[JTpaintball70]

Ok... I just got my first bike, a Ninja 500R, delivered today. I had a friend show me the ropes, then I tried it out. I popped a wheelie by putting too much throttle, and then laid the bike down. With my left ankle twisted under it. I'm fine, but I scuffed the tailpipes, and broke the left front turn signal. Can anyone give me any tips, or maybe a rough guestimate on how much it'll cost to replace the turn signal? The turn signal body is still on, but the lens and bulb are shattered... I feel really stupid right now *blush*

 

[1Adam12]

First of all, sorry to hear about your mishap. Now that you have become a statistic in the "Hurt Report" (don't learn from friends) you should be able to put the turn signal back together for about $35 .

 

[Freakinout]

for one turn signal you should be able to find a replacement for less than 20 bucks.

 

[JTpaintball70]

Thats good. I can acutally afford that What about the ninjas I've seen with what look like blister blinkers? They dont stick out at all, kina like reflectors. How much would those be? And also, any tips on riding in general would be appreciated

 

[Freakinout]

I just noticed your location. I was at my cabin near mountainair this past weekend.

anyway, on to riding. You will learn a lot if you take the motorcycle safety foundation course. (MSF course) http://www.msf-usa.org/ Try to find one as close to you as possible.

If not then you should find a deserted parking lot to ride around in until you get your bearings. Learning how to control the throttle and clutch and brakes in the parking lot will help you out a lot. The fact that there is no traffic around keeps your mind free to think about the riding aspect. the MSF course is the way to go if you can do it.

 

[JTpaintball70]

I'm signed up for the MSF course in Late Nov. It's the first one that had any open slots. And I think I'm gonna try and get my bike over to our middle school parking lot and try there, no one is ever there Thanks!

 

[EKU_RN]

Walmart parking lots work well too after it closes, unless its one of the 24 hour ones. Just watch out for buggies :shock:

 

[DiverDown]

Sorry to hear about your mishap. It will get better, especially after the MSF course and practice!

As for your blinker. Another option, I have been thinking about these. Go to Clear Alternatives. You can get two Clear replacement lenses and two orange bulbs for about $15.00. I like the look of them.

http://www.shopserv3.com/Merchant2/...roduct_Code=CTS-0001&Category_Code=KAWASAKI.1


Good luck, Joe

 

[JTpaintball70]

Thanx guys although today was much better. After school I came home and just tried letting out the clutch properly in my driveway. then I got the courage to try and ride up and down the street. Did that fine and got it into second I ran out of road b4 I could get it into 3rd. I can't wait till the MSF course and me building more confidence on my new toy . Oh, and would the front of the blinker housing being a little rashed cause any problems putting on a new cover? I think I'm gonna get the clear cover with amber bulbs, they look better than stock!

 

[EKU_RN]

if it isn't too bad, take some fine-grit sandpaper and sand 'er down. Then you can mix up some type of epoxy glue and put lil dabs of it before you put the lens on. And i do mean LITTLE. like toothpick-point sized dabs. that way they won't hold on too much to let go when you need to take it off. Just my $0.02

 

[NinjaGirl]

We have all laid down our bike a time or 2...don't feel bad or .....I laid my bike down 2x the first 2 weeks I had it, left side first week, right side 2nd week!!!

As far as the light...now is a good time to replace all the lights with smaller ones, it looks really clean!!!
Look under Show off your ride, I posted my bike after I changed out the lights, if you need additonal info on this PM or email me.

Oh and take the MSF coarse like everyone else says.....and find a big parking lot that you can practice, practice and practice in!!!!!

Remember you control the bike, don't let the bike control you.

Have fun and be safe!! :wink:

 

[DrX512]

One thing that is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to master is the Friction Zone. This is where you hold down the clutch slightly so that the clutch can slip, but still provides power to the wheels. This allows for gradual acceleration from stops and prevents the engine from stalling (if a small displacement bike) or popping up the front end like it did when you dumped the clutch. This also allows for low speed maneuvers.

I suggest you sit the bike down and wait until you can finish the MSF course. Before I took it this weekend, I likely would have dropped my bike four to five times in the course of one weekend, just trying to learn the ropes. But because of the course, I am much more confident in my riding skills and I hope that I can soon get my bike so I can start riding all over the place on it.

cliff notes: 1) Learn the Friction Zone
2) Take an MSF course, leave the bike alone until after that class.

 

[EKU_RN]

One thing that is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to master is the Friction Zone. This is where you hold down the clutch slightly so that the clutch can slip, but still provides power to the wheels. This allows for gradual acceleration from stops and prevents the engine from stalling (if a small displacement bike) or popping up the front end like it did when you dumped the clutch. This also allows for low speed maneuvers.

I suggest you sit the bike down and wait until you can finish the MSF course. Before I took it this weekend, I likely would have dropped my bike four to five times in the course of one weekend, just trying to learn the ropes. But because of the course, I am much more confident in my riding skills and I hope that I can soon get my bike so I can start riding all over the place on it.

cliff notes: 1) Learn the Friction Zone
2) Take an MSF course, leave the bike alone until after that class.

Preach On, Reverend

Thats a good idea. I took my MSF about 6 months ago. I knew that I didn't have the money for the bike right then, but i wanted to get it under my belt.