Kawasaki Ninja 250r or 650r?

Question

Hey guys, i'am a new rider and am trying to get some advice about what bike would be better to start on.

I've taken the MSF class, and i've been riding a Yamaha TTR 250 Dirt bike for about 5 months now. I'm 6'0 and about 175-180 pounds. My main concern ins't if the bike can hold me or not, it's if i can handle a 650r or not. I rather ride a slow bike fast then a fast bike slow.

I'm just looking for people advice who've ridden both bikes and can give me some guidence.

I'm leaning more toward the 250 b/c of safety, lower cost of insurence and gas milage. I just don't want to get into a bind and not have the " Power" to get out. Any ideas?

Answer 1

My first bike ever was a 600CC Yamaha.  I didn't have the MSF class or any dirt bike riding experience.  I was told by MANY people to start with a 250, then move up, but personally I see that as a waste of money if a 600 is where I was going to end up anyways.  So that is what I went for.  

Seriously though in 99% of all situations you need to brake, not speed up, so having the power to avoid a situation is an excuse people make to justify to themselves buying a larger bike.

Buy the bike that YOU want, ride them both, which is more comfortable etc... And then go with the one you want.  Don't let engine size be your determing factor.  If you are a responsible rider you could start with a 1300cc bike and be alright.

Answer 2

250 is a good bike to start on but you will get bored on it

Answer 3

Lordy, don't get a 250.  A guy your size will look like an ape on a minibike.

The thing about riding a slow bike fast is funny, but not very useful.

Answer 4

I actually have both and the 250 will definately hold you. The guy I got it from was 6" 190lbs and had no problem with it when when would ride together. On the highway it was screaming but it could do 70mph no prob.  The 650 obviously has a lot more power and is actually a freakishly comfortable bike for a ninja.

All bikes are dangerous and I wouldn't say that one is "safer" than the other. The insurance should be a little lower, but the gas mileage isn't all that different. about 40-50 mpg depending on how you ride.

Since you are new then get what you are comfortable on, it sounds like you are a little concerned not if the 650 can handle you but if you are ready for the bike yet. Either are good to start on. As long as you ride smart then the cc of the bike shouldn't determine if you'll be safe. Consider tho if you plan on keeping it for a while. If so then determine how fast you will grow out of the 250 and want the 650.

Hope it helps. Ride Smart. Stupid Hurts.

Answer 5

Well you've ridden a 250 and you have an idea how much power it has.  Have you gone on long trips on the freeway?  For around town, you don't need more than a 250.  For longer trips at high speed, the 650 is a much better choice.

The 650 is heavier but not a 'heavy' bike. You shouldn't have trouble with the added size and weight.  At 6'0" you should be easily able to sit on the bike and put both feet flat on the ground.

So it's just a matter of whether the extra power and speed capability is worth the extra cost and gas and insurance.

Also the thing about riding a slow bike fast or a fast bike slow, is that the fast bike ridden slow will last longer!

Answer 6

The post above me pretty much covered it. You should be able to handle the 650r , since you have some experience. I'll be starting on a 500-600 cc, which is going to be a little more dangerous to start on. Most people sell their 250's because it doesnt have enough power and you will outgrow it. You know, you could just get a 500 cc ninja , or something else in the 500 range. Insurance doesnt go up much at all with more power in bikes if you lookin the right places. I went from 75 dollars, to 95 when I changed it between a 250cc ninja, and a 500 ninja (at progressive). Good luck!