New, afraid to ride my ZX9R

[bspecmr2]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the forum, even though I've been reading on here for years.
I recently purchased a 98 ninja ZX9R. It has a larger rear sprocket. A friend of mine rode it home for me because I didn't have my gear then. Jacket, helmet and gloves are arriving next week, but I'm having 2nd thoughts about riding it.
I had a 2001 ninja 250 some time ago, but you can't even compare the two.
I've passed the written exam with DMV and have my permit.
However, I'm a little scared to get on the bike and actually ride it. Buddy says it's got a lot of power, picks up the front real easy and I need to watch out for the throttle as it's very responsive and lays a lot of power to the back wheel instantly, unlike my former 250.
So far I've decided when the gear comes in .. to take it to the nearest church parking lot and start covering the basics from the MSF course and see how i can apply them to something with a lot more power.
I'm not afraid to drop the bike as it has been down before and plastics are nowhere near new looking.
Pointers are welcome.
Safe riding to everyone and don't overestimate your capability to handle a bike :)

[Jello_Biafra]

Ride like nobody is watching. Seriously, ride like a grandma until you feel comfortable. Looking a bit out of place is better than laying on the ground next to your once glorious motorcycle.

Welcome aboard. :)

[stretch]

Originally posted by Jello_Biafra
Seriously, ride like a grandma until you feel comfortable.


Yup. I rode my little ninja up and down my street in 1st and 2nd gear. The guys down the street put chairs on their porch and watched the show.

You'll be fine. Don't get yourself all sketched out before you even get on it.

[budman]

Welcome to :barf

Enjoy the site :twofinger

Ride safe...a parking lot is a good tool... gentle on the gas.. become one with the bike.. good luck.. you can ask Keith Code a question about it in the training forum.. he knows all and should be able to help.

:smoking

[tallguy600rr]

There is nothing wrong with a parking lot ride lol do what you have to do, I did the same thing when I started. Just take it easy because that is a big jump from a 250 to your zx9. Im still riding a 600. I went from a 92 honda f2 to an 03 honda 600rr. A good thing to remember while learning to ride is the clutch is you buddy. I have tought a few friends to ride and I always tell them that (clutch is your buddy, clutch is your buddy) so if you ever freak out or panic. pull the clutch an HOLD it, alot of people do that while their still giving it gas and then it starts reving really high and is really loud then they freak and let off the clutch and thats all bad I have seen newbs do that before. the clutch will save you ass when learning Just use it the right way and you will be all good, Nothing to it... so have fun and ride safe.

[Ratters]

:newbie

I've been riding over 20 years and my zx9 still scares the hell out of me. You might want to park it for awhile and get an sv650 or a sport 600 till you get more comfortable. Much more forgiving of the throttle hand. If you decide to keep going with the 9 just keep it low in the rev band and pay attention to having a real smooth throttle hand. And as always ride at your own pace, don't try to keep up if you arent feeling comfortable.

[bspecmr2]

Those are some real good pointers! The throttle on that bike seems very touchy. I'll try to adjust it a little.
I just got my gear and next weekend I'll start practicing on it in a deserted parking lot.

[RC31x]

W :teeth E :teeth L :teeth C :teeth O :teeth M :teeth E

Short shift that bad boy until you get used to it. Forget first, drive in second and third, that will make the power delivery more manageable. Just don't let the revs get up and you should be fine. Geared up in the back like that, you could probably even start from a full stop in second, though your clutch would hate that pretty quick.

The brakes are also going to be way more powerful than you're used to. Get good habits started right away, using 2 fingers is pretty universal these days, and NO GRABBING! Always use light, smooth pressure on the lever.

If you switch that sprocket back down to stock, or bump up # of teeth :teeth in the front, you'll also mellow out the acceleration and discourage the wheel from heading skyward. Changing the front sprocket is cheaper and easier, you can probably do it without a rear stand. Adding teeth requires some slack in the chain, just check that the adjusters aren't close to maxed out before you go buying a front sprocket. Up one or two in the front makes a difference, then you have options to switch back when you get more comfortable and want to honk fat whreelies in your tank top and flipflops.:p

If you're confident, you pay attention to what you're doing, and don't get cocky, you'll be fine.

Have fun, happy :barfing

[YanaBanana]

:newbie

Seems like you have options - sell (or store) and get a milder bike, or re-gear the sprockets, or just ride it ever so gently... :angel

Search Barf's Training Forum for lots of good, helpful threads. :thumbup

Good luck either way, and practice, Practice, PRACTICE!!! :)

Yana:banana

[Bootsykay]

:newbie


Start out slow and practice, practice practice. :)

[ridHER5]

I'll be in your shoes someday soon. congrats on the upgrade bike. im sure it'll be worth all that blood and sweat you put into practicing!!

[SLOW10R]

Heres the best solution of all. I will ride it for you ;)


Welcome to :barf

[bspecmr2]

i'll have to wait another week until it dries out and I actually have some time off work to get on it.

[adobo]

every body has been there, just take baby step you'll get used to it.right rhonda?:thumbup