Whats the best starter bike for me??

Question

many people say sportbikes shouldnt be starter bikes, but ide like to try one out

im 5'10 - 185lbs (i lift), and i can spend at least 4k

the kawasaki 250r seems pretty good looking and it has a smaller engine

what do you suggest??

Answer 1

If you have never been on a motorcycle before it is recommended to start with a 250cc bike for about a year.  This will give you a chance to build your skills with a motorcycle you can handle.

All of the major names (Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki) have some form of 250.

I personally started on a Suzuki GZ 250, and it was a great motorcycle to learn on and can be bought out-the-door brand new for around 4k.

Answer 2

Honda CBR600RR

Kawasaki Ninja zx6r

Yamaha R6

Suzuki GSXR600

Answer 3

If possible try out a buddies bike or rent one. Some people like the idea of a sport bike but don't really like riding them. If your buying it for commuting it's cool but if you like to take a long ride with your gf on a sunday afternoon it's not a good bike for that.

A 250 isn't a good bike. Your gonig to get comfortable and want to trade up in about 2 weeks and your going to lose a bunch of money doing so. I started out on an 800 cruiser and had no problems with it being too much power and now that I ride well and am comfortable I'm glad I got somethign bigger. That bike may be a little small for your size as well.

If you are dead set on a sport bike I'd recommend a Suzuki GS500, light and easy to drive but still some power. I also like the Suzuki Katana 600 or GSX600. If your at all interested in a cruiser maybe check out a Suzuki Intruder or yamaha V-Star.

Answer 4

You are about the same size as me, and I just stated on a 97 Ninja 500.  It cost me 2100, and I couldn't be happier with the motorcycle.  The slow starts was defiantly the hardest thing at first, but after about a month, its very natural to me already.

Answer 5

for 4k u can get a pretty good used bike.

I would recommend something like the cbr600 (not the rr) kawasaki zzr, or katana 600.

there's nothing wrong about starting on a 600, just dont abuse it and ull be fine.

if not a 600, get a 500. believe me ull want to get rid of the 250 after a month.

Answer 6

Ignore the kids who nay-say 250s.

My WERA race bike was a 250 Ninja, and I lapped people riding Ducati 900's, Kawasaki ZX6R's and a host of other "big manly sport bikes."

A 250 Ninja is liquid-cooled, so you can idle in traffic indefinitely, it revs to the moon (and dang it, it's OK to rev it to 12,000 or whatever the redline is on it- it's designed for that). Ridden conservatively it gets a bajillion MPG and if you do happen to drop it, you can snatch it right back up easily. And it has a very handy center stand. Etc. etc.- I'm biased cause out of the 61 bikes I've owned, 3 were 250 Ninjas.

Get one (used!) and be proud.

Answer 7

I'd say the ninja 250R is a fine sport bike for you. If you are highly coordinated and a fast learner, look a round for a Ninja 500, not the full on 600-class but a bit more challenging than the 250s. Be honest!

You can even move up to the 650 ninja later!

Answer 8

I'm also the same size as you and just started myself and bought a 2006 Ninja 650 as a first bike.  I would recommend atleast a 500cc. The 650 I'm riding is perfect. I has enough power but not too powerful. It's the perfect size for guys our size. You will outgrow the 250 very fast.

Answer 9

NP with the ninja 250 but you will be trading out of it soon and it is highly favored these days, sporty, great mileage and low price ( sort of). All this translates to be prepared to pay top dollar plus some for a 250 Ninja plus added doc ( rip off) extra transport, (rip) desert package ( rip of), paint sealer ( rip off) and generally extra profit ( not a rip off but a pain to have to do). Why not look at a 500cc?