Motorcycle for commuting?

Question

I live in NYC. Just need something simple to commute. I was thinking of getting a 250R. Would you advise against it? I am a beginner.

I won't be traveling too far far, the farthest I'll go is probably 1.5-3 hour drive to Boston or something.

Mostly, the ride to work/campus/dorm would probably be 30-45 minutes.

Would getting a motorcycle be too uncomfortable for what I want?

Answer 1

For a beginner a 250 would be a good size, here's a tip, watch out for cars, i have at least one person a week that cuts in front of me without indicating or looking, just be very careful. you may find first off you will get a sore neck or arms but as you get used to it this will go.

Answer 2

I guess no one noticed the NYC note.  About 6 months of the year, a NYC communte would be awefully cold, oh heck, say it, FREEZING.  30-45 minutes on a bike in the cold requires serious winter riding apparel.  

Additionally, if I could recommend a city to NOT learn to ride a motorcycle in, NYC would be on my list of one or two cities in the US.  

NYC and all the way to Boston, public transportation is far superior to a small motorcycle with no heater and a forward slanted riding style - as far as costs go for sure.

All that said, Bikes are tons more fun, so if you decide to go for it, make sure you get a good motorcycle safety course and great foul weather gear.

I would look intoa larger CC cruiser to better handle the trips, also.

Answer 3

A motorcycle would be just the ticket to commute with but I would look around before I bought a 250r, a sport bike is not the ideal commuter anyway as you will need space to carry things with. The 250 cc is big enough to carry you but cargo space is limited. I suggest you look a the Kymco and Hyosung lines there are several styles including a 250GT that will run with the ninja and own it in curves.There some really great scooters in their line ups that will run circles around the ninja. And these companies are not Chinese and make a good motorcycle with a warranty that they honor. And best of all you do not have to pay for the j*p name.

Answer 4

Just remember, the suffix R on any motorcycle model is indicative of the design preferences of the motorcycle.  Here "R" means racing.

Just think, if you were a new person just learning to drive and you were made to sit in an F1 car, simply because you know how to drive; is it justified ?

I hope you get the gist.  250cc is usually more than enough for a new rider.  Opt for a single cylinder configuration.  It will be easy on gas, easy to drive, also easy on maintenance.

If you need weather protection (against splashes) it would be prudent to look at the beautiful range of scooters from Yamaha and Suzuki.  You will be surprised at the convenience features and general user friendly nature of these auto transmission vehicles.  Have a look around.  It pays to visit the authorised showrooms yourself.  Then decide.

Answer 5

The 250R wouldn't be ideal for heavy highway use. It's a light weight nimble machine good for navigating through downtown yellow cab jungle and short trips on the FDR or West side highway. Riding all the way to Boston IDK.

Get a cruiser for that. If you get a cryuiser, you can get some more CCs.

Answer 6

I commute on a Suzuki GS500F- The little bit of extra kick over the Ninja is well worth it.