Kylesaki's Ninja 250 Mod Thread (help and pictorial)

[Kylesaki Ninja]

Well, I have ordered tons of stuff and will start modding my bike once schools out. Mainly just cosmetics, and some performance (but why mess with perfection)

So this thread will kill 2 birds with one stone... I will post my mods for your viewing pleasure. and I will also be asking questions... Like were to get this and that locally since Im still a sport bike noob.

So below is a pic of my bike (maybe seen it before, got it from NINJA GIRL) and this is what it looks like now (first thing first, GOODBYE PURPLE)

But before the pic, I have my first question, WHERE is the best place to buy tires? I want to get Pirelli Sport Demons based on my research. Preferably want to get them locally at a place that will put them on for me. any help will be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs25/f/2008/142/b/4/My_New_Kawasaki_Ninja_by_KyleRobinsonCustoms.jpg

[Kelbor]

Honest opinion - keep it stock, save the money you ware planning on spending on goodies and save it for your next amchine. That Ninja, while being a great starter bike, is just that. By the end of summer you will be eyeing more power and performance. :2cents: (or better yet, take that money and buy good gear that will last you years and many bikes down the line):thumbup:

Think about cheap/free mods (except for tires - those are a nessecity) that will keep you satisfied for the time being. Ride safe

[TOM-CAT]

Honest opinion - keep it stock, save the money you ware planning on spending on goodies and save it for your next amchine. That Ninja, while being a great starter bike, is just that. By the end of summer you will be eyeing more power and performance. :2cents: (or better yet, take that money and buy good gear that will last you years and many bikes down the line):thumbup:

Think about cheap/free mods (except for tires - those are a nessecity) that will keep you satisfied for the time being. Ride safe+1 :thumbup:

Mods are fun, but free mods are better. :rad:

[Kylesaki Ninja]

yes, I will only be buying grips and cheap stuff, besides the tires (I want them to be safer)

The mods will be free (I decided against new exaust for just that reason)

But I can do cheap and free mods, that will make my bike sell for alttle higher once the time comes to go 500-600 next season.

and just so you know, i will only be spending about 100 bucks on my mods (besides tires) cause I can get paint work and most other things for free in exchange for my talents. ^_^

THANKS, that being said, I still want tires... any location tips?

[Silverbullet]

The bike looks good, nice job. Another + on buying good gear. Don't worry about modding the bike, "mod" yourelf. As for tires, Cycle parts have always treated me GREAT. Wouldn't go anywhere else.

[Kelbor]

The bike looks good, nice job. Another + on buying good gear. Don't worry about modding the bike, "mod" yourelf. As for tires, Cycle parts have always treated me GREAT. Wouldn't go anywhere else.yeah, cycle parts is where I would go too - its a bunch cheaper though if you can pul the wheels off the bike first and just bring in the rims (Almost makes it worth investing in stands unless you wanna hang your bike from rafters)

[YOMAMAR6]

Cycle Gear has the best prices in tires and Cycle Parts have the best mechs i have heard cycle parts will match price but i dont know in person never asked.

[Kylesaki Ninja]

cool thanks, I will check Cycle Gear and Cycle Parts. And see which one can get me a getter deal on Pirelli Sport Demons.

My back tire slid out like 2 feet today just going about 12-20 MPH while casual breaking. I was on a complete straight away.

I don't think my back tire has been changes since 03 when the bike was new. And Im told on the Kawi250 forums that the stock tires are crap and its there biggest cut corner on the ninja.

I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again

[Xusia]

+1 on Cycle Gear and Cycle Parts.

Also, what were you doing using the rear brake?!? :) I know they teach that in class, but predominently for emergency purposes. In my book, the rear brake is useful only in certain situations (keeeping the bike still when already stopped, emergency braking, gravel roads, settling the suspension when cornering downhill, and trail braking - those last 2 are more advanced techniques and I don't advise them for beginners) and shouldn't be used outside of those because you just don't get the feel and it's too easy to lock it up. Imagine if you had been going around a corner or even just leaned over. Besides, for most situations the front brakes have more than enough power, so why take the chance?

[Kylesaki Ninja]

+1 on Cycle Gear and Cycle Parts.

Also, what were you doing using the rear brake?!? :) I know they teach that in class, but predominently for emergency purposes. In my book, the rear brake is useful only in certain situations (keeeping the bike still when already stopped, emergency braking, gravel roads, settling the suspension when cornering downhill, and trail braking - those last 2 are more advanced techniques and I don't advise them for beginners) and shouldn't be used outside of those because you just don't get the feel and it's too easy to lock it up. Imagine if you had been going around a corner or even just leaned over. Besides, for most situations the front brakes have more than enough power, so why take the chance?

THANKS, no one has told me this, I tend to use a combination of both front and back, but my front brakes seem so touchy to I thought it would be bad news to use while going fast... I will practice with it though. THANKS

[Xusia]

You're welcome - that's what we do here; help each other out! :)

Use fewer fingers on the front brake if you feel it's too sensitive. I personally use only 1 (my middle) and I have plenty of stopping power. I'd recommend 2 for your bike - if I recall, it only has 1 front rotor rather than 2.

Ask for some advice from an experienced rider on bike night on proper braking technique. It's well worth the learn.

[YOMAMAR6]

i told one of my friends not to use his rear on his GSXR 600. when he got his lic. the real frist time he road his bike he did and wrecked and i asked him why he hit the rear brake and he said thats what the class said. i dont know if the class should teach that any more there should be a check box if u plan to ride a sports bike. maybe on a cruser your supost to hit the rear but dont know never rode one.

[roadrunner]

[QUOTE=YOMAMAR6] thats what the class said.QUOTE]


interesting. use both equally and evenly is all ive ever heard.

[Xusia]

Like I said, I know they teach use of the rear brake, and it IS important - you do need to know how to use it - but mostly for the situations I mentioned. Too many stories like Edwin's...

[MTS620]

The stock tires on the Ninja 250 are bad and if they're five years old (or older) they're probably hard as rock. I could skid the original tires like crazy. Definitely not safe. We put the Sport Demon's on the 250 we had and it made a huge difference.

FWIW, when I took the Team Oregon class they taught to use the rear brake 'soft and then softer' meaning let up on the rear brake after you initiate braking. If you don't, the rear lightens as the weight shifts forward and viola! you've got a skid. In a straight line, that's not the end of the world, but in a corner, it's bad. :crash:

I agree with what was said above regarding rear braking as a more advanced technique, but one thing to consider is the suspension on the 250 is optimal for a 150lb rider. If you weigh much more than that, the bike will be under-sprung. You mentioned that the front brake seemed touchy, I'm wondering if maybe what you're experiencing is a dive on the front end because the springs are too light. I weight about 200lbs and I HAD to use the rear brake when riding that bike just to keep it stable when slowing or stopping.

You may need to use the rear brake, so get comfortable with it. Practice braking, then practice some more. :yes: And, get the new tires as soon as you can. They will make a huge difference in the way the bike feels and they'll be a lot safer. BTW, I got the tires at Cycle Sports.

The 250 has it's merits, and can be a lot of fun if it's ridden within it's limits, but it's not set up for a heavier rider.


That will be $.02, please.

-Mats

[YOMAMAR6]

if i was you i prob listen to them about braking they have more years in riding but i have my opions i only use it on a hill when stopped.

[MTS620]

BTW, I got the tires at Cycle Sports.

Oops. I got them at Cycle PARTS. I haven't had the best luck/experience with the other shop.

[Rashmaster13]

Sportbikes tend to have at least a 50/50 ratio front/back weight. Cruisers have alot more weight on the rear so the rear brake can be used more with them. All motorcycles tranfer weight to the front when you use the brakes, unweighting the rear, making it skid and loose control. After brakes are applied it is possible on sportbikes for all the stopping power to be in the front. It's always a good idea, even for the experianced, everyonce in awhile to practice panic stops.
You could get Pirelli mt75 for cheap thru http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/assets/html/homepage.asp?URLCheck=1 the 120 rear is what the ninja 250 is actually supposed to run. They are sticky and low profiled (compared to the sport demons). You can get some info here too http://forums.ninja250.org/ theyre alittle retarded there on some things, but there is quite a bit of info.

[Kylesaki Ninja]

Thanks for all the info guys, I have already learned so much from you.

I have another question now... My new grips just got here. I got some ProGrip 719 gels, and I removed the old stock grips.

The old ones came off real easy (like a BMX bike) and I was wondering if I should get some "grip glue" for the new ones.... or is it fine to just throw them on?

Also wondering what bar ends are really for?


Thanka again

[TOM-CAT]

Thanks for all the info guys, I have already learned so much from you.

I have another question now... My new grips just got here. I got some ProGrip 719 gels, and I removed the old stock grips.

The old ones came off real easy (like a BMX bike) and I was wondering if I should get some "grip glue" for the new ones.... or is it fine to just throw them on?

Also wondering what bar ends are really for?


Thanka againYES, you want to use grip glue. You would not want a grip to work loose while riding, lease of all the throttle grip. :crash:

Bar ends server different purposes, depending on the weight, material, etc. Heavy bar ends, called bar end weights, are used on bikes that have excessive vibration in the handlebars. The weights act as vibration dampeners. Lighter weight plastic or metal bar ends (as well as, the previously mentioned heavier metal bar ends), act as sliders in the event of a crash. Helping the reduce the damage to the clip-ons, while also reducing the likelihood of the bar grabbing and flipping the bike as it slides down the road surface.

:2cents:

[Kylesaki Ninja]

Thanks, im all glued and gripped... But my lower faring cowel back from Full blown customs today too, now its black... (and free) so the purple is officially gone. I will post some pics later...

Thanks for the tips again folks (yeah, I said folks)

[Kylesaki Ninja]

So I just talked the Cycle Parts. They said that the pirelli sport demons will run about 200 and its definitely the way I want to go for the 250.

My question is, should I pull them myself and just have them put the tires on, or is it worth it to pay the extra 60 and have their tech do it?

Keep in mind, I'm a noob and I don't really know about chain tension and stuff, so i wouldn't know where to begin when putting this stuff back on.

any advice?

[Kylesaki Ninja]

here the bike so far... still have some more stuff on the way.... pretty cool and I only spent 80 bucks total

So far I did the fallowing:

~Cleaned up fender eliminator mod, finished with new reflective bolts and black steel plate frame
~Had purple lower faring/cowel painted gloss black at full blown customs by my friend
~Black/yellow gel progrips
~Yellow reflective rim trim
~Removed purple factory decals and kawasaki decals
~Added some new kawasaki vinyls
~Kawasaki Ninja Tank Pad (not just for looks, I was sliding up the tank from time to time, this stopped it)

Thats it for now... waiting on new bar ends (old ones were STRIPPED) and flush mount signals, and sport mirrors. and a few more decals.

http://fc03.deviantart.com/fs27/f/2008/151/6/b/My_Kawasaki_Step_2_by_KyleRobinsonCustoms.jpg

[KnightReiteR]

wow that looks pretty damn clean dude! nice work.:thumbup:

[Xusia]

That looks great - nice job!

As far as doing it yourself or paying, you are going to get EVERY possible opinion in the range. Mine is that I'd pay them. Mostly because it's not work I enjoy, I can afford it, and I'd rather just get it done so I can spend my time riding (or doing something else fun).

That said, adjusting the chain and such really isn't such a big deal - especially if you have the maintenance manual. If you don't have that, or a knowledgeable friend to assist, I probably wouldn't try it alone. If you do decide to do it yourself, please take your time, be careful, and go easy when testing after getting it back together.

[Kylesaki Ninja]

Thanks KnightReiteR, Im almost done just got the last of the decals today... Just waiting on new mirrors, bar ends and flush mount signals. Then i'll post the final pics (cause thats all im doing)

and thanks you Xusia, I will just have them do it for me

[Kylesaki Ninja]

WOO HOO!! FINALLY ALL DONE... I will get some picks up today, and it will be how im leaving the bike for good...

[Kylesaki Ninja]

So this is all im going to do the ninja

Heres the list of what was done from stock

~ Front Flush mount Signals
~ All New Decals (after removal of factory decals)
~ Yellow reflective rim trim
~ Shop Painted lower fairing (from purple to black)
~ Modded Fender (eliminator mod) (only thing that was done when I got the bike
~ New bar ends (ninja engraved logo)
~ Reflective plate bolts and black frame
~ Gel Progrips
~ Blind Spot mirrors
~ Black tank pad (with ninja logo)

http://fc08.deviantart.com/fs27/f/2008/175/c/c/Ninja_Mod_DONE_by_KyleRobinsonCustoms.jpg

[Xusia]

Nice!

[KnightReiteR]

:thumbup:looks good dude.

[Ninja Girl]

She looks so good!!! I'm glad you are having such a good time with her!