More on the Ninja 250

I've received some questions and comments about my motorcycle and trip out here to South Dakota that it warranted a separate post unto itself so I shall be bullet-pointy to address some of the questions/comments;

• The Ninja 250 is a small motorcycle. Matter of fact I think it's about the smallest motorcycle you can get and still drive on the interstate. It is the LAMEST motorcycle in all of Sturgis, but she got there (see picture below).
• The mileage is GREAT, unless you are driving at speeds in excess of about 70 miles per hour. I usually get around 60-62MPG if I'm driving in the city, this includes interstate speeds in the city which are around 60-65MPH. However, once you go above 70 or 75 MPH, the fuel efficiency TANKS. This is noticeable when you go from Minnesota into South Dakota and the speed limit goes from 70MPH to 75MPH. In just that 5-10MPH difference my fuel efficiency drops from about 55-58MPG to 38MPG. I had to switch to the reserve tank as I approach Wall, SD and cut the speed down to maximize my fuel efficiency. YOu do NOT want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere South Dakota with no gas.
  
• There are many routes to take for motorcycle rides, but "The Needles" is perhaps the best. It follows the spine of the Black Hills up to Sylvan Lake (you can look all these things up on image searches to see the beauty). In one day we hit The Needles, Sylvan Lake, Hill City, Deadwood, Sturgis and the Vanocker Canyon.
  
• Repair of the Ninja 250 is easy, if not great. It's very simply designed and easy to access by taking off the fairings. I've been able to replace chains, change oil, replace water pumps, replace gas tanks, replace cables, change the fuel filter and clean the carbeurator, none of which takes more than an hour unless you run into a stubborn bolt. With the basic tools and parts you can pretty much do any kind of roadside maintenance and not break down. Most of which will fit into a smallish backpack (and wreak havoc on your back).
• Yes your back will be in immense pain if you drive a crotch rocket 660 miles in one day.
• Yes, girls do like motorcycles, even little puny ones like the one I have. I suggest spending the money on a fuel efficient motorcycle and accommodating safety gear instead of making your next 6 months worth of 401k contributions. Your return is higher and it's more fun than the "Mid-Cap Value Index Fund." No woman in the history of women said to a guy, "Oooo! You invested in the Mid-Cap Value Index Fund!" and conversely, "Ewwww! Yuck, gross! You have a motorcycle!"
  
• If any of you Cappy Cappites are out this direction, please shoot the Ole Captain an e-mail. He's always up for motorcycle riding, fossil hunting, mountain climbing, agate hunting or gun shooting. All of which are still legal in South Dakota.