Newb here

ProbyOne · 04-06-2005, 05:52 PM

Hey everyone, the forums here are awesome

Ive been looking into buying a Ninja 250 this summer/fall to learn to ride (while saving some gas money) during my next 4 years at college. I actually would rather get the 500, but im not sure that I will have enough money to spend on one.

Ive always been interested in motorcycles, as i have ridden dirtbikes for a while now... but ive heard some say here that the two are not very similar (besides the fact that they both have 2 wheels).

My family dosent have too much of a problem with me riding as long as I can pay for the bike and insurance, so there isint much of a problem there.

One question I have is if I will be to tall for the 250. I wouldent call myself extremely tall at 6'3" but I realize that I am bigger than the average rider. I dont think that it would be too big of a deal, but it would help to get some opinions from other ninja 250/500 owners about any possible height problem.

thanks in advance

RayOSV · 04-06-2005, 06:55 PM

Welcome to SBN!

Good attitude and good choices for a first bike. My only advice is to go sit on a 250 and a 500 at a dealer and see how you "fit". Buying used will be much better for a first bike. Don't forget to save some $$ for gear (lots of threads here on how much and what kind). Also get insurance quotes. At your age, you might be shocked.

Dirt experience helps in that the controls are basically the same. Riding on the street is a totally different matter, though, especially since I assume you haven't been driving a cage long. Start with the MSF course to learn how to basically handle a bike on the street. Good luck and ride safely!!

ProbyOne · 04-06-2005, 09:12 PM

thanks for the reply...

I checked progressive the other day and minimum coverage for a 4+ year old ninja 250/500 was about 240 per year. Im not exactly sure why there wasnt a difference between a 500 and a 250, but I guess for me that is a good thing.

Also as you mentioned I am planning on setting aside a good bit of cash for my gear... there are some crazy drivers in baton rouge, believe me.

I am glad that I found this place... some of my friends that ride keep telling me that I should get at least some sort of 600SS

If it wasnt for here I would have more than likely listened to them.

21 natas · 04-06-2005, 11:13 PM

welcome aboard, I agree about getting a used bike especially since it will be your first.
good luck

BrownRob · 04-07-2005, 09:37 AM

There is nothing wrong with a 250 and I've seen taller riders ride it.. and I don't know if there is a height difference between a 500 and a 250.. Since you have dirt bike experience, I think you could start on a 500 with no problem. GS500 would be another option.

Still, you should take the MSF as soon as possible. MSF does a good job of showing you how to ride on the street and how to look for protential trouble (and moreimportant, how to get out of them).. things a dirt bike wouldn't have taught you.

alaska cajun · 04-07-2005, 11:16 PM

Congrats

Now,what's up with the LSU flag?

ProbyOne · 04-08-2005, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alaska cajun

Now,what's up with the LSU flag?

I am from from Baton Rouge (I moved to decatur, alabama a couple of years ago) and have been an LSU fan since I was born...

Also that is where I will be going to school next year

Scud · 04-08-2005, 06:04 PM

I'm 6'3" and I fit on my 500R great. I haven't been on a 250R but I doubt there will be that much of a difference between the two. Good luck with your first bike, you're doing the right thing by starting small

alaska cajun · 04-08-2005, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProbyOne

I am from from Baton Rouge (I moved to decatur, alabama a couple of years ago) and have been an LSU fan since I was born...

Also that is where I will be going to school next year

COOL

I'm from Walker.

ProbyOne · 04-09-2005, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scud

I'm 6'3" and I fit on my 500R great. I haven't been on a 250R but I doubt there will be that much of a difference between the two. Good luck with your first bike, you're doing the right thing by starting small

Thanks for the info.. that actually helps a lot.

According to the Kawasaki website the 250 is only an inch or so shorter than the 500... good news for me

jiffy · 04-09-2005, 06:15 PM

I'm 6'3" and I ride the ninja in my avatar. Its a 250 and it fits fine. You will love it....I do.
Take the MSF and buy the gear...as everyone has said...and then ride ....be safe and have fun.