Ninja 250 vs. Buell Blast 500

[tennessee]

Hey all, I'm wanting to start riding, and am having a hard time deciding which bike would be better, the ninja 250 or the buell blast. Two of my sergeants who have been riding for most of their lives said both are good beginner bikes, but i would likely be more satisfied with the blast for longer. Both bikes have lower seat heights, which is great since i'm only 5'5 and around 150 lbs. I've read nothing but good reviews for the 250, but the blast is about 50/50 on reviews (especially pertaining to technical issues). FYI, my main interest is to actually ride (country roads, or anything with twisties), not just cruise the city or highway. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thnx John

[Fargin_Bastige]

I've heard 50/50 reviews on the Buell as well. Some people on here love theirs. I've personally witnessed puddles of oil underneath 2 used ones at the dealership I worked at.

As for the Ninja, pretty bulletproof but they have some issues if not taken care of well.

As for power, about the same for either of them.

The Ninja will hold it's value longer and much better.

[OFFICER737]

I have ridden a buddy's Blast. Fun little bike but it has more limitations than the Ninja 250 does.

[kneedraggin650s]

They have different riding positions. I sat on both when my wife was looking around. I recommend sitting on them and see what feels comfy for you. I can't really comment on there reviews other then what has been posted, but which ever bike your looking at, make sure you feel comfy on it. It is hard to learn when your uncomfortable.

[univox]

The Ninja just seems like a much better value overall. The initial price is lower if purchased new, retains it's value better, proven 20 year history, the engine is just as capable if not more so despite the smaller displacement, full fairing versus a tiny fly screen, includes a tachometer and temperature gauge, water cooled and I believe it even weighs less.

The only thing I can think of in favor of the Buell would be the belt drive, but you may as well get used to chain maintenance if you plan on being around motorcycles.

Hmmm, overall I'd say Buell really missed the mark.

[damonmlime2000]

Ninja 250, you can find used parts for it almost anywhere. If you happen to lay down that buell it's gonna cost you.

[Kila-Beave]

Plus I've heard the Blasts vibrate like a 500cc paint-shaker since they're a single-cylinder. I had a Ninja 250 and it was pretty silky smooth all the way to 14,000 rpms. The Ninjas are fun little bikes, you can rack the RPMs WAYYYY up there and not be in "instant impound" territory.

The 70 mpg ain't bad either (only got it 2 times, but it's possible!)

[Jonny Thrice]

I rode the Blast during my MSF courses, and, although it was the "sportiest" bike of the bunch (compared to the old Honda Rebels and other 70's bikes), it wasnt the best one. It's a fun, manouvreable and comfortable bike, but the engine vibrates like crazy, and the clutch is really tricky. Also, it has an overall toyish feeling to it.

I'd go for the Ninja ;)

[Ivan_markII]

They are both fine bikes; however the Buell is something like $1500 more expensive and reliability is a concern.

It's too bad Buell doesn't make an "in-between" bike between the Blast and, say, the Lightning. The lightning costs almost twice as much!

[Cabanaboy]

I think I have a friend up at that base in Kentucky...or he might now be back at Missouri... anyways; Ninja 250 because its more reliable and equally as ugly as the Blast

[Warren]

I've ridden a Ninja 500r and a Buell Blast.

The 500r and 250r are pretty similar from what I've heard.

The Blast, imho, sucks fucking ass.

I hated riding that thing during the MSF. Brakes feel wierd, clutch/throttle was wierd.

imho the ninja would be a MUCH better bike.

[tennessee]

Originally Posted by Cabanaboy

I think I have a friend up at that base in Kentucky...or he might now be back at Missouri... anyways; Ninja 250 because its more reliable and equally as ugly as the Blast

PM me his name, rank, and preferably MOS. There's a possibility I might know him. The army is a small community; therefore we hate everyone else, jk.

[21 natas]

I would go w/the ninja 250 or 500 as they are reliable bikes and you can find a used one pretty easily if you look around and are patient.

[Guitar Man]

I would take a beat up old jap bike over a Buell anyday. It will probably end up running longer. Buell is nothing but a sport bike wanna be. It's a shame that the technology is there to build a better bike but is not utilized. It's not worth the extra money and it will have problems sooner or later. End of line.

[AnthonyGS500F]

If you want a 500 to start on though, look for a used GS500. I love mine and I think everyone else that has ridden one will say the same. I got an 06 for 4800 and I don't regret it one bit.