If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
New Rider ForumsJust joining the motorcyclist hobbie? Looking to get some information about a first bike? Or have some newbie questions. Are you new to the website?
Well, I have been thinking of purchasing a sportbike for some time now and I have narrowed my research down to either the Kawasaki Ninja 250 or 500 models. I started riding when I was 6 with a Yamaha Tri-Zinger 3-wheeler and have worked my way through Suzuki Quadsport 80, Kawasaki Mojave 110..Yamaha Warrior 350, Honda XR400, Suzuki 500 Vinson, Honda Spree scooter, and more... My only real riding experience on 2 wheels has been on my XR400(first dirtbike I ever rode) and XR200 which I feel confident riding now after 3yrs of experience. Of course I've taken them on backroads and had lots of fun just cruising around, which has peaked my interest in getting a sportbike.
The main use for it would be just to cruise around backroads, and not so much as on the highway, which I see as being dangerous with all the crazy, unpredictable drivers. I know the 500 has twice the power as the 250, but is the weight and acceleration a big difference between the two? Im around 6ft 170lbs so I think its ok for my size. Also is the cornering a big concern with either one for a beginner? The only thing I really see wrong with them is the lack of a fuel gauge.
I plan on taking the MSF riding safety course before I make my purchase, and from what I have seen on videos and read on forums its a must.
Any suggestions or tips on how to improve my riding or what to expect from these bikes I would appreciate.
Get the 500. I did, just yesterday. only my 3rd time riding (1st and 2nd were msf) and I fared fine. Was a little scary to go on public roads but the bike is very predictable and you'll get comfortable with it fast. You'll outgrow the 250 in less than a month.
MSF is a good idea too. You'll have no problem with the 500.
No one ever "outgrows a 250"! People who THINK they now how to ride, ASSUME they outgrow one. Then they get on a bigger bike and discover they really CAN'T ride. Fact: going faster and the ability to ride properly are 2 different things. Over 26 years, I've ridden everything from 50cc's to 1800cc's (very well, I might add). Guess what...my commuter is a 250! Go figure...
Timothy27, make your own choice. If you're brand new, you can't go wrong with a 250. If you have the knack, go for the 500. Only YOU can decide! Nothing wrong with starting out small and working your way up, dude...
__________________
Nuff said.
olds_cool
DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!
Last edited by olds_cool : 04-04-2007 at 02:45 AM.
Posts: 351
Casino Cash: $1084
Sportbike: 07 FZ6 in Hot Sex Blue
I love my 500. I could have gotten a 250, but the 500 is working quite well for me. Its not to scary unless you freak out and let it be scary and proceed to find out that meeting the asphalt is much more disturbing then the bike.
Its power is there, I'm learning where its at. It shots forward nicely but I don't feel that I'm going to be left behind on the road.
The fuel thing isn't a big deal. It has two trip meters. We've made one the 'fuel' gauge (the one on the tach). The bike gets around 60miles a gallon. We filled up at 120 miles and put 2 1/2 or so gallons into the tank. This is with a ton of reving because we're still learning friction zones (b/f and I have the same bike different colors so I tend to use 'we' a lot).
It's not to heavy for me. I cant get it on the center stand easily, but thats not a big deal IMO. It is a lot bigger and a lot more bike then the ones in class. I live in Northern VA so there is a lot of fast moving traffic and I have absolutely no problem keeping up or out accelerating the traffic.
I got it to learn on and such because it was the right bike to learn on, but I'm rapidly falling in love with it. Its exactly what I need and what I saw myself needing. The ONLY thing I dislike about the bike is cosmetic, I wish it had two headlights. I don't have to look at the headlights so thats fine.
My b/f weighs more then you and its hauling him around without a hiccup.
How do u out grow a 250? I have seen so many 600 riders only going in a staright line. They give me this odd look when I ride as fast as them. I say go with a 250 if you really want to develop your skills.
either or. i had zero experience besides the MSF course, and i got a ninja 500. just check your local classifieds, craigslist, and keep your eyes out for any ninja 250s, ninja 500s, or gs500s, and get whichever one you find the best deal on. i did this and ended up buying my roommates brothers ninja 500 for $800 cheaper than i was finding anything else for.
Posts: 1,907
Casino Cash: $4642
Sportbike: 2004 Ducati 749S...totaled, now 2007 Honda 25th Anv Interceptor
I would say go with the 500. You will not get bored of it as quickly as you would with the 250. I recomend the GS500. When I had mine it was getting mstaken for a Gixxer all the time. Although I think the kids that did that never knew what bike they had in the first place.
Posts: 420
Casino Cash: $250
Sportbike: '03 ex250 and zx6r
I get asked if the 250 is a 600 on a regular basis.
I like my 250. I'm going to do some serious suspension work and keep it until it dies. It makes riding around town fun and it's perfectly capable on the highway although it doesn't accelerate any better than a car.
I think I'm going to get an ex500 to turn into a touring bike.
__________________
2006 Ninja 500r - SOLD - 2005 Honda CBR F4i - 7300+ miles and counting "You can't carry a gun with you will your are riding your motorcycle... because you can't carry enough ammo to be quite satisfied." Oh yeah I YouTube!!! Proud supporter of DC UNITED!!!VAMOS UNITED!! GO CAPS!!!
How do u out grow a 250? I have seen so many 600 riders only going in a staright line. They give me this odd look when I ride as fast as them. I say go with a 250 if you really want to develop your skills.
You outgrow a 250 by surpassing the bikes performance in terms of rider skill. Common people this isnt rocket science
__________________
2006 Ninja 500r - SOLD - 2005 Honda CBR F4i - 7300+ miles and counting "You can't carry a gun with you will your are riding your motorcycle... because you can't carry enough ammo to be quite satisfied." Oh yeah I YouTube!!! Proud supporter of DC UNITED!!!VAMOS UNITED!! GO CAPS!!!
New Rider: Kawasaki 250 or 500?
No one ever "outgrows a 250"! People who THINK they now how to ride, ASSUME they outgrow one. Then they get on a bigger bike and discover they really CAN'T ride. Fact: going faster and the ability to ride properly are 2 different things. Over 26 years, I've ridden everything from 50cc's to 1800cc's (very well, I might add). Guess what...my commuter is a 250! Go figure...
