Jon, thanks for those insightful comments based on experience, that
support my own findings.
I am intrigued that the Gold Wing can be ridden for miles hands off, as
those front wheels must be pretty heavy, and if anything did start it up
wobbling, the pendulum effect must be quite a bit. But as you rightly
say, there are a lot of factors at play here. Some Japanese bikes have
the steering head bearing torqued down on the tight side as a deliberate
policy to, shall we say, "have a steering damper without having one". I
don't know if that applies here.
Yes, the more seat time you have on a 250 Ninja, the more you will
realize you can push it hard anywhere with confidence, even places where
you get slab joints almost parallel to your direction of travel, etc.
A few years back it was reported in one of the mags that AMA Champ Gary
Nixon rides a 250 Ninja for trips and everyday use today by preference.
It probably reminds him of the weight and good handling of his Works
Triumph 500 Twin racejob from the '60s, even though the Ninja at "only"
40 horse from 15 inches, wouldn't have the top-end of that Triumph of
yore. The way the Ninja jumps up to 90 for passing needs, etc., though,
is more than adequate for today's road conditions. Cheers Bill
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