New Girl Rider : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

AnaD · 08-27-2009, 11:32 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm Ana and I'm both new to this forum and new to riding. I finally bought my first bike last Thursday; brand new 2009 black Kawasaki Ninja 250 off the dealership. I have no prior experience riding other than the safety course I took a couple months back and I'm pretty damn scared to be honest!

I've taken it out with my brother-in-law only around my neighborhood a couple of times since I bought it and I'm still trying to get used to understanding the concept of shifting and all that good stuff. I'm really worried about this "break-in" period I'm supposed to be doing just because I don't want to screw up the bike. I love the feel of it so far, it fits me perfect. I'm 5'5 115 lbs and am able to plant my feet pretty well.

Since I've never ridden before I figured I'd join one of these and just read up on what other riders are saying. I really hope to grasp an overall knowledge on riding and my bike as i get better and better. Any advice would greatly be appreciated! I'll have pictures up as soon as I figured out how to do so haha

Crazyninja · 08-28-2009, 02:46 AM

congrats. Those 250's are nice little bikes and handle like a dream. Be sure to get the proper riding gear. You need a good full face helmet, jacket with protectors in the back, arms, chest. You need good riding pants and tall motorcycle boots and gloves.

Stay safe and alert. Take it easy and do not try to hang with experienced riders if you ride with a group. Its ok to fall behind.

elgatovolador · 08-28-2009, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazyninja

congrats. Those 250's are nice little bikes and handle like a dream. Be sure to get the proper riding gear. You need a good full face helmet, jacket with protectors in the back, arms, chest. You need good riding pants and tall motorcycle boots and gloves.

Stay safe and alert. Take it easy and do not try to hang with experienced riders if you ride with a group. Its ok to fall behind.

By the way, I have a feeling this is going to be a pretty popular post..

JBearSVT · 08-28-2009, 04:03 AM

Once she starts posting pics it will be!

Welcome to the forums Ana.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazyninja

congrats. Those 250's are nice little bikes and handle like a dream. Be sure to get the proper riding gear. You need a good full face helmet, jacket with protectors in the back, arms, chest. You need good riding pants and tall motorcycle boots and gloves.

Stay safe and alert. Take it easy and do not try to hang with experienced riders if you ride with a group. Its ok to fall behind.

To that I would add, wear it all every time you ride. You'll be tempted not to, but do it.
If you like to read, you may also want to track down a copy of Twist of the Wrist II by Keith Code. There are even some free pdf downloads of it online, but you may have to hunt around a little to find them.

zaneyzrex · 08-28-2009, 08:10 AM

did ya do the MSF course yet ?? yep we need pics to make sure youre not imaginary.....

**Shifty1** · 08-28-2009, 08:37 AM

to getting proper gear. And don't freak out to much about the break-in period. If you color outside the lines once or twice, it isn't gonna hurt anything. Just take your time and get comfortable on the bike. Get yourself a photobucket account to post pics.

elgatovolador · 08-28-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifty1

Don't let the dog pound here get to you. You may have to smack'em on the nose once in a while but they're loyal and housebroken.

Ride safe.

to riding safe..

and I don't think there are too many chicas on here AnaD, so you might be the center of attention for a little bit.. pero es que chicks from Califas are fly..

AnaD · 08-28-2009, 12:38 PM

rileydeed · 08-28-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnaD

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/u...0820091328.jpg

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/u...0820091330.jpg

That's a pretty bike. Not to sure that's the pic everyone is talking about, but you probably guessed that

. Hi and Welcome!

AnaD · 08-28-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifty1

to getting proper gear. And don't freak out to much about the break-in period. If you color outside the lines once or twice, it isn't gonna hurt anything. Just take your time and get comfortable on the bike. Get yourself a photobucket account to post pics.

Yeah I did the course last Novemeber and did just fine (only chick in class and not all the guys passed HAHA!)

I don't have pictures on my bike yet cause I'm still trying to find a jacket that fits right since everything is too big on me, but I've been using my sister's gear for now. Haha well at least I'm glad people didn't just laugh at me. I thought I was gonna be the laughing stock for being a girl and a newbie!

**Shifty1** · 08-28-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnaD

Yeah I did the course last Novemeber and did just fine (only chick in class and not all the guys passed HAHA!)

I don't have pictures on my bike yet cause I'm still trying to find a jacket that fits right since everything is too big on me, but I've been using my sister's gear for now. Haha well at least I'm glad people didn't just laugh at me. I thought I was gonna be the laughing stock for being a girl and a newbie!

Nah. If anything, you are gonna be really popular for a while around here. Lady riders are a rarity on the road and even more so on the forums, so you might want to grab a rolled up newspaper to keep all the drooling dogs at bay.

And even with the newbs, we are all here to help. We try to keep it nice and friendly around here. And good looking bike, by the way. Although, that rear fender has got to go...those things get bigger every year.

JBearSVT · 08-28-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnaD

Haha well at least I'm glad people didn't just laugh at me. I thought I was gonna be the laughing stock for being a girl and a newbie!

Wha...? No. On the contrary, most girls (particularly those with limited riding experience) who join up find themselves treated like surrogate daughters. Rest assured that if you catch us laughing, it's more likely with you than at you.

AnaD · 08-28-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifty1

And good looking bike, by the way. Although, that rear fender has got to go...those things get bigger every year.

Well thanks a lot guys, really appreciate the support. And I know! That thing is hideous looking

, I've wanted it gone before I even bought the bike haha. I'm just saving up to finish buying all my gear and then i can get the eliminator kit or whatever it's called.

C.O.RR.E. · 08-28-2009, 03:27 PM

welcome. and i wont fight over this one with ya jbear! lol j/k

napalm candy · 08-28-2009, 04:06 PM

hello and welcome
the rolled up newspaper may not work so get a sock full of penny's
it you search i think there is a diy < do it your self> fender elm mod for the 250
as far as gear check out
http://www.newenough.com/
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/
http://www.indysuperbike.com/customer/home.php
those are just a few but you can usually find great deals and they are all great if you have to return stuff

glassman · 08-28-2009, 04:49 PM

Im sure the pic of you in the garage sitting on the bike would make them all happy

185EZ · 08-28-2009, 05:14 PM

Welcome!
Nice bike. For starters you can just trim the back tail reflector off. It's a soft plastic. Worked for me and it was free.
Don't worry about taking a picture with a jacket on or anything else for that matter. "woof" "woof"

DellsNinja · 08-28-2009, 05:26 PM

Welcome. And like a couple others said. The flippin rear fender has to go.

AnaD · 08-29-2009, 11:36 AM

Saki636 · 08-29-2009, 11:47 AM

holy hell!! Can you be my best friend?