Questions from a 250 rider

griffenmaster · 05-15-2007, 08:04 PM

Recently, a ford f-150 decided to make an illegal u-turn right into my ex250. The bike is totalled, but luckily I walked away with just a broken toe. I'm in the middle of settling with the insurance company, but it's extremely likely that I'll have enough money after all is said and done to afford a new ninja 500 (I'm too addicted to ridding to let this accident scare me away and I've always wished my 250 would grow up to be a 500

).

I've ridden the 250 for almost a year and loved every minute of it. However, I had a few questions about the 250-to-500 jump... My first concern is, considering the rising gas prices, what sort of real-world gas milage should I be expecting? I'm most concerned with riding locally, but I do commute about an hour to school every other day, so would it be practical to replace my car with the 500 for that commute (the 250 just wasn't big enough to safely contend with highway Also, my other concern is that the 250 didn't allow for a passanger comfortably, so I'm wondering how the 500 fairs with that? Lastly, how much actual performance boost does a 500 offer over a 250? I'm wondering if I should just get another 250 and just invest the rest in other affairs. Any advice you guys have for me will be greatly appreciated!

harleyxlc · 05-15-2007, 08:37 PM

I get close to 45 mpg when commuting, 3.5 miles each way, stop and go. It goes up to 50+ when I am riding twisties, and closer to 55 on the freeways.

I would guess the 500 would be better for a passenger, it depends on your size. I've not had one because I am on my toes and didn't want to deal with a passenger like that.

I haven't been on a 250, but since the rpms are a bit lower I would think it wouldn't be as buzzy on the highway.

griffenmaster · 05-15-2007, 11:16 PM

Hey, thanks for your very snappy reply! Just a quick question, how tall are you? I'm just over 5'6", and I could flatfoot my 250 with my legs spread out... I guess I should go to a dealer and sit the 500, I'm wondering if that extra inch+ is going to make a difference for me. Plus, the ninja wasn't just buzzy on the highway, it was also pushed around like a kid getting his lunch money stolen by the big bully Wind haha.

harleyxlc · 05-15-2007, 11:26 PM

I am 5'4". For the first year, I left the seat and suspension stock. This past month, I had the seat shaved and had the rear suspension set properly. Basically left it at the same height as stock

I do find that I get pushed around with strong or gusty winds, but not a problem.

Boldblood · 05-16-2007, 09:30 PM

I commute 16 miles each way to work and get right at 50 MPG. I guy I work with has a 250, so we decided to "swap" bikes one day, just to check it out. He rode my 500 and I rode his 250 through the Navy base where we both work. Went about 8 miles, and he told me that on the way back I should rev it up to 8 or 9K RPM's before shifting. I did that and I liked riding his 250. It was interesting to me because I almost bought a 250. (The dealer said a 500 would be better for my size, I'm 5' 10" and 160 LBS). So we got back to the parking lot where we started, and shook hands and then I got back on my 500 to go home. . .
Couldn't believe the difference! Twice the bike, a lot more power! I sure was glad I got a 500 instead of a 250! With your experience on the 250, you are definitely ready for the 500. In fact, you may want to consider the 650. It is supposed to handle better than the 500. To be honest, (and I'm really not trying to complicate things), I've had my eye on Yamaha's YZF-600. I think you may want to check that out too. Looks like a great commuter with extra power. Sorry for rambling. . .

Boldblood · 05-16-2007, 09:33 PM

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/pr...25/0/home.aspx

griffenmaster · 05-17-2007, 12:32 AM

Thanks very much for your input. I went to a dealer and sat on a 500 and several 600's (kawi, suzuki, etc.)... was amazed at how comfortable the 500 was (although not QUITE as comfy for me as my 250 was, but extremely close ;) ). Honestly, I don't know if I want anything bigger than the 500... ergonomics, seat height, and practicallity are the most important things for me, I really am not into speed. The 650r and sv650 sure are very nice bikes with very practical powerbands, but I really don't want to be on my toes when stopped at a light (especially with the fact that my broken big toe doesn't bend well anymore). If I get a 500, I know deep down that I'll stick with it for a very long time. If I got a 600, I would never ride it to it's full potential! Thanks alot!

AWDimprezal · 05-17-2007, 09:42 AM

get the ninja 650, the 500 is a stepping stone that doesnt really need to be taken, the 500 is too much like the 250 so it would be more of a step to the side, not a step up in the right direction.

123-me · 05-22-2007, 03:28 PM

I've ridden an ex500 for 1 yr. I'm 5'7" & 140# and no problems with seat height. I get 55-60 MpG on the road and have no problems with freeway speeds. The EX500 is a good step up from the EX250. It is especially good for street riding with some highway. For all highway, get a 4-cylinder bike ( I got a 650 Nighthawk for carrying double and riding the highways).

OreoGaborio · 05-22-2007, 07:30 PM

If I were in your position, I'd get a 500 or 650.

seat height can be changed.... either by slightly lowering the bike, or a better (for handling) & more affordable option, having the seat cushion shaved down. You can also adapt to sliding one cheek off the seat & only putting one foot down. I do that often even though I don't have to.

Trust me... you may not use all of it it, but you'll appreciate the extra power. The 250 is a sewing machine.

downhill76 · 06-06-2007, 12:13 AM

I have to agree on jumping over the 500 to the 650. I guess a good place to start is by looking at how much experiece you obtained on the 250 and how comfortable you are on a bike in general. If you feel comfortable, go for the extra horses. But if it's a budget issue, I'm not going to tell you how to spend your hard earned cheddar...