| Author | Message | ||
     Buell2323 |
Hi, a year ago I purchased a 2009 ninja 250 as my first bike , and have put 1k miles or so on it riding around town mostly. I was considering trying to sell it, and then look for a Xb9r. Do you guys think I'd have much trouble with it? Thanks in advance for your answers. | ||
| Greg_e |
Depends on the condition of the 9R. Or it depends on the control you have over your right hand. I found my 03 9R easy to ride, confident to ride, and exceptional in handling. All of these kind of lend to the fact that if you don't have control over your right hand, you are going to get into major trouble in one way or another. It will do 125mph and probably do it all day long (3.7 gallons at a time). It will not be a machine where you can just whack the throttle open for everything like the 250 can be, the torque will knock you down but it shouldn't be anything that you can not learn to control in about 10 minutes in a parking lot. | ||
| 1_mike |
Unless you weigh in the 90lb. range...I'd hunt for an XB12R rather than the XB9. This way...it gives you more room to grow. The throttle isn't an on-off switch...so learning the new slightly higher power output should be a fun thing for you. Especially since you now have the basics from your Ninja. THEN...when you get used to the stock 12R...you can go in and have it re-tuned to a noticably higher power output...and have new fun all over again. Mike (Message edited by 1_mike on May 20, 2010) | ||
| Nik |
^some people prefer the 9. There's isn't that much of a power difference, more in how the power is delivered. 1000 miles isn't that much. I do more than double that in a month... I don't see how anyone can attain or maintain proficiency with that amount of riding. While I don't think the Firebolt would be too much, I'd suggest you'd be better served by riding your ninja more. | ||
| Andymnelson |
And the power difference is made up in the gearing. I have an XB9S and a Uly...I wish my Uly had the 9 motor... | ||
| Firebolt32 |
My first street bike was a 9R. The problem I had was learning how to go fast on asphault and not dirt. I grew up on 4 wheelers and dirt bikes. The road was a little weird at first but I was fine! Actually took the road test at the DMV on my 9 and didn't lose one point. The kid behind my was taking it for his third time on a broke ass GSXR. You'll be fine IMO. | ||
| Azxb9r |
The 9 is much softer in the low end than the 12. Below 4000 rpm the 9 is very forgiving if you get a bit ham fisted with the throttle, where as the 12 makes huge amounts of torque at 2500 rpm. As Greg e mentioned, if you have control over your right hand, the 9 should not be a problem. | ||
| Chessm |
with only 1K miles under your belt... id worry about getting more riding time than worrying about getting another bike. | ||
| Kurosawa |
You should have no trouble with the 9. Are you OK with the R's ergos? I have a 12R and love it, but it took some tweaking to get the ergos comfortable for 1000 mile rides. If you were worried a 12 would be harder to handle or something, I don't think you'd have any problem with it, either. I like the 12 because of the added torque. It makes everyday riding easier. | ||
| Buellboy492 |
Ride your Ninja for a year. We have an 08 Ninja 250R for my wife. It is a beautiful bike in many ways. Really get a feel for what kind of riding you do most before you spend your hard-earned $$. I always lusted after a big adventure-tourer like the ULY or a BMW Paris-Dakar GS, but the truth is, most of my riding is commuting to work. If I had a great big bike I wouldn't just hop on and go like I do now... It's hard for one bike to do it all. You need 3. Or maybe n+1=correct number of bikes, where n= the number of bikes you have now.  | ||
| Littlebuggles |
The 9 is a very different bike than your Ninja. I think it's a good bike and not too much for a rider with a moderate level of experience. I also suggest getting more miles under your belt before upping the ante in displacement. I went from a 500 I rode for three years to a 1200 and it was a big step, I was very comfortable on the 500 and was out riding the thing... the Cyclone was a far more intimidating bike than I expected. While a 9 has a different delivery as others have also said I think it's probably a better step than going straight to the 12. That said, much also depends on the individual, did you take the MSF BRC, if so how well did you score and would you ace the skill tests now? Have you got dirt experience? If you do take the plunge now I very strongly suggest you take one of the available MSF courses on the new bike to get a good feel for how it will handle, and to adjust your riding style to the new, stronger, sharper handling bike. Having said all that... I've ridden the new 250 Ninja back to back with the Cyclone in my profile photo, and had a great time on the Ninja, don't discount it too quickly, they are great handling-fun little bikes. | ||
| Kurosawa |
I'd say the 12R is the easiest-to-ride bike I've owned (and the largest displacement). The braking, stability, steerability, and roll-on torque will help get any novice out of trouble, and old guys like me, too. In comparison, the hardest to ride was a Yamaha RD400, the smallest-displacement bike I've owned. Twitchy, wheelie-prone, and peaky don't begin to describe it. And to get back to the reason why we ride, which do you think is more fun? More braking, acceleration, and handling than I need, or less? | ||
| Buell2323 |
I did take the msf brc last summer.I passed but I wouldn't call it acing it haha . It was my first time ever using a clutch , car or bike. That being said I think I could ace it now with the ninja. Also If I found a good deal on a xb9r , but it was 100 miles away would you recommend having it shipped here, or go pick it up. Thanks again for all the responses. | ||
| Firebolt32 |
That clutch is key. I've had trucks with a stick so the concept was the same. With growing up on dirt bikes, you don't need the clutch to down shift. I'm surprised I didn't screw anything up on my 9. If your going to be nervous driving it home, find a trailer. If you think you'll be fine...ride it! | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Might be just far enough to start getting familiar with it. If it's in good shape and up to date on its shots ride it. Trailer will get it there without worrying about the bike breaking down. | ||
| Hr_puffinstuff |
GO GET IT! i did a 1000 miles the first week i owned my XB, and racked up 10,000 the 1st summer. GO GET IT and riderideriderideride. | ||
| Chippy |
i really do enjoy the 9 vs 12 arguments, but this guy is asking about upgrading. absolutely get the xb. it's a great platform, and ridiculously intuitive to ride. ujm owners will ask you what it is, ducati owners will look down their noses at you, and harley riders will ignore you anyway. if all that makes no difference to you, buy it, learn how to ride it well, and rip it up. | ||
| Greg_e |
100 miles is not so bad. Just make sure the title is clear and that everything functions the way it should before you go look at it. Make sure you have all the forms you might need the seller to sign and line up a notary if that is also needed. Popular mods are the ever present way too loud muffler, check on that if it is an issue for you, see if the owner has all the stock parts in case you don't like the mods that are on it. Riding it is the same as any bike, just be aware that the 9R is a racing crouch, the ninjette is a bit more upright. The seat is fairly low, probably about the same as your 250. You might contact one of the people listed in the Buell Riders Assistance Network forum up towards the top, maybe they would go out and check the bike for you so you know it is in proper working condition, or meet you there to do the same. |
