Although the Z’s nine years old, she’s still able to zip around the streets effortlessly. Most of the recent miles racked up on the bike are commuter and sprint joy rides.

I have yet to do a trackday with this bike, but I imagine that the suspension could use a little adjustment because I’m constantly riding it like a road bicycle around the San Franciscan hills. The steering bearings also need to be replaced because they are greatly notched. Once the bearings are replaced, smoothness, lightness, and evenness will easily be noticed when handling the bike. With these minor fixes I’m sure it would show some more talent in the corners, but not much potential compared to the newer bikes and their capabilities. Riding like this makes for a good workout on city streets though.

I recently had a mini service done at 32,228 miles and the only major things changed were the rear tire and the oil. Before, the bike had a 190/50ZR Dunlop d616 rear tire which provided a wider surface area for turning, but also adding a stall to the bike’s cornering. I switched to a 180/55 d616 to see how I’d like it, and I have to admit that I like it better because the turns are quicker. In addition, the look of the wider tire definitely gives it that extra badass look. I had a talk with one of the mechanics where I got my bike serviced, and they asked me which set of tires I liked compared to the ones I’ve had. I’ve been brought up on Bridgestone riding in the streets, and the last set of Bridgestones I had were the Battlax BT-023 Sport Touring tires. At the time when I had my 06’ gixxer, this was one of the most modern and cheapest of the Bridgestone tires. I decided to give them a try to see if they would last longer because of the increase in my riding. Bridgestone tires have improved, but are most likely meant for bikes on the heftier side like TRLs, FJRs and bikes of that sort. The slippage feeling due to having a gixxer on flat profile tires that lack grip prove not fun, but the tire held up alright compared to the older Bridgestones I’ve had.

So between having Maxxis street tires and a bunch of Bridgestones, I have to say the Dunlop d616s are made perfectly for the z1000 on dry land and in the rain. These tires put the confidence in riding everywhere you go, and feeling any type of slippage is an afterthought. Best value tires for this bike because of the aggressive styling and durable performance.

Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to order your copy of our new Winter/ Spring 2012 print edition of Inline Performance Magazine HERE. Don’t worry, shipping is free!

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Hey everyone, my name is Jeremy. A little about myself. I’m a new staff writer for IPM down in Southern California. Super bike racing is a true passion of mine and this is the story of my journey to success. Take a look at my video.

I am also excited to bring you guys updates on my riding progress, riding videos, races, and my future racing career updates. Looking forward to the feedback you provide. Sit back enjoy the ride! It’s certainly going to be a fun one!

Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to order your copy of our new Winter/ Spring 2012 print edition of Inline Performance Magazine HERE. Don’t worry, shipping is free!

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Hey what’s going on guys? Meet promotional model and first time print model Nicole. She is a current native of San Francisco by way of Alameda. She works as a receptionist at a local urgent care facility.

Nicole loves to run and read fictional novels and memoirs in her spare time. That’s when she’s not taking care of her dog. So you guys better like pooches!

Please check out her full photo session HERE.

Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to order your copy of our new Winter/ Spring 2012 print edition of Inline Performance Magazine HERE. Don’t worry, shipping is free!

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Hello, Paul here again with another update to the Ninja 250. As you can see in the picture below, the throttle cable has frayed and broken. Even with regular maintenance, these items can wear out and break. This happened while I was out riding, but it didn’t cause too big of a problem.

Luckily, the carburetor was easily accessed from the side and I was able to manipulate the throttle valve with my hand while riding. I did not have a spare cable with me, so I carefully went home. Soon a new cable will be installed, and the resurrected Ninja will be out on the streets again.

Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to order your copy of our new Winter/ Spring 2012 print edition of Inline Performance Magazine HERE. Don’t worry, shipping is free!

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Hello everyone, here is a quick update for the Ninja 250. You can thank the local five-O for this little modification. I was stopped the other day for missing a side mirror.

This stick on mirror is going to complement the standard stock mirror while it is being repaired. Mounted on the front turn signal stem, it is a little low but the convex surface gives a wide view behind the motorcycle as well as to the side. It’s not a replacement for scanning, or a quick look over the shoulder, but it does aid in maintaining awareness of the traffic on the road.

Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to order your copy of our new Winter/ Spring 2012 print edition of Inline Performance Magazine HERE. Don’t worry, shipping is free!

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