Middle weight upgrade, best value and performance...

[ROGO]

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You won't wear the clutch from that, lol.. also I'm not talking 14k rpm slipping the clutch to do a u-turn, just a bit of juice above idle, that's all that's needed.

Also be careful with that front brake and the slow speed maneuvering, you'll find the bike on the ground in no time. 250cc or 1000cc, i think it's all the same in the slow-speed u-turns..

Yeah it's all low very low rpm. I've had to replace a clutch on one of my old cars when I was younger so always had fear burning clutches and paying for that type of service.

I guess a bike is much lighter than a car and I really shouldn't worry about it. Also with the brake, if I use it at all it's only a light tap.

To be honest the most braking I would use in that situation is the Fred Flinstone kind. hehe When I lose balance my foot goes down to stop me from tipping over. Luckily, I'm strong enough to keep up either bike. LOL

Note to noobs: Biggest learning from slow speed exercises is the bike goes where you look. Your point earlier about looking as far behind as possible, really steadys the bike BIG time. As soon as I turn the bar to hit the tank I look and focus on one spot behind me and turn towards it.

 

[cors]

Yeah it's all low very low rpm. I've had to replace a clutch on one of my old cars when I was younger so always had fear burning clutches and paying for that type of service.

I guess a bike is much lighter than a car and I really shouldn't worry about it. Also with the brake, if I use it at all it's only a light tap.

To be honest the most braking I would use in that situation is the Fred Flinstone kind. hehe When I lose balance my foot goes down to stop me from tipping over. Luckily, I'm strong enough to keep up either bike. LOL

Note to noobs: Biggest learning from slow speed exercises is the bike goes where you look. Your point earlier about looking as far behind as possible, really steadys the bike BIG time. As soon as I turn the bar to hit the tank I look and focus on one spot behind me and turn towards it.

Few things:

+ bike clutch doesn't wear like car's clutch, it's designed to take much much more abuse

+ clutch plates not so hard to replace

+ slow speed with handlebars turned, squeeze just a bit more of a front brake and the bike GOES RIGHT DOWN, try it if you don't believe me

+ slow speed---nothing "scary" about using the rear brake

+ slow speed and foot down---you don't have balance leverage anymore, if bike is falling---just give a bit more gas and it will recover.

+ relying on foot strength to keep the bike up---hope you never get surprised by some gravel under your shoe, then strength is useless

Sorry for concise list, i gotta run. Take all with a grain of salt, of course experiment experiment experiment

 

[ROGO]

I rarely put my foot down anymore, but never thought about the gravel under shoe. Always something to consider with this motorcyle stuff.

Very good list of things to think about.

This is me now, watch me put my foot down at 0:46 and 0:59s. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sULhdPMDJ4Q&feature=related

haha just kidding, I wish that was me.

 

[ROGO]

Day 4: 600+km and First day back commuting with ZX6R from Brampton to Downtown Toronto

Ok so I lied about doing a final post. But after today’s ride I thought I needed to make a comment for those of you looking to upgrade to an SS or more powerful bike than a 250.

Today as most of you know was extremely windy. I can only imagine how much more I would have been pushed around on my 250 than I was on the ZX6R. On the open roads the wind gusts were strong enough to force my ride angle to shift as if I were leaning to turn. I was however able to keep my line. I’m pretty sure as I’ve experienced before on the 250 I would have been pushed around a bit more and felt less secure. Needless to say the extra weight difference is +1 in this situation.

IMHO I had much more confidence changing lanes frequently on the 6R with “fat tires”, riding over street car tracks. On the 250 I’m always a little hesitant due to a slip and slide situation. It could just be me but now with the 6R, I had no fear and changed whenever I felt the need. I did not however make a sharp left turn at 40km+ to change streets as yet, but may try that another day.

The biggest advantage I noticed today was the 100+ horsepower available at the flick of my wrist. What an amazing sensation to know that if I wanted to pass I just did. On the 250 I always had to question whether I could overtake or not. In this case while more power could get someone in trouble, I look at it as an opportunity to be able to get yourself out of a bad situation quickly if needed. Way cool on the reserved power. This bike is *()&*N QUICK!

Today was a cooler and windy day so the bike ran on average 75 degrees. After 600+ kilometers over the past few days my saddle is a little sore but that expected I’m sure.

Again, I really hope I've helped some of you guys looking at middle weight options out there, with my personal experiences. All the best and keep on riding!

 

[ROGO]

My 2011 Babies.

View attachment 29224


View attachment 29223

Day 70ish: 2011 Ninja 250R 5000km, My first Love/Bike.

Day 7: 2011 Ninja ZX6R 1000km, almost done with break-in, can't wait to rev past 7k rpm. My passion and pain. (Reason for sore neck and upper back)

Anyone looking for a slightly used 2011 Ninja 250R. I may sell it for the right offer.

 

[250R-ICE]

I ended up selling my 250r also recently. One thing I do miss about that bike was the handeling. I wish I had enough time to ride both bikes so I could of justified keeping them both. I like the the picture comparison of the ZX6R and 250R. The 250R still looks good even when it's next to the ZX6R.

 

[ROGO]

I ended up selling my 250r also recently. One thing I do miss about that bike was the handeling. I wish I had enough time to ride both bikes so I could of justified keeping them both. I like the the picture comparison of the ZX6R and 250R. The 250R still looks good even when it's next to the ZX6R.

Quite honestly, many people confused my 250 for a 600. Even other Ninja 250 riders. LOL I guess that's one of the reasons they are so popular.

And Yes the handling of the 250 and the comfort are awesome! I just got back from a 3 hour early morning ride through Milton, Guelph area and although it does not compare to the SS, she's a sweet little corner carver. Plus my neck and body really appreciate the break from SS posture. LOL

Congrats on the new bike! I trust she's running well.

PS. I don't think My cheap @$$ will ever get used to 90+ Octane fuel requirement of the SS. I think they purposely leave the fuel gauge off SS bikes so you can't see how fast the needle drops while riding "Spiritedly". I got off my Ninja 250 and still have 3/4 tank left from a 3 hour ride while revving 12k rpm. Gotta love that!

 

[250R-ICE]

Yea mileage is another thing I forgot about. I was getting almost 400-420 kms per tank. And like you mentioned I would ride it in high RPM,S. I'm lucky if I can get 280 km,s per tank now.

 

[cors]

Yea mileage is another thing I forgot about. I was getting almost 400-420 kms per tank. And like you mentioned I would ride it in high RPM,S. I'm lucky if I can get 280 km,s per tank now.

lol, i'm lucky if i get to even 200 before low fuel light hasn't been on for some time already..

 

[ROGO]

lol, i'm lucky if i get to even 200 before low fuel light hasn't been on for some time already..

I can appreciate that sentiment soon enough.

Ninja 250 average 4.49L/100km Normal riding city/highway/weekends etc... 8k rpm average
Ninja ZX6R average 5.75L/100km Normal riding as above 6k rpm average and max rpms

Ninja ZX6R average after break-in and rpms 8k... less than 200km for sure.

 

[cors]

I can appreciate that sentiment soon enough.

Ninja 250 average 4.49L/100km Normal riding city/highway/weekends etc... 8k rpm average
Ninja ZX6R average 5.75L/100km Normal riding as above 6k rpm average and max rpms

Ninja ZX6R average after break-in and rpms 8k... less than 200km for sure.

Looking at RPM average makes sense only if you mention what gear that's in. Obviously, 10k average rpm in 6th gear (some 250km/h on the 1000 would give better fuel economy than keeping it on 10k in 1st gear, hehe

 

[ROGO]

I generally like to get to the speed limit quick so shift between 8-10k rpm in each gear on the 250. I prefer to always be in the powerband of the bike. Fun fun.

Unless Im in traffic of course.

 

[cors]

I generally like to get to the speed limit quick so shift between 8-10k rpm in each gear on the 250. I prefer to always be in the powerband of the bike. Fun fun.

Unless Im in traffic of course.

yeah, my 600 was fun, the 1000---redline in 1st and I'm flying at 150km/h

 

[ROGO]

yeah, my 600 was fun, the 1000---redline in 1st and I'm flying at 150km/h

I've yet to hit the hamilton area back roads, we should ride one time. I bet it would be fun and I can keep up with my 250 I've been on some really good rides with some good riders.

One more week and I can be free of the break-in restrictions of the 6R.

 

[fastar1]

I've yet to hit the hamilton area back roads, we should ride one time. I bet it would be fun and I can keep up with my 250 I've been on some really good rides with some good riders.

That doesn't sound like a disaster in the making at all.

 

[cors]

I've yet to hit the hamilton area back roads, we should ride one time. I bet it would be fun and I can keep up with my 250 I've been on some really good rides with some good riders.

One more week and I can be free of the break-in restrictions of the 6R.

I doubt you can keep up with a 250 on a "spirited" ride, even if you are one hell of a rider, that kind of rides maintain an almost average speed that's over the top of what a 250 can do even given space and time. One thing to never forget---"ride your ride", it's supposed to be fun, not a race, so don't get sucked in after a faster rider unless you've done the same roads with the same speed with the same bike on your own, many times.

With that in mind, I'd love to meet you and show you around the Hamilton backroads, there are way too many of them around here

 

[ROGO]

I doubt you can keep up with a 250 on a "spirited" ride, even if you are one hell of a rider, that kind of rides maintain an almost average speed that's over the top of what a 250 can do even given space and time. One thing to never forget---"ride your ride", it's supposed to be fun, not a race, so don't get sucked in after a faster rider unless you've done the same roads with the same speed with the same bike on your own, many times.

With that in mind, I'd love to meet you and show you around the Hamilton backroads, there are way too many of them around here

I could not agree with you more, regarding riding my ride and it not being a race. Firstly I don't want to lose my license. Secondly, if it's spirited and not overly law breaking then there should be no reason a 250 or 150 could not keep up for that matter. However, it really depends on one's definition of "Spirited".

Every riding group is different I'm sure. But yeah, I love learning new roads and just riding with good people so I'm up for it. This is my new passion this summer and I've had enough people tell me what I can and can't do and they don't even know me. LOL

Just lead and I'll follow at my pace.

 

[cors]

I could not agree with you more, regarding riding my ride and it not being a race. Firstly I don't want to lose my license. Secondly, if it's spirited and not overly law breaking then there should be no reason a 250 or 150 could not keep up for that matter. However, it really depends on one's definition of "Spirited".

Every riding group is different I'm sure. But yeah, I love learning new roads and just riding with good people so I'm up for it. This is my new passion this summer and I've had enough people tell me what I can and can't do and they don't even know me. LOL

Just lead and I'll follow at my pace.

Yes, 250 would keep up on a ride that's not breaking the law too much, I agree. In fact, with those speed restrictions in place, I won't be surprised if the 250 ends up being faster too, lol

 

[ROGO]

Lead me to the twisties so I can practice carving them up. hehe

One day I wanna learn to drift with my bike. So far I've done it accidentally but until I get full gear there is only so much I'm willing to risk doing with me and the bike.

Still have to put my frame slider cage on. Just too busy riding. LOL

 

[RednBlax]

Hey ROGO,

Have you taken the 6R to an intermediate/advance rider training? I suggest you do as its a new bike with a new feel. Most importantly in addition to you parking lot drills you need to practice assertive braking and swerving.

I took an advance training course when I got my gs500. That really helped me. I made myself a commitment to take rider training before each riding season or when I get a new bike. I'm waiting to pick up a Gsx650 and yes I signed up for a rider class. It's only 150-200. But worth every penny.

I also recommend you read a book called "proficient motorcycling"

Besides that enjoy your new ride

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