Getting first motorcycle?

Question

I am researching getting my first motorcycle and alot of people are saying 250cc is the way to go especially the new 2008 ninja. I really like the way the bike looks and it sounds like a great idea. However one of the main things that worries me about the 250s is my size. I am 6'4 and 180 lbs. I havent been out to sit on one yet so I might fit but I was wondering if anybody had other suggestions for a good first motorcycle? Especially wondering if the consensus is sticking with a 250. I would be using this about equally for around town and highway. Thank you

Answer 1

Well I'm 6' and I sat on the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R-it felt fine, very comfortable. The problem with the Ninja 250R is that everyone is sold out!

Hyosung and United Motors make the same bike. The Hyosung GT250R/UM V2S250R, these are bigger and have "clip on" handlebars. The 2008 Ninja 250R has a weird handlebar similar to clipons.

If you are wondering about the 250cc's power it will suffice, as long as you don't crave for more. It does the speed limit and then some, but if you want explosive power you might want to look at a Suzuki SV650S, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Honda 599, or Yamaha FZ6 for a first bike.

The argument that it is too light doesn't make any sense. It weighs 333 pounds. a 600cc supersport weighs in the neighborhood of 369 pounds. 30 pounds isn't going to have you magically fly off the road like you have wings.

Make sure you wear all your gear. I buy mine @ www.kneedraggers.com

Very good website for gear: riders post reviews, and you earn money back off of purchases.

Answer 2

Have you ever ridden a bike before?  I know you said this would be your first bike, but if you have any experience at all I say go with the a 500.  At 6'4" your going to get tired of a 250 too fast.  It's just going to seem so small.  Even if you haven't ever rode before I would still suggest going with a 500.

Answer 3

dude all i gotta say is dont go above a 600cc

and when u buy ur first bike make sure its is used because

its stupid to go out and buy a really nice bike if u dont know how to ride it

most ppl go out and buy like a 1000cc+ bike and then the go lay it down somewhere because it was too much power for them

becasue it is inevitable wehn u first begin riding ur gonna drop it and ruin the ferrings

Answer 4

If you have never had a street bike or dont ride dirtbikes and this is your first time getting something like this the ninja 250R is a perfect bike.  Size shouldnt be a problem but you can always go sit on one at the dealership.  This years model would be good for a person looking to get into streetbikes.  Not only does it look more like the 600 and 1000 ninjas the tires are 17 inch instead of 16 (last years) and the foot pegs are raised from last year.  Not to mention a higher performance engine.  While it doesnt have nearly the top speed of bigger bikes it is about 4000 dollars cheeper.  I learned to ride on a suzuki gsxr 750 and while now i am a good ridder getting there was a little hard.  If you are looking to ease your way into streetbikes the 250R is a safe and cheap way to go.  Plus if you dont like riding at least you dont have a 11,000 dollar toy you hate.  For more info go to kawasaki.com

Answer 5

Normally I'd say this might be a good starter motorcycle.  But if you're looking to ride on the highway and at 6'4/180 I'd say its too small for you.  Try for something in the 500cc or greater range.  Its your height that's going to make finding a bike that fits you a problem.  But no way is a 250 gonna make it on the highway, its too light.