Riding home in a 250

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Jas0n · #1 Unread post by **Jas0n** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:53 am

Several questions. I'm taking the MSF course as a guarnateed student next week on the 23rd. I'm a complete noob at this and I don't even have a bike to ride once I get home. Now, I might get a bike withen that week (after the msf) and I was wondering..

Will the MSF give me enough experience to drive a new Ninja 250 on a busy road with at least 25 intersections, not to mention I'd have to hit the highway (3 miles) on the way back also. I also have to account for the break-in period that the Ninja requires. I belive its 4,000 rpm's for 100 miles, I'll check that later. If its true, then thats not too fast at all considering it IS a 250; the average speed home is around 40 mph (not counting the highway).

I havn't asked yet, I might call them later tomorrow.. Untill then, do you think the local shop will deliver it for me?

I THINKKKK it might be able to fit into my dad's working van. If thats the case, then I have nothing to worry about.

jonnythan · #2 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:18 am

I'd say "definitely not."

MSF doesn't give you any street experience whatsoever. It gives you the tools you will need to survive on the street as you gain experience there.

I would *not* want to ride through that many intersections (the most dangerous place we ride) or on the highway with no experience whatsoever.

No idea about delivery. There is a good sticky about getting your new bike home.

Jas0n · #3 Unread post by **Jas0n** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:48 am

Alright, thats what I thought. I was more scared than excited about the idea of riding home.

My dad said he can make room in his work van and I'll be able to ride it safely in 1st gear around the neighbhor hood.

jonnythan · #4 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:53 am

Worst case, you can rent a U-Haul trailer for the van if you have a hitch. If not, just rent a small U-Haul truck.

Best way is to get it delivered or get a friend to ride it home for you.

Tower18CHI · Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:54 am

What kind of streets/intersections? The only thing that would have scared the crap out of me when I was first starting was the highway. I was on the street within days of learning the basic controls in my alley.

But, since you have another option, you should probably just use it. I didn't have that option.

BeachComber · Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:37 am

When I bought my new Ninja 500 as an absolute noob, the dealer offered to deliver it for $50 -- not too bad. However, my friend (who has been riding for 25 years ) offered to haul the bike to my place in her pickup - we ramped it up and strapped it down and it was fine.

I also had the MSF course with no additional riding experience, and driving the bike on busy roads through intersections the first time out would have been doable, but risky. I took my first ride through a quiet residential neighborhood and was glad to have nothing much to worry about beyond shifting and staying vertical. It takes a few miles to get used to the weight and handling characteristics of a new bike.

Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:44 am

Jas0n wrote:Alright, thats what I thought. I was more scared than excited about the idea of riding home.

My dad said he can make room in his work van and I'll be able to ride it safely in 1st gear around the neighbhor hood.

You'll be able to shift, and you'll want to. Where do you live (didn't see it in your profile)? If you're anywhere near Northern Virginia then I can lend you my ramps to make it easier.

intotherain · Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:01 pm

Don't. Get the bike delivered to your house and practice on less busier streets before going onto busier streets. A new rider on a new bike in traffic = bad.

IcyHound · #9 Unread post by **IcyHound** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:38 pm

See if they do delivery. Our delivery was about 100 bucks for both bikes going about 20 miles.

paul1149 · #10 Unread post by **paul1149** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:26 pm

I consider myself a slow learner, but I would say the MSF course definitely does not prepare you for that kind of immediate riding. It's a precursor course, and frankly I'm surprised - pleasantly, don't get me wrong, because I'm responsible and it made my life a lot easier - that they allow it to substitute for the driving test.

The ninja 250 does fit in a Ford econoline van. I made a ramp out of 2x4s and plywood, with intermediate legs to stiffen it, and I tied the bike up to the overhead beams with ratchet tie down straps.

Maybe it's just me, and I do live on a busy street, but I remember how long it took me to work and pray up the courage to go out on the road. Don't rush yourself too much.
p.