Kawasaki Ninja 250r, no more.

I have bad news and good news. The bad news is, as you can probably tell from the title, north american people will not be able to purchase new ninja 250's soon. The good news for those who wanted to but did not yet buy a 250 is that now this motorcycle is replaced by the Kawasaki Ninja 300.

Fuel consumption

Yes, I know I haven't been riding nearly enough, but there are reasons for that; in any case, yesterday was the first time I refilled the tank after winter storage. I also did some calculations, and oh my god, this Ninja has been such a gas guzzler since winter!

Scorpion EXO-400

As I am planning on buying a new helmet soon, I have decided to share my impressions of the Scorpion EXO 400 which I have used for the past year.

Winter storage: battery charging

From what I have read, I know that my motorcycle's battery needs to be charged once every two weeks or so. However, this is not the case. 

Best tutorial for storage preparation

The last time I mentioned winter storage, I listed some procedures from a card given to me by the motorcycle school I went to. However, realistically speaking, I don't think it's necessary to do such procedures as draining the carbs and lubing the cylinders for a simple winter storage. Luckily, I found a tutorial which specifies in what circumstances exactly such procedures are necessary.

Experience with chain lube

So, I've had to clean my motorcycle's chain a few times now, and I think I've found the best chain lube to use. In the beginning, I didn't know where to shop for chain lubes, so my choice was limited to whatever Canadian Tire has. I was using PJ-1 black label, however...

First 1000km riding

So, I've had my motorcycle licence for three months and a half now. I've also covered 1000km and done the first service on the Ninja 250. I've ridden in various weather conditions, enjoyed some rides and hated others. Here are my impressions of the first 1000 kilometres riding.

Chain lube brands

Lubricating the chain on a motorcycle is one of the most frequent maintenance task done. It is crucial for your safety to properly maintain the chain of your motorcycle. I've been riding in the rain a few times, and dirt is starting to layer itself on the chain of the ninja 250. So, it's time to start looking for a good brand of chain lube.

The Wave

Waving to other bikers is a tradition of acknowledging the common interest that both motorcyclists have. It is kind of a solute to belonging to the club of people who enjoy the freedom of riding, who travel on two wheels not simply for the sake of getting from A to B, but for having an enjoyable time. Here is some beginners' information on motorcyclist waves.

When to buy fuel

The price of gas fluctuates throughout the week. How can you make sure to put gas when the price is at its lowest and not pay money that you could have saved? Well, here's an idea.

Has anyone washed their bike yet?

Riding in the rain takes its toll on a new and clear motorcycle. The tires spray mud all over the bottom parts and fairings of the motorcycle and it inevidently loses the "off the shelf" perfection that it has at first. How do you wash a motorcycle though? Should one simply take it to the car-wash? Most certainly not.

First ride in the rain

With the climate here, people always are faced with the rain at some point. Riders in Quebec should be prepared for such situations when it rains, but this was my first time having to deal with it. Here is what happened.

Motorcycle road test

There are different types of exams people may have to take in their countries in order to obtain a motorcycle license. In the case of the province of Quebec, in Canada, there are three exams: theoretical exam on motorcycle specifics and highway safety code, closed circuit exam on slow speed control and emergency manoeuvres, and finally the road test: riding the bike in all possible urban environments to prove your competence and earn your license. And I have just done it!

Riding in the rain

It is sometimes inevitable to ride in the rain. Anyone could get surprised by the weather, especially if you live in an area similar to mine where a third of the time it is raining. So what can we do to stay safe in these unpleasant conditions?

How safe do you feel when riding (and some retro bikes)?

Riding a motorcycle can obviously be dangerous, especially when we have to share the roads with cars, trucks and various vehicles that can easily harm bikers. Have you ever felt scared though? Have you felt worried for your safety to the point where you wonder if it is worthy riding a motorcycle?

Motorcycle security tips

Being so vulnerable, everyone would wonder what options are available for protecting a motorcycle from being stolen. Here is a list of security measures and devices and my thoughts about them.

Why you should get a 250 as a first bike.

Many of you, new riders, may consider getting a big, 'real' motorcycle as your first. I think that if you do that, you will do it only because you are misinformed or because you are afraid of what others might think of you. In any case, lets see why you should not consider a bigger bike.

Should I winterize my motorcycle, and what is winterization?

When you are not going to ride your motorcycle for more than a month, what should you do if you are willing to start the bike effortlessly once that period is over? Should you just leave the bike in the garage and maybe start it once a week? Apparently this is not enough and a bunch of things need to be done on the motorcycle to appropriately prepare it for the winter storage period.