15,000RPMs

[johnwag]

Well, in any case, the chances of me affording a Ninja 250R when I graduate college is rather remote, but we will see January 2009! My original plan was to get a Ninja 250R as a graduation gift to myself, but that is now in doubt. So until then, I try to keep up and what gear is out there. I think a $100-$150 basic HJC helmet will do for me just in case I decide I don't like motorcycling. If I really start to get into it, I will buy a better helmet then.

I'm not downing the lower priced helmets. Look at like this, you are more likely to find a better fitting and more comfortable helmet in the $300 range. Plus, if you ever decide to autocross or track your car, you can use the helmet as double duty. This is what I do.

About 6 years ago I was considering buying one of those 250 ninjas. For the price of a new 250, you can have a much nicer and more powerful used bike. I payed $3500 for my ninja when I purchased it in 2004 and it had an intake, jetted carbs, full header and exhaust, a smaller sprocket and sticky dunlops. The bike was extremely fast for a 600!
Shop for a new or used bike in the winter.....you will always get a better deal.

[driftdevil]

+1^

[MX-5EE]

I'm not downing the lower priced helmets. Look at like this, you are more likely to find a better fitting and more comfortable helmet in the $300 range. Plus, if you ever decide to autocross or track your car, you can use the helmet as double duty. This is what I do.

About 6 years ago I was considering buying one of those 250 ninjas. For the price of a new 250, you can have a much nicer and more powerful used bike. I payed $3500 for my ninja when I purchased it in 2004 and it had an intake, jetted carbs, full header and exhaust, a smaller sprocket and sticky dunlops. The bike was extremely fast for a 600!
Shop for a new or used bike in the winter.....you will always get a better deal.

Now on the Ninja 250R, I am pretty set. I might consider a better helmet if I have the extra $$$ after graduation. On the Ninja 250, I have done my research and I am pretty sure that it's the right bike for me to start on. It may be a 250cc, but it's liquid cooled, 4V/cyl, DOHC, and has a 6 speed instead of a 5 speed, so unlike a Rebel or Virago or GZ250, it's actually highway capable. I am specifically NOT looking for a fast bike, I am approaching starting biking like I started driving. When I started driving, I drove a Civic DX, even autoX'ing it on occasion. I got comfortable with that before moving up to a 240SX, then moving up to a Miata.

I don't know if that makes sense, but in summary, I want to learn to make the most of a very limited vehicle.

[Bacon]

+1... I'm getting ready to start buying gear; I got talked out of going the cheap route, especially when it comes to helmets.

Dude, given your talent for finding people who can't see you and like to pull out in front of you and crash you, shouldn't you be getting something a little more visible and/or bigger?

bacon

[TheChadVIII]

Dude, given your talent for finding people who can't see you and like to pull out in front of you and crash you, shouldn't you be getting something a little more visible and/or bigger?

bacon

Lol, people still manage run into houses and buildings, they're just morons.

[Radio-Active]

Lol, people still manage run into houses and buildings, they're just morons.

Even people on Motorcycles do that!!!

My Uncle was killed when he ran into a bridge pillar. Blood Alchohol levels played a part in that.

[Adam Payrot]

Dude, given your talent for finding people who can't see you and like to pull out in front of you and crash you, shouldn't you be getting something a little more visible and/or bigger?

bacon

lol, that's my biggest worry. I won't be riding in the city much. That or I'll take off that target I seem to be wearing on my back.

[TheChadVIII]

Yea in the MSF course they said that 40% of motorcycle fatalities were alcohol-related on the part of the operator.

Half were in a turn with no other driver.

[redmenace]

Man, you guys are spending big bucks on gear! Once your helmet has the latest Snell rating, the only thing more money buys is comfort/convenience (lighter, better vents) and admittedly SWEET racer-rep graphics. There are some great deals on the interweb and during the big motorcycle show in FW. (Moto Liberty no longer exhibits there but runs a concurrent sale.)

I got an M2005 helmet for $130, jacket and pants for $169 each (2-piece suit), gauntlet gloves for $25 and (used) roadrace boots for $50. For the price of one gorgeous helmet I have all the gear needed for track days.

I have to agree with NOT buying a new Ninja 250 -- or any new 250, really. The bikes are fine, but find a used one for half the price.

[Mingle]

i ride too, sold my cbr a while ago. i think im going to buy a 1000rr from a friend of mine. so hopefully ill be riding again soon