(SOLD) CanisLupus Ninja 300 Build

I was in between the Dunlop's and ones that I'll be getting. (Bridgestone Hypersport S20 Evo's) Nothing but positive reviews for the Bridgestone's. I'm getting a discount on the mounting install since I'll be purchasing the tires from my local dealer.

And I just got back from about a 30-40 minute ride and decided I need to limit my rides until my new tires get put on. The currents are prettyyy squirrely...got up to some higher speeds and it didn't feel great in the slight curves on the road I was on.

Matt

 

That's a good looking tire. Discounts are always good! I'd limit the riding for sure. You could still cruise around but I personally would keep it low speed until you get some fresh buns installed.

 

Yeah, it's no biggie since I need to keep working on my shifting anyway. I am a little worried about driving to the dealership to get them installed though. It's about a 20 minute ride on some fairly major roads...

I may try and scope around to get on some more back roads to get there or just drive like a granny and piss everyone off

Matt

 

Just ride defensive, cover your brake and clutch and be ready to react. I took the long way a lot when I started out. Back roads everywhere!!!

 

Love the black & white. Is this your first bike?

 

Yeah, the color is really growing on me. The white looks nice and clean.

And yep this is my first bike.

Matt

 

Ordered the battery tender adapter to plug into the wall. The dealer installed a battery tender on the bike for the PO, but he was keeping the adapter that plugs in the cord that's already on the bike to then plug into the wall so I needed a new one.

Also ordered Pro Grip wheel tape in reflective white. I think it adds a nice clean look to the wheels to match the paint. Might also increase visibility at night as an added benefit.

Hopefully ordering new tires soon once the dealer calls me back.

Matt

 

Good call for the first bike. Don't waste too much money on upgrades for it. Within a year or two you'll want more power.

 

I think so too...as far as the upgrade: I'm not so sure. I know it's too early and everyone probably says this, but this bike has more than enough power for me. I didn't get it to go 80+ mph. I just like the feeling of riding.

I'm not spending that much regardless. Some small cosmetic/mechanical upgrades (fender eliminator, wheel tape, slip-on exhuast) but nothing major. I'll probably spend a total of $1000 between maintenance and small mods over the years.

Matt

 

Nice bike! I still remember my first ride like it was yesterday. My grin was so huge that if I hadn't been wearing a helmet the top of my head probably would have fallen off.

As far as it only being a good bike for beginners, wanting to sell it within a year, etc...don't be so sure.
I've been riding for nearly 20 years. My first bike was a Ninja 250 (a '92), and I currently own.... a Ninja 250 (an '04). In between I've had a CBR 600, a Ninja 636, and a Suzuki M50. I've also ridden/borrowed/wife swapped countless other bikes over the years. The small-displacement Ninjas are a fun bike no matter what your experience level. They're one of the only production sport bikes out there that actually let you wring them out for all they're worth without ridiculously violating the traffic laws, they're super flickable, and super cheap to own/maintain/ride. If you're a halfway decent rider, you can keep up with 600 and 1000cc bikes in the twisties (you can probably even outpace the 1000cc boys, because their extra weight means they can't change a lean as fast). But don't expect to win many drag races, haha!

Congrats on the purchase, and ride careful out there. ATGATT and keep your head on a swivel.

 

New tires ordered. Appointment set up for next Thursday (07/02). I think I may just have to work up some more patience and not ride for a couple days so I don't wear them down even more than they are.

Matt

 

Exactly! That's what I like about it and what everyone says. On a 600 or 1000, some riders (i.e. me...) would not be able to use all of its power or it would get them in trouble. I have a little less power but I can use 100% of it and still feel in control. It's plenty fast for me.

ATGATT! I had a couple semi-close calls even riding around in the neighborhood with people wanting to creep out on me from a side street.

My smile was probably busting out of my helmet too on my first ride today

Matt

 

My first bike was a drz400 sumo. Like @Noelie84 says, it is nice to be able to ride the shit out of the small bikes. I'be been debating on picking up one of these small sport bikes. I see Yamaha just came out with an r3

 

I've been riding for 17 years. Also started with a Ninja 250. I've only known 1 person to stay on the 250. Now I know lots of people who keep them to commute due to the insane MPG's they get and they can be fun to ride. But every single person I've ever known to ride steps up to a bigger bike when they feel comfortable. At first the 250/300's feel fast and they are fun. But after awhile you will get bored with the lack of power they have.

 

Please don't think I'm trying to be a know it all! I've only been riding for a month. I'm taking all advice in stride.

Not saying I'll never upgrade. But I think I will keep this 300 as long it keeps running well, or replace it with another. A Ninja 650 might be a good option for me in a couple years.

Matt

 

Not at all. I'm just trying to save you from dumping cash into your first bike.

Most people will get into a crash or drop their first bike.

I dumped about 2k in to my 3k bike because it was fun and cool. All 'little' mods that just added up real fast. Sold it for 2k. Total waste of cash. Learn to ride for awhile and if you plan on keeping then pimp it out.

 

Definitely. The only mods I am doing for a while is the wheel tape ($30) and possibly the fender eliminator ($115). If I know I'm keeping it and haven't dropped it, then I will probably get the slip-on exhaust ($450).

Other stuff I'm buying (gear, routine stuff like tires, maintenance products) are either required to be safe or not bike specific things that I will keep regardless of what bike I have. My future plans tab in the OP has more details if you're inclined to look

Matt

 

You are doing it the right way and getting good gear. Ride safe out there!

 

Thanks. Love the TCX shoes and Klim jeans even though the jeans are a little long for my short legs even after I got them hemmed. The JR jacket is pretty good and my helmet is comfortable but I can already tell the wind noise is a little much. I am a little wary of riding with ear plugs since I like to hear stuff around me...

Matt

 

If you are learning don't plug your ears. After a few years I use ear buds with music as I'm just used to how traffic is here in my state. Which is a big ass game of dodgeball.

With your helmet, make sure its the right size. A lot of people do not get the right size helmet. It should be tight, squish your cheeks and not wiggle around when you grab it and move it. I had the wrong size helmet on (thanks Ride now you asshats) and my first crash my helmet almost came off my head even though it was full face and strapped. Just too big for me. Went to a place local called The Helmet Center in Az. Those guys are amazing and fitted me right.

Also if you can get leathers and boots, do it. My wife races professionally and I've seen so many people low side at 90+ and just have scratches on their leathers. They will save your skin, literally. Gear is expensive. I think my wife's track gear was round 3k for everything, but then again, she races and needs all that protection.