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Noob sportbike suggestions? No highway or speed needs. And a learning question.

BrunoPuntzJones

BrunoPuntzJones

Lifer
Not looking for a speed monster or to set track records. Just something to ride around on. I don't care for the looks of Harleys or "classic" styles but the more modern crotch-rocket.

Wheelies and 0-60 times in 3 seconds aren't in my future. I guess the Miata equivalent of a sport bike. Won't be doing highway riding or ride with other people. Nothing flashy. Thinking of a light blue or white for visibility.

Gas mileage isn't a big deal, already have a Prius C, and a '94 Miata. I'm 6' and 185lbs.

As it's a first bike, not looking for anything new as I'll probably drop it. Cheap to buy and maintain is a big consideration. Nothing exotic, I live in a smaller town so no real dealerships here.

From what I've read, it looks like a Ninja 250 fits the bill. Not too big for it, and I can't see ever going over 75mph. Just back road tooling around. I've seen some nice looking 08s for under $3k. I'm aware this is peak buying season 🙁. I saw a green 07 for $1800 I probably should have looked at.

My dad used to ride and have a friend that does so have someone to look things over that has some experience when I do find one.

Since I have zero interest in going fast and not on the highway, is anything more than the 250 needed? Am I on the large side for a 250?

The next question is on learning. Having not had a bike before, I'm looking at the MSF course. Is it better to have some riding experience before showing up? Like figure it out in a parking lot or dead end neighborhood? Or just stay off until taking the class?

Not gonna t-shirt and flip-flop ride the thing around regardless. Helmet and full gear. Ya never know...
 
I did not own a 250 but I rode with people who did. I started with a ninja 500 and it was a great bike to start on. I moved up to a gsxr1000 after about a year but always loved the 500. If that's the look you want, you'd probably be happy with the 500. I would avoid the 250.
 
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ninja250, CBR250, ninja500, cbr500, gs500...i'd say the yamaha FZ6R and Suzuki SV650 are on the very high end of "beginner bikes" they aren't as twitchy as supersports, but still fast as all hell (an FZ6R does 0-60 in 4s)
 
Ninja 250 is a perfect beginner bike.

Excellent choice.

Definitely take the MSF course first. That way you can avoid developing bad habits before you ever get on a motorcycle. The only prerequisite for the MSF is that you know how to ride a bicycle.
 
i went GS500F mainly because it was the same price as the ninja250 and it was available. Ninja's are easier to buy/sell then my gs500 but in the end your just changing hands after a season or two.

never been on a 250 but i think its close to my 500 and its more then enough. I'm a SV650 now and i barely go over 80.

Remember these bikes are about $4500 new so keep that in mind and dont overpay. $1800 for a 07 thats roughly clean is where i want to be. Some nicks and minor drops are fine, its gonna happen. Lots of people LOVE their 250's.

i'm trying to get two of my buddies to look into getting 250's but its not clicking into their head they need to learn first. You got it tho.
 
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My first bike was the GS500 as well. Great bike.

Today, I would go with one of the new 500s that Honda is putting out. Looks to be a solid platform with a look to suit everyone.
 
I started with a 250. 5'9" and about 160 at the time. Sounds about exactly what you're looking for. It's still got stupid fast acceleration, great gas mileage, and is tons if fun. Cheap to maintain. Cheap insurance. If you aren't stuck on the '08+ body style, which looks spectacular for a 250, then take a serious look at the ninja 500, gs500 or maybe even sv650. The sv might be a bit powerful for what you want though.

That said I loved my 250. I wanted to upgrade pretty quickly but it was amazing actually being able to wring the bike out somewhat. When I got my ninja 636 it was tons of fun but I couldn't use half the bike on the street.
 
saratoga172 said:
I started with a 250. 5'9" and about 160 at the time. Sounds about exactly what you're looking for. It's still got stupid fast acceleration, great gas mileage, and is tons if fun. Cheap to maintain. Cheap insurance. If you aren't stuck on the '08+ body style, which looks spectacular for a 250, then take a serious look at the ninja 500, gs500 or maybe even sv650. The sv might be a bit powerful for what you want though.

That said I loved my 250. I wanted to upgrade pretty quickly but it was amazing actually being able to wring the bike out somewhat. When I got my ninja 636 it was tons of fun but I couldn't use half the bike on the street.
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Ninja 250's are slower than a V6 Camry. 🙂

I'd still like to try one out someday, though - I had an SV650 for a while, and very briefly rode a GSXR600 (sprocket and tune...little too much bike for me) and black2na's old Katana. The SV650 felt the least likely to kill me out of the three.
 
At 6' and 185 you are on the upper limit of a 250, imho.

In my mind there are only two choices for a first bike... GS500 or ninja 500.

Personally, the gs500 is my favorite starter bike. Air cooled, super easy to work on, and it falls over without costing you money.
 
Get the 250. It'll be enough for you. I rode around on an old 199X Ninja 250 (weighing 250lbs at the time) and it was enough for the fun you're describing.
 
Since I have zero interest in going fast and not on the highway, is anything more than the 250 needed? Am I on the large side for a 250?
If you are going to putt and not go on the freeway, a 250 would be fine. It's on the small side for the freeway. Having extra power, if used correctly, is a good thing. In traffic, I always ride with my RPM in the upper range. If I have to move quickly, I don't have to wait for the engine to spin up into the power band.
You are on the tall end for a 250 but you'll likely fit. Try it out for size so the first thing you aren't doing is adding padding to the seat or moving the foot pegs.

The next question is on learning. Having not had a bike before, I'm looking at the MSF course. Is it better to have some riding experience before showing up? Like figure it out in a parking lot or dead end neighborhood? Or just stay off until taking the class?
Have some riding experience and definitely take the course.
 
Well I think I'm going to skip the 250 and have narrowed it to a Ninja 500 or GS500. It's just a matter of finding one at a price I'm willing to pay...Kinda in a small area so not a lot of them out there. In fact, I haven't seen either of those bikes in a while...

Though some guy had a BMW k1200 (?) for like 6k that was nice looking, but too much bike I'm guessing. And it's a BMW.

I'll probably end up having to go out of town and trailer it back 🙁
 
Like cars, its always timing. Sometimes u have to go 3-6 hours for a something because markets are different.

When I sold my gs500f the guy offered me my asking price plus extra if I could bring it to him about 2 hours away.

My 04 gs500f with 11k. Overall clean minor road rash. Yellow and black trimming. New front and rear tires. I sold it for $2500. But this in my market. The older looking ex500 are normally a little cheaper.
 
You are asking for a Supermoto:ninja:

I'm 6' 183lbs and love my WR250X. Fit is great, speed rocks (think dirt bike) and it can go almost anywhere. You should be able to find one in your price range.


P1010580.jpg



Oh and the great part.... $92 a year to insure and first valve check is 26,000 miles.
 
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I wouldn't get a 250. My friend had one as a first bike and outgrew it in the first 2 weeks. I rode his bike as well and it was like a bicycle. I would start with something that has a little more power. Just respect the machine and you will be fine.
 
DVad3r said:
I wouldn't get a 250. My friend had one as a first bike and outgrew it in the first 2 weeks. I rode his bike as well and it was like a bicycle. I would start with something that has a little more power. Just respect the machine and you will be fine.
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Did you read his post......

"Wheelies and 0-60 times in 3 seconds aren't in my future. I guess the Miata equivalent of a sport bike. Won't be doing highway riding or ride with other people. Nothing flashy. Thinking of a light blue or white for visibility.

Gas mileage isn't a big deal, already have a Prius C, and a '94 Miata. I'm 6' and 185lbs.

As it's a first bike, not looking for anything new as I'll probably drop it. Cheap to buy and maintain is a big consideration. Nothing exotic, I live in a smaller town so no real dealerships here."

"Out grew a 250 in two weeks" that has to be a joke for someone that has never rode a bike.... ever?

Some video's of the WR250X for Bruno to watch.... they are great bikes and I think just what he is looking for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ642Zt0WMU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6oDpUyvLWE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I92t39U7xM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cOblGBCKsE

Out grow it that fast for a new rider..... don't think so. I came from a 750 to this 250 and think it's the most fun I have ever had on a bike and that is saying a lot.
 
DVad3r said:
I wouldn't get a 250. My friend had one as a first bike and outgrew it in the first 2 weeks. I rode his bike as well and it was like a bicycle. I would start with something that has a little more power. Just respect the machine and you will be fine.
Click to expand...

Bullshit. I'd bet good money that if we put your friend on his 250 that you said he outgrew in 2 weeks and put a skilled rider on the same bike that he would walk all over your friend. He didn't outgrow it. Unless he was a dirt track racer before he ever got on a street bike he's just another dumbass who got pressured into a bigger bike before he was ready.
 
JulesMaximus said:
Bullshit. I'd bet good money that if we put your friend on his 250 that you said he outgrew in 2 weeks and put a skilled rider on the same bike that he would walk all over your friend. He didn't outgrow it. Unless he was a dirt track racer before he ever got on a street bike he's just another dumbass who got pressured into a bigger bike before he was ready.
Click to expand...


Thanks Jules.... you are oh so right. Plus if he would drop a bike like mine what is the damage he would cause compared to a street bike?
I still stand by my statement that a WR250/DRZ400 SM would fit his needs to a T.

Had some friends with the 400 that I could kick around and my insurance was way less that's why I said for his needs it is a good choice even if it's a little more than the 400 cost wise. Plus it has a better stock set up and is fuel injected.
 
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When did outgrowing a bike come to mean you've mastered riding it at it's limits? What a foolish concept. By that logic 250's should own 95% of the market. Outgrowing a bike or a car or a truck means it no longer does what you want or need. It could be the foot pegs are in an uncomfortable position, or you find it simply doesn't have enough grunt to suit you.
If your a big boy, get a big boys bike. Get something that you enjoy riding, something comfortable, something with enough power to go up a hill without downshifting to first. You don't need a crotch rocket, but you also don't need a pocket bike.
 
I've had my 250 for almost a year now and have not outgrown it. I don't get to ride often though.

Only annoying this is this thing needs ridden a lot because even with warm weather and full carbs cleaned it needs the choke for a mile or two until I no longer have to use the choke. Otherwise it sill ride fine but may stall at times not fully warmed up.
 
Well I decided on a 250r after doing a lot of reading. Should be fine for what I want. Plus if I decide to get something else, won't have lost much on it. Meeting a feller tonight with an 08' that hasn't been dropped. He is moving to a bigger bike. 13k miles. He's asking $2800 with cover and a bluetooth helmet. Don't really think I'd like a used helmet, even if it fits. Price is in line with surrounding cities.

No mods and always had ethanol free gas. Will shoot for $2500, but willing to do the $2800 if he won't budge.

3Mf3F53I85Ne5H45M3d3nb320a0c60590169c.jpg

3F43J43N65I25Fe5Jdd3n7a2f0b7221521503.jpg
 
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