NikoFab Posted July 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 (edited) So a week after getting mine, and the wife drooling, I decided to get her a bike of her own. Again, landed a sweet deal on a very nice bike: 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Photos from the craigslist posting: http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/7616455_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/5944184_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/2184855_orig.jpg Edited July 15, 2013 by NikoFab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 (edited) A couple of shots right after we picked it up. Happy wife = happy life. http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/5557571_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/2549195_orig.jpg Edited July 15, 2013 by NikoFab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigpen Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 Nice bikes! I've still got an 00' 929RR I built, overhead in the garage. Been mothballed for three years, just couldn't let it got. This thread just makes me want to dig it out. Stay safe and keep the rubber side down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importwarrior Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 nice bikes indeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 (edited) Nice bikes! I've still got an 00' 929RR I built, overhead in the garage. Been mothballed for three years, just couldn't let it got. This thread just makes me want to dig it out. Stay safe and keep the rubber side down! Dig it out! Dig it out! Got any pics of it? My first ride was an '01 929RR. Super fast bike, but it killed my back! Edited July 16, 2013 by NikoFab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 nice bikes indeed! Thank you sir. Angie always makes fun of me cause I'll research the heck out of something before moving forward on it...I don't see her making fun of me anymore lol! The 250 was a great purchase. Angie is 4'11" so the seat height of a 600 (or even a 500) is too tall for her. The 250's seat height is just under thirty inches so she's just able to get her feet down...phew! I so didn't want to go get her a 50cc mini bike! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyWadd Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 Happy wife = happy life. [/color][/b] win Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarisman14 Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 I had a ninja 250 I restored for my wife but she decided she felt more comfortable as a passenger than as a rider. Works for me--next bike for me (us) will be a VFR800, 98-2000. Super comfy, can get a removable backrest for the mrs, and still looks like a sport bike. What's more, it sounds like pure sex. I have a soft spot for the F4, never ridden a F4i but I can't imagine it'd be much different. My friend started out on a early-2000s F4 and I was the one who did the test driving for him...What a nimble, quick 600! And they hold their value too. Love the repsol plastics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 I had a ninja 250 I restored for my wife but she decided she felt more comfortable as a passenger than as a rider. Works for me--next bike for me (us) will be a VFR800, 98-2000. Super comfy, can get a removable backrest for the mrs, and still looks like a sport bike. What's more, it sounds like pure sex. I have a soft spot for the F4, never ridden a F4i but I can't imagine it'd be much different. My friend started out on a early-2000s F4 and I was the one who did the test driving for him...What a nimble, quick 600! And they hold their value too. Love the repsol plastics. VFR's are nice...very comfortable. That's part of the reason I got the F4i instead of an RR...the seating position is much more comfortable (but still sporty). And you're right...they definitely hold their value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 (edited) Cleaning Day! http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/7390933_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/4871201_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/8731335_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/1109409_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/2210316_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/9579583_orig.jpg Edited July 19, 2013 by NikoFab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyWadd Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Is it fast? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burton Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Nice bike great all around performer. i like the repsol fairings.never seen them in silver-white combo before. i too have not owneda bike since 1997-1998. my last bike was a 96 GSXR 750. I missriding. i too have the itch and will possibly be getting a bike soon.i am looking to get a 2005 GSXR 1000. Black n yellow. I had a 97 GSXR 750... loved that bike, and have missed it every day since I sold it. I love those SRAD body styles. As far as sportbikes go, that body style just fits my tall frame perfectly, and is a comfortable ride. Well, as comfortable as a sportbike can be anyway LOL I've been looking for another, but only if I can find a 600 or 750 SRAD, preferably 750. I though I almost found a 600 a few weeks back. It had been layed down, but still ran well and was only a grand. By the time I got a hold of the guy, it was gone Nice bike Nick! I've never seen one in that color combo and I REALLY like it. It's clean and simple, but makes a statement at the same time. A friend of mine had a yellow and black one back in the day before he traded it for an RC51. Now that RC.... THAT was a wheelie monster.... You didn't have to goose the throttle or anything... just roll into it a bit and by 4,000 RPMs the front tire was already trying to come up. That thing had some serious low end TQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importwarrior Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 (edited) very cool that your girl rides. if and when i get a new one i blame you Nik Burton.need to check out YAKAZ.com lots on there and craigslist.my next will be a 2005 1K GSXR yellow.just an image i found off of google.the 2005 - 2006 1K have a 366 lbs dry weight.drool!!!!!http://images04.olx.com/ui/1/33/66/2052766_1.jpg Edited July 19, 2013 by importwarrior Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 Is it fast? Not the fastest out there, but with the Power Commander unit on it...it's fast enough for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 I've been looking for another, but only if I can find a 600 or 750 SRAD, preferably 750. I though I almost found a 600 a few weeks back. It had been layed down, but still ran well and was only a grand. By the time I got a hold of the guy, it was gone I'll keep a look out for you Mark. I'm always cruising Craigs List, and San Antonio is one of the ones I hit frequently. If I see something do-able I'll ping you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 Nice bike Nick! I've never seen one in that color combo and I REALLY like it. It's clean and simple, but makes a statement at the same time. A friend of mine had a yellow and black one back in the day before he traded it for an RC51. Now that RC.... THAT was a wheelie monster.... You didn't have to goose the throttle or anything... just roll into it a bit and by 4,000 RPMs the front tire was already trying to come up. That thing had some serious low end TQ. Thanks Mark! I really dig the color combo myself. The regular Repsol Edition I've seen quite a few of, but this combo is apparently pretty rare (although I've found the fairing kit online). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 very cool that your girl rides. if and when i get a new one i blame you Nik Burton.need to check out YAKAZ.com lots on there and craigslist.my next will be a 2005 1K GSXR yellow.just an image i found off of google.the 2005 - 2006 1K have a 366 lbs dry weight.drool!!!!!http://images04.olx.com/ui/1/33/66/2052766_1.jpg No way Jose...can't put that off on me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importwarrior Posted July 21, 2013 Report Share Posted July 21, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Got the new tank pad in today and threw it on. Wish I had N8 here to do the application...but I think I did ok applying it! http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/2195676_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/9426174_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/5850029_orig.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natallica Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Got the new tank pad in today and threw it on. Wish I had N8 here to do the application...but I think I did ok applying it! Looks OK to me Sir!Fine lookin' job!-N8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted July 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2013 Looks OK to me Sir!Fine lookin' job!-N8 Thanks N8! Sent you a PM with another idea I'd like to see if you can do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted August 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2013 (edited) Ok so the wife really likes her bike, but I wanted to make it look a little less granny and a little more sporty. My idea was to remove the entire rear under-fairing so that the bike's profile was more sport-bikey and less scooter-ish. So here we go...tell me what you think! First thing to do was to pull the rear section of the under-fairing because it was going away, and so I could see what I was dealing with.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/8603634_orig.jpg Removal was pretty straight forward.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/7029971_orig.jpg The only real challenge was to remove wiring. Instead of tracing, I elected to cut the rear lighting harness to make it easier to later re-wire and re-route everything, since I was relocating the turn signals anyway.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/9966177_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/4753576_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/182700_orig.jpg Edited August 7, 2013 by NikoFab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted August 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2013 (edited) Next I experimented with where I could relocate the rear turn signals. As I felt my way around the bike, I discovered that the dummy red gel housings to each side of the brake light were accessible, and could be made to take the turn signal sockets and bulbs...ha ha! Now I was cooking! http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/3270770_orig.jpg You can already see how much better the bike's profile is going to look with the modifications.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/8564734_orig.jpg You can see here what I was talking about regarding the dummy gel housings.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/6784672_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/6655461_orig.jpg Edited August 7, 2013 by NikoFab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted August 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2013 Now that I had my plan, I had to start working on re-routing the wiring for the turns. http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/3824163_orig.jpg Because I had clipped the harness, I needed to crimp lines after re-routing. I added some extra protection with some 3M heat shrink.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/9128333_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/3903699_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/6400395_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/6496491_orig.jpg With all wires crimped and run, it was time to measure the slack for when I secured the harness later.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/3367134_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/8781281_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/5662429_orig.jpg With the bulbs in place, I re-mounted the gel housings.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/430421_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/9016426_orig.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikoFab Posted August 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2013 Next was the license plate relocation. It was mounted on the original under-fairing section that had been removed, so a bit of fabrication was in order. I needed to fabricate a plate that served multiple purposes. It had to serve as a mount for the license plate, provide splash/cast protection, and protect the wiring bundle located above it. I ended up using/cutting a piece of 20G mill finished steel left over from my rear hatch spoiler group buys. It proved to be just the ticket.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/5452497_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/9882856_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/2197321_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/4005426_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/8110352_orig.jpg Once the plate was fabbed and mounted, I made sure that the wiring bundle was secure and protected.http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/2221096_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/2502712_orig.jpg http://www.nikofab.com/uploads/3/2/3/6/3236317/2285096_orig.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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