My new toy

[Erick]

Yup, I decided to try something new. After researching a lot about it (and planning it carefully with my father... who's had bikes for almost 30 years), I picked this up this morning. Got it for $1700. :)

2004 Kawasaki Ninja 250, 4,300 miles. I figured I would start with something like this because 1-) It's cheap, 2-) It's probably one of the best starter's bike, 3-) 63mpg (advertised).

I have to say, learning to ride it isnt that hard at all.... after 5 minutes beating the urge to move your left foot for the clutch, it all starts to come along nicely.

Now comes an MSF course, and hopefully then I'll be able to start riding it (although a bit overwhelmed of everyone's reassurance of how you need to watch out for other drivers, who seem to love ignoring motorcycles).

But yea.... new small hobby for me..... a bit of a gas saver and new skill to learn. Anyone here that can share some info and tips on motorcycles feel free to post.... one can never have too much information.

- Erick

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

they always say you go down at least once within your first year.

That being said, good luck and have fun!

[euroshark]

Looks fun! I've been thinking about an older bike like that for this summer as well!

[Digitalwave]

Looks dope man, I'm surprised you've never ridden considering how long your dad has. My dad rode since he was 16 and he had me on a dirt bike when I was young. Wish I still had my CR250. I want to ride the Ninja sometime :)

[MikeE30325i]

My friend has a ninja 250r and he let me learn to do some basic riding on it.

be careful of other drivers, and there is a high possibility you will lay it down. wear protection!

[SpasticDwarf]

Sweet bike man, good starter's bike.
I have an SV650 as my first street bike, but i have been dirtbiking for many years.
and to 92 Mtechnic Cabrio-
a safe rider never goes down. (barring acts of other people)

my tip for you is:
1- always wear your leathers, even in the summer. Your skin is more important than your temp.
2- Pretend youre the invisible man, and that your objective is to MAKE yourself visible to everyone else on the road. Thats how a good rider avoids accidents.
it may sound dumb, but it really will save your life. people just dont pay enough attention, so you have to pay twice as much.

[backtrail69]

Make sure to invest in a good jacket, pants, helmate and possibly boots and gloves. Have fun.

[VAPORBLADE]

Hahha! The 250!

I started with a CBR600F3 new in 97. (after many years on a dirtbike)
Then went to a CBR 929RR new in 00
Then went to a RC51 (sp2) new in 03

Somewhere in there I bought my girl a Ninja 250. I took it out, dragged some serious knee, and had more fun on that thing than all my other bike! What a blast!

Enjoy!

[Erick]

my tip for you is:
1- always wear your leathers, even in the summer. Your skin is more important than your temp.
2- Pretend youre the invisible man, and that your objective is to MAKE yourself visible to everyone else on the road. Thats how a good rider avoids accidents.
it may sound dumb, but it really will save your life. people just dont pay enough attention, so you have to pay twice as much.

Yea my father's been preaching about those two things. I have a windbreaker jacket that would probably work for now (skin-wise), but I'm looking into getting some gear ASAP. Right now my gear is basically a long sleeve shirt, windbreaker, jeans, and helmet.

I'll hopefully be getting some more proper gear soon.

[E30Driv3R]

Have fun man but be careful by Freind just got an r1 and laid it down 4 days after he got it.

BEST OF LUCK!!!!!

-Dan

[JasonC]

Is it a 2-stroke? Forgive my dumbness, but i don't know much about bikes.

[240zs30]

Hello RWDRIFT,

A few years ago I also got into these. I started with a 96 ZX9R then just recently got into a ZX12r. Living in Miami ,I can definitely give you some pointers. I used it to commute for a few months while my car was down.
Definitely get a good comfortable helmet (I'm sure you know this one!)
Get the gloves. And a real riding Jacket. There are many that are good for our weather. (Mesh with the pads so you can breathe!) the more comfortable you are the more likely you are to wear them.
You can learn on some less crowded streets , then that course is an excellent idea. After a few months on the road without the certification I just studied the book and took the test.
The whole going down thing the first year,,,......I dont know about. I rode for a couple of years without a problem. You will get tired of everyone assuming your going to go down. The main thing is not to get cocky and be very aware of your surroundings.
Have fun and ride safe.8-)

[Slick92GS-R]

i've always stayed away from sport bikes. If i didn't have the luv for autos (projects) i'd be on v-twin cruiser. The 250 is a great starter bike. Light and quick enough. Jus be careful!!

[Ben Carufel]

I'll hopefully be getting some more proper gear soon.

Stupid. Proper gear isn't optional on a bike. You shouldn't ride that thing until you have some.

[Tree18is]

nope

na its not two stroke but if you cut the baffles out of it it will shoot flames. our friends did that. but yea, just dont panic and grap the front brake. And never skimp on maint. bikes fail miserably when you don't watch em and take care of them.
thats all. have fun and gear is a must!
later.