Well, with all the n00bs...

[Aikata]

I suppose I should post something in here as well and say Hi. I'm purchasing a '04 Ninja 250R next month... MSF starts March 04, and the time just passes too slowly...

I've been reading these forums for a while as I'm aware you have better ammunition for tackling something you haven't done by seeking advice of those who have done.

Thanks for the open quality of the forums it's been an excellent resource thus far...

Keep it up!

[Freakinout]

Glad to have ya, get the basics out of the way at the MSF course and you'll be a step ahead. A 250 is a great first bike, not too much power for ya.

[bikeaholic]

congrats on the scoot

ride safe!

[heffjay9000]

Cool, congrats on the ride... and good luck with the course.

[michiganarft11]

I'm taking the MSF course April 2-4, I know what ya mean about time passing slowly.

[Aikata]

Hehehe... yeah, no foolin' good thing I got my helmet in today...

I think I got lucky, I ordered it sight unseen but it fits perfectly...

next week it's my MSF... week after that I hopefully get my last check for the bike...

*waits franticly*

I guess it's not too bad since it's not April... I would probably go insane

[michiganarft11]

Yeah you got real lucky with your helmet. A lot of people said that it's better to go to a dealer and try the helmet on, and if it fits and you have no issues then buy that exact helmet.

[Freakinout]

go to dealer, try on helmet for 25 minutes or so, then order the same helmet for 100 bucks less of the net...

[Aikata]

Hehe, actually I looked at some smaller helmets of the same brand at a dealership and noted my mellon was too big so I ordered a size larger online and was pleasantly surprised...

[Uncle Bob]

go to dealer, try on helmet for 25 minutes or so, then order the same helmet for 100 bucks less of the net...

In the real world you can get differences from one batch to the next and have two "identical" helmets in the same size from the same manufacturer fit differently.

[Freakinout]

go to dealer, try on helmet for 25 minutes or so, then order the same helmet for 100 bucks less of the net...

In the real world you can get differences from one batch to the next and have two "identical" helmets in the same size from the same manufacturer fit differently.

you are correct, but I have to do things thrifty, although www.newenough.com just started selling HJC helmets, and since they are 10 miles away I can now go there. Although I just got a new helmet a couple of weeks ago and won't need another new one for 2 or more seasons. The dealerships here don't seem to carry very high end helmets, only about the $100 range ones, half of their stock isn't even Snell certified.

[Uncle Bob]

Good point you brought up, how long is a helmet good for ?

Check your helmet for damage, simply having it drop from the seat of your bike can compromise the integrity. The shell and the inner foan can be affected by constant exposure to sunlight, sweat, haircare products, insect repellant or sunscreen.

2 or three years seems to be the reasonable lifespan for a helmet with 5 years being the absolute maximum you should keep it. Matter of fact most manufacturers stamp the date of manufacture somewhere in the helmet. Take care when storing it. And don't assume that since it's made to protect in a crash that it's indestructible. It protects only if it's in a like new condition.

[Aikata]

Hey, just thought I'd say thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I recently picked up Keith Code's "Twist of the Wrist" and after reading about half of it I'm feeling a lot more confident about taking the course.

Hehe, just have to wait a few more days...

[Freakinout]

Hey, just thought I'd say thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I recently picked up Keith Code's "Twist of the Wrist" and after reading about half of it I'm feeling a lot more confident about taking the course.

Hehe, just have to wait a few more days...

Good book, I'm currently reading TOTW 2, which is at my level now that I've put 8K miles on my bike.

[Aikata]

Right on, I actually bought them both at the same time. I'm only really able to take theory and concepts from the book. But it's good to have something to feed the part of me that's hungry for motorcycle...