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New to Kawi - New Rider of a 05 Ninja 250r

358 views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  ZZR600-2008 
#1 ·
What's up everyone?! ----enjoying the fall weather rides?

My names Reese.

Just bought a 2005 Ninja after passing my MSF and getting my license.
It's about to be winter here in Tennessee so getting as much riding as I can

Any recommendations/tips/articles that anyone has ----- post em' here. I'm trying to soak in as much reputable info as I can to improve my riding technique.

Last week I got shifting down as a second nature - this week had a problem with my tires and have to replace em' just for peace of mind and since I bought the bike of CL - I want to make sure I know my tires - now to master how to gauge turns/corners and lean accordingly.
I'm really into perfecting everything I can, and developing the best habits I can rather than teaching myself ones that can damage or 'hurt' in the long run.



Also if anyone recommends and riding boots, and knee gear or anything at all for a new rider...I'd really appreciate it -

Really glad to join this community and learn and grow from this point ---


Thanks and Happy riding!
 
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#2 ·
Welcome to riding.

For gear, fit is most important- it needs to be tight so it does not fall off if you crash, but not so tight it is uncomfortable.

To save money and look more typical, I buy kevlar-lined jeans and put dirt bike knee armor under them.

It is best to buy 2 or 3 pairs of gloves for different temperatures- I have waterproof gloves good from 50 to 70 degrees F, lighter gloves good above 70 degrees to 75 degrees, and a third pair with more windflow above 75 degrees.

Keep a light grip on the handlebars, look far ahead, keep your eyes moving, and especially watch for car and truck drivers turning left (where you drive on the right side of the road like the US).



Watch the vehicle front wheels for movement and turning- do not look at the driver's eyes because it will seem like they are looking at you- but might not be seeing you or they think you are much farther away and they think they have time to pull out in front of you.


Practice panic braking and turning, so you do not freeze up and do nothing, or try to brake or turn too much all at once and slide the tires. The MSF classes are a start, both the beginner and experienced classes. I would also watch a lot of Youtube videos, including Twist of the Wrist, and at least skim some books such as Proficient Motorcycling.

The site linked below helps decide how safe a helmet is from crash testing, but narrow the list first by seeing which ones fit your head well. You can use a big spoon and hand pressure to slightly loosen a tight spot inside the helmet- probably best after you buy it and you find a spot too tight:
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SHARP Helmets - THE HELMET SAFETY SCHEME
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