So I just bought a 06 ninja 250R. It's my first street bike, and I plan to have fun on it. I do have a few questions though; mainly concerning future suspension upgrades. I've been reading over forums on the like and taking in info. with regard to what people have done to enhance the riding quality of their bikes. I'm 6'/200 lbs. and would like to 1) raise/stiffen the rear suspension (custom GSXR-750 shock; SV 650 shock; ex500 shock??????) and 2) stiffen the front forks (is there a better way than using a different wt fork oil???). These questions may seem stupid, but I'm a noob. I'm just fishing for some ideas. Please let me know what you think. It would be greatly appreciated.

 

welcome to the forum. as for the questions, i dont know about the rear shock, but as for the front, changing the wt of the oil only changes the dampening/rebound of the forks. I am pretty sure u would have to change out the springs to heavier ones. Best of luck to ya, when u do get everything figured out post up the info in the how to section. that would make a good write up. Oh yeah, post up some pics when u get a chance.

 

thanks for the quick reply

 

Khiddy, welcome to the forum. Glad to see another new rider (I'm 3 weeks old myself) and another 250 owner. I have been looking into shocks myself since I've noticed the tendency of the ninjette to dip a bit on the front. Been looking at gixxer shocks actually. For truly informed opinion go visit www.ninja250.com, it's my other forum devoted specifically to our machine. Just put on your sarcasm gear and search the FAQ before posting as a lot of the older members are **** about that but they are knowledgeable, best I've seen anyway.

Post a pic of your ride. ATGATT please and keep her two wheels down. Just curious, what did you get? -insert shameless plug here -Oh and don't forget to vote for Bike of the Month. Hint, vote for the 250, hehe. Click on my gallery to see pics of the bike.

Welcome to the forums!

 

Mr. Toad, thank you for the info. Funny thing is...I'm actually your newest member at the site, lol (at the time of this message anyway). I've been cruising your site for the past 1.5 hours, drooling and dreaming of future mods. I'm definetly going to overhaul the front forks (at least heavier springs, and the emulator kit) and probably a ex500/or custom w/resivoir shock in the rear (I think I could buy a new one from the dealership for a decent price). I think the combo would be a pretty good answer to the "sloppy" suspension my bike has in stock form.

And the bike...it's actually the twin of the one you have as a picture. I had my mind set on black until i saw the blue on the showroom floor. Impulse buy!!!! Anyway, I'm actually glad I didn't go w/a larger bike. I'm pleasantly suprised w/the supportive and knowledgable people whom are also interested in the 250. Well, I'll probably hear from you on your site. Until then, thanks for the input.

 

On a second note...do you know if suspension mods mess w/a factory warranty???

 

I would say at your weight that you probably cannot set the sag on your bike with out getting new springs. Check this place for new springs http://www.racetech.com/.
The best performance modds you can make to your bike is suspension, here is a link to help understand it. Get the sag set as soon as you can, it makes a world of difference in how the bike handles. http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/mo...ion_set-up.htm

Welcome and ride safe.

 

um...yes...well, I know I worded my reply weird, hehe. It's not my site but the guys and gals over there at the 250 forum make you feel like family. I don't administer, mod or in any way own or operate the www.ninja250.com site just so we're clear

As far as break-in, man that is a PITA I'll tell you that right now. The 250 will run at 35 MPH at 4000 RPM in topgear. I only have 221 miles on mine on account of this. I feel like wearing a sign on my back saying "BREAK-IN, 35 MPH GO AROUND ME BUT NOT OVER ME PLEASE! " hehe. While the break-in speed will keep you honest I sincerely believe that it's designed as a break-in for the new rider as well. 35 MPH feels "relatively" safe even with the tendency to dip.

You will be tempted to test out her power, just know her "sweet spot" starts around 8000 RPM, that's when you hit the powerband. I know, I know she sounds like she's about to explode but the 250 is a high-revving machine and she likes it like that. She wants more! Oh wait, break-in first. [8D]

When you get around to changing out the suspension it would be great if you could do a write-up with pics for our DIY section on this site.

Hope to hear more from you (new members have a tendency to magically disappear after the first post, must be too busy riding to post, hehe) and your riding experience.

One last thing...you have voted for Bike of the Month right? Right?

 

Congrats on the new bike Khiddy and welcome to the family!