Kawasaki Ninja 250R

[JAM25]

I am 5'11" to almost 6'. I weigh around 192-194.

I am trying to learn how to rideca bike this summer so i want to buy one but just dont know what size engine. I know a 250cc is a great starter bike but im just concerned that it may ne to small. Im not trhing to biy a bike for power because im not gonna be the crazy ones going over 100mph in the highway. My cousin has a yamaha r6 i think thats what its called its a 600cc bike i felt comfortable in it but imo its a powerful bike for me. What other bikes would you guy reeccomend in looking at. I was also looking at a ninja 500. Something that can hold about 40 miles of highway (round trip) but entering highway would be rare. Just mainly city street driving. I just think ima look dumb in a small bike while im sonewhat tall but i may be wrong.

 

[ABerns]

A Ninja 250 would do highway speeds with someone of your size no problem. I'm 6'4" (ish), and even at 250 lbs, it had no problem holding 70 MPH for extended periods. I was getting a little uncomfortable, but I think the bike could have taken that all day.

So, if you like everything about the Ninja except you are worried if you can go on the highway, don't be worried. I usually avoid commenting on any other aspect of what makes a good starter bike

 

[JAM25]

Thanks any other bike that looks nice?? I know the new 08+ ninjas had a new look to them that i like!

 

[Kuato]

Since you're not necessarily looking for something super fast...

If you're looking for a bike to fit you well, try the Honda XR650L. A buddy of mine (6'5" and over 300) had this and loved it. Only problem he had was the factory seat comfort on long trips(fixed with a replacement), otherwise he said it was great. I had the opportunity to ride it a few times (I'm 6'4" 250#) and it rode nice with a comfortable seating position.

 

[Robenstein]

The Ninja 250, like most 250's is a good starter bike. I started on a Virago 250 Yamaha and I liked it except on the highway when it came to wind. They are very light bikes and don't buck the wind all too well.

The Ninja 500/Vulcan 500 both share the same engine with the Vulcan being a cruiser if the ergonomics appeal to you. Other good starter bikes are the Suzuki S40/Savage650 which is a mild but light 650 that is very popular. The Suzuki GS500 is also a good alternative to the Ninja 500. You could also look into a used Buell Blast as a starter.

 

[JAM25]

Ill make sure to look into.those brand and models i really dnt have any clue on brands and all but u mentioned a few ill look at. Im also trying to buy it used.

 

[Voltmaster]

My buddy got a ninja for first bike,

now he has BCR4i and Oh MY G-D , its such a upgrade its ridiculous.

Its good to start with decent bike with not too much power because its dangerous. AS you master it, you can upgrade it.

 

[bepperb]

I'm 6' 210lbs. Get a Ninja 500 and not a 250. Suzuki also made a 500 that was a bit lower on power. I think those bikes are around 55 and 45hp, as opposed to something like the 600 you rode which is probably over 100. So the power isn't overwhelming especially at low rpm.

The problem with the 250 is physically the size of it. Sit on one and you'll see. Powerwise it would be ok but you might get bored of it after a few months.

My 500 was a good bike, my co worker has the 250 and his seems fine. They are pretty basic and inexpensive to maintain.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein

The Ninja 500/Vulcan 500 both share the same engine with the Vulcan being a cruiser if the ergonomics appeal to you. Other good starter bikes are the Suzuki S40/Savage650 which is a mild but light 650 that is very popular. The Suzuki GS500 is also a good alternative to the Ninja 500. You could also look into a used Buell Blast as a starter.


I agree with most of that except I really like the Ninja 250. Ninja 300 is at the top of the list to replace my GSF400 Bandit. It's a little bigger than the '88-'07 Ninja and has a considerable torque and horsepower increase. No, it's not a 14,000 rpm redline 4-cylinder but I'm sure it will carry all 6'3/200lbs of me with no problem.

For a thumper, the Buell Blast is great! Simple OHV engine, uses the same size tires as the previous gen Ninja 250R so you can get tires for it, great handling and brakes. I can't get comfortable on it though. Seat is weird and I end up bunched up against the tank and hunched over.

I cannot say enough good about the GS500. Comfy seat, reliable as an anvil. Simple to maintain... it needs springs for a heavier rider, especially the forks but it is pretty good.

 

[spk2000]

I have a 2005 ninja 250 and I weigh about 180. It does great on the highway. I am the limiting factor as some days I feel great getting on the highway next to semi doing 70+. Other days I wonder what got into me. I can run it up to 95 for short runs but have found when running that fast the high rpm's around 12,000 are quite noisy and I like earplugs. I get 75 mpg when cruising below 70 and about 65mpg when I kick it up to 75-90 mph. Bike handles great and has all the power you really need. Some people still like more weight for the wind and highway though.

 

[Robenstein]

One other nice thing about the blast is they make some good big bore kits that up the HP(double for one kit) and they are pretty affordable should you like the bike but want more power down the road.

 

[OtisBlkR1]

190lbs at 5'11 and my DD in the summer is the little ninja, Ive got molded saddle bags on mine and its a fine little bike. Some call it a starter bike, i call mine a "mile maker" asi can get close to 200 miles out of a full tank if im not ham fisted with it, thats back and forth to work for a week on $10-$12 bucks.. its comfortable, easy to work on, and loves about any oil you throw in it. Mines been a pleasure to own. its a 2004.

a KLR650 is also a great all round bike. as well as the sv's there's alot of great choices in the sport side of motorcycling for great starter and friendly all rounder bikes.

 

[rraiderr]

I am well over 200 pounds and have rocked a Ninja 250 on the track numerous times.

Total blast.

I am planing to race one next season.

With the Nina 300 out now there are awesome deals on the 250.

You may want to check the Ninja 300 out as it sounds like a perfect option for you.

 

[Spazdog]

For a 250, the Hyosung GT250R is pretty big.

It's virtually the same size as the GT650R and the V-twin sounds a lot meaner than the bike actually is.

I wouldn't pay full MSRP for one. The fit and finish are not really up to par with the Japanese. Better than a Chinabike and you can actually ride a Hyosung on the freeway but the Kimchi burner is a little rough on the small details. I've seen a few with a good amount of miles on them so they appear to be put together well in the right places but the fairing panels have big uneven gaps and the brakes felt weaker than my single front disc 400

 

[Robenstein]

I forgot the Hyosungs, I have always wanted a GV650, which to me looks like a 650 mini V Rod in styling.

 

[Warlord]

I started with a 600. They don't make much thrust until the high end of the rev range so just don't wind it up if you don't wanna go fast.

 

[Robenstein]

But the new 600's sure can wind up quickly and get you into trouble once they really come into their powerband.

 

[rrounds]

Since you're new to riding a bike, buy an old used one. Theres only two types of riders, ones that have gone down and those who will. You don't need a new bike and on the first day lay it over. Get a used one and it won't hurt your wallet near as much or hurt your eyes as much as looking at that new '13 bike all tore up. After a year or two then move up to a more powerful bike and sell your old one. If you take care of the first bike you might even make some money when you sell it.

ROD

 

[yaris0128]

Ninja 250's are excellent bikes. I absolutely love mine to death. One of the most practical bikes a person can own if not THE most. Great 60+mpg, cheap to ride, good power, cheap to maintain, VERY fun. I have a 600 sport bike too and Ill take the 250 any day of the week. Its a much more relaxed tame riding experience, dont forget the gas mileage. If you want to get into riding, I highly recommend the Ninja 250 or the CBR250R. If you want new get that Ninja 300. Better power, better mileage and it will keep you from getting bored longer.

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: rrounds
Since you're new to riding a bike, buy an old used one. Theres only two types of riders, ones that have gone down and those who will. You don't need a new bike and on the first day lay it over. Get a used one and it won't hurt your wallet near as much or hurt your eyes as much as looking at that new '13 bike all tore up. After a year or two then move up to a more powerful bike and sell your old one. If you take care of the first bike you might even make some money when you sell it.

ROD


I'd add to this that you just don't get too old of a bike or you will end up hating motorcycles as some old bikes can really nickel and dime you to death. Especially some of the older Japanese bikes that were prone to stator and rectifier failures.