Ninja 250 to a 600cc SS

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e90 said:
I only enjoyed the 250 because as a totally new rider, it scares you for a bit until I really hit it's (straight line) limits. Then it was more of a --- hm that's it then is it -- moment. I know I still have a LONG way to go to become comfortable leaning into a corner and I still haven't developed a sense of faith in the corners.
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Are you crazy man?? You must be, 170 is sooooooo fast especially in a straight line. No amount of gear is going to save you when a car decides to switch lanes or run into you. You should really think about it, its not good to break the law and ride so maniacally.

In all seriousness, if you're still uncomfortable leaning it over you still got a long way to go.
 
If you are comfortable enough to move on and can afford to go for it. Just be responsible with the throttle and you will be just fine.
 
Gain some more experience, still got lots to learn. Hell, even after upgrading to a SS, i do too.
 
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e90 said:
I know I still have a LONG way to go to become comfortable leaning into a corner and I still haven't developed a sense of faith in the corners.
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e90 said:
To be honest, I'm going to sound like a complete d-bag now but I don't really like cornering (granted this is possibly because I'm no good at it) - but I want to learn what the fuss it about and wouldn't mind taking a track day or two this summer.
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THIS is why I'd say keep the 250 at least a season and put a decent number of km on it. Corners are were 90% of the fun is, and if one month in you were already maxing out the 250 and aggressively taking corners, then I'd say upgrade, but a 600 is just going to be bigger/heavier and more 'touchy' to whatever the rider tells it to do. Granted some do like bikes to go fast in a straight line, but like I said you are missing 90% of the fun if that's all you use them for.

Also, in my own case, could I have likely started on a 600 SS? Personally I'd say yes (knowing myself), but with that said I'm glad I started on the 250, as I was more willing to try more things/push it harder last summer (put 5,000km on it, mainly in the twisties). I'm also likely keeping mine for one more year (due to Honda's lack of red or black on the new CBR600RRA), but that just gives me another season to lean a little further, go a little faster in the corners, and save on gas & insurance to put towards the 600 next year.

Anyhow just my 2 cents.
 
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OP. You don't like corners! Don't like corners! One of the great things about motorcycles imo is that sense of accomplishment when you master something. I'm still trying to get rid of my chicken strips ... If i stuck to a 250 maybe i would be a better rider now.

Don't be a 600 rider who can't take corners, or hurt yourself when you try. And if you're really not a cornering kind of guy - ask yourself, maybe
you're more of a cruiser guy.

Sent from my SGH-T989D using Tapatalk 2
 
You are a motogp fan. They corner and lean in hard, maybe the masters of cornering ... When you get that feeling of leaning over. The bike feels planted.... You hold your line. You feel as if the bike shouldn't be able to do this, but your skill and mastery over gravity makes it so...you get this rush.... It is addictive. That is why we corner.

Sent from my SGH-T989D using Tapatalk 2
 
wandering_bandit said:
OP. You don't like corners! Don't like corners! One of the great things about motorcycles imo is that sense of accomplishment when you master something. I'm still trying to get rid of my chicken strips ... If i stuck to a 250 maybe i would be a better rider now.

Don't be a 600 rider who can't take corners, or hurt yourself when you try. And if you're really not a cornering kind of guy - ask yourself, maybe
you're more of a cruiser guy.

Sent from my SGH-T989D using Tapatalk 2
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wandering_bandit said:
You are a motogp fan. They corner and lean in hard, maybe the masters of cornering ... When you get that feeling of leaning over. The bike feels planted.... You hold your line. You feel as if the bike shouldn't be able to do this, but your skill and mastery over gravity makes it so...you get this rush.... It is addictive. That is why we corner.

Sent from my SGH-T989D using Tapatalk 2
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Hot dog we got a wiener.Well said
 
Just get what you want. I honestly doubt you need the advice from other people as you seem well informed already.

Why do you feel the need to justify yourself to people you don't know?
 
I'm an old guy that went back to riding a 250 on the streets.

It was my master plan that this bike would be the cure for being a cop magnet.

Initial thoughts, I ride this thing like a mad man lol, the only things I don't have to worry about are the 50kph over and wheelies.

To the op, get a track bike. Riding a big bike on the streets is a bore, unless your thing is all about posing. If that's the case pose with a liter bike, 600's are for chicks :).
 
Sunny87 said:
Just get what you want. I honestly doubt you need the advice from other people as you seem well informed already.

Why do you feel the need to justify yourself to people you don't know?
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Actually this is a really good post/point. Most of us, when we upgraded, we didn't post on GTAM going "SHOULD I UPGRADEZ?!?!?!"

It was either a post on WHAT to upgrade to or just a straight up "lookz at mah shiny new ride!"
 
wandering_bandit said:
OP. You don't like corners! Don't like corners! One of the great things about motorcycles imo is that sense of accomplishment when you master something. I'm still trying to get rid of my chicken strips ... If i stuck to a 250 maybe i would be a better rider now.

Don't be a 600 rider who can't take corners, or hurt yourself when you try. And if you're really not a cornering kind of guy - ask yourself, maybe
you're more of a cruiser guy.

Sent from my SGH-T989D using Tapatalk 2
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All of that. If you're hesitant in the corners then perhaps a ss isn't for you just yet. I'd say one more season and if you're comfortable then go for it. If you're going to do it anyways just take it easy. You'll enjoy yourself no matter what you do.
 
e90 said:
So - I have my flame-suit on, zipped up and good to go but here's my background and my question.

I'm a fairly new rider. Only been riding for a month and have my M2. I have a '10 Ninja 250 and although I like the bike for what it is - I am starting to become quite used to the performance and thus become bored. Don't get me wrong - I know that you are fully able to break the law with the 250 but I am just tiring of constantly having to bounce off the rev-limiter to get some speed. I only enjoyed the 250 because as a totally new rider, it scares you for a bit until I really hit it's (straight line) limits. Then it was more of a --- hm that's it then is it -- moment. I know I still have a LONG way to go to become comfortable leaning into a corner and I still haven't developed a sense of faith in the corners.

I'm a pretty big MotoGP, WSBK and TT fan and thus wouldn't want to consider anything other than a true SS bike.

Realistically I would stick with the 250 for the rest of this season and try to sell it over the winter (I already got insurance quotes for the 600's and they are very reasonable for me). Would any of you recommend that I hold off for at least 2 seasons before moving up to a SS or not even bother waiting and jump on one ASAP.

Any advice would be great.

Cheers.
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If you got bored of a 250 in a month, you'll get bored of a 600 in 2 months. I'd say get a 1000cc but you'll be bored of it by the end of the summer.
Good news is there are turbo kits available and you can get a 1000cc + turbo and keep cranking up the boost until you blow the bike up or yourself. :D

Jokes aside the reason to start off with a smaller bike is so that you learn all the basics before having the ability to jump on a fast bike and killing yourself. I doubt you have the basics down on that 250...
 
Yeah ok.. I'll stick with the 250.

Also - let me clarify what I meant when I said "I don't like corners"... what I MEANT was I've tried to lean in hard before and to be honest it is not a good feeling for me... its... its.. scary... there I said it... I just am so afraid of low-siding the thing given that I've heard so many terrible things about the stock 250 tires and all. So this is why I've kept my enjoyment to clutch dumping and ripping through the gears.

I absolutely want to be all Lorenzo into the corners but I'm worried that I'll never get there. The very few times I'm gone in hard I felt like someone should have witnessed to tell me all the **** that I did wrong and I remember mid corner just thinking ""I have no idea what I'm doing right now"".

Yes yes.. will wait till next year for the widowmaker.
 
e90 said:
Yeah ok.. I'll stick with the 250.

Also - let me clarify what I meant when I said "I don't like corners"... what I MEANT was I've tried to lean in hard before and to be honest it is not a good feeling for me... its... its.. scary... there I said it... I just am so afraid of low-siding the thing given that I've heard so many terrible things about the stock 250 tires and all. So this is why I've kept my enjoyment to clutch dumping and ripping through the gears.

I absolutely want to be all Lorenzo into the corners but I'm worried that I'll never get there. The very few times I'm gone in hard I felt like someone should have witnessed to tell me all the **** that I did wrong and I remember mid corner just thinking ""I have no idea what I'm doing right now"".

Yes yes.. will wait till next year for the widowmaker.
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clearly you are ready for a 600! :)
 
e90 said:
Yeah ok.. I'll stick with the 250.

Also - let me clarify what I meant when I said "I don't like corners"... what I MEANT was I've tried to lean in hard before and to be honest it is not a good feeling for me... its... its.. scary... there I said it... I just am so afraid of low-siding the thing given that I've heard so many terrible things about the stock 250 tires and all. So this is why I've kept my enjoyment to clutch dumping and ripping through the gears.

I absolutely want to be all Lorenzo into the corners but I'm worried that I'll never get there. The very few times I'm gone in hard I felt like someone should have witnessed to tell me all the **** that I did wrong and I remember mid corner just thinking ""I have no idea what I'm doing right now"".

Yes yes.. will wait till next year for the widowmaker.
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The lack of confidence in corners with the 250 isn't entirely your fault. I believe the 250 (someone with one chime in) has suspension issues. I don't recall if it was too hard or too soft but cornering felt unstable with it but I only rode it for a day.
 
e90 said:
Also - let me clarify what I meant when I said "I don't like corners"... what I MEANT was I've tried to lean in hard before and to be honest it is not a good feeling for me... its... its.. scary... there I said it... I just am so afraid of low-siding the thing given that I've heard so many terrible things about the stock 250 tires and all.
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I would sign up for the Intro to Track course at TMP. A day on the track will cure your fear of corners ;)

And get some super sticky rubber for your 250, it'll really help with the cornering confidence ;)

-Jamie M.
 
Give the 250r a little more time. You will be surprised how much fun that bike is , especially in the twisties. I kept mine for three seasons before I upgraded and I was no where near capable of riding the bike near it's limits. Once you get more comfortable on taking turns you should have no problem keeping up. The stock tires are more than capable for everyday street riding.
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