Ladies: Please help me with braking/dumping

[Veda]

Do you have a video camera? Maybe if you can watch yourself ride you'll be able to see where you need improvement.

And whoever told you 250s weren't good for 60mph hasn't ridden one. I do it everyday, no complaints. Then again, not all 250s are made the same.

[blues2cruise]

Nothing for me to add.....except I concur about the SO being your teacher. If he is patient, kind, understanding, doesn't lose his temper or raise his voice to make you feel stupid....well...maybe it may work...but ...it also requires you to stay calm and not let your frustrations get to you.

He sound ok if he is willing to ride your bike to a lot for you so you can try on solid ground.
Have fun and let us know how it goes.

[NightNurse]

Whoever said that about 250's was full of crap...

Ive ridden a Ninja 250, and my boyfriend rides one to work everyday. He hauls "O Ring" on the hwy! Even with me on the back.

[yellowrookie]

okay, YOU GUYS ARE FREAKIN AWESOME!!!!!

Due to time I could not go anywhere, so was stuck riding around in the grass again, BUT this time I got on KNOWING that stopping wasn't going to be an issue because I knew - KEEP THE WHEEL STRAIGHT - AND STICK THE LANDING!!

I was coming to a snails crawl! Now, with CONFIDENCE, I stop with "stick" and don't you know that bike stayed UP

Now I need to learn how to shift through the gears (I do drive a stick shift, just nervous about the whole 'hand' coordination) WISH ME LUCK!

If he is patient, kind, understanding, doesn't lose his temper or raise his voice to make you feel stupid

ha ha, was this sarcasm he is all those things for a minute.

[mj5898]

I just purchased an '06 Ninja 250 2 weeks ago and have ridden it in real traffic only twice - it had 370 miles when I bought it, put on 140 and now cannot ride it again until Monday when I take her in for her 500 mile service.

Anyhow, on those two occasions, I have had a little trouble with the landing thing. When I approach a known stop - like a stop sign or traffic light - I start applying both brakes, downshifting and am in 1st gear as I come to the stop. If I do not slow to a snail's pace in anticipation of the stop, then the front end bounces quite a lot and she leans to the left a bit. I have not dumped her yet, be feel like I may be in danger of doing it. So, I have been slowing to a snails' pace - 1st gear maybe sometimes with the clutch in and stopping. I would prefer to make a good solid stop as you all have wisely suggested, but am not sure where that point is in between the way snail slow and the front end dip/bounce.

I am happy to suggestions/advice from anyone but most especially any Ninja riders out there. Thanks in advance gals!

[KarateChick]

I don't know why your bike would want to lean a bit to the left on a more normal speed stop vs snail pace. But since you've noticed it, then you can at least anticipate and be ready for it.

The best way to figure out where your best stopping point is would be to practise... so I have to suggest that you head to that ole parking lot and do a bunch of various speed stops until you are comfortable and know how your bike will react and feel at your optimal and various stopping speeds. And don't forget to practise emergency stops at some point too, those can really make you feel like you're going to dump the bike if you aren't prepared.

[mj5898]

I guess it is not so much that the bike wants to lean exactly. It's more that (being a short rider) that is the side I catch her on when she does that front end dive thing from a pretty strong brake. I have read about the 250s having that dive - guess it is normal - but when I stop like that, it looks very unprofessional - like I do not know what I am doing. Mostly because I have an internal panic and try to quickly put my left foot down. I did not have this issue at all on the GZ250 I rode in MSF class last month, so I figure it is the difference in the syle and seat height of the Ninja. I love my bike but being only 5' 1", I was much more comfortable with the height of the cruiser-style bike. Hopefully, as I get more miles under my belt, I will be as at ease with my Ninjette.

You are right that multiple stop practice is the best cure for my fear, so as soon as I get the 500 mile service finished, I will be in the local school lot stopping repeatedly.

[KarateChick]

MJ - good luck with stopping practice and yes, I have no doubt with more practise you will be fine. I'm just slightly over 5'2 and I hear ya - even though I was comfy stopping on the ninja, there were still times it did look pretty bad or rough. Even now...

[Veda]

when I stop like that, it looks very unprofessional - like I do not know what I am doing.

Uh, 'cause you don't know what you're doing.

You need a lot of practice. It is not normal for the bike to bounce around when you are breaking. I know what you're talking about with the ninja250s front shock being squishy - if you brake hard and fast the front end is going to dive. But if you're smoothly applying the front and rear break you should not notice it.

There are plenty of lowering kits out there for the 250. Maybe you can have one installed when you bring it in for service.

[Shorts]

I just purchased an '06 Ninja 250 2 weeks ago and have ridden it in real traffic only twice - it had 370 miles when I bought it, put on 140 and now cannot ride it again until Monday when I take her in for her 500 mile service.

Anyhow, on those two occasions, I have had a little trouble with the landing thing. When I approach a known stop - like a stop sign or traffic light - I start applying both brakes, downshifting and am in 1st gear as I come to the stop. If I do not slow to a snail's pace in anticipation of the stop, then the front end bounces quite a lot and she leans to the left a bit. I have not dumped her yet, be feel like I may be in danger of doing it. So, I have been slowing to a snails' pace - 1st gear maybe sometimes with the clutch in and stopping. I would prefer to make a good solid stop as you all have wisely suggested, but am not sure where that point is in between the way snail slow and the front end dip/bounce.

I am happy to suggestions/advice from anyone but most especially any Ninja riders out there. Thanks in advance gals!

mj, left is pretty common side for dipping and coming to a stop. My grand guess is because it is the side that your put your leg down first (as the right leg is still applying brake). So when you anticipate putting your left leg down, your body mechanics start to go that way, and of course, transfer to the bike. What I suggest is be really sure to keep your knees hugged to the tank as you apply the brakes. You should always have your knees close to the tank, but extra certain when stopping. It keeps your center mass on the bike and allows you to feel straight. You'll be able to feel a big difference in how steady the bike is.