Would a Kawasaki Ninja 250r be a good first bike for me?

Question

Hi, I'm 17 years old, 5 foot 11 inches, and weigh 165 pounds, I'm thinking about getting a ninja 250 for a first bike, but I'm not sure if I'm too big for it. What do you think?

Answer 1

I say go for it.  the 250 is actually a pretty capable machine, but running one for a long time on the highway would be fatiguing, and your fueling range would be right above 200 miles per tank.

stock 1/4 mile times are right around 15.0 seconds - a little faster than most 800cc aircooled metric cruisers, so you really can't look at engine displacement only and say 'oh don't get a 250 its a puny bike'.  

motogp 250cc class is very competitive, you can stay with a 250 your whole life if you like.

Answer 2

Search about this topic, there's about 10,000 others who've asked the same question and you can find a variety of answers. Personally I don't agree with getting a 250 for a first bike. I started out on an 800 cruiser having never ridden a dirt bike or anything before. I think people get comfortable on a bike and then two weeks later want to get something bigger and you'll wind up losing money trading up to a bigger bike.

Answer 3

For a first bike, this is a pretty good size.  Local riding will be a blast.  Just stay away from long runs, as you will get tired on it kind of quickly.  Once you get used to the bike and gain some road hours, trade it/ sell it and move up to a bigger, more comfortable bike.

Good luck, and happy riding!

Answer 4

What is your exprience?

If its your first time, then i suggest you look into a motorcycle safety foundation course first:

http://www.msf-usa.org/

They will teach you to ride, and usually have you start on a Honda Rebel 250 or a Suzuki 150cc for class.

When you graduate from the class, sometimes the motorcycle endorsement comes along with that graduation.

also successful completion, for some insurance companies, they will allow a discount for attending.

A ninja 250, despite everyone's nay say, is a very good bike to start on if you are new rider. Its not powerful, but it has enough to get you going to where you need; it can take abuse and still runs like a dream.

And ninja 250's can handle long distance rides as well (I would ride every weekend 100 miles or so and ride back, and never had any problems).

http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/b...

Alternative, if you are looking for a little more power:

Suzuki GS500F

Kawasaki Vulcan 500

Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Honda Shadow 500

I would not suggest any engine size bigger than a 500cc for a new rider. Its all about learning how to ride, when you are a new rider, than how fast you can go on a bike.

Answer 5

It's pretty light, you may want to look at something a little bigger like a 650cc but just be respectful of the power any bike can have. You need to ride safely no matter what size you get and always ride defensively because cars very seldom see motorcycle riders. They are great fun but you and only you are responsible to how good of a rider you'll be so learn all you can about them and how to ride them correctly. Too many people get a bike they have no business riding and end up scraping the pavement. Good luck

Answer 6

As an around town commuter it would be fine youare not too big for it but it will beat you up horribly if you try longer rides.  

Answer 7

good bike

Answer 8

It will do just fine as long as all you want to do is ride around looking like your on a big bike. Only other riders will know what your on.