Finally! and thanks

Finally! After waiting what seemed like an eternity My aftermarket fairings arrive yesterday as I left for work, so when I got home I opened the box and put them on, admittedly not an easy install as a few of the holes did not line up but I got there it was an experience to say the least. Pictures below:

You can see no scratches and finally all shiny!

They were a bit frustrating as I wanted to get them on straight away and they took me a good 2 hours to install, I could have installed OEM fairings quicker but the aftermarket set cost was a little more justifiable.

I love it my bike finally feels like mine, complete, and It looks like I now have pride in my bike. I love my little ZZR, and have decided I will be holding on to it for a few years till I am off restrictions.

Now as for riding I do have to thank my girlfriend Laura for pushing back onto a bike as after an accident where I wrote off an 09 ninja and broke 3 ribs I was a bit scared but she made me promise I'd get back on the bike as she knew deep down I was dying to get on the bike. At first I was nervous, I never really told her how scared I was about riding again and I don't think anyone will really know. I decided after much deliberation to start looking then my little ZZR popped up for $500 needing a lot of work.

I didn't mind the work as it meant I got to know the insides of my bike, I got to replace parts that I rely on to survive and therefore have trust that they aren't going to fail. I also got a little attached to my little bike.

I remember the first time I rode the ZZR I was so scared, but I decided that I had to get my licence and fulfill that promise. I went and got my licence all thanks to Laura pushing me all the time, asking me "Have you booked your course yet?" Finally I did, and here I am 2 months later riding around everywhere and constantly more comfortable on the bike.

At the same time I feel like without that accident I wouldn't be aware of the dangers of riding fully, that accident has honestly mad me a more decisive but also careful rider!

For now

-Enrgkid

Challenges we face...

As motorbike riders whether it be commuting riders or weekend riders. We all have adverse challenges we face every single ride.

These can be anything from the weather turning for the worst, to drivers not checking before changing lanes.

My challenge of the day was riding home from the girlfriends house it bucketed down admittedly it started raining well before I left but I had no other choice as I do not drive. So as the determined little fellow I am I got on my bike kissed my girl goodbye, "the usual "text me when you get home, I love you" and off I went, first bit was a bit off putting(did I mention this was my first time at night in a serious downpour) I haven't been avoiding this situation it just hadn't happened yet.

Anyway so off I go, got a feel for my bike in the wet through the first roundabout and right hander then left hander. So I decided to avoid the wet weather traffic to go the back rural route home which I know really well. First thing I noticed about the rain is when it settles on your visor it magnifies the light from oncoming headlights which can make it very hard through the bends, particularly without cat eyes on some parts.

Challenge one of wet weather riding completed, all I did was slowed down and took it a bit slower. Challenge two was the matter of actually seeing through my visor, I can't be constantly wiping it off so I found that the best way was too just focus beyond the water droplets and I could see fine.

They were the only challenges I found, and I did not have an issue in fact I loved my ride home in the rain, people ask me "what do you do when it rains?" I normally say "get on my bike" and even after heavier rain I will still give the same response. I mean don't get me wrong I won't be making a habit of taking on the putty or the old road in torrential rain, but I am more than comfortable to commute and ride where I need to in the rain.


That's it for now. I'll leave you with the drying postions of my gear

The gloves drying

The Jacket is Drying out

Till Next Time

-James

Testing 1..2..3...

Just checking that this works. Just kidding I know it works.

Welcome to my new Blog "Guy On A Bike". My name is James, I'm 20 and have recently taken up riding motorbikes...again. After a few years off a bike I decided it was time to get back in the saddle, so the hunt began, for a cheap and fun little bike to commute and still be able to have fun on weekends. The search took a while, eventually I found a fun little bike, A 1999 Kawasaki ZZR250. I'll admit it wasn't in fantastic condition, In fact unridable , but I paid $500 for a bike that needed a little bit of TLC.

You can't see it but the fairings are in bad condition

By TLC I mean a qualified mechanic, unfortunately I am not one, fortunately I am a curious fellow and I decided screw it, I can do this. The list of tasks looked a little like this:

• Change oil and oil filter (K&N)
• Change air filter (K&N)
• New brake and clutch levers(OEM)
• New chain and sprockets(OEM)
• Carby Clean out and re tune
• Fuel tank flush and clean out
• New Tyres (Dunlop GT501)
• New Fairings (REPLICA)
• New Battery(MOTOBATT)
• New Fuses

Now to someone who has worked on bikes for a long time, this list may not be so daunting. But for me, It was a little worrying. 2 months after purchasing the bike I was almost ready to go, I taught myself how to do everything. The only thing I bought in help for was the carby re tune and clean, A mate of mine has worked on boat and motorbike engines and carbys since he was 6, so he came round and did my carbys for free( Saving me about $300). Below are some work shop pictures(my driveway):

Above: Old Sprocket

Above: New Front and Rear Sprocket

So now I have been riding the bike for about 2 months now which makes it about 5 months since I purchased my little toy. The only thing left to do is to replace fairings which are on their way as well as new fairing bolts.

I'm Proud of my little ZZR250, and it's treated me well so far, had a few runs up the putty with people from some great forums called Netrider. Great folks and willing to help develop a rider like myself into a better rider.

First Putty Ride

So that's all there is to my story...So far

For now goodbye.

-James