I just took the MSF course and received my license to ride. Didn’t actually find it as thrilling as I anticipated, but I’m thinking I should try it out on the road before I decide it’s not for me. So now I have to buy a bike (no-go on getting someone to loan me one for practice).
I’m interested in an entry-level sport bike, and have decided it will probably be a Kawasaki Ninja 250 or 500. Two questions:
Experienced riders have told me that either of these bikes would probably be OK for a beginner if I’m careful and don’t juice the speed too much. Do you agree?
I’ve called around to the local dealers, and the choices boil down to either a new 250 or a used 500. I hesitate to purchase a new bike for my first, but I also hesitate to drop 2k more for the used 500. What do we think about this?
Get a reliable, older bike, 250-600 CC range would be good, go for a more conventional “standard” upright seating arrangement, rather than a “stretched out over the tank” style sportbike (A.K.A. a “Zoom-Splat!”)
the upright riding position of the standard bike will make it easier to be aware of all your surroundings
go used, because you will drop the bike sometime, all first timers do, it’s a rite of passage, dropping a used bike hurts less (pride-wise) than dropping your shiny new toy you’re still making payments on
assume ALL other road users are morons, and they do not see you, plan accordingly, always have an exit planned
ride with your high-beam headlight on during the day
Just because a bike is a sports bike doesn’t mean that it will get away from you. I’ve ridden the 250 and couldn’t for the life of me make it do any thing bad. I don’t know about the 500, but I would guess it’s not a whole lot worse either. I’ve always read that if you want a sport bike an older 600 is usually the way to go because they do not tend to get away from you easy and are good for years worth of riding.
I would try sitting on both of them and seeing which one you feel better on. If the money is an issue the 250 is ok, I know guys who only ride them, and you will be able to find someone to take it. I’m pretty sure the 250 can take a drop or two without much damage.
I don’t know if it still has it, but in the back of Idiots Guide to Motorcycles there is a list of good bikes for beginners, that’s where I picked my first bike from.
I bought a used Kawasaki 500 a few years back after I took the MSF course, and it worked out great as a beginner bike. Easy to control even if you do juice the speed too much. The seating is much more upright than the (admittedly few) other sportbikes I’ve ridden.
I’ll join the chorus in recommending a used bike, regardless of the size you decide on.
Are you sure that the used 500 is $2k more? The Kawasaki site has suggested retail prices that puts the new price at only $2.1k more ($5099 vs $2999). While NZ mandates that your first bike is 250 or less to get experience on lower powered bikes, I’d go for the 500 if possible. 250s just seem to be a bit ‘tinny’ and aren’t really up to travelling at 110-130 km/h for any sort of distance.
Another poster has suggested that an older 600 is better. I’d say that they were built more as super sport bikes, and they are harder to ride safely. Handling is twitchier and power is quite a bit higher but falls in a narrower rev band. Stay away until you are more experienced.
I had a two-stroke 250 Enduro. While I was in Europe I called home. Dad said my sister crashed my bike. ‘If I can ride Larry’s 650, I can ride Johnny’s little ol’ 250!’ She was across the street and on the ground before she knew what hit her. See, it was a two-stroke, and weighed about 185 pounds. It wasn’t very fast, but it was quick.
Anyway, my next bike after that was a Honda CX500 that I bought for a dollar. Rather a heavy bike compared to the 250. Still, 500cc was enough to let me cruise at 70 mph or so comfortably.
The next bike, which I still have, was a Yamaha XJ600 Seca II. Lighter, smaller, and it had more power than the Honda. That did me for 70,000 miles. (It has around 80,000 on it now.) The Seca II is a standard, not a sport. But I think it would make a good first bike. They can be had for around $1,000 or $2,000 I think.
A guy at work has a new-ish Suzuki SV650. Nice bike. He’s a new rider (three months) and it seems he’s taken to it. Likes it a lot. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. He covets my YZF-R1, but he’s not ready for it. The R1 can be scary-fast if you’re not paying attention. It took a little getting used to after the Seca II.
I agree that you’ll outgrow a 250 sportbike very quickly. Still, it would be a fair bike to learn on. Cheap enough so you can replace it with a faster bike later. Remember that a fast bike can get you into trouble quicker.
I’ve been riding my Ninja 250 around town for a couple of years and I think it’s perfect for me. For one thing, ergonomically it fits me perfectly - the handlebar distance, seat height, etc. I don’t think I’ll “outgrow” it unless I decide to do a lot of highway traveling. It can do the speeds, but it’s so lightweight, it’s scary when big trucks go by or there are gusty winds. People do tour on them, though. I took it up in the mountains once and it was great fun in the twisties. In town, it’s plenty peppy and fun to ride. Gets about 80 mpg. I have heard the 500s aren’t that great for some reason. They make a 600 or 650 Ninja now that looks nice. To learn more about the Ninja 250 (and they can answer questions about the 500, too), go to: http://forums.ninja250.org
I appreciate you bumping up this thread from a month ago JillGat, but I’ve decided motorcycles aren’t for me.
Not long after I finished the MSF course, three people I know got into serious bike accidents. And then there was the quarterback of the Steelers. Kind of felt like the world was telling me something.
But I’m not a superstitious person. In the end, had I found the experience of riding a bike more fun, I would have gone into it wholeheartedly. But the fact is I didn’t find it sufficiently fun to justify the risks.
I’m with you- I got my license through the motorcycle safety course then not a week later my husband was in a very serious bike crash (broken back, shoulder, hand; and he’s a guitar player professionally) and that was enough for me. I never did buy a bike and only a few years later got a scooter (which I dropped and got road rash- YAY!)
I don’t rule out getting one in the future, but if you don’t feel good about it, don’t. A nervous rider is a bad rider, IMHO. At least now you have your license if you choose to ride later, same as I do.
The seating is much more upright than the (admittedly few) other sportbikes I’ve ridden.