I recently got a motorcycle it's a kawasaki ninja 250 a small bike and I'm a big guy both height and weight wise I know the bike is way to small for me and once I finish learning to ride the bike I plan on getting something like a yamaha r1 or something similiar to that. Now my problem is that when ever I'm riding I feel like the rear tire is trying to come out from under me wether I'm going straight or around a corner although it's worst going around a corner does any one know why this might happen? is it because the bike is to small for me and getting an R1 will help or is this common? Any on have any suggestion?
2006-10-19 17:17:54 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
both answers were good, but I need to fill in some gaps.
have someone behind you to see if the rear tire is rolling straight. You might get away with tilting it up and spinning the rear tire to see if it is straight, but it's better to have someone behind you. you do not need to be going fast-side street going 10 to 20 MPH will do fine. the tire should be PERFECTLY straight. if it wobbles then it's one of two problems.
1. bent rim (not likely-but possible)
2. look at the axle bolt on the rear tire/wheel. there are marks on the swing arm (that's the thing the axle is bolted to) make sure the bolt is at the same mark on each side.
NOW, more than likely it's just a matter of not enough tire pressure. the bike's small--you're big and heavy-so you might need to go over the recommended tire pressure. see what the recommended pressure is-it will give you two pressures more than likely-light load and heavy load-go with heavy load. immediately go out and try it around corners-stay close to home(or whereever you put in the air) you want to do these tests very quickly (you do not want to drive enough to heat the air in the tires-so a couple blocks should tell you if it's right) keep going up on the pressure until the shakes stop. also check chain play-the book should tell you, but it should be around 3/8" play up and down total 7/8" (when the chain is slack-depending on where the rear wheel is the chain will tighten up and loosen up)
2006-10-19 17:41:13 · answer #1 · answered by dulcrayon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm well over 200 lbs, and I've ridden on a bike with half the engine size of your Ninja. And even that tiny CB125 didn't do what you are describing.
It definitely sounds like something is wrong back there. I'd first check the condition of the tire and next the condition of the suspension and rear axle. Get this fixed promptly. Learning how to ride a bike is enough trouble without mechanical problems that make the bike unstable.
And with an R1, you're likely to have even more trouble keeping the back tire stuck to the pavement with the kind of horsepower that bike has. You may even find the Ninja to be more comfortable - supersport bikes are not exactly built with comfort in mind, while the littlest Ninja can accomodate a surprisingly wide range of riders.
2006-10-20 12:00:51 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being that you stated, you are a big guy, As everyone has suggested first add or check tire pressure.
If this does not fix it. Take it back to the dealer and have the service tech. check the alignment of the rear tire to see if they put all the bushings in or if something fell off.
It also could be a bad bearing in the read wheel.
All three are possible cures to this issue.
Moving to a larger bike.
Check out these bikes before deciding on one.
Also check out the link below for bike stories from the master riders.
Touring/sport bikes.
BMW 1200, Has electric adjustable windshield, abs brakes, very quiet bike.
Honda 1300 w/abs brakes, it's just like the BMW for less money plus a 7.7 gal tank.
Triumph Rocket III Classic, great ride.
Super Bikes.
Suzuki Hayabusa has the fastest bike on the market
Yamaha YZF R1 very light bike pretty fast. 998cc.
Triumph Daytona 675cc, nice ride, cool sound.
2006-10-19 18:27:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A newbie rider should NOT get an R1. I was a service manager when they first came out and saw a ton (more than just the R1) all balled up from newbie riders some with less than 100 miles on them. They are for experts only, $hit even a 600 is too much for a newbie. Don't try to jump from a toy bike to the bike of the Gods in one step.
As for you current bike it is probably a loose axle or a wheel bearing going bad, that will give you that woozy feeling both in straight line and in corners. While out back make sure the chain and sprockets are good as well.
2006-10-20 11:42:05 · answer #4 · answered by knujefp 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
BIKERNOJ makes the same point I was going to make: going from a Ninja 250 to an R1 is like entering the New York City Marathon because you tried running around your block this morning. Getting a bike with ergonomics that are more suited to your body type does NOT require you to get a high-displacement engine that's (for right now, not forever of course) way beyond your skill level. R1's happen to be really freaking light, and combined with an engine that's 1000cc, they happen to be really freaking fast, beyond what your 250 can prepare you for. Look into 600's and 650's. Ergonomically, they're the same as liter bikes; it's only the engine that's different.
2006-10-20 05:38:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Plenty of answers to the question about cornering, so wont bother.
However, dont get an R1, they handle like a pig, the R6 however handles quite nicely.
If you want to get a bigger bike, the jump from 250 to 900+ is pretty steep. I'd reccomend get a 600 or maybe a 750 first, get some confidence on them, then go for a 900+ when you feel safe enough to do so.
My reccomendations for 600-750 are as follows:
Suziki GSX-R 600 or the 750, good all round bikes, and parts/insurance are very reasonable, the pro and con for the gixxer is it one of the most common bikes.
Honda CBR 600F, very cheap bike, lacks some of the styling of its competitors, and is not as sporty, but the leap from a 250 to this is so big, you wont notice it so much. Doesn't ride as aggressively as a gixxer or a 6 ninja, but is by far the more economical, and makes a more comfortable commuter bike, especially on long journeys. Again, very common, but in my opinion the best bang for buck for entry level 600 sports bikes.
Bimota Supermoto 650, if you have enough to shell out for one of these, and are interested in style, speed, handling and exclusivity, this is the bike for you. It handles like a dream, has one of the best 0-60 and 0-100 times for its division, and by far the most attractive. I've owned one of these, and wish i still did. They are rare, so people will notice you, this can be good or bad, depending on how you ride (i was young when i had mine, so spent a lot of time on the back wheel)
If you want a superbike, the only one for me is the Bimota SB6, for every reason i mentioned for the Supermoto, and more. It will go faster then you should EVER want to go, looks, sounds and rides like a wet dream, and if you ride aggressively, you should be able to keep up with the busa and ninja boys, and will leave all the R1 and Firebladers sucking in your exhaust fumes.
But, you will have to pay for the privilage of owning one, and parts are a real nightmare. For me, its worth it, as i've only ever seen 3 other people riding one, and 2 of them only becuase i told them to buy one.
2006-10-20 05:29:52 · answer #6 · answered by xkatsax 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting an R1 after a 250 is like going from a Kia to Formula 1! If you're comfortable with the 250, perhaps something with more grunt like an SV650S would do you better. Or you could simply move up to an R6 or any other supersport bike.
The power difference between the 250 and a literbike is simply huge, and if you're sliding a 250 now you'll definitely be sliding your rear end along the asphalt after twitching the throttle of an R1!
Don't fall for the fallacy of "I know how a bike works, now I can race Moto GP!"
2006-10-20 02:21:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are lots of good answers here.
By the way a Ninja is not too small for you, a friend of mine had a Ninja 250 and I have a H-D Ultra Classic and he had no problem keeping up with me until the 85 90 MPH speed Anyway remember not to hit your rear brake too hard, the front brake is 85% of your braking. Try easing up on the rear brake. Good Luck!
2006-10-23 17:01:59 · answer #8 · answered by HUH!!!!!!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How is the suspension setup ? Whats the tire pressure ? That bike should corner very well ! Something is wrong with the setup, Get some one with some experience to set it up for you !
2006-10-19 19:30:05 · answer #9 · answered by g_man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may want to check its belt to see if it is properly on tight (check manual) Honestly! The manual is your Best Friend and pop in to a dealer once in awhile they can give you tips on what's been going on with your bike (common problems)Size doesn't matter with a person as long as you can control and feel confortable exspecial for long rides on a motorcycle, tippy toe riders scary the "Bleep" out of me cuz any quick move you can't have your feet on the ground to help balance when bike ( at proper speed levels )like slick grounds. Well Safe Riding and My the Wind be at your back....
2006-10-19 17:34:23 · answer #10 · answered by speedee 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋