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New to the motorcycle scene.....
So I am planning on getting a motorcycle by the end of October and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for me. Here are some things I'm stumbed on.
I want to get a sports bike, but being my first bike I was recommended to get 250cc and they only have the ninja 250r which I can find. But then a lot of riders I know tell me not to get that bike because it cant even make it on the freeway. Which is odd cause when I went to the dealership to check out bikes they said it hits 100, but i dont even plan on going that fast! Anyways, if you guys have any advice you can spare so I dont buy something thats not enough or too much. Also new vs. used? For my first I was planning used just incase I drop it or whatever!
I'm 5'2 BTW so I'm looking for something I can sit on with my feet still being able to touch the ground!
get the 250. I had a 250 and 600 at the same time. I rode the 250 to work and other places that required me to be in the interstate. MY girl also rode the bike 40 miles interstate to work as well.
Nothing more needs to be said. Get a 95-05 250 and resell it for the purchase price, or keep it (i'd keep it and build a stable of bikes)
If you are a quick learner and well coordinated I would recommend a Ninja 650 R.
Its not as powerful as the 600r and the throttle is not as snappy. The bike looks good though and you will outgrow it a hell of a lot slower than a 250.
The first bike I ever rode was a 250. Rode it all day. It handled great but the acceleration was ridiculously slow.
Then again if you are a slow to medium learner without alot of strength and coordination, the 250 is for you.
IMO quick acceleration and power is the one weapon us motorcyclists have to get out of hairy situations. As far as I am concerned, a 250 is defenseless
If you are a quick learner and well coordinated I would recommend a Ninja 650 R.
Its not as powerful as the 600r and the throttle is not as snappy. The bike looks good though and you will outgrow it a hell of a lot slower than a 250.
The first bike I ever rode was a 250. Rode it all day. It handled great but the acceleration was ridiculously slow.
Then again if you are a slow to medium learner without alot of strength and coordination, the 250 is for you.
IMO quick acceleration and power is the one weapon us motorcyclists have to get out of hairy situations. As far as I am concerned, a 250 is defenseless
You can be a newb on this and look good doing it
a newer bike should never be on any first bike list I don't get it, its common knowledge in the bike world that you can buy a used older Ninja 250/500 ride it for a few months drop it once or twice and still manage to sell it for what you paid.
a ninja 500 will be faster then almost all standard motorcycles. 250 is even quicker (sadly) then a good bit of them, to say they're defenseless...... I guess harley riders are just asking for it =)
i have a ninja 500 and i think its a good cheap starter bike. it has enough power so you can feel safe on the freeway. the 500 sits pretty low stock and can be lowered even more. my 500 is lowered and it just way too low for me (im 5'10''). i want to raise my bike 1.5'' above stock to fit me better and for better cornering.
of course if you dont mind spending the money, a 650r would be a newer faster starter bike. its basically the replacement for the 500r as 09 is the last year for the 500.
a newer bike should never be on any first bike list I don't get it, its common knowledge in the bike world that you can buy a used older Ninja 250/500 ride it for a few months drop it once or twice and still manage to sell it for what you paid.
a ninja 500 will be faster then almost all standard motorcycles. 250 is even quicker (sadly) then a good bit of them, to say they're defenseless...... I guess harley riders are just asking for it =)
I agree with you. A new bike is not a great idea for most, but there are exceptional people out there who learn quickly and just talented in the hand eye coordination departement. I think these people can get away with something a little newer and faster.
I am not saying I am such a person, but I never dropped a bike before, and I was pretty comfy with my ZZR after over ten years of not riding.
I am gonna defer to your experience, but for me starting off with a Ninja 250 would not have been right for me...... but I will never laugh at or disrespect anyone who chooses to ride one.
I agree with you. A new bike is not a great idea for most, but there are exceptional people out there who learn quickly and just talented in the hand eye coordination departement. I think these people can get away with something a little newer and faster.
I am not saying I am such a person, but I never dropped a bike before, and I was pretty comfy with my ZZR after over ten years of not riding.
I am gonna defer to your experience, but for me starting off with a Ninja 250 would not have been right for me...... but I will never laugh at or disrespect anyone who chooses to ride one.
Too bad no one knows if they can or cannot before getting their first bike.
Again if you started off on a ninja 250 you could have said this sucks 2 weeks later, so what do you do? sell it on the never ending cycle of noob bikes. It's one thing to buy a $4000.00 bike figure out that you don't like it or its not for you and sell it a month or two later for $3200. It's another thing to spend 1000-1500 on a used 250/500 find out its not for you then sell it for what you paid. It's a no brainer.
Only downside is time spent to title/inspect the bike.
I am 175 and the 250 was fine on the highway. It will force you to be aware of your surroundings because you wont be able to pin it away. You need to look at every one as they are going to kill you... which you should do any time you're on 2 wheels. Mine was GPSd at 101, but it is awesome in the corners and really teaches you to keep up the momentum. I bought mine new for $3900 OTD, sold it a year and 3900 miles later for $3450. The $500 I lost was more then worth it not to kill myself.
Go look at the Yamaha FZ6R, it looks alot better then the Ninja 250 and is alot more rider friendly. I have 1 that I bought for my first bike and have loved it from day 1. I ride with alot of CBR's Gixer's and this bike will hold it's own, I am not saying it is a fast but it does just fine on the highway and looks just as good as bikes 3-4 thousand more. Just my opinion. Here is the link to the pictures of my 2009 Yamaha.
Well first the handles bars and seat are adjustable. The handle bars are more upright so you don't have to ride hunched over the gas tank. It makes for a more comfortable ride.Also the gearing is set-up different then say a CBR, R6 Etc.
Well first the handles bars and seat are adjustable. The handle bars are more upright so you don't have to ride hunched over the gas tank. It makes for a more comfortable ride.Also the gearing is set-up different then say a CBR, R6 Etc.
I was never hunched over on my 250. I even posted a picture of it.
To say that adjustable bars and seat is more user friendly is understandable though.
How about more power for those mid corner rookie over throttle applications? How about the stronger brakes? The ability to get up to speed MUCH faster isnt neccessarily what some people need.
I wouldnt consider any bike, especially a 600 - even if underpowered compared to a SS, more rider friendly than a 250.
Thank you everyone for the replies you guys are all very helpful!
I think I have come down to getting a 250r! The only problem for me is that I dont know where to find one! I'm been on craigslist and not to much luck there!
I live in orange county so if anyone knows anyone selling or places for used bikes let me know <333
Just gotta be patient on waiting for one to pop up on C-List. There's always someone who will unload one after they've gotten used to riding. I would look for a previous gen bike, as the people selling the 08-09 model are always asking way too much. You should be able to get an early 2000 model for like 2 grand or so, just gotta keep watching the listings...
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06 Enth, Volks SF Challenge, AP Racing BBK --- 02 GSX-R 600, Full Yoshi Pipe, Power Com
First bike help!
I even posted a picture of it.
