[ninja250r]

hi all, does anyone have any info on riding double on a ninja 250r? The maximum recom load is 342 and me and her together is about 360. Is that recommendation due to the shocks and are they adjustable?

 

[Freakinout]

You should adjust the preload on the bike whenever changing the weight anyway, but you should be alright with 360lbs total on the bike. I'm sure somebody will come in with a little more detail on riding 2 up.

 

[orangemug]

i got no clue about riding double since iv been riding for couple months only. so many people have asked me for rides ( girls from work mainly ) but i havent ever tryd and dont wanna hurt someone other me than. lol sounds wrong but its the truth i guess.

any pointers would be nice.

 

[hot_shoe_cv]

Aside from the maximum weight, thing to bear in mind is to adjust the tire pressure and some basic instructions to the passenger such as leaning the same way as you in corners/curves, a caution against putting their feet on the ground at any time during stops, watching the road ahead to anticipate what you will be doing in order to act accordingly.

 

[ninja250r]

Thanks all, I have been researching the suspension on my bike for several days now and keep getting conflicting results. Some say riding double is fine, just stay off the freeway, some say it will squat out of a curve and feel very scary and highway speeds are best. Above all most say the rear shock is a shame for kawasaki. Some even say to exchange the shock for a stock ninja 500 shock to gain a bit more stiffness. I love the little bike. I have owned and doubled on much bigger bikes but this one feels so small. My fiance wants to go, I am just not sure. I guess the only way to know for sure is to try. When you say adjust tire pressure Hot Shoe, could you elaborate a bit for me? I have never had to do that with my bigger bikes so I guess I am a bit dumb in that area. Thanks again for the informative replies everyone.

 

[Freakinout]

Another helpful hint is when you are going through a corner. Have the passenger move their head to whatever side of your head the corner is on. (right hand corner=right side of your head). That will help corning a LOT with that 2nd person.

 

[2WheelFun]

Most guys riding the big Vulcans (1500 cc) will adjust their tire pressue from the suggested pressure in the manual to 40 psi both front and rear. Many who do this say it makes the tires much more responsive and also helps the tires last much longer due to less friction on the tires while running at lower pressures.

I am thinking that Hot Shoe is making a reference to changing tire pressure because you'll be riding 2up so you do not cause your bike to become unstable due to the added weight of 2 riders and to keep the tires from premature wear and a possible blow out.

 

[ninja250r]

air pressure

Thanks for clarifying. I will be sure and give that a try. Its looking like I will need to replace the rear shock. Also I posted a hello in the official weclome post by freakin out if anyone wants to know me. I included a little history. Thanks again and I will try and research all my questions before I ask so as not to waste anyones time. :wink:

 

[2WheelFun]

Hello....

It's nice to meet you ninja250r.

 

[hot_shoe_cv]

since most owner's manuals tend to be on the conservative side regarding tire pressure I would bump up the PSI by at least 10 or 12% when riding two up. In fact handling might be improved even with solo riding by some increase in PSI especially on technical or twisty terrain by helping to prevent roll-over (of the tire sidewall, not the bike ;-))

 

[NinjaRider500R]

just do some quick estimation and addition in your head, it should be all right

 

[1Adam12]

Dump the rear shock and upgrade to a Ninja 500 shock or you can look at a 86-90's Ninja 600 shock. That will be your least expensive soloution. If you want to go with a high performance shock you can look at Works Performance in Canoga Park or with Penske custome shocks for the 250.

Another shock that is popular in the UK is Hagon, but they may not have a shock for the 250.

 

[ninja250r]

I tried riding double, mmmm boy

Thanks for all the great tips all and I am getting more and more comfy here. Very nice group and lots of great info. Well as I posted in the streetbike forum that I got to ride the 250 after dark tonight. I rode for about a half hour. It was in the 50's so it was pretty nice out. While I had it out I convinced my lady to saddle up and we gave it a try. (easy guys, this isn't hustler forum :wink: )Man was that uneasy. I didn't drop it or anything but it was so sloppy in the steering. The power was still there and it had no trouble on a big hill nearby. The trick seemed to be at low speed. Evertime she moved just a bit, I felt it in the steering big time. I am sure a stiffer shock would help, does viagra make bike parts? he he. I am thinking I will ride this one a while to get used to the sport bike feel and then trade up for a bigger one that can handle it from the factory. The cruiser I had was so different and riding 2up was barely noticed until I stopped. I will have to say I am hooked. Tonight sinched it. From now on my crotch will have a rocket in it. Wait, did I say that out loud? Have a great first day of 05 everyone.

 

[1Adam12]

If you plan on riding 2 up often you may consider going to a 750 or larger down the road. You will find that a 500 and 600 sluggish to handle the weight IMHO.

You will find that if you improve the front forks the rear shock will feel worse and accentuate the rear ends short comings. So if you do decide to upgrade your suspension do the rear and front together.

 

[pattonldr]

Would replacing a "stock" shock increase the height of the bike?

 

[zx10tod]

I had a 250 and it was a little squirley with my wife on the back. From there I went to a CBR600 and an EX500. The CBR was easy, the 500 was ok.

Like someone else said, just make sure your passenger knows to lean with you. Had a girl try to stay upright through a corner once. Kinda scary, almost lost it.

Haven't been 2 up with the new (old) monster yet. Considering how hefty the old girl is (the bike, not my wife), probably won't even know she's on the back.

 

[CTRider]

Would replacing a "stock" shock increase the height of the bike?

This is only a guess, but I would imagine using a 500 shock on a 250 wouldn't dramatically change the height of the bike. Both bikes have very similar heights.