[Andrew]

Looks like finding a bike is going to be harder than the class. A place that advertised 07 Ninjas on their website doesn’t have any. Apparently the website isn’t updated all that frequently and he has no 250cc’s right now. Tried to tell me I would get bored of one in 2 months anyway. This was after saying that the 250’s are in high demand due to the gas prices.

The 2 bikes on my short list if I can find them to sit on to see how they feel are the Ninja and the Virago/VStar 250. I like both the cruiser and the sport bike look for different reasons so comfort will come into it next. I was ready to write the cruisers off after the Rebel I rode at MSF but figured I could just see how one felt. I suspect that the older Ninja’s standard riding position (compared to the Vstar) will be easier to ride. If only my local Yamaha dealer stocked the 250 I could try one but he doesn’t. I sat on the 650 and it’s a beast.

Andrew

[Andrew]

300 lbs sounds like a lot to lift on and off a truck bed but having never done it before I have no reference.

[Andrew]

Should? I guess it depends on the weight of the bike as far as lifting goes. So the real weight when looking at spec’s is the wet weight right.

[Andrew]

In IL a learners permit allows you to ride during the day with another licensed rider. So you could truck your bike to the DMV or have your buddy ride with you. Have heard the DMV is more anal about deducting points than the MSF class. IL laws have changed over time as a good buddy has an M1 license from when he was at college and took the DMV test on his uncles Honda Elite scooter. I’ve told him if he wants to ride to take the class anyway as he will need to learn how to shift on a bike. Better to have those first bad shifts on someone elses bike IMO.

Andrew

[Andrew]

I had a Japanese Beetle hit my safety glasses (3/4 helmet) at MSF class and it hit pretty hard. I was glad I had the glasses on.

Andrew

[Andrew]

I’m also considering both of these bikes. I don’t care for the tiny plastic bra thing in front of the odometer/tachometer on the Blast though. Looks stupid to me. I may be able to get a good deal on a new ’07 Ninja 250 but that year has the flames on the paintwork that don’t look good IMO. Decisions, decisions. Also still mulling over a 250 cruiser to start on but I think it may be easier to leave the cruiser till I have more experience.

Andrew

[Andrew]

I don’t know about this specific bike but the torque is more of a problem for a new rider imo. If they grab a handful of throttle by mistake a bike with a lot of torque is going to get them in more trouble.

Andrew

[Andrew]

I have small hands so I’ll be looking for adjustable levers on a bike but it looks like the 250’s don’t usually come with that and I’ll need an after market part.

Andrew

[Andrew]

How do you like the Pazzo levers? Did you install them yourself?
Andrew

[Andrew]

Nice bike.

Andrew

[Andrew]

It just looks wrong.

Andrew

[Andrew]

Are the CF frame covers reflective? Was that why you added them?

Andrew

[Andrew]

Heard the same about the breaking. Coach said he had one guy miss it by 40 feet and lose 40 points on that 1 exercise.
Andrew

[Andrew]

The Ninja intrigue’s me to be honest. I’ve heard the older models are closer to a standard setup apart from the pegs. I live in a college town so around here a “crotch rocket” normally means squid. The local cops are apparently tougher on sports bike riders due to that.

Andrew

[Andrew]

If I had the money to buy a Harley I’d be happy but spend it on something else anyway. I had no idea how expensive they were till I walked into the local dealership which had 12 bikes on the floor with not one under 14K. Ouch.

Andrew

[Author]

Posts