[old dan]

After putting 950 miles on my new Ninja 1000 it was time to see what I had under me. Having never owned a sport bike( rode lots around the block and such) , I was really clueless. With a little to much throttle twist coming out of a corner, my ignorance nearly caught up with me. It's a good thing that the engine breaking, when throttle is closed, is what it is or I'd have been rolling around in the grass. Next while near the Volusia/Brevard county line (central FL) on I-95 a crosswind gust hit me in 6th gear(8-9K)on a sweeping corner that I almost didn't make. So what did I learn today? This bike is scary fast when compared to my limited big bore sport bike experience. The transmission shifting is so much smoother in the higher rpm range. While riding in the upright position, in triple digits, the windshield doesn't seem to help much. The Zed too must be a bear at this speed. All and all a very nice day of understanding my current limitations. Much more riding ahead. Man I love this bike...never owned anything like it. Take care all.......Dan

 

[sanzoku72]

Sounds like some good lessons learned... and you didnt crash, so they were cheap lessons!

 

[kawtoy_77]

Just remember 1* (1 A$$-to risk) ...and its your own! You are correct about the Zed being a bear at triple digit speeds. On my '03 @ 145mph if you bring your head up from a tuck position the wind feels like it is going to rip your head off your neck! Glad to hear you are ok.

 

[ridingswitch]

Go on amazon and pick up a book thats called sports bike riding techniques or something like that. I have picked up a lot of good tips from it!

 

[Z1000 Rider]

Another thing is, know the roads first before you kick up pace.

Good to hear that it turned out ok.

 

[old dan]

Thanks to all for the advice, insight, encouragement, and well wishes. Need a few hours sleep before some much needed Saturday seat time. Got to beat the afternoon summer showers. Take care....be safe

 

[miykl]

learn leasons at a more moderate pace. The N1 is quite capable and very stable at speed in winds. Lossen your grip on the bars. Practice floating your hands just over the grip and frequently do the flapp'n chicken (arm/elbow shake) to make sure your arms/grip is relaxed. You'll notice a big improvement in stability.

 

[daskraut]

go take a superbike school course, learn to ride properly!

 

[patm2140]

Also even though you have 950 miles on the bike you still havent had it long enough to really get a good feel for it yet. Progressively push yourself, you are lucky not to have low side or even worse high side. These bikes have alot of power throughout the entire range. Glad it worked out for ya but be careful and enjoy yourself.

 

[kawtoy_77]

go take a superbike school course, learn to ride properly!

not always an option, especially if you live paycheck 2 paycheck.

However MSF does provide an "experienced rider course" I took it last year and even after thousands of miles of riding you can still go away feeling like it was worth your time/money. Where I am at it cost $20 to hold a seat in the class, and you can get it back at the end if you desire. While it is not a superbike school, it does tech proper riding technique.

 

[So-Crates]

I just had the 7500 mile service performed on my bike...and I have 18 years of riding experience.

And this 2010 Z still catches me off guard when I grab a handful of throttle sometimes.


Speaking of which - $50+ for 4 spark plugs? Why do I feel like I got ripped off? $433 for the 7500 mile "medium service" and that was without them having to do the brake lines, as I had already changed them out weeks prior - and that was with the 10% off that I had won in a drawing... It feels like they upped the price 20% before applying that 10% discount!

 

[kawtoy_77]

Spark plugs should have been closer to $35-40..... This is why I stray away from the STEALERSHIPS.....

 

[underdog]

Don't feel bad I think we all feel ripped off when we make a trip to the stealer/dealer. Except the day we bought the bike from them! Lol

 

[kawtoy_77]

Don't feel bad I think we all feel ripped off when we make a trip to the stealer/dealer. Except the day we bought the bike from them! Lol

I always let someone else take the intial hit, and buy a clean used one....

They only get to bend me over for factory parts!:lol:

 

[Canuck Ninja 1K]

Go on amazon and pick up a book thats called sports bike riding techniques or something like that. I have picked up a lot of good tips from it!

"Sport Riding Techniques" by Nick Ienatsch. I started reading the book last week and I am picking up some neat tips. I'm liking it.