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The past week and a half has been rather busy. I had been looking for my first bike hard core. It was constant checking (Ebay, cycletrader, craigslist, and local papers). I had never really considered the Ninja 250. However, my budget was under $2000 period. I had looked at a few old "O Ring" bikes such as a CB750 1980 with 30,000 miles. When I learned I could get a year 2000+ bike with my budget I really wanted a Ninja 250.

I finally found the winner on Craigs list. 2003 Ninja 250 with 4700 miles on her. She has some battle scratches, a dent in the gas tank where the left bar hit it, and not as perfect as I normally like. However, I got it for $1900 and it came with a tank bag and gloves. He was offering $2200. Yeah right.

I took my MSF last weekend and had a blast! I learned so much and am beyond glad I paid the cash for the class. I am sure the class could save my bacon someday. I just have to remember that every car is out there to kill me. Every car.

I bought all my gear. I got a Shoei RF1000 helmet, had gloves, found a great jacket that was rather cheap at 90 bucks. But the armor is CE rated and the protection appears great. I also picked up some Icon riding shoes that are rather armored. I need to get pants next. I am thinking about those jeans that have the Kevlar weave in them.

I have already done a few things to the bike. Changed the oil (it was massively overfilled), aired up the tires (they were at 15 psi), added turn signals, redid the ghetto wiring he did, washed her, fixed the broken clutch handle.

Next I want to add a SS braided line for the front brake, get a better windshield, go from a 14T to a 15T gear up front, and I think my clutch cable is stretched.

Over all I am SOOOOO happy I got this bike. It will be the perfect first bike for me. It is super light at 300 lbs and it gets up to highway speeds just fine. Not to mention 60 + MPG. Not to mention the insurance is dirt cheap (71 a year for liability i am 26 with no tickets and that is thru progressive. ) Then I added uninsured motorist coverage. So, if I get hit and hurt by somebody without insurance my medical is covered. So , my total premium is 290 a year.

Here she is on the trailer when I got home:



Here is me after I got done with my first ride on the streets.


I want to go riding sooo bad! I hate work:(

James

WOO-HOO! Congrats on your new acquisition. You're going to have a lot of fun.



Edit: I've got the 250 too & am really luving it!

Hi James,

That is so awesome! Great pictures, and it sounds like you are really doing all the right things to make your new toy as best and safe as it can be. Right on!

We just picked up some Joe Rocket Steel Jeans for my husband yesterday. $80. I don't like them, but he didn't feel like shopping around. Draggin jeans look comfy, but you've got to order them and I worry about returns and improper fit. Sliders also makes a kevlar lined jean that has gotten better reviews than the Joe Rockets, and they are the same cost.

Have a great time. I love your enthusiasm!!!

Ride safely,
Janet

Awesome! Thanks for the pics and, glad to hear you enjoyed the MSF class. Stay Safe Out There!

Sweet... yellow is the fastest color.

Trim that overflow line that looks like it is dragging on the ground though.

Pants... I recently got some textile overpants... they are a bit more $ than the armored jeans, but you can wear 'em over street clothes and with the vents and stuff they are range from cool to warm at need. I don't even need to take off my boots to put them on. I figure they'll outlast a few pairs of kevlar jeans... just something to think about.

On thing I don't like is how loud my helmet is. It is not supposed to be loud.

As I passed through 50mph the sound of the bike fades away and the wind noise starts. It is coming from the base of the helmet below the ears. I put my hands there and the wind noise stops.

I think it is caused how the wind is coming off the windscreen/my chest.

I am already getting custom earplugs made up. So, maybe getting that double bubble windscreen could also help.

I am gonna trim that line and take a look at the pants that go over the pants. Thanks for the advice.

James

the addiction begins. congrats on that bike, its beautiful. ive got an 03 ninja 250 , only difference is mine is green. if youre like me, you're going to develop a relationship with that bike. youll find yourself walking to the window just to look at her for a few seconds throughout the day, doing doubletakes when youre going into the store, etc. have fun and be safe

Great color choice!

The Big Bad Banana

Happy Bike Day!

I noticed you tied it down to ur trailer wrong, ur lucky it didn't fall off in the middle of the road somewhere, the proper way of securing any bike to a truck bed or a trailer is strap it to the handlebars, or the frame neck under the handlebars and use ur weight to push down the front forks to tighten up the straps, btw, nice looking bike.