Ninja 650r for first bike?

Question

I've asked this a few times already but i want to reword it a little bit. I'am 23 yr old male who is 6'0 180. I took the MSF class last October and had some disagreements with family about buying a street bike.

I bought a 250cc Dirt bike to scratch my itch.. all that did is make my itch stronger. I have some experience with up shifting and downshifitng and know how to ride a bike to say the least. So i'm not a total newbie.

I want some advice from people who have ridden or ride a 650 and to see if it's TOO much bike for someone in my situation could handle.

Yea lots of people say get a 250 and learn how to be a good rider, others say that a 650 really isn't that bad to start off on and i'd be fine on. I know in the end it's my choice and i control the throttle, etc, etc. I'm just looking for some real life advice from people who've been where i have before.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I'd say 650 and lower. 500-600 is optimal in my opinion. As long as you are responsible and not gonna try anything real stupid, you'll be just fine. Just be more careful with the throttle, thats all

Answer 2

I've never ridden it, but looking at the description it seems like a great bike for beginners.  Its engine, riding position, and size seems like it would be a lot of fun to ride.  It's a nice price and I think it looks a lot better than the 250 Ninja.  Just get it and enjoy!

Answer 3

The 650 is a sport tourer and not so high strung as the ZX6 Ninja. It's not a race bike at all and is perfectly fine to start on. It's got the upright riding position but with the look and feel of a sport bike. Have fun!

You'll do great!

Edit: I don't know who gave Braille a thumbs down but that was a great answer. Shows the difference between a rider and a blogger!

Answer 4

I bought a 250cc ninja for my first bike and i was tired of it after a month, your to big to ride it anyway my friend is the same height an build as you rode it and he liiked like a clown on a tricycle that u see in the circus. that was four years ago. DO NOT START OFF ON A 250. As a rider i own a ninja 636 and a brand new zx10R. My gf just bought her first bike and it is a 750cc ninja its very similar to the 650 and 250 in design and all are MILIDLY tuned. If your not going to get a true sportbike (eg. yamaha r6 or a ninja 600) than i would recomend the same to you...the ninja 750. The numbers scare people who are not riders- people like your family- what makes the differance is how the bike is tuned and based on your size the 650 or 750 are both GREAT entry level bikes and you will enjoy both because they are more comfy to ride than the hunched over seating posistion of my bikes. Take it from a rider friend your going to want all the cc'S you can get by the end of this season and if you buy that 250 your gonna regret it all summer, and all of next summer.

Answer 5

Personally I would choose the 650R over the 250R in your situation. A bike is only going to go as fast as you twist the throttle. As long as you respect the bike and learn your limitations you'll be fine. Just don't under estimate what a 650 in line 4 can do.