The Ninja 250 is a brilliant...
The Ninja 250 is a brilliant beginner bike. Its lightweight, soft power delivery and low seat height make it a popular choice for new riders, and the price is right too.We had to lower ours even more, as our five-foot tall rider couldn't touch the ground on the stock settings. Roaring Toyz supplied us with a lowering kit that installed easily and allowed for a wide range of height adjustments that soon had our rider's feet firmly planted.
The classified listings and...
The classified listings and places like Craigslist have some great deals, but there are also some real con artists and swindlers out there that are hoping for an inexperienced and enthusiastic rider eager to get anything with two wheels to come along. A safer option would be a visit to the local used dealer where you can sit on and sample as many bikes as you like until one feels and looks just right. Furthermore, you can probably barter in a free helmet or jacket if you're a smooth talker.
A set of race bodywork is...
A set of race bodywork is a wise investment if you have any trackdays planned. This Hotbodies Racing kit has a custom spray job for some spicy looks over the plain white look, and it eliminates the worry of ruining your nice street bodywork if your bike should hit the ground.If a set of race plastic simply isn't in the budget, be sure to unplug your lights, tape up the glass and remove the mirrors before hitting the track.
The SSB plan didn't end with the conclusion of the MSF course and riding deserted roads however. Instead, we felt it would be wiser to attend a trackday than to unleash our new rider into the streets to fend for herself. A trackday might seem, at first impression, to be the farthest thing from a new rider's agenda. But it should actually be shuffled to the top. Why not apply all of those new skills and techniques learned at the MSF course a controlled environment absent of oncoming traffic, stop lights and distracted drivers? It made sense to us, but our obedient test subject felt otherwise: "I have never felt so terrified, excited, and sick to my stomach at the same time. A few quick chats with the instructors made me feel better, but I was still nervous and nauseous.
"Even though I was all geared up from head to toe in a badass suit I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the other riders. The instructor led me around to get a feel for the lines and the track, and after that I was fine, but initially it felt insane being on a real track! "I didn't have to worry about ladies with baby carriages, stop lights, moose, or cars. I was able to go as fast as I wanted to.
At the end of the day I remember telling the instructors that it was the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life, and I stand by those words."
Even newbie riders can have...
Even newbie riders can have a blast at a trackday.
Trackdays are organized to cater to all types of riders-not just ultra fast racer dudes. The typical format splits riders into three groups: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. At its most basic level, a trackday is simply a place to ride without the consequences of speed limits and the numerous inherent dangers of riding on public roads. The master plan was to gauge our newly trained rider's abilities in a safe environment before sending her off on her own to wreak havoc on the streets. The trackday instructors helped her gain confidence, and her attitude regarding the experience changed drastically-it was the exact opposite she'd expressed earlier in the day.
How you decide to pursue your path to two-wheeled bliss is, of course, your decision, but we believe there is a right and wrong way. Simply buying a bike and passing a temporary permit exam will technically allow you to ride off into the sunset, but you'll not be nearly as safe or confident as our pupil. She's now ready for solo street riding, but already has loads of practical seat time to help her take the unforeseen and potentially hazardous obstacles in stride.