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Vex's guidelines and observations in the 250r forum

50K views 49 replies 31 participants last post by  1986Ninja600r2005Ninja250 
#1 · (Edited)
Ok, truth be told I don't pay much attention in this section anymore because it has gotten terribly repeatative and IMO not moderated enough.
People don't seem to feel like searching, but blindly creating threads and expecting others to eagerly answer their questions. Then said poster gets flamed and gets a bad feeling towards Kawiforums as a whole. For this reason I'm creating this thread to give simple answers (with links) to threads I see pop up a LOT, general observations, along with a thread on how to search. If I see a thread posted that's been posted 100 times before, I'm going to link to this thread. If you disregard it, I will give you incorrect answers and/or flame you. So here's my blackjack (21) guidelines to make the 250r forum less of "that damn forum" that at times is the plague of Kawiforums. ;)

1.) The tubes hanging underneath the motorcycle are NORMAL:
http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/104984-two-cut-off-hoses.html (I merged about a dozen threads all asking that question here).
2.) The gas cap makes noise? That's a common issue, and there's a fix for it.
http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/107901-gas-tank-noise-elimination-mod-pictures.html
3.) If you did a FE, or changed out any of the bulbs for LED's, and now they won't blink? :( There's a reason and a couple of fixes for it.
http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/118237-no-cut-fender-eliminator-kit-installed.html (That's one thread talking about it, and how to fix it. There are over a dozen other threads asking that same question and I refer to that generally thread to keep things more centralized on the topic).
4.) You haven't started the bike in a while and now it doesn't run right? Or it runs only with the choke on, and barely at that? You're not the first:
http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/124981-engine-dies-without-choke.html There are numerous threads about winterizing as well. SEARCH for them and do some reading!
5.) Modifications: Don't ask how to install or modify ANYTHING without first checking this thread. If you don't see a thread pertaining to the item in question, try searching!
http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/108573-2008-ninja-250-mod-diy-faq.html Also notice it's in the sticky at the top of the forum? CHECK out some of the threads up there as a lot of general questions are answered up there!
6.) Are you wondering if a 250 is right for you? Good, this isn't the forum for it. (check the newbie forum, or two wheel discussion forum). This thread is overly congested with people asking that question. It also seems people are embarassed to go into the "newbie" forum and therefore ask those questions in the 250 section instead :squint:. There's no shame in asking questions about things you don't understand, and in this case this not the applicable forum.
Newbie Corner : KawiForums.com Kawasaki Forums: Kawasaki motorcycle forums <-- Newbie forum --- Two Wheeled Discussion ---> Two Wheeled Discussion : KawiForums.com Kawasaki Forums: Kawasaki motorcycle forums
7.) What type of gas do you use in a 250? No, it does NOT say 91 octane anywhere on the bike. It says 91 RON which is not the same as 91 RON/MON (the octane measuring system used in the United States). And NO higher octane does NOT = more power... Whatever your pops has told you, or your buddy with the Chevelle swears by, octane does not mean more power :cussing:.
http://www.kawiforums.com/two-wheeled-discussion/119384-octane-what-ok.html
8.) Every day someone creates a thread asking if they should do *insert modification* to their bike. It's silly and annoying to go onto a forum and blindly ask people to make decisions for you. There are probably 10 threads of people who have installed or done the modification in question and have feedback about it. THAT'S what a forum is about, so do a little legwork! Go ahead and make a thread asking what jet you should use, what sprockets you should use, etc. I am GOING to steer you in the wrong direction on purpose.
9.) What gear should you wear? This isn't the forum for those questions. Gear question is not motorcyle specific so DON'T ask those questions in here. If you have a piece of gear that you wear that only works on a 250, then go right ahead and post it in here :headshake:.
10.) Have a story about a ride or observation? It doesn't belong in this forum. The two wheeled discussion forum is generally more suitable.
11.) "I want to get more power out of the bike, don't tell me to get a bigger bike!" It's an economy bike... There's a reason why it costs a little over 1/3 of what supersport bikes START at. If you have a lot of money, time, and experience, and knowledge then feel free to drop $4k+ into beefing up your bike to make it a BAMF bike. THEN create a thread about it. I'm serious! It's interesting seeing how people go about custom work and it can also yield creative advice, critiques, etc.... DON'T create a thread though expecting people to give you advice on how to turbocharge, nitrous inject, etc. your 250. If you have to ask those questions, you aren't qualified to be doing those sort of modifications and no there are no power adder "kits" available for the 250 and I doubt there ever will be.
12.) Again the 250 isn't a super sport bike. It doesn't push the envelope in any fashion! Everytime people ask about steering dampers it makes me want to punch a baby. The bike doesn't need it (unless you're racing in a class that requires it). If you are getting head shake, then there is another problem (incorrect tire pressure, balance, head bearings, etc.). Steering dampers aren't magical headshake removers. The same goes for slipper clutches as well :mad:
http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/110647-find-me-steering-stabilizer.html
 
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#2 · (Edited)
13.) If you are wondering to buy this years 250, or a used 250, that is NOT very technical and frankly back to the having other people make decisions for you. If you're really persistant about this, ask in the newbie forum. As there are plenty of cases in which a 250 may not be right for you (If you're too big, if you are an experienced rider and want more power, etc.) Lets try to keep the 250 forum more 'technical'.
14.) Did you install or do something and want to tell the world about it? SEARCH to see if there is already a thread about it. Having 10 threads of people talking about their experience with shimming the needles, inquiring about jet kits, fender eliminators, clip-ons, etc. wreaks hell for people trying to find answers to questions. Imagine ONE thread pertaining to a modification or topic along with peoples experiences? Wouldn't that be nice??
15.) The guys with the bigger bikes don't hate you (well not ALL of them). They're flaming you because they've probably been riding for a long time and are very knowledgeable, and you're probably being disrespectful or silly. For you to use a forum incorrectly, trying to relate to them because YOU now own a motorcycle, talk down to them when you don't like their opinions, etc. is at par with me talking war stories with my Grandpa. I CAN'T relate, I WASN'T there to experience what he experienced, etc. I wouldn't dare give him advice or talk down to him.
16.) Should you work on the bike yourself? How the hell does anyone but YOU know that? If you create a thread asking if changing your own oil is easy, you're asking for trouble. There's probably a DIY about the maintenance item in question so you can gauge the difficulty of the job, and if you have further questions, POST them in THAT thread! If you're not mechanically inclined (there is absolutely nothing wrong with that), and the job seems beyond your abilities, take it to a shop! Don't go above and beyond your capabilities, and then find yourself frantically creating a thread at 2am asking where "this bolt" goes, or torque values, etc.
17.) If you are going to do work on your bike, get a service manual! They're not too expensive and will pay themselves off (if you are truly going to do the work yourself) in no time. Torque values are in there along with wiring diagrams, trouble shooting guides, etc. How do you adjust this or that? It's in there! That and I ASSURE you someone has done what you want to do, and created a thread about it.
18.) I'm not kidding. PM me or other knowledgeable members before you create a thread when it's not a crazy complicated question. Myself and many others on the forum are more then happy to answer a simple question! Hell I've created in depth wiring diagrams for people and PM'd them. People who have been around for a while likely know the answer, or where to guide you. Creating a thread to ask, "Hey, what are clip-ons, do I need them?". Is going to get you flack, and only asks a simple question whereas a thread entails a discussion. PM someone knowledgeable and you'll likely get you get a respectful PM back with an answer. It's no problem!
19.) If you're going to ask a question, but are expecting ONE answer and will get upset if someone tells you otherwise... Then you're not asking a question. If you ask about the power benefits of a K&N drop-in airfilter and 2-3 people tell you there are NO horsepower benefits to be had, don't call them ass holes because you would rather them tell you something else. Be courteous and if applicable inquire about dyno proof, flow charts, etc. Have an open mind!
20.) "Is this a good deal on a used 250?". :Damn: Ask that in another forum (honestly try the newbie forum). It's subjective, and not really a technical at all. There are many people with 650's, 500's, 6r's, 10r's, etc. that started with a 250 and don't frequent this section as well. Asking 250 sale questions in the newbie forum will probably get you an answer from someone who has sold a 250 and knows what they're worth.
21.) If you have an odd predicament and ask a question, BE detailed. "My bike is making a noise"... I assure you there are 100 different noises and dozens of factors to making such a noise. If you point out that it ocured AFTER you tightened the chain, or it goes away when you pull the clutch in, or it happens on a hot day, people can be a lot more helpful.


And MOST importantly:
http://www.kawiforums.com/off-topic-discussion/119829-search-tools-you.html

That's my favorite link to a thread about searching. The forum is a much happier place when everyone gets along. Creating an account to simply make a thread to ask a repeatative question is very inconsiderate and if you stick around long enough you'll see what I mean. (stick around for the spring when the new models come out and a wave of new riders come in asking the same questions over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again ;)

Edit: I've also added this: http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/159549-vexs-observations-purchasing-250-a.html as a general guide to questions/things I've noticed people ask about or consider before buying 250's. If you're one of those people, maybe you should take a gander?
 
#9 ·
There's one simple thing you are forgetting here. When someone asks an already asked question, it can be of interest to other people reading the threads who might have not otherwise been aware of problem/advice needed. I was reading the forum tonight and read a few common questions.answers that would well have been asked in the past !
 
#10 ·
That's the point of searching. Say you have something that you are wondering about, and FIND a thread about it, post in that thread. It'll bring it back to the main page and people will see it. By just creating a new thread then you have a whole new discussion on the same problem. Then you'll get threads bumped and have 3 discussions on the same problem ON the front page. Before the 2009's came out there was 3-4 threads about the 2009's on the main page.

It just gets really confusing and it proves difficult to get information on something when you search and find 10 threads on a subject. Then you have to sift through each one, etc. etc. One time with the "blinker not blinking after changing signals" concept I was going to bump every instance in which that question had come up, and answer each one of them the same way. But I'm sure I would've gotten heat from the mods when there were 15 threads on the main page that were IDENTICAL and thus identically answered. :D
 
#12 ·
you keep saying ask it in another forum go to another forum people see ninja 250 and thats what they are asking about so they go to the 250 forum seems logical to me if ya dont like some ones question then just dont answer it and let some one else answer it. when some one asks a question its cuz they want help not cuz they wanna hear go some where else or else il just give you the wrong information on purpose cuz im bitter at having to answer the same question
 
#13 ·
you keep saying ask it in another forum go to another forum people see ninja 250 and thats what they are asking about so they go to the 250 forum seems logical to me if ya dont like some ones question then just dont answer it and let some one else answer it. when some one asks a question its cuz they want help not cuz they wanna hear go some where else or else il just give you the wrong information on purpose cuz im bitter at having to answer the same question
thats the wrong attitude to have.


with all the bullshit threads, it clutters of the section, and the actual tech is hard to find.

threads like "what gear should i buy?" do NOT belong in a bike specific section...
 
#14 ·
yeah some stuff is un-needed i agree but to outright say your going to steer some one in the wrong direction intentionally its helpful either. it just seems with everything vex put up just makes me feel like i cant post anything here with out being flamed or told wrong info or told to go somewhere else
 
#16 ·
im not against everything in vex's post i agree with a lot of it but saying lets keep the 250 forum technical i disagree with since the description is "General discussion about the EX, ZZR, 250R or whatever they call them this year" and under two wheel descussion it says to"If you have a question about a specific bike, please post in that bike's forum." thats just what im getting at
 
#17 · (Edited)
If I harped on something, it's probably for a reason. You've been a member for 2 months and haven't seen the repeative nature of a lot of threads. Take a look at some of the other forums on Kawiforums and things are a lot easier it seems to navigate through. Just because you have a 250 doesn't entail the post belongs in the 250 forum. There are a lot of general discussions that ARE 250 related sure, but because you have a story that happened while you were on a 250 probably has nothing to do with a 250 itself. There are countless threads that begin, "So I was on my 250" and before you know it there's a thread talking about how someone saw a nice planter in their neighbors yard.

I bet for every one of these stories if you change the "250" in the thread to "650" or "Hayabusa", it wont change the story one iota. People are always creating threads about what gear they should wear while on their 250. Again, what does that have to do with a 250? General discussion about the 250, yes sure. You want to talk about the benefits of available aftermarket windscreens for a 250? Sure. You want to talk about decal or paint schemes on a 250? Sure. You want to talk about windscreens in general? No, it works the same on every one of these bikes. You want to talk about different types of paint (single stage, two stage, laquer, etc.), THIS ISN'T THE CORRECT FORUM.

As for the bike specific stuff, YES feel free to post in the 250 section, the main beef here is people don't search and create repetative threads. I almost guarantee that if you have a problem, or comment about something BIKE SPECIFIC in the 250 forum, there is a thread that has already been created about that. You wondering what sprockets are available for the 250? Take a gander, there are probably 30 threads about it because every 2 weeks someone creates a thread saying something like, "Should I go up one tooth in the front, or down three in the rear?". Which adds to the mess when someone who is truly doing their research when they have to sift through all that crap. Want to know if you should use aluminum or steel sprockets? No that is not a 250 GENERAL question. That is a GENERAL motorcycle question btw ;)

Edit: And I didn't say I was just going to steer someone in the wrong direction. I said I would kindly link to this thread, because sure some people might not know there is a preferred way of doing things on here. If they are persistent and don't heed such advice, I'm going to steer them the wrong way. I've repeated myself on certain topic SO many times it's insane. Why should members have to keep repeating ideas and topics for every lazy ass that aimlessly posts questions?
 
#18 ·
what if some one doesnt know if steel workes better for one bike and aluminum works better for another. so i can see that as being a 250 specific question. i agree there is a lot of clutter and i am one who does use the search function and this forum has helped me a lot i just feel your post went a little to far thats all and in 2 months and useing the search i see all the posts on the same subject. i just dont like seeing some one asking an honest question getting completely flamed for it which does happen

you probably get more clutter here since the 250 is more a beginner bike so it kinda goes with the teritory of having lots of new riders. i just like to follow up with i dont hate your post i beleive some of it is well said and needed to be said
 
#19 ·
ALSO, out of people who used to post in this forum, probably 50% of them don't own 250s anymore and don't therefore post in here. The other 50% STILL own 250's and don't post anymore for many of the reasons I stated. I know this because a lot of those people post on other forums entirely (not Kawiforums). Whenever a new wave of people come into the 250 forum and get pissed off because they feel they should be able to do whatever they want it always takes a wave of people off of the forum. If there was a little bit of order, and if people had a little respect for some sort of a "system" I bet the turnaround wouldn't be as bad as it is.
 
#21 ·
Aye. Believe you me, I'm not mad at anyone nessecelery. I was just thinking some sort of system or "guidelines" would be very beneficial to the 250 forum. I've seen over and over again someone new to the forum getting flamed and scared off of Kawiforums as a whole. I've also seen members I'd consider friends who don't come by anymore because of the lack of order. I'm thinking there's still hope for the 250 forum!
 
#24 ·
when you're feeling like you're gonna take a shitstorm fro mthe baord, PM someone who looks like they be able to point you to an answer.

chances are they'll be nice because they see you're not tying up the board with repetitious stuff and taking a more direct approach. i've had many many people join the boards just to PM me a question. these guys don't even have any "external" posts on the forums itself. the PM system is a gem.
i have no problem answering questions (granted they're not too stupid..lol) and i'm sure TJ and joe and any other knowledgeable 250 owner here would either.
 
#29 ·
i stopped going on this forum after i bought my newer 250, cause it was full of the same crap posted by a new member every frickin day...got to be too much work to find "real" info...thank you for being stricter :)
 
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