20+ years of riding and I'm down to a 250

[ducatirdr]

Before racing I owned a 996 and a Harley Roadking. Then a track day on the 996 got me thinking. I sold the 996 and picked up a cheap ex500 race bike and the addiction began. Money poured out of my bank account faster than a heroin addict with my pin #. Sold the Harley and paid more bills raced some more and ran out of money. Sound familiar? I guess there is a 2 year cycle of new racers through the LRRS series. I made it for 2.5yrs including a trip to Daytona in Feb 2003 where I raced the EX and an SV. Got a 2nd on the EX

So here I was broke without a bike and the current cool fall weather driving me crazy. I searched through Ebay and Craigs list daily for something to ride. I finally found a extremely clean 2001 Ninja 250 w/4800 miles for under $1500. Was I stupid to blow $1500 on a 250?

Well after getting it home and finally registering it I took it out for a blast down to CT back roads. Hey this 14 thousand redline and 6 speed is kind of fun on the street. Then finding the box of old EX500 parts in my cellar with the stock front springs and rear shock made my day as this swapped right onto the 250. A huge difference in ride.

So would a 250 rider get laughed at with it's 105 mph top speed showing up for a group ride with you guys?

Tom former CCS 737

[breakdirt916]

I don't see why it would

I showed up a couple times on a '89 Ninja, that I bought for $1,000.

Otherwise, I think it's great that you appreciate the 250. And as long as you do, it shouldn't matter.

But isn't it grossly underpowered, buzzy, worse handling?

[mikeb]

with the right rider a two fiddy will run with most. bring it to the next ride.

[FazerChic]

Originally posted by Bhavesh
But isn't it grossly underpowered, buzzy, worse handling?

[Jaynnus]

Two wheels are two wheels....who cares how much HP or CC's you got!!

Welcome to NESR!

[slaps76]

Welcome!

I kind of miss my Ninja 250. Would love to get back on one and beat on one again. They are buzzy as hell, but that's part of the fun.

[MissTwisties]

worse handling? I don't think so. Noisy? Yes. Sounds like a weed wacker. Underpowered? Compares to any other bigger cc's out there, yes of course. But it is perfect for twisted roads like in the Berkshires where you don't necessarily need the speed factor, but rather the easy handling to take those curves very nicely and have a blast doing so. A 250 with the right rider could eclipse many of those bigger bikes on country backroads. (and I'm not talking about me...lol)

I love my lil'250...even tho it doesn't look as good as so many other bikes out there, it is perfect for me.

Welcome to NESR!

[Half Squid]

Originally posted by Jaynnus
Two wheels are two wheels....who cares how much HP or CC's you got!!

Welcome to NESR!

For once size doesn't matter to you??? I don't buy it...

So on topic....

So your on a 250? You have lots of riding experience including track days and 2.5 years of racing.. Who is going to laugh at you when you tool them in the corners??? They may comment to themselves when you first show up, but who will be laughing at the end of the day when they cant even stay in you rear view mirrors through corners?? I say show up, and let them talk.. Then you can ask what they think when the day is over!

Welcome, hope to see you on a ride, maybe you can let me chase ya in some twisties! I only have an RC51..

Mike

[chr|s sedition]

Originally posted by Jaynnus
Two wheels are two wheels....who cares how much HP or CC's you got!!

Welcome to NESR!

whats she said, esp the welcome part.

-sedition

[Honclfibr]

Congrats on your new ride. I was going to say you might find yourself unhappy with the 250s suspenders if you weigh more than 85 pounds or so, but I see you've swapped in the EX500 stuff, which in my experience is more than capable on the street.

Come on join the party, noone will laugh at you and most of us secretly lust after the simple joy of smaller bikes ( Sedition).

[FazerChic]

Totally didn't notice you're new to the site. Welcome!

[xvrider]

Welcome..I know I'd love to see some more smaller ninjas out there..
.And maybe since we both have smaller cc bikes I can follow you through the corners, and learn something?? That is if you don't mind having a newbie following you...

Its not what you ride that matters anyway, its that you have the love of riding...

And by reading your post I'm sure that you have the love of riding and you will fit in just fine...

[Paul_E_D]

Cool, I was racing an EX500 with LRRS until 03. What's your name?

[LuvDog]

Welcome aboard.

As for the 250... no one here is gonna rag on you for it.

Heck, I'll probably ask you if I can switch bikes with you so I can take it through some twisties.

[ducatirdr]

Tom DeLoriea #737 2002 - 2004

I started in late 2002 and ran AM in 2003, moved up to Junior in 2004 and had nothing but motor issues all season long. Had a great time though. All typical EX500 issues that I should have talked to an Expert after the 2003 season on what to do to them over the winter.
Should have sold it at the end of 2003 and bought an SV.

If I had the money I'd be up there this coming weekend racing a Buell XB12R. Just because...

I used to pit in the turn one area with the drinkers that had a racing problem. I still have a 26 foot camper in the outback up there

[Awesome]

There's a guy out in SJ on the biggest piece of junk ninja 250, and there isn't a person around who can come close to hanging with him in the mountains.

[Kham]

i'll rag on you if you don't let me catch up.

[Paul_E_D]

Hi Tom, I recognize the name, though I don't think we ever met.

Rock the 250!

[SVixxer]

Welcome to the site. We all know that its 99 percent rider on the street so I say bring it and spank everyone around with it.

[AndyC]

Well you think that 250 is small How about racing a little 50cc.

[Paul_E_D]

Now that IS a little small. I was going to mention that I went "down" to a 125, but it's really a step up from anything I've ridden.

[R7]

Originally posted by AndyC
Well you think that 250 is small How about racing a little 50cc.

What track is that? It looks like Pinnacle in Mass? I done raced there a few times May even give it a shot again next year if they have minimoto back there again