2005 Kawasaki ninja 250?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jake F
  • Start date Start date
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Jake F

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So i made my first motorcycle purchase a few days ago for a steal; before I got my license or took the MSF course (which im planning to take ASAP). I have been messing around with it a little, trying to understand the gears and basically learning to ride it at low speeds in a neighborhood. I get the idea of starting it up and although I havent gone past first gear (i have no experience and am terrified to do so until i take the MSF course). What rpm should I shift up, how will I know to shift down? I noticed it feels/sounds a little rough but when i test my own limits and let it take off a little, it sharpens up and feels really good. I have done some research and read that ninja 250s tend to ride rough under 4000 rpms and ride a lot better around 8000 rpms.

Another thing I was wondering about and couldn't find much on was the warm up time. Im completely new to bikes and maybe I just didnt realize all bikes were like this, but it takes atleast 5 minutes to warm up. I pull down the choke all the way and sit in neutral for a while and rev it up some and wait a while. Should it take this long to warm up? It is garage kept, and certainly not cold here in Texas. Another thing, is it alright to keep the choke on a little at first when I am riding around or should I wait til it is warmed up (half way between cold and hot) and turn the choke completely off when I am moving? Keep in mind I have only riden it twice, both times just around the neighborhood as I am still learning to ride.

Those are the only observations I've had so far, as I am still exploring. Is there anything else I should know about this bike or any suggestions/tips, anything would help really. I just feel really inexperienced and want to educate myself as much as I can because I bought this bike to keep (reguardless that everyone says ill grow out of it because I am not a speed junky) and want it to last.
 
You are a very bright young man and are doing the right things.
if you leave choke on to long the bike will slowdown & stop - so when it starts to stutter take the choke off . Now to take away - work the throttle and clutch together and gentle & listen to your engine speak to you - when it is sweet it is good & it is time to change gear - to do this is a combination ,shut the throttle pull in clutch change gear - let clutch out gently as you open the throttle gently. A great way to learn is on the bike in your garage /key off & go through all i said untill it feels like second nature - then try it on the street --Easy on the gas at all times till you know what you are doing . Good riding lad.
 
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