[Jim]

http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/113/118/Textile_Jackets/Alter_Ego_2.0_Jacket_

I have this one, it breaks down nicely. It gets in the 90’s here during summer and I wore it comfortably. I put the panels back in a couple weeks ago and it is keeping me warm in the 40-50 degree ride to work in the AM.

[Jim]

She’s a beauty! Congrats!

[Jim]

Glad you and your bike weren’t badly damaged. Gravel is a bitch.

[Jim]

I have a man crush on mega-spaz, that’s why I am here…….hahaaha.

Great group of people, everyone welcomed with open arms.

[Jim]

hmmmmmm…fake hamburger

[Jim]

I lived there 1970 – 1991, the snobs didn’t really get there until the 90’s, It was a great place back in the 70’s and 80’s. I went to Boca High, graduated in 1982.

[Jim]

Haven’t seen Booze or Shannon around for a while also. Been wondering about them,

[Jim]

Wow that is an oldie. How many miles on it and can you still get parts for it?

[Jim]

Guess they couldn’t afford packing peanuts. Who did you order it from?

[Jim]

hmmmm…almost naked

[Jim]

1. Insurance is reasonable, I pay $112 per year with Progressive for just the required coverage. But I am 44 years old so if you are younger and/or living in a metropolitian area you might be paying more. FYI my car insurance company would not cover motorcycles no way no how no matter that I was only trying to insure a 250CC, so you might have to shop for a policy. But your insurance on a 250CC will be significantly lower than on a 650CC.

2. At 70mph I’m at about 7-8K RPM, it rides and handles fine at speeds, I’ve had it up to 80-90 mph no problem. It doesn’t rattle or vibrate. One thing about the 250 is it is very light and strong winds will push you around alot. You will get used to that though, but it will scare you the first time. I’ve ridden it comfortably over 8 hours on a couple hundred mile trip with no problems.Plus it is a fun little ride.

3. At 500 miles you need to take it in for service, mine cost $120, but I’ve heard of other shops charging $200+ for this 500 mile checkup. I put in about a quart of oil every month and half or so. That is the only maintenance I’ve had to do for 1800 miles I’ve put on mine in 3 months. I figure I’ll get over two years on the stock tires, and I’ve looked at replacements that cost about $300 for two tires and installation. Every 3000 miles you need to take it in for check ups/factory recommended service. Unless you are mechanically inclined and do it yourself. The 62 mpg is a definite bonus!

4. I don’t have to ride on interstates on my commute, but I do travel 50mph city roads every day. I travel about 60MPH and run about 6K RPM. If you keep it in a lower gear and run the RPMs up to 11-12K you will leave the SUVs in the dust. At 12K+ this little bike wants to go! It just takes a little longer to get there than a 650+ bike.

5. Break in – I just tried to vary RPMs on the bike, not run at one RPM for long periods of time. City driving pretty much ensures that with stop lights and such. http://www.ninja250.org/ has a great FAQ on the Kawa Ninja, there is lots of info on break in procedures there, plus maintenance help, etc. It is a great resource.

All in all it is an awesome little package for the price, I bought mine for $2800, $3200 out the door from the dealer and love my bike. Do I look at sweet 650’s and yearn a bit? Sure I do, but I don’t have a $6000+ bike loan to pay off, my bike does what I bought it for. Great to learn on, without killing myself, saves me alot of money in gas compared to my 18MPG car and is fun as hell to ride.

Hope the info helps.

[Jim]

hey i grew up in Boca….

[Jim]

Most definitely you should add oil if it is low. Your manual should tell you what grade to put in. My 2006 Ninja takes just plain old 10W-40, I would just put in a little at a time, you don’t want to overfill it. I don’t think you would need an oil change at 200 miles, I would just add oil and wait to your 500 mile service for an oil change, but that is just my opinion. The only thing I’ve read is you don’t want to mix different types of oil, ie regular with synthetic. I ran mine pretty low the first time (forgot about it…dur) and it became harder to work the shift lever, don’t know if that is lubricated with engine oil also.

[Jim]

Great! Just rolled 1700 on mine today since I started riding in the middle of June.

[Jim]

Sweeeet! Congrats on scoring an awesome bike. It will be a blast to ride.

[Author]

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