An evening of firsts!

skitta

skitta

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
I purchased a new-to-me Ninja 250 at the beginning of July. (My last bike was a CBR125). I had some issues with the bike, but they seem to be sorted out now.

This evening I rode, for the first time, on the Red Hill to Barton St. and met fellow GTA member 'Lorgayle' at Hutch's on the Beach Blvd. She led the way over the Burlington Skyway (another first for me) to meet a group of people at Mapleview. The worst thing about going over the Skyway, was the wind. That was nerve-racking. I just had to lay on the gas tank.

On the way home, 'Lorgayle' accompanied me back over the Skyway to Hutch's. From there, I headed up Centennial, to Barton and back on the Red Hill, to home.

And, went over 100 kmh for the first time too.

Everytime I ride, I learn something new. I get to know my bike better. So far, I'm enjoying the Ninja, but I certainly do miss the FI.

Thanks 'Lorgayle' for the encouragement!

Ride safe everyone!
 
Last edited:
skitta said:
I purchased a new-to-me Ninja 250 at the beginning of July. (My last bike was a CBR125). I had some issues with the bike, but they seem to be sorted out now.

This evening I rode, for the first time, on the Red Hill to Barton St. and met fellow GTA member 'Lorgayle' at Hutch's on the Beach Blvd. She led the way over the Burlington Skyway (another first for me) to meet a group of people at Mapleview. The worst thing about going over the Skyway, was the wind. That was nerve-racking. I just had to lay on the gas tank.

On the way home, 'Lorgayle' accompanied me back over the Skyway to Hutch's. From there, I headed up Centennial, to Barton and back on the Red Hill, to home.

And, went over 100 kmh for the first time too.

Everytime I ride, I learn something new. I get to know my bike better. So far, I'm enjoying the Ninja, but I certainly do miss the FI.

Thanks 'Lorgayle' for the encouragement!

Ride safe everyone!
Click to expand...

Glad you enjoyed your ride and had what seems like good company :)
 
So you are learning good eh? What licence do you have and when did you start riding?
 
skitta said:
I purchased a new-to-me Ninja 250 at the beginning of July. (My last bike was a CBR125). I had some issues with the bike, but they seem to be sorted out now.

This evening I rode, for the first time, on the Red Hill to Barton St. and met fellow GTA member 'Lorgayle' at Hutch's on the Beach Blvd. She led the way over the Burlington Skyway (another first for me) to meet a group of people at Mapleview. The worst thing about going over the Skyway, was the wind. That was nerve-racking. I just had to lay on the gas tank.

On the way home, 'Lorgayle' accompanied me back over the Skyway to Hutch's. From there, I headed up Centennial, to Barton and back on the Red Hill, to home.

And, went over 100 kmh for the first time too.

Everytime I ride, I learn something new. I get to know my bike better. So far, I'm enjoying the Ninja, but I certainly do miss the FI.

Thanks 'Lorgayle' for the encouragement!

Ride safe everyone!
Click to expand...
glad to hear you had an enjoyable soiree. hutch's-on-the-beach is definitely a place i'd like to ride out to this season.:angel3:
 
Good for you, don't worry with the carbs too much it will be just fine. Do get used to using the rev range on the Ninja though.
 
I was going to reply, but need to do more research first.

EDIT: Confirmed, ignore me.

-Jamie M.
 
Last edited:
The ninja isn't bad, only start to feel it after 4 hours int he saddle.
Congrats my friend. About the hardest part to get used to was staying high in the rev range...its a totally different bike when 9k-redline.

Don't wanna thread jack but did my first 2up with a friend on the back last night, the bike handled it surprisingly well and it was real easy to adjust for the added weight.
 
nearace said:
how did the body feel after the ride,the ninja is a tough ride imo.
Click to expand...

I actually felt ok. But, the rides were fairly short. I am aware that I need to relax my arms though. I personally can't imagine riding the Ninja for hours. I find that it get's hot fairly quickly. Does anyone know if that is "normal"?
 
Alex_San said:
So you did not use the 400 series highways before?
Click to expand...

Nope! Personally, I had no interest in taking my 125 on the highway. I prefer country roads. With the Ninja, I feel a little more confident, and capable now.
 
the_falcon said:
The ninja isn't bad, only start to feel it after 4 hours int he saddle.
Congrats my friend. About the hardest part to get used to was staying high in the rev range...its a totally different bike when 9k-redline.

Don't wanna thread jack but did my first 2up with a friend on the back last night, the bike handled it surprisingly well and it was real easy to adjust for the added weight.
Click to expand...

Could you explain that, about staying high in rev range, please?

Also, I did take my daughter (14) for a 45 min. ride a few weeks ago. She assured me she was comfortable. More so than when she rode on the 125.
 
The nice thing about the Ninja 250 is it's decently docile at lower revs for the new rider ( I took my son's out a few times ) but comes alive when you get the revs up into the 7k area.
It's hard for new riders to understand the bike is designed for that - not to putt around town in the mid-band at 3-5k.

When you start to ride in the twisties you will realize you cannot ride well at lower rpm - the bike will bog and you won't have acceleration or deceleration ( engine braking ) to call on.

Where bigger displacement bikes have a wider range of RPM that can accelerate them smoothly, the smaller displacement need to use the gearbox and keep the RPMs up to have "on call" acceleration" and engine braking.

AFAIK the Ninja has a 14,000 RPM redline so 7k is just getting into the fun zone. The 9k mentioned may be a restrictor for new riders.....don't know.

Kawasaki has worked on getting the Ninja to have more mid-range power band so that even at 3,000 rpm it can accelerate - that can fool the new rider into staying in the 3-6k range and there is a whole different experience waiting 7k+

I'm hoping you are wearing earplugs - it's important and you'll also find that taking the bike up into it's intended rpm range will not "sound" so disconcerting - you'll love the rush - just be careful in first and second gear until you get accustomed to it.
With earplugs the engine sound will be more distant and you'll also find riding where there is lots of wind and traffic less stressful......plus save your hearing.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.....earplugs are needed and you will hear BETTER and ride better with them in. There is a large reduction in fatigue especially on the slab.

http://www.tinnitus.org.uk/motorcycling-and-the-ear
 
skitta said:
I actually felt ok. But, the rides were fairly short. I am aware that I need to relax my arms though. I personally can't imagine riding the Ninja for hours. I find that it get's hot fairly quickly. Does anyone know if that is "normal"?
Click to expand...
in hot weather with stop and go traffic yes. I pulled the side fairings off and it runs better imo.

MacDoc as for the 9 k, to be clear i meant its a different bike from 9k to the 13.5 k when you hit the rev limiter. staying in that range will give you the best responsiveness imo. as you mentioned it starts to wake up @ 7k.

OP, Just be careful on launches, and ride the clutch to keep the power getting to the wheel gradual.. if you pop the clutch in first gear, stopped or while rolling 10 km at 7k+ you'll wheelie. depending on your weight you may 12.

Most of all just enjoy and try not to think to much. try and feel it. relax and have fun.
 
Last edited:
hope you like your new bike and enjoy the ride be safe wind can be scary at times laying against the tank helps somewhat but also try not to tense up and let the bike do it's thing minor movement is ok and staying relaxed on the bars is key
 
MacDoc as for the 9 k, to be clear i meant its a different bike from 9k to the 13.5 k
Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification ....

OP when you are moving 3rd to 4th etc let the RPMs climb up to 10k before you shift to get used to the different feel and sound.
Let it climb to 10 or 11 k - let it come down to 7k and then accelerate back up to get feel.
As mentioned be careful in the lower gears
 
Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions. I was excited about my progress, and wanted to share (hopefully encourage other new riders?). I half expected to get some "so what, big deal" responses :)

There are a few people I'd think I'd like to pm, if that's ok.

Ride safe!
 
skitta said:
Nope! Personally, I had no interest in taking my 125 on the highway. I prefer country roads. With the Ninja, I feel a little more confident, and capable now.
Click to expand...
The 400 series highways are pretty boring if you keep it under 150 kph. Of course if you go over 150 there are severe consequences.
Twisty country roads are the best.
Ear plugs are a definitely a necessity.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom