Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi! I just got a ninja 250. I am a brand new rider. Got my bike the weekend before last, (superbowl weekend) and I'm taking the course this weekend (2/16-2/18).
My husband thought I should take it out, and get comfortable with getting started out of first, so I did try riding it last weekend. Personally, I think he just wanted to ride it. I know how to drive a manual-shift car, so I only stalled once getting out of first, and off I went down the street! About 7 houses down, I stopped, and turned it around by walking it.
Back I went to my driveway, and as I came to a stop, it SLOWLY fell over to the right. WAH! Boy, did I feel stupid. I learned how to stop, though! Since then, I've taken it around the block about 4 times. I got up to 3rd gear, and downshifted, stopped at a stop sign and started in a turn. Ack. I worry about not ever getting better at this, but I've
got to improve with practice, right? I am soo looking forward to the MSF course this next weekend. I think I will feel much more confident after I take the course. I love it, though. What a thrill. I feel like I am flying. My kids and neighbors think I'm nuts. This is something I've always wanted to do, and just kept putting off. I finally decided it was time to jump.
I love my bike!! Trying to figure out a good name for it. My 5-yr-old suggested "Ninja-poop".

good luck with the msf course this weekend... i'm sure after taking the course you'll start to feel more comfortable on the bike... of course practice will help too...

allihay wrote:I love it, though. What a thrill. I feel like I am flying. My kids and neighbors think I'm nuts. This is something I've always wanted to do, and just kept putting off.

I'm happy that you got around to it and that you are having fun!

Enjoy the MSF. I didn't see anything in your post but make sure you have some good gear.

and have fun at the course!

I did buy good gear!! I got a white full-face helmet (Arai), I've got the jacket, the gloves, I even bought pants and boots. I value my health. My friends all think I'm a big poser because I bought all this stuff and still don't know how to ride. I told them that I'm most likely to wipe out as a new rider. I'm just bringing my helmet and gloves to the MSF class. I may wear my boots, too, to break them in.... I feel like the terminator when I'm all dressed up. Got my hubbie a helmet and gloves, too.

hey Ali
i am sure the MSF class will do worlds of wonder...
i went from not knowing anything about motorcycles to almost having a perfect riding score...so i am sure you'll do well!
Enjoy, ask questions and i'm sure it'll be fun!

I grew up in So. Cal, so i miss it out there, but i heard the classes were expensive..in illinois, the classes are free, but its a mad rush to get in the class as you can imagin, everyone rushed to take the class before they fill up

Ninja-poop is a great name for your bike.

JW, where you at in CALI?

I am just over the hill from Santa Cruz on Highway 17. Sort of your neck of the woods, eh? It will be a while before you get me over the mountain! I'm a thrill-seeking chicken.

allihay wrote:I did buy good gear!! I got a white full-face helmet (Arai), I've got the jacket, the gloves, I even bought pants and boots. I value my health. My friends all think I'm a big poser because I bought all this stuff and still don't know how to ride. I told them that I'm most likely to wipe out as a new rider. I'm just bringing my helmet and gloves to the MSF class. I may wear my boots, too, to break them in.... I feel like the terminator when I'm all dressed up. Got my hubbie a helmet and gloves, too.

arai is a nice brand. =D

have fun