I’m so taking my seat cowl off tonight…

Well, this might be the last chance for anyone to get a new 2008 Ninja 250R… kawasaki announced the finalists for their “My Ninja 250R story” where people submitted videos about — well — Their 250R story.

After watching all of them, My Vote goes to Becky Shimek from San Antonio, Tx. First, it’s a really well made video. Second, she has a HelmetHair sticker on her helmet — Which is a rad community that supports female bikers (Which we all love…). and Third, she seems kinda cute… And that always helps..

So head on over to the My Ninja 250R Story Page, and check out the videos. There are some really good ones.

I love watching these Ninja 250R Racing Videos on YouTube… In fact, they have inspired me to start looking for some track classes this summer. In the mean time tho, I’m going to have to settle for some office chair admiration.

This video is of some practice laps at Willow Springs in California, and it’s just fun to watch, and listen to. If you notice, some of the larger sweeping turns the rider is flat out on the throttle the whole time. To give you an idea of the 250’s Performance in this video, This rider was running lap times of about 1:45 — Which is about the same as the SCCA record for a Spec RX-7 on that track. The difference is, besides motocycle vs. cager, is the Ninja was getting 50+MPG, and the rider never needs to start a sentence with “To understand the rotary, you need to first understand rounded triangles…”

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Here is a video of a completely stock Ninja 250R running through the gears.. It’s pretty good quality, and gives a great example of the scoot that the lil 250 Has. This rider being about 140lbs tops out at about 110mph.

Now, if someone can make a video of a nicely modded 250R doing the same thing, we will send you some of the finest meats and cheeses…

There is a great conversation going over at Kawiforums about the use of Magnets to help trigger stop lights.

The issue is that Motorcycles, Scooters, Bicycles, and some small vehicles (Scion’s, Yaris’s, Fit’s) don’t contain enough metal to trigger the induction loops that tells the stoplights that there is a vehicle there waiting to turn. ( ‘Induction loop’ is just a fancy term for metal detector. ) This becomes a major issue if you do lots of night riding, or riding in low traffic areas. As there is typically no one else in the turn lane to assist with triggering the light.

So the solution? Simply Magnets. In fact there are a ton of products out there that are really no more than rare earth magnets with fancy cases or adhesives on them. But you can do this yourself for less than 10$ at your local big-box store (Home Depot, Lowes, or ugg — Walmart)

1. 3M Acrylic Automotive tape (Which every man should have a roll of in his garage)
2. 2 Neodymium rare earth Magnets.
3. Plasti-Dip (Something else every man should have in his garage..)

Just attach the Magnets with opposing poles to the bottom of your frame or swing arm, and enjoy. Remember though, magnets do rust. So, if you do ride in the occasionl inclement weather, dip the magnets in a thin coating of the Plasti-Dip to help protect them from the elements.

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Hopefully this can every ones blood pumping for some weekend riding… Here is a nice lile run down the Dragon (Deals Gap) on a 250… This isn’t a 2008 — But fun to watch never the less.. Don’t worry — We still love you late model guys as well!

To me, one of the worst sounds you can hear on a bike is the sound of screeching tires… Behind you… And the worst thing you can see in your mirrors is the whites in the eyes of bugs smashed against the grill of some soccer moms Expedition. At the end of the day, I think we are all Looking for a way to increase our visibility on the road - because some people just don’t get the hint.

The BackOff XP is neat lil product from Signal Dynamics Corp. The module installs in line with your brake line and gives you two modes of operation. First is a repeating pattern of 4 quick flashes, and 1 longer flash. And Second, 5 short flashes and then a solid light. The manufacture claims that the first mode is designed to grab drivers attentions and retain it.

In addition to the giving you a more visible brake light, the module has options for emergency hazards, and also backup warnings. (The Emergency hazards being a popular request on many of the Ninja Forums) And you don’t need to worry about the future if you upgrade to LED’s. This module works with both bulb and LED applications.

Product Link: Here
Price: ~$40
Installation: Few wires.. ~30mins.

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Loosely Translated title: Sound of tank leakage

Well, this is an interesting… It has been rumored that the whistling from the 2008 Ninja 250R comes from the vent holes getting clogged by a coating in US Spec Ninja gas tanks. This coating is supposed to be to protect the tank from the gas/ethanol mixture common in the US. ( I’m not talking about E85 — But what is commonly referred to as ‘Winter Gas’ which is now being seen year round is some parts of the US. )

So, I called some Kawasaki dealers around the US, (Yes, I get that bored…) and this is what I found out:

• Kawasaki will only replace your gas cap ONCE under warranty. So, I would wait to get this done until we find out if the cap gets redesigned before you go in for the replacement.
• Black Bikes do it the worst. Mainly due to the color causing the sun to heat the bike up faster.
• Kawasaki released an official fix for this to dealers. However, quickly told dealers to STOP doing the fix since it breaks Emissions laws in the US and is illegal to perform.

I think we’ll find out shortly as the bike becomes more popular in Europe and Asia if this is a wide spread problem on all bikes, and not just the US ones. It’s starting to seem like Kawasaki doesn’t want to pay the price to do a recall since this is not a safety issue — just an annoyance.

Here is a nice quick test ride video from Barcelona Spain. Very interesting to see the streets There compared to most major cities in the US. Bikes like the Ninja 250R Have to be a blast in cities/towns like this.

(Just be happy this isn’t a Dragon video… or else you’d have 500 comments on it yelling “OVER THE LINE!!!!!” )

This guy really, really, really, wants to be the first on youtube with some Wheelies and Stoppies.. The Stoppie looks good, but the wheelie is like a 6 of 10.. His bike looks to be pretty stock, wonder if the extra midrange from an exhaust and jet kits would help him get it up a lil longer…

Common guys, get your videos up there!!!