Ninja 250 or 650?

[Qosin]

I'm shopping around for a new bike and I'm currently looking at a Ninja 250R or 650R.

I currently own an SV650 but due to mechanical faults it had when I bought it (front end swap gone bad. Live and learn.) its been given to my father who will repair and likely sell.

I've had under 500 miles of exp on the SV which is why I'm looking at the 250R but I have a few concerns.

My biggest concern is that I'm a pretty big guy. 6' and around 230 lbs. Will the 250 have enough power to move me + gear around a city environment? Will the power I had with the SV make me hate the 250 right away?

I am, IMO, a beginner rider and only really got on the throttle of the SV once during a highway trip, but the last thing I want to do is walk outside and dread riding my new bike. Should I jump right to the 650 or do I run with the 250 to help me learn more?

Thanks for any info,
-Q

[ZQ8Dude]

Why not take the SV650 to an independant shop and have them fix/finish it for you? It will be a hell of alot cheaper then buying a new bike.

[Qosin]

Originally Posted by ZQ8Dude

Why not take the SV650 to an independant shop and have them fix/finish it for you? It will be a hell of alot cheaper then buying a new bike.

Two reasons.

1) I wanted something new that has never been messed with. The SV was a 2000 and the previous owner seem to think he new what he was doing. He tried a GSX-R front end switch that looked fine, but caused issues when doing slow speed turns.

At first I thought it was to my lack of skill but I had a rider from work, who goes to track days, and my father test it. Both came to the same conclusion.

The bike also has a problem with cutting off. A few times while riding it the bike simply cut off. I have yet to find out why but one of those times it was in a corner, and of course I hit the ground.

So, to get the SV into a situation I would feel good about riding it I would need...

New front end (I would like to get it back to an original.)
A rear brake cluster and right peg. (From the drop)
Finding out the reason for cutting off and fixing that.
A new Veypor. (Last one vanished)
And, it also need a new gas cap, which I just haven't gotten to yet.

I have thought about repairs to it, but I'd rather have something thats new, fresh, and not too likely to have a wheel fall off.

[ZQ8Dude]

Originally Posted by Qosin

Two reasons.

1) I wanted something new that has never been messed with. The SV was a 2000 and the previous owner seem to think he new what he was doing. He tried a GSX-R front end switch that looked fine, but caused issues when doing slow speed turns.

At first I thought it was to my lack of skill but I had a rider from work, who goes to track days, and my father test it. Both came to the same conclusion.

The bike also has a problem with cutting off. A few times while riding it the bike simply cut off. I have yet to find out why but one of those times it was in a corner, and of course I hit the ground.

So, to get the SV into a situation I would feel good about riding it I would need...

New front end (I would like to get it back to an original.)
A rear brake cluster and right peg. (From the drop)
Finding out the reason for cutting off and fixing that.
A new Veypor. (Last one vanished)
And, it also need a new gas cap, which I just haven't gotten to yet.

I have thought about repairs to it, but I'd rather have something thats new, fresh, and not too likely to have a wheel fall off.

uhm ok, but i highly doubt you'd have any issues if you spent the money to have a shop fix all that. JMO

[Gaolee]

Never mind the pros and cons of fixing the SV650. If you don't trust it, then it isn't the right bike. I personally don't share the recommendation of a 250 for everybody. A 250 would be able to haul you around just fine, but you might be more comfortable on a 650. The way a bike fits matters a lot, especially when you are learning. I have ridden an SV650, but haven't personally ridden an EX650, so I can't tell you from personal experience what it would be like, but I expect it to be as forgiving, or maybe more forgiving. The actual size of the bike's motor isn't as important as how it delivers power and how much like riding a razor blade it is. You want a stable bike to learn on, not a high strung thorobred, and an EX650 is a stable, approachable bike. Sure, it will have more power than a 250, but your right wrist is what controls it as long as it has a progressive, non-twitchy throttle.

For those reasons, my opinion is either is fine.

[Saidin270]

I feel as long as you have good throttle control you can go with either the 250 or 650 like Gaolee said. If you can do that then you should be fine with either choice but only you can make that call in the end. Find both bikes used and take them for a ride and see which one you like more. The reason is so you know for sure which one you like the most. Just my .02 Good luck!

[Qosin]

Thanks for the tips. I'm glad to hear that both will suit me well and the idea about finding some used and test riding is great.

Much Thanks!
-Q

[ridinhome]

I've never ridden either bike but I'd go with the 650. If you've had some experience with the SV and haven't injured yourself the 650 should be handle-able. Keep in mind it's a parallel twin, not a v-twin. So it should be pretty forgiving while also a bike you can enjoy for a little while. I'm sure the 250 is a great bike but given your height / weight you will probably get bored after a little while.

Just my .02

[metalrat]

If you were willing to look in the used market, I would look at both.
Since you want to buy new, I would look at the 650R.

I could see the 650 as a long term keeper. A 250 would be fun as hell, If I found a used one cheap enough I'd luv to have one.

The 650 would be pretty comfortable on long rides. Sporty enough for fun rides.
Did you take the MSF class?
If not, taking the class on your new bike would be a good way to start.

[Qosin]

I have taken the class. Learned on a small bike. (forget the size, less than 250 I think.)

So far I'm leaning to the 250, just because its cheaper.