Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Today was day 5 with the new bike. This morning I got up early, got dressed with full gear, jacket with armor, rugged boots that I had purchased at an army surplus store cheaply, helmet, gloves etc. and decided to go cross town on major roads. I knew that it being sunday morning, the traffic would be light. And indeed it was. I was very familiar with the route as I have taken it numerous times, so no surprises. The speed limit throughout is 40 mph. I found that shifting was alot easier and smoother on this route vs the residential mostly low speed areas where most of my riding had been done to this point. My confidence grew immensley during this ride. Being around traffic, what traffic there was, coming into intersections and reacting appropriately. When I read several reviews about the Ninja 650R as being a great beginners bike and designed to instill confidence in the rider--I'm beginning to really believe this. Day 1 the bike seemed very intimdating, especially when compared to the nighthawk 250 I had during the MSF course. Not anymore. Again its all about taking your time, slow and easy, at your own pace. I plan continuing the same pace when I begin working on my cornering and other skills. As far as pics, thats a low priority now Maybe I can get Katie to pose on it with a bikini in exchange for a weeks worth of free rides ! I will try to put something up for you viewing pleasure

glad to hear you're having fun.

ride safe!

Haha those silly 650R riders...



Congrats

Wait til you're hitting the twisties, they fall into corners really easy.

Awesome! Congrats on the new ride. Those are a great looking bike.

Glad that worked out. I took(and still am taking) that approach. It works well even for larger bikes that aren't recommended for beginners. As long as you take your time and don't venture out into situations beyond your level you should be good. Enjoy it!