NorthernPetes Bike Adventure

[Wrider]

If you do buy it, make absolutely sure the carbs are in working condition before you buy it. Coming from experience, if you buy something that the carbs are screwed up irreparably on, it can cost you a whole new rack, and those aren't cheap. Same with ignition. Basically make sure it runs decently, and if it does then sure have at it. 60K is not much to a Hurricane.

[NorthernPete]

Oh decisions decisions. Lol. A few early 2000s YZF 600s, a 2002 triumph daytona (although that is a biiiiig bike lol. Insurance may be prohibative) a couple CBR 600s and even some gsxr of variying sizes. I love shopping. Lol

[NorthernPete]

Hmmmm, sunny skies. I may ride into work tonight. Me and me brother. One of the advantages of having a sibling who both rides and works the same shift as you. Funny how he just started riding this year and in like 5 months has pretty much rode the same amount of klicks as I have. I'm gonna have to try one of these long rides one day.

[blues2cruise]

Does he have a wife and kids?

[flw]

good god its cold out. but went for a ride. i took it out two days ago cause my brother was moving and my bike was in his shed, oso of course it snowed yesterday. lol. anyway, my brother bought himself a 250 ninja and is my riding buddy. yay. we did a 125 km loop today after work, way cold out and its odd to ride and have snow banks on the side of the road. but the roads were clear and dry and away we went. so thats my update for now, shall get around to posting again soon. cheers!

I had the same bike you have now and have a few questions.

1. Your Inseem (comfort in riding distance)? Mine is 30.

2. Have you mod the seat or put a drivers backrest on it for distance riding?

3. How far can you ride and still not have hot spots on your bottom, or back ache and aches from riding postion?

I moved to the only bike that allowed me to ride more than 60 miles without real pain but it was mostly my issue (lower back issues). So I got a old/used Goldwing that is still much better/expensive for me to ride for my back. I didn't need a Goldwing but I needed to find a way to ride more than 60 miles and the Goldwing was the only practical way I could find to do it.

Next questions.

You mention your brother Ninja 250.

1. Have you ridden it?

2. Could you ride it as far as your bike with same comfort level?

3. What did yo like most about it and least?

4. Due to the gas mileage would you consider Ninja 250 instead of your current bike?

5. Can Ninja 250's be made more practical for everyday riding? i.e. storage trunks, bags, nicer seats for longer rides and smoother ride?

Thanks for your input.

[NorthernPete]

Blue - nope, he's bacheloring it for now. Only thing he answers to is his dog for the moment. Lol

And FLW, ill play 21 questions. Lol

1 - 32 inch inseam
2 - I wish I could find a better seat, but it being an entry level cruiser the shortage of aftermarket parts is depressing to say the least.
3- I found after I got my windshield, it really helped with the sore lower back, I think its really the wind hitting you square on the chest that causes a lot of the issues with lower back pain on cruisers and having to hold yourself up. I don't do any long distance riding, but will stop usually every hour or two just to get up and walk around, could go longer, but I like to stretch a bit Never had any "hot spots on my bottom" as you put it from the seat though. Lol

Now onto my brothers 250. (Which he used for about 2 months, he found out he loves doing long rides, and the 250 was not the bike that suited that purpose, just a bit to light for his taste, so he bought a KLR 650. Which he's loving for the long rides.

1 - yes, I rode it from the dealer to my moms for him and we traded on one ride for a little while
2 - apples and oranges. Probably could, but I don't think I would enjoy it.
3 - most - its fun to drive. Peppy. Least - its a bit buzzy.
4 - the gas milage wouldn't be a factor for me. The 500 is good on fuel too.
5 - depends what you want to do. I wouldn't want to ride it on long trips, but if you're commuting say an hour, or in the city, itd be a hoot. Now I don't know how it would be for after market parts, but I'm going to hazard a guess and say it'll fall into the same problem as the 500 and since its entry level they don't figure people will put any accessories on before they upgrade.

[flw]

Thanks for your info. I keep thinking of a 2nd city but fun bike. I had a Vulcan 500 and really liked but traded to a Goldwing. I assumed the 250 mileage was better than the 500 which I got about 55 mpg (whick I consider good).

[blues2cruise]

Go to Canadian Tire and buy a gel pad for about $ten. It's designed for a car seat, but it fits nicely over the whole motorcycle seat. Works like a charm to add a bit of comfort.

Third one on the right top line. I see that it says $39.99....but they go on sale frequently for ten.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... gwodYwXP2Q

As for your brother....he has so many more riding miles because he is single. He has the luxury of being able to ride anytime he wants.

[NorthernPete]

Thanks blues. I shall go check out the ole CT when I get back into Canada next week. Down in the states right now. And FLW, the 250 is a real fun bike and if you wanted it for around town, I doubt you could find a better one. And the SE look really really sharp.

[NorthernPete]

Waiting on some more snow. Not enough right now for the sled. The Vulcan is parked and tarped for the winter in the garage. I hopefully have enough seafoam in the gas tank and ran it long enough that it should fire up all nice come spring. For now though, bring on winter.