Kim "wonder91178" Collins - Burleson, TX

[wonder91178]

Well here's some pics I guess I shall share! :-D

Kim

My 2004 Ninja 250
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/pimg-1093548904-677437.jpg

My Ninja 250 in it's current state
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Bike%20Rebuild/post-59-11047050200.jpg

Me and the hub (Squidward)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Us/post-3-11029913390.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Us/post-3-11029914510.jpg

I will add more later!! ;-)

[VFRinAustin]

Welcome Kim.

So I am guessing there is a story behind your lil Ninja's current state?

[wonder91178]

Yes....I had a little boo boo on a ride with my husband. We were riding from D/FW to Waco on a rather windy day, and down around Milton, TX a good gust of wind caught me and the Ninja and blew me off my line and I hit some gravel and lowsided it (and broke my ankle!).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10969277841.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10969277844.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10969278251.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10969278540.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10969278551.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10969278552.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10969278554.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10969278842.jpg

Here's where I ended up...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10981924471.jpg

And where the Ninja ended up...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10981924470.jpg

The barbed wire I came feet from hitting...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10981926200.jpg

Me back at the crash site...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10981926212.jpg

I hadn't found any boots that worked for me, so yes, I was in tennis shoes (I know, I know, bad Kim) and here's the shoe from the broken ankle...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Kim/post-59-10997904730.jpg

[kurt]

Another vote for a full-face helmet. :eek: Why did you have to drop the motor?

[wonder91178]

Well, things have to be re-arranged since it's having Aprilia RS250 race bodywork put on it rather than having it back to stock :-D

Kim

[Squidward]

Another vote for a full-face helmet. :eek: Why did you have to drop the motor?

+1 on the full-face helmet.

I dropped the motor to get any flammables out of my way while i am welding up brackets to attach the new subframe. I'll fit all of the bodywork with the engine mounted. After i mark my spots and talk on the new brackets I'll pull it all down, finish the welds then the frame will be going out for powder-coating. It's a slow process.

[kurt]

Kim, someone here recently was looking for women's motorcycle gear, and I don't know if anyone mentioned Cycle Gear. They advertise they have a large selection of women's gear, and I seem to remember that being true in their Austin store. Worth a try anyway.

[Squidward]

Kim, someone here recently was looking for women's motorcycle gear, and I don't know if anyone mentioned Cycle Gear. They advertise they have a large selection of women's gear, and I seem to remember that being true in their Austin store. Worth a try anyway.

We've gone that route and found nothing that fit her feet properly. We are still looking and she will have proper footwear before her next outing. ;-)

[bluedogok]

You might have already tried them, but Moto-Liberty at I-35E and Royal Lane is where I bought my boots. They have a large selection and a decent selection of womens gear. I know the Lonestar BMW/Triumph down here in Austin seems to have the largest selection of womens gear that I have seen.

[wonder91178]

We went to the Cycle Gear in Bedford and they only had one pair of boots for women (the Frank Thomas Maria - something or other boots). I did not feel comfortable with the fit at all, so we are still looking.

Although I have decided to go with the solid black Scorpion EXO700 helmet (Squidward won't let me get the all carbon fiber $800 Vemar helmet, hehehehe).

We need to re-visit Motoliberty though :-)

Kim

[Tourmeister]

:tab Beth got her Alpine Stars at Moto-Liberty and loves them. Weather proof and look like they are pretty good for protection. I think they were around $140 or so? Been a while.

:tab By the way, welcome to the site to both of you ;-)

Adios,

[wonder91178]

:tab Beth got her Alpine Stars at Moto-Liberty and loves them. Weather proof and look like they are pretty good for protection. I think they were around $140 or so? Been a while.

:tab By the way, welcome to the site to both of you ;-)

Adios,

Thanks Tourmeister!!

Actually I was interested in trying some Diadora, Gaerne, or Oxtar boots, just to be different, although I think I'd be hard pressed to find them in my size.

I also like the Teknic Speedstar boots but they are $400 :eek:

Kim

[bluedogok]

Here are some links to look through. I know that Moto Liberty has items in stock that are not on their website. I have also seen Diadora boots at their store.

New Enough - Ladies Boots (http://www.newenough.com/product_group_ladies_boots.htm)

Moto Liberty - Ladies Boots (http://www.motoliberty.com/product_list2.asp?CategoryID=75)

Motorcycle Closeouts - Boots (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/prod_category.asp?ManId=165)

[wonder91178]

BTW....this is off the boot topic, I just wanted to share....crashing at 45mph, even though is seems to be a lower speed.....it sucks just the same!

LOL

Kim

[Lezbert]

Thanks Tourmeister!!

Actually I was interested in trying some Diadora, Gaerne, or Oxtar boots, just to be different, although I think I'd be hard pressed to find them in my size.

I also like the Teknic Speedstar boots but they are $400 :eek:

Kim

Hey Kim. Someone who posts on another site swears by the Oxtar Matrix boot. Depending on what you're looking in a boot, Diadora and Sidi also make great products.

[fast_yellow]

Kudos to you Kim for your ability to get right back in there after that spill.

Squidward, I'd have to say that it must have been real tough watching your wife crash like that.

I know all about that hard wind stuff. I think I wore the left side of both tires completely smooth going west on 380 out of McKinney towards Denton a few weeks ago. I was being blown sideways by a strong 50+mph crosswind. Pretty scary stuff on a 400 pound VFR.

Anyways Kim, at least you have a great sight like this to keep you occupied while you're on the mend.

We'll see ya down the road!

[wonder91178]

Anyways Kim, at least you have a great sight like this to keep you occupied while you're on the mend.

I hope ya'll don't get too bothered with me while I am going through severe 2-wheel withdrawal! LOL

I actually had Squidward take me around the block on the back of his tiller a couple of weeks ago because I missed being on a bike so much. That was a bad move, I was scared to death! I guess after being at the helm of the bike, the feeling of no control just freaked me out too much, even with trusting Squidward, hahahaha.

Kim

[Squidward]

Squidward, I'd have to say that it must have been real tough watching your wife crash like that.



It was the single worst feeling i've ever had in my life. There was nothing I could do to stop it. I had gone around the corner first and the wind was strong enough to push my fat pig of a TL1000R off it's line. When she came around and the wind gusted, she had no chance.

[Vee Dub Nut]

Sounds like yall have a neat little project going on there! Reading your story makes me want to go get some real motorcycle boots. Ive got some pretty tall boots that provide a lot more protection than tennis shoes but I would like some nice renforcment around the ankles.

[wonder91178]

Sounds like yall have a neat little project going on there! Reading your story makes me want to go get some real motorcycle boots. Ive got some pretty tall boots that provide a lot more protection than tennis shoes but I would like some nice renforcment around the ankles.

Yeah, my ankle just snapped between the foot peg and the shifter....that sucked. Me and Squidward were talking and wondered if the same thing would have happened in touring boots rather than something like a race boot.

I guess we shall never know!

Kim

[wonder91178]

Just wanted to share the latest with the Ninja being rebuilt...

The Ninja's Maiden Voyage!

She's alive! The Ninja is up and running and Squidward took her on her first ride since the crash...

No room for the airbox? Take it off!! :-D The Ninja now breathes through a K&N air filter...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0215.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0216.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0217.jpg

Stripped and ready to ride!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0218.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0221.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0220.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0224.jpg

The tiller wishes the ninja good luck...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0223.jpg

She runs! Woot!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0219.jpg

Squidward dresses the squidly part for a ride down the street (What's that? No headlight? No license plate? Isn't that illegal? :-P )...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0226.jpg

Here he goes!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0227.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0228.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0229.jpg

He arrives back home safely....(dammit, no insurance for me!)...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0230.jpg

Mini burnout! Hahahaha....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/Ninja%204302005/DSCF0231.jpg

Ok, Squidward will be along to explain everything, it's freakin' loud with the air filter, he says it's officially louder than the tiller, we shall see! :-D

Kim

[Squidward]

It's mechanically sound, so now it is time to finish altering the bodywork, tear it all back down, clean up the welds, paint the frame, get the Muzzy and modify it into a high mount, adjust the valves, put it all back together, rejet, synch carbs, and throw it on the Dyno at Piper's. No matter how much gets done, there is always more to go.

Oh yeah, and the air filter sucking in atmosphere is frickin' loud. My nuts were afraid of the snarling sound right below the seat.

[bluedogok]

Looking good, maybe you need to put a "shield "over the top of the air filter so it doesn't suck things in that it shouldn't, of course if Kim is riding it, then no worries :mrgreen:

Amazing how much noise is generated by an open intake, I found that out with a 351 H.O. in a 71 Ranchero GT long ago.

[Squidward]

Looking good, maybe you need to put a "shield "over the top of the air filter so it doesn't suck things in that it shouldn't, f course if Kim is riding it, then no worries :mrgreen:

Amazing how much noise is generated by an open intake, I found that out with a 351 H.O. in a 71 Ranchero GT long ago.

I'll bebuilding an aluminum "airbox" to shield the K&N from the elements.

[Sleepy Weasel]

Am I the only one who thinks it looks kinda cool without all that bodywork? :lol:

[Squidward]

Am I the only one who thinks it looks kinda cool without all that bodywork? :lol:

Nope....I like it that way myself.

[Gilk51]

Did you see him split those cars? And they were headed the opposite direction! :shock:


Did Kim ever find any boots?

[wonder91178]

Did you see him split those cars? And they were headed the opposite direction! :shock:


Did Kim ever find any boots?

I know, he could have been killed! :eek:

No boots yet, my helmet and boots will be the last things we get....I kinda still want to try on some Gaerne's, if they make'em in my size that is.

Rebuilding stuff costs a lot of money! Why didn't someone tell me that in th beginning? :-D

Kim

[bushwhacker]

It was the single worst feeling i've ever had in my life. There was nothing I could do to stop it. I had gone around the corner first and the wind was strong enough to push my fat pig of a TL1000R off it's line. When she came around and the wind gusted, she had no chance.

I can well imagine the sinking feeling in the gut watching any other rider go off the road. I an not even imagine how bad it would be watching it happen to someone you love.

It's mechanically sound, so now it is time to finish altering the bodywork, tear it all back down, clean up the welds, paint the frame, get the Muzzy and modify it into a high mount, adjust the valves, put it all back together, rejet, synch carbs, and throw it on the Dyno at Piper's. No matter how much gets done, there is always more to go.

I am seriously impressed. My mechanical ability runs more toward "take a bolt out, put a bolt in". Anything more complicated than that and I, unfortunately, let someone else do it.

I look forward to seeing it and you guys on the road.

Bill Stephens

[wonder91178]

I am seriously impressed. My mechanical ability runs more toward "take a bolt out, put a bolt in". Anything more complicated than that and I, unfortunately, let someone else do it.

I look forward to seeing it and you guys on the road.

Bill Stephens

I admittedly got a laugh out of the 'technical' test to see if his welds were solid and secure......Squidward, me and a friend of his all took turns bouncing up and down on the seat....it didn't break when any of us did it, so I guess he did something right LOL

And thanks, I keep reminding Squidward that May is Motorcycle Awareness month and I need to be out there, hehe.

Kim

[wonder91178]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm slowly working my way back to 2 wheels. Squidward and I have been practicing on the Ninja in the church parking lot across the street. I am just making sure I still got 'da skillz' LOL and that the mental monsters don't have control of me!

I just keep telling myself....DON'T lock your elbows, and DON'T keep a death grip on the tank with your knees Kim!

Kim

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/51605/DSCF0275.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/51605/DSCF0297.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/51605/DSCF0295.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/51605/DSCF0294.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/51605/DSCF0288.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/51605/DSCF0282.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/wonder91178/51605/DSCF0278.jpg

[Squidward]

Tonight will be her "road test" if the weather permits.

[scratch]

Congratulations! Good to know that you're back in the saddle again. 8-)
Can't wait to see how the the bike looks with the new fairing mounted.

[Squidward]

Congratulations! Good to know that you're back in the saddle again. 8-)
Can't wait to see how the the bike looks with the new fairing mounted. The front fairings that were so kindly donated by an Aprilia RS250, will not be put to use. Their was no way to get them adequately mounted while allowing sufficient clearance for exhaust, engine cases, clip-ons(and hands). So the project rolls on. In the interim, we got a steal of a deal on a brand new off the showroom floor 2002 ZR-7S. They were practically giving it away to get it off their floor after 3+ years. The 250 is being used to get her confidence back while we get the Z set up for her to ride it comfortably and safely.

[scratch]

Well, that sounded pretty ambitious, but ya never know until you try. If you want I'll bet you can piece together the original bodywork over time pretty cheaply. Maybe offset the cost by putting the RS250 bodywork up for sale. The ZR7 is the sort of bike you can grow into and end up keeping for a long, long time.

[Squidward]

Well, that sounded pretty ambitious, but ya never know until you try. If you want I'll bet you can piece together the original bodywork over time pretty cheaply. Maybe offset the cost by putting the RS250 bodywork up for sale. The ZR7 is the sort of bike you can grow into and end up keeping for a long, long time. I think we are just going to streetfighter it. :chug:

[DucGirl]

one thought - I don't know if there is a reaosn that you are looking ONLY at womens gear, but being female myself, I've given up on womens gear....

it's either made for women who have ultra skinny legs and no muscle (for the pants) or it got pink everywhere on it (I HATE pink) or the boots are entirely too narrow...

I've found that the mens gear fits just fine and it's not covered in girly pink stuff everywhere....

just a thought!

glad to hear you are back out on the bike!

[wonder91178]

one thought - I don't know if there is a reaosn that you are looking ONLY at womens gear, but being female myself, I've given up on womens gear....

it's either made for women who have ultra skinny legs and no muscle (for the pants) or it got pink everywhere on it (I HATE pink) or the boots are entirely too narrow...

I've found that the mens gear fits just fine and it's not covered in girly pink stuff everywhere....

just a thought!

glad to hear you are back out on the bike!

I don't wear women's gear, although I would like to try on a pair of women's boots, but there seems to be a lack of supply here. I can't even find men's boots small enough to fit me or I would try them on. I think one of our Cycle Gears only had Frank Thomas ladies boots, or touring boots, and Moto Liberty's selection was slim to none unless you wanted a cutesy touring boot with a big chunky heel.

I wear a men's size small Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket, and men's Fox Racing size medium Bomber gloves.

Kim

[igo-wfo]

I got my wifes alpinestar boots at Eurosport.
They don't look like my race boots, they are just all black and seem to have very good ankle support/protection.

[DucGirl]

I don't wear women's gear, although I would like to try on a pair of women's boots, but there seems to be a lack of supply here. I can't even find men's boots small enough to fit me or I would try them on. I think one of our Cycle Gears only had Frank Thomas ladies boots, or touring boots, and Moto Liberty's selection was slim to none unless you wanted a cutesy touring boot with a big chunky heel.

I wear a men's size small Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket, and men's Fox Racing size medium Bomber gloves.

Kim

ahh - yes, I know how that goes.

I'm in a slightly differnet situation I guess. Since we have given the local dealership so much business they are more than willing to order in something for us and if it doesn't fit or we don't like it, they take the hit, send it back and get something else....

Though....I would imaging that you could do that with just about any dealership.

If you are ever in the Dallas area there are 2-3 other shops up there that carry nothing but gear...

[Squidward]

I don't wear women's gear, although I would like to try on a pair of women's boots, but there seems to be a lack of supply here. I can't even find men's boots small enough to fit me or I would try them on. I think one of our Cycle Gears only had Frank Thomas ladies boots, or touring boots, and Moto Liberty's selection was slim to none unless you wanted a cutesy touring boot with a big chunky heel.

I wear a men's size small Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket, and men's Fox Racing size medium Bomber gloves.

Kim

ahh - yes, I know how that goes.

I'm in a slightly differnet situation I guess. Since we have given the local dealership so much business they are more than willing to order in something for us and if it doesn't fit or we don't like it, they take the hit, send it back and get something else....

Though....I would imaging that you could do that with just about any dealership.

If you are ever in the Dallas area there are 2-3 other shops up there that carry nothing but gear...

What shops are those? We live in the D/FW area.

[DucGirl]

Moto Liberty - @ 35 & 635

Cycle Gear in Plano off of 75 off of Parker or Park or something like that

Honda of Plano also has a good selection...or was it Plano Honda? something like that

those are the three places that I remember us going to

[Squidward]

Moto Liberty - @ 35 & 635

Cycle Gear in Plano off of 75 off of Parker or Park or something like that

Honda of Plano also has a good selection...or was it Plano Honda? something like that

those are the three places that I remember us going to

Moto Liberty has a terrible selection as far as her feet are concerned, and we have two Cycle Gears closer to us....one has crap for selection, but the other one carries a fair amount of A-Star boots.

[tazbatgirl]

If you are looking for a race type boot try www.helmetshop.com they maybe aren't exactly women's but they are easy to return to and offer free shipping UPS over $100 order. If you want black leather type riding boots, try a Harley dealer. Ours here in College Station has 6 or 7 different kinds of women's riding boots. Even if you don't drive a Harley, it doesn't mean you aren't allowed in. :mrgreen:

[wonder91178]

Yeah I was looking for a more race type boot...I would LOVE to try some Gaerne or Diadoras on, but I'm hard pressed to find some brick and mortar store to actually try some on, I didn't want to have to wait for them to be shipped to me, hope they fit and not have to return them for something else.

I guess that might be my only option.

Kim

[tazbatgirl]

yeah I posted the site because it sounded to me like you weren't going to able to get any around here! helmet Shop at least has the free shipping and I believe they included the return label as well, plus it is Florida so no tax also I think. I don't remember because it has been two years since I got my helmet and jackets. good luck anyway. :mrgreen:

[DucGirl]

I actually wear Dainese for around town, and up until I got the SMX-Plus for real riding

the dianese aren't made any more, but they do have new models

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/34-DA-11

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/34-DA-13

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/34-DA-14

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/34-DA-12

they are smaller, more petit shoes, but they fit very well....they aren't big clunky boots like HD or hte like always has...I've never quite understood how people ride wearing those boots!

for something like this, you only option really is to order and wait.....

[SRADkneedragger]

Hey Kim"wonder91178"
A couple of things,,,, If you need some ninja 250 parts my wife has some spares on a roller we bought for parts for her bike(complete rolling frame some bodywork,Electrics, wheels, forks,brakes,etc etc...)).Also what about the RD250 bodywork that you were going to use? still got it ? It might fit her NS50F Roadracer(same size as an RS125)

[wonder91178]

Hey Kim"wonder91178"
A couple of things,,,, If you need some ninja 250 parts my wife has some spares on a roller we bought for parts for her bike(complete rolling frame some bodywork,Electrics, wheels, forks,brakes,etc etc...)).Also what about the RD250 bodywork that you were going to use? still got it ? It might fit her NS50F Roadracer(same size as an RS125)

My Ninja 250 is being parted out...already sold the engine, getting ready to put some parts on eBay :-D

The RS250 bodywork was scrapped, we might still have the tail section and the subframe, I know we have the subframe. The upper part got cut up to pieces. I loved the tail section though, it made the Ninja 250 look mean, hehe! I think we still have the RS125 headlight also, it wasn't a big seller on eBay.

Kim