"Narrowed" bikes down.

[BigK]

I've "narrowed" my possible bike choices down to these:

1) SV650 (I like the V-Twin, less shifting and more predictable power output)
2) Katana (I like the looks and feel, and I've heard it's not that fast -not to sure if I believe it though)
3) GS500E (Naked bike with decent power and good handling)
4) Blast (Like belt drive and light weight, also handles well)
5) Ninja 500 (Like parallel twin for good torque, looks pretty good)
6) Ninja 250 (The most recommended bike, so I'm guessing it's good)

Which would be best for a first time rider, I'm leaning towards the Ninja 250 or Blast. Which would have the most power, but not too much? I've heard if you put an exhaust/jet kit on the Blast it is actually pretty good; Is that true? Also, how are both bikes on the highway? I don't want a bike that doesn't have enough power to merge.

Hopefully someone can help me, THANKS to all who reply.

-BigK-

[mitsuclipse]

Have you ridden any of them yet? that would be a good start. I rode the Blast! for my MSF course and although they were fun they weren't my favorite. i don't think it would be a great highway bike, the dealership even admitted this to me. Also, they shake quite a bit at idle, or maybe that was just the class bikes. i don't know much about bikes so that is all the advice i can give, since it's the only one i've ridden.

[Poo-tee-weet]

The 250 and blast would have a hard time passing people on the highway. I'd say go with the ninja 500 for first starter, or the GS500.

[BigK]

I've never ridden a bike period, I'm taking the MSF class next month and I'm trying to find the bike that fits me best.

I found this at my local dealer, I might be able to get them to go lower.

2001 GS500E BLU/SL
Milage: 1221
Price: $ 2,995.00

Is that a decent deal or not? I like that bike.

-BigK-

[samizx7]

do not get the blast, bad bike,get the 250 or gs500.

[mercutio80]

Every Blast owner I've ever talked to loved the bike. One had even owned larger motorcycles but just wanted something fairly cheap to play with. A few younger guys have them around here and haven't had any problems.

You're going about this the right way. Hold off until you take the safety course. Ask your instructor if he thinks you'd be ok on a 500 instead of a 250.

[badbowtie]

i bought a ninja 500. i love it . good power and it will merge onto the highway very easily while not being overly powerful. power is pretty good but you can really feel it com on at 5000 upt to 9000. In town i barely even hit 5000 and im still keeping up with traffic. Also the 500 is pretty good on the highway in that it takes alot of wind to move the bike around. and it pretty comfortable too.

[POWBiscuit]

Originally Posted by Poo-tee-weet

The 250 and blast would have a hard time passing people on the highway. I'd say go with the ninja 500 for first starter, or the GS500.

I ride my 250 on the highway all the time and never have trouble passing anyone. Unless they're not letting me pass on purpose.

You guys seriously undercut the Ninja 250 sometimes. It ain't THAT slow

[Nostradumbass]

Originally Posted by badbowtie

i bought a ninja 500. i love it . good power and it will merge onto the highway very easily while not being overly powerful. power is pretty good but you can really feel it com on at 5000 upt to 9000. In town i barely even hit 5000 and im still keeping up with traffic. Also the 500 is pretty good on the highway in that it takes alot of wind to move the bike around. and it pretty comfortable too.

+1. I really like mine. After riding a few smaller bikes, I really wanted to move up to an SV650, but had a hard time finding one in my price range. I ended up getting an EX500 instead, and I don't really regret my choice that much. It's not as fast as an SV, but it's still plenty fast enough for the street. Wish they'd update the styling, though.

[robbieace]

ninja 500....

[fengler]

get a ninja 500, my friend has one as his first bike and they are great i think. plus i saw a 2001 gs500 9k miles for 2300 obo at a dealership....stay with the ninja 500

[Stephen072774]

Originally Posted by BigK

I've never ridden a bike period, I'm taking the MSF class next month and I'm trying to find the bike that fits me best.

I found this at my local dealer, I might be able to get them to go lower.

2001 GS500E BLU/SL
Milage: 1221
Price: $ 2,995.00

Is that a decent deal or not? I like that bike.

-BigK-

Thats the same bike I have, I paid 2700 for mine it had 1669 miles on it when I bought mine. I'm real happy with it. First pic is mine, second pic is a racing GS from a guy over at gstwin.com.

[SlowCBR]

My vote goes for the Kawi Ninja 500 or the Suzi GS500. They both have enough power to be comfortable for passing and merging, but they are still good starter bikes. The Ninja is the more common bike of the two, but they are pretty equal as far as specifications go.

Of course, you will probably have some new personal insight on the choices after you take the MSF course so don't make up your mind too quickly. Glad that you are signed up for that.

Stephen072774: that is a really nice looking bike; I like that first picture.

[Nostradumbass]

That GS track bike is kick ass!

[BigK]

I just went down to a local dealer where I found the bike I was looking for:

2000 EX 500 Ninja w/3,681 miles, it's $2,995 plus $202.16 for tax and $58.50 for tags and title.

Total comes to 3,255.66. Is that a good deal for this bike?

THANKS, BigK