[Clenzer72]

I actually got pulled over for tossing a butt out the window…it’s a criminal offense that the District attorny prosocutes. Minimum 1000 fine! I got off with a warning. And that was years ago, now I never flick a but out a window. Most cars these days don’t even come with ash trays…so the next best thing is the empty water bottle, coffe cup, soda, or redbull can in the cup holder!
Those hit by butts, the Thrower mote than likely doesn’t even know your there.
I would love to see a catch a burning butt and toss back in video! Driver would be shocked! Lol

[Clenzer72]

I think every major city is a danger zone. For me, it’s San Francisco.
When I ride in the city I am invisible and move through traffic instead of with it or having it pass me.
Doesn’t matter if your In a city, town, or village…that person turning left across your direction probably won’t see you.
survival on a bike will depend on your skills and abilities, notthe lack of the cagers!
Ride within your comfort zone, learn, progress, and never ever assume “they” see you.
Once you finish the MSF you’ll know of riding is the right thing for you. At the end o they day if you had fun and want more then go buy that bike, if your tired and can’t wait for the class to end then maybe stick to driving the car. Riding isn’t for everyone, but everyone should find out if it is for them and the perfect place to helpake that decision is at the msf.
My belief is it’s not the motorcycle that is most dangerious, butthe rider and drivers around them.

[Clenzer72]

Great choice, both bike and taking the course. The bike will grow as your skillz grow and you’ll know when it’s time to upgrade.
I’ve had mine about q year and have put over 3.5kmiles oN it, and it’s now my commuter.
When you start getting a good feel for the bike and think your pushin hard, push it harder! Get up in that 9-13k rpm rang when your ready and it’s like a different bike then when you first rode around at 5-7k rpms.
Have fun, be safe, gear up!!! Boots jacket, gloves are a must! Overpants aren’t too expensive and will protect those knees, legs, and hips. I think the statistic is hat most accedents happen within 2 miles of your home.
The bike will grow as you grow….that is, like someone else said….you ride someone elses bigger bike! Lol
but the ninja is nimble, light, flicks over fast, and isn’t a slouch off the line against cars.
Keep the rubber side down!

[Clenzer72]

Congrats!

[Clenzer72]

Buy it! Fairing on the net is only 245.
You won’t find one in better conition for near the price.
But look at other places for damage; blinker, shift/brake peddle, mirror edge, exhaust…might have more than just main fairing damage to get it back to mint and could push you over 3,800 fixing it all.

[Clenzer72]

Uh-oh… Here comes the great break-in debate.
Do some searching on proper breakin procedures for modern bikes.
I am of the ride it like it’s going to be ridden group, not the reccomended by manual group. Research and decide which you believe and ride appropriatly.

I don’t think anyone will call the cops if your in a lot practicing, and even if they did I’m sure the cops would give you a pat on the back for practicing (given that your legal) You’re not out there doing stoppies, highchairs, heel clicks and burnouts!
I’m not sure what your development or city is like, but you just need an open area big enough to give you room to do practice manuevers, no gravel, slopes, curbs. If you have to hit the road to get there then that’s what you got to do. Maybe pack a backpack with “cones” half cut tennis balls, frisbee, something to mark your points.
Picks of new bike always make a thread better ***hint hint***

[Clenzer72]

How do your fingers feel? I still remember the feeling in my fingers after each day of MSF….lol unless you ride bicycles alot then your fingers aren’t used to using those muscles so intensly for so long.
Good luck, the second day gets more fun!!! Figure 8’s 2×4’s, panic stops and swerves!

[Clenzer72]

After reading a little more of this thread check out the HURT report and accednt facts about motorcycles. It will open you and your parents eyes to how “dangerious” a motorcycle is vs how dangerious a Rider is.
I was reading an article the other day and can’t remember the numbers…but from what I barely remember and is probably not actuals
60% of accedents were with unlicensed riders
of those over 50% had a BAC making them impared.
You can find alot of data that supports a point of view that rider responsibility is the most important factor. If you have good grades and no accedents on 4 wheels you can show your responsible and do not fall Ito the catagory of the “statistic”
the great thing about stats is you can find whatever you wantto support your theory and make numbers work how you want them to.
Kind of sounds like a fun project with lots of possible approaches.
Good luck! Once your done, or before you submit to the parents maybe post it here and let us give you some feedback…I’m sure there’s some parents on here that can give you the perspective of your audiance and help talior it to their concerns so you can be riding in no time.
Or just wait till your 18 and screw’em and just ride home with one!!!

[Clenzer72]

I didn’t read everything, but my 2cents, for what it’s worth, I’m 6’1″ and feel a little cramped on the new 250. You being 6’3″ will definatly feel cramped. My legs are too long, arms too long…bikes just a little too small for my frame. Imlooki g at a couple mods to improve my fit, but it’s something to think about.
TAKE THE MSF. tell your parents that you’ll learn the skills and also learn if riding is the “right” thing for you. Explain that not all people are meant to be on two wheels and the couse will allow you to make that judgement as well as learn the fundamentals.

[Clenzer72]

Congrats on the bike.
My first reaction to reading your story is that your using too many gears. Look at the tach…alot different then your car huh? Cars usually shift around 3500 rpm and redline at what 5 or 6?? (been a while since I e been in a car) but get usd to riding in higher rpms. You’ll be able to focus more on riding/turning/stopping than shifting to 5th to go 60mph.
Find a big lot and redo the MSF course on your bike. Start with duck walking to get a good sence of the clutch and progress from there. Practice your stopping! It’s easy to get up to speed, but alo harder to stop!
Take it slow, seat time, practice and muscle memory will increase as you get used to the bike.
A good tip, slow speed menuevers require the rear brake and clutch! If your slowly turning into your spot and
grab that front brake you might take a little dip.
Ride in your comfort zone, as it expands so will your riding.
Practice
practice
practice
ATGATT

the MSF website and YouTube have alot of the exersizes to use.
Don’t beat yourself up over small stalls or mistakes, new rider + new bike = learning curve!

[Clenzer72]

There’s no way you’ll get an 08 or an 09 for 2 grand.
Alot of people payed more than MSRP for them in the first place, and if they financed they still owe more than that. Get the best older 250 for what you can afford, learn, ride, and grow…then buy the bike you really want.
More than likely you’ll be able to sell the pre 08 bike for the same price you bought it (considering condition and how you treated it)
only way to get am 08/09 for 2k is if it’s been salvages or crashed, then you gotta fix it.

If it’s your first bike/moto riding…it will be dropped/crashed. Buy used and make your mistakes on a bike that won’t hurt your feelings or pocket book as much

[Clenzer72]

I ride with highs on all day. At night I only use high beemswithout oncoming traffic and cars far away if up front. My low beam doesn’t put out alot of light and without streetlights the highbeem illuminates somuch more of the street so I use it when I can without impacting others after the sun has set.

Now I want to do a little testing… I only know what my lights show fro
my riders perspective…I should k ow from another drivers perspective as well.
Park the bike with lights on and hop In The car and aproach with high and low.
It’s probably good to know how your seen at night by others

[Clenzer72]

I rearly need to use my choke on the 08 ninja 250, but when I do (actually even if I don’t) I don’t hit the road until the engine is warmed up.
My understanding is that if you start riding before proper engine warming is that the oil hasn’t been dispersed throughout the engine and causes more potential damage, small it may be, but still not good for the engine.
If I’m wrong, set me straight.
I start the bike, gear up and then walk bike out of garage….and it’s warmed by then.

[Clenzer72]

I was thinking about doing my own 600 mile service because I am comfortable with doing everything myself…..with the exceptoin of the valves, checking their clearance and adjusting if neccessary. so for this I will be taking it in. Many people have said that their bike feels completely different and reborn…so maybe they have some little tricks that will liven it up a little, IDK…but i certanly hope so.
I am fluent in car car and maintanance, but not bikes….it’s a whole new animal to me so I’m going to take is slow and learn as I go, and since accurate mantanance is so critical on 2 wheels i don’t want to risk missing something that could potentially bring me down.
For instance, tire pressure. I can drop a few lbs in the car and not feel a thing…..but as soon as that happens on the bike I can feel a drastic difference in handling, performance, and stability.

[Clenzer72]

Glad to here it’s going well.

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