever made)). I have since remarried very happily, and after a few years of begging, my wife finally gave in and granted me permission to begin the search for a new bike. Initially it was looking like a used CAN-O-TUNA (Katana) or a 500 Ninja, but once I laid eyes on the new 250, WOW, I knew I had to ride one. Plus, the price point passed muster with the wife, and the “But it’s really only a SMALL bike” line paid off well, too. I hooked up with a local guy that had one and he let me ride it and that only confirmed what I wanted. I searched and searched in the winter months for a gently used one, and finally one hit Craigslist 90 miles up the road. Green. 200% the color I didn’t want. The price was right, the check was burning a hole in my pocket, and I brought it home the day after he posted the add. $3200 was a high price to pay, but only 1600 miles on it and it was in pristine condition (needed a bath and some corrosion treatment, though). In all of the paperwork, I found his original sales agreement from July of last year, $5100 out the door!!!!!! So, I got a bargain compared to what he paid. He put 1600 miles on it (as his first bike) and upgraded to 636. Stastic waiting to happen. 4K miles in the last 5 months, and she’s still purring like a kitten. I even rode 240 miles (one way) to participate in Rolling Thunder this Memorial Day in Washington DC. Mom and dad live 30 minutes north of DC, so room and board were free! I’ve been riding for 30 years, since I was 9 years old, and I’ve seen my share of road rash. I decided this time not to be a statistic and took the MSF course to get my head back into the game. That and the first year alone the $120 paid for itself in insurance coverage. Never mind that it’s mandatory for active duty folks, LOL!! That and seeing at least one kid that I know every year die on a bike that's well beyond his skill level, along with my newfound maturity, led me to the conclusion that I like my skin and bones intact, in original configuration, exactally as Mom issued them to me!! My background is 20 years (and counting, but not for very much longer) US Navy active duty as an Aviation Electronics Technician. I have worked the entire time in aviation on H2s, F14s, and aboard small ships, gators, and both conventional and nuclear aircraft carriers. So everything that I bring to the table is based on a deep knowledge and understanding of safety and procedure (I live and die by the manual and torque wrench!) and constant corrosion prevention and treatment (rust NEVER sleeps). Oh, and before I got married again, I had several roommates who just loved using my tools during the winter to strip down their bikes and mod ‘em in the living room, so I’ve done everything from engine swaps on sport bikes to full on rebuilds of shovels and late model V Twins. Ahhhh, the days!!!!!! Thanks for the invite from Kawi forums, KKIM. Very much a more mature, polite, and focused crowd here. I hope that I help add to the community and body of knowledge here in a positive manner. Oh, and that green that I hated so much? Yeah, once I realized that GREEN BIKES GO FASTER, I wouldn’t give it up for anything!!!!!!!!! PS, I'm known fleet wide as a very highly skilled technical writer, and I tend to get wordy sometimes. In fact, I see that my posts on the brake pads and frame sliders were greatly appreicated, but WOW, LONG!! I'll try to keep it brief, but if I end up answering your question with an encyclopedia volume, remember....you asked for it! Cheers, Tom __________________________________________________ * If you're arguing with some idiot over the internet, chances are pretty good he's doing the same thing! Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction

May 30th, 2009, 01:16 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	Banzai! Glad you found us... __________________________________________________ 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)

May 30th, 2009, 02:49 PM	#5
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	It's a pleasure to read such well written posts! __________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

May 30th, 2009, 03:32 PM	#6
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	Stand up straight and look alive! Oyea, good to have you aboard. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

May 30th, 2009, 04:43 PM	#8
Banzai Psychic war veteran Name: Thomas Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawi Green '09 Ninja ZX6R Posts: 663	Hey, cool, looks like I'm not the only real squid here! ATC(AW), currently assigned to the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT CVN71, AIMD, IM3. AIMD RCOH Production Planning Manager. Incidently, so that no one gets it confused with a street squid, "Squid" carries the same connotation to a real Sailor as "Jar Head" does to a Marine. Used to be an insult before the 80s, but President Ronnie Ray Gun taught us to be proud of our service! __________________________________________________ * If you're arguing with some idiot over the internet, chances are pretty good he's doing the same thing! Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction

May 30th, 2009, 01:44 PM	#3
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Welcome.

May 30th, 2009, 01:55 PM	#4
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Aloha and welcome, Tom. It's been a real pleasure reading your recent posts and can see you'll be a positive asset to this already great site. Looking forward to your future contributions. mahalo for taking the time to check out ninjette and deciding to jump into the crazy house.

May 30th, 2009, 04:35 PM	#7
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	Welcome aboard "shipmate"

May 30th, 2009, 05:21 PM	#9
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	welcome Tom! let me know if you ever get over to the nicer part of the state, and I'll be happy to take you to some of the good roads

May 30th, 2009, 06:41 PM	#10
PeterJasonMN ninjette.org newbie Name: Peter Location: Duluth, MN Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): None yet. Posts: 8	Heh, you're getting out and here's me hoping to go in next May.

May 30th, 2009, 07:39 PM	#11
ninjabrewer dirty old man Name: Chris Location: Hazel Green, AL Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Aloha. and welcome to the funny farm. We have something in common. I just retired from the Army after 20 yrs, 6 mt and 4 days as an aircraft electrician and shop supervisor. Glad you picked the ninjette, just started riding a few months ago and love it. nb __________________________________________________ Death tugs at my ear and says, "Live, I am coming." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (1809-1894) www.friendsofsanonofre.org

May 30th, 2009, 10:14 PM	#12
BlueRaven ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Lil One Location: NB Canada Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.	__________________________________________________ I'm not small, I'm fun sized

May 31st, 2009, 12:59 PM	#14
lockie ninjette.org sage Name: don Location: Port Elgin NB Canada Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250R Posts: 742	Welcome aboard. I tend to like the long posts but I'm a retired journalist and full time writer so it's refreshing to hear other view points. That being said that reader over my shoulder always says.... Kepp it short. Take Care

June 1st, 2009, 08:07 AM	#15
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	Welcome to the boards!! I am trying (not so much lately) to get down into VA. I heard rumor there are some good roads. Still Northern MD is a bit of a ride to get down from __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

June 2nd, 2009, 10:35 AM	#16
komohana ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Steve Location: Kekaha, Kauai HI Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 GSX-R 600 2003 EX250: Woodcraft Bars, Levers, Mirrors, Shim'd Mixture, Synthetic, '08 Rear Shock Posts: A lot.	aloha and welcome to the boards tom.. i worked for the navy as a plane captain on H-3's for 23 years at PMRF Barking Sands...doing electronics work now...but i DO miss the smell of jet exhaust in the morning! __________________________________________________ Remember when sex was safe and motorcycles were dangerous?

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