buying my first street bike! looking for tips/advice

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Old Apr 20, 2009 | 02:17 AM
  #1  
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Smile buying my first street bike! looking for tips/advice

Hi, I have always owned/riden dirt bikes, now my sights are upon the road. I wish to have a economical and novice motorcycle. I have decided upon the Ninja 250R after its most beautiful make-over. I discovered a special edition at a Kawasaki dealer and was able to be approved for credit. I am seeking advice in general or about the 250r in particular.

[/IMG]http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Kawasaki%20Ninja%20250R%20Limited%20Edition%20%202 .jpg[IMG]

couldnt get the photo to work sorry
 

Last edited by kawaklx; Apr 20, 2009 at 02:19 AM. Reason: couldnt get photo to work
Old Apr 20, 2009 | 02:49 PM
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250R is probably the best starter bike you could have for the street, as long you're prepared to accept some bodywork damage on a new bike. Minimise that by fitting frame sliders.

Helmet, boots, gloves, jacket with armour are the minimum riding gear. Textile offers more than adequate protection and is more comfortable and weatherproof than leather.

Do an MSF course and pay a lot of attention to the slow riding skills as these are the key to control on asphalt. Don' be in too much of a hurry to trade up as you gain experience - the 250 will test you for longer than you think and is more fun than bigger bikes anyway.

Enjoy.

Rob
 
Old Apr 21, 2009 | 12:52 AM
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Nothing wrong with the supermoto aspects either especially since you are used to the dirt bikes.
 
Old Apr 21, 2009 | 02:16 AM
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Originally Posted by williamr
250R is probably the best starter bike you could have for the street, as long you're prepared to accept some bodywork damage on a new bike. Minimise that by fitting frame sliders.

Helmet, boots, gloves, jacket with armour are the minimum riding gear. Textile offers more than adequate protection and is more comfortable and weatherproof than leather.

Do an MSF course and pay a lot of attention to the slow riding skills as these are the key to control on asphalt. Don' be in too much of a hurry to trade up as you gain experience - the 250 will test you for longer than you think and is more fun than bigger bikes anyway.

Enjoy.

Rob
Thanks for the tips, I have already completed a MSF course it was pretty enjoyable and i will have to attend another one due to the expiration of the late one.
 
Old Apr 21, 2009 | 02:22 AM
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I am also looking for advice on tracks and adjustments to the bike for it. Thats one more reason i have choosen the 250r i believe it would be perfect for a novice track rider rather that a 600 (unlike some of my idiot friends argue).

and maybe i will race in the willow springs ninja cup someday
 

Last edited by kawaklx; Apr 21, 2009 at 02:28 AM.
Old Apr 21, 2009 | 06:24 AM
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Right on, but now is a good time to know thy rulebook. Be prepared
 
Old Apr 23, 2009 | 07:54 PM
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My New Baby

when i drove it from the dealership i understood what everyone was talking about the breakin period sucks i can get over 35 mph. also when i drove it from the dealership i let it go up to around 6000 rpms and the manuel recommends 4000rpm for 600miles then 6000rpm for 400miles and i was wondering whether or not i have a injured my bike
 
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Old Apr 24, 2009 | 03:31 PM
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naw it's ok. just don't keep the rpms the same all the time. keep changing gears and speeds for better break in.
 
Old Apr 25, 2009 | 05:11 PM
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6K won't do any harm. Keep the throttle opening small though at first. As it does more miles, open the throttle more and let the revs go up a bit. By about 600 miles it should be good for short bursts of peak revs and full throttle, but only very short bursts at first.

Don't let it labour in too high a gear/low revs, and don't ride for too long at constant revs. Use the gears a lot.

Rob
 
Old May 16, 2009 | 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by kawaklx
Hi, I have always owned/riden dirt bikes, now my sights are upon the road. I wish to have a economical and novice motorcycle. I have decided upon the Ninja 250R after its most beautiful make-over. I discovered a special edition at a Kawasaki dealer and was able to be approved for credit. I am seeking advice in general or about the 250r in particular.

[/IMG]http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Kawasaki%20Ninja%20250R%20Limited%20Edition%20%202 .jpg[IMG]

couldnt get the photo to work sorry
Great Choice, The first chance you get, TAKE THE MSF COURSE, it will be one of the best things you can do. I had been riding two years and already had my license. I took the course and learned how to corner better. It helped me get over the fear of leaning my bike.
 
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