[i_t_man]

Greetings, first day here.

I'm getting ready to take the MSF course and started looking around for a first bike. I convinced myself that I wasn't like everyone else and I could handle a 650 for a starter bike and I've since come down to earth and decided on a Ninja 250.

I only have one potential issue. I'm 6' and 280 lbs. I've sat on the bike and it didn't feel uncomfortable but I'm worried about the power. I have a long, steep hill that I have to travel to get home and I'm seriously concerned that I'm going to have issues keeping the RPMs under 4K for the break-in but still make it up the hill without getting run over.

Can anyone speak to this? Any other "large" people riding the 250?

 

[Nightfall]

I really recommend the EX500, Ninja 650R (ER6F), or the ER6N. I started on the EX500. I'm 5' 8" and at that time I was 220 pounds, I'm now down to 200 (losing weight for the air force).

At your weight you honestly will be ringing it out more than others.

 

[LDS]

The break in RPM limits are more like guidelines...

Just don't keep it pinned for long periods of time at or near the red line. You should be fine.

 

[GENTANI]

it takes 3-4k rpm to pull the thing out of 1st gear, you got to be insane to drive below that rule

 

[skyjumper88]

Get the ninja 500!

I have been riding myen for about 5 months and love it.

 

[porky786]

That hill should do the bike good, and put some load on it.


Did you know certain bikes are recommended to be broken in, on Hilly terrain to get ample load on their motor?

 

[usernamedoug]

Greetings, first day here.

I'm getting ready to take the MSF course and started looking around for a first bike. I convinced myself that I wasn't like everyone else and I could handle a 650 for a starter bike and I've since come down to earth and decided on a Ninja 250.

how about you wait until after you finish the msf course to make a decision. You'll spend the weekend on some sort of 200 or 250 dual sport bike most likely, and you'll have a better idea of what you feel comfortable with.

If you instantly feel comfortable on a bike, theres nothing from with a 650, if not then consider something smaller. Just be honest with yourself and dont buy anything with an inline 4.

 

[i_t_man]

how about you wait until after you finish the msf course to make a decision. You'll spend the weekend on some sort of 200 or 250 dual sport bike most likely, and you'll have a better idea of what you feel comfortable with.

Thanks, I wasn't planning on buying until right after the course and in the meantime I've been trying "the fit" of different style bikes. I already know I don't like the feet-forward style of the cruisers. To be honest, the most comfortable bike I've sat on yet was a Triumph Tiger. I know, I know, that's far down the road, I'm just sayin.

 

[i_t_man]

I really recommend the EX500, Ninja 650R (ER6F), or the ER6N. I started on the EX500. I'm 5' 8" and at that time I was 220 pounds, I'm now down to 200 (losing weight for the air force).

At your weight you honestly will be ringing it out more than others.

What a coincidence, I gained all the weight after getting out of the Air Force. Good luck.

 

[Stick N Move]

If your planning on riding highway and longer trips the 650r would be great, but the 250 would still be the best to start on. But if you want to start on a 650r then its not the end of the world. I would say a good amount of newbies could handle this bike, but definately not as well as a 250. If you live in a real hilly area then consider a 500 or 650r. Once you take your MSF see how comfortable you feel and how confident you are.

 

[KodiakRS]

I am 6'4 and weighed 280lbs when I started riding my 650R back in march. Learning on a 650 is a possibility if you take your time, practice what you learned in the msf course, and drive like a paranoid old lady, and don't ride like a squid. Having said that, if you don't think you can handle it, don't try it.

If you have any questions about the 650, or want pics of what a 'big' guy looks like on one send me a PM.

 

[sqchram]

That hill should do the bike good, and put some load on it.


Did you know certain bikes are recommended to be broken in, on Hilly terrain to get ample load on their motor?

heh heh, he said load.

 

[Nightfall]

What a coincidence, I gained all the weight after getting out of the Air Force. Good luck.

It's difficult losing weight in the land of fried chicken and sweet tea lol

I appreciate it! I gotta hit 180.

wish you the best on your bike hunt, I started on an EX500 so if you have any questions shoot me a PM.

- Mike

 

[rhy]

Do you have winter storage for a bike? If so, I'd get a used EX500 now (people are desperate to sell), ride it till spring/early summer, sell it for what you paid for it, then buy something 650-ish, new if you like.

 

[i_t_man]

Do you have winter storage for a bike? If so, I'd get a used EX500 now (people are desperate to sell), ride it till spring/early summer, sell it for what you paid for it, then buy something 650-ish, new if you like.

I was contemplating something like that. People at work were telling me to wait until the Seattle Bike show in December when dealers will be making deals. I was thinking of buying the 250, ride it this winter and then in the Spring maybe upgrade to the 650.

I don't know, we'll see what happens. Thanks for all the responses everyone.

 

[Skaz915]

I'm still a total noob to riding but my bought my first bike (2001 r6) a few weeks ago now and i have about 500 miles on it. My buddy has an 08 ninja 250. We hopped on each others bikes today and let me tell you, what a joke it was on the 250. I can throw my r6 around just like the 250. Thats just my opinion though, I think the 250's are a waste of money but wth do i really know...nothing honestly...thats just my opinion. I promised myself today after riding that pos( in MY opinion) that I will never buy a bike without an inline 4, until I i retire the sport bikes to a Harley lol

**Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so no mean bs**

 

[skyjumper88]

I'm still a total noob to riding but my bought my first bike (2001 r6) a few weeks ago now and i have about 500 miles on it. My buddy has an 08 ninja 250. We hopped on each others bikes today and let me tell you, what a joke it was on the 250. I can throw my r6 around just like the 250. Thats just my opinion though, I think the 250's are a waste of money but wth do i really know...nothing honestly...thats just my opinion. I promised myself today after riding that pos( in MY opinion) that I will never buy a bike without an inline 4, until I i retire the sport bikes to a Harley lol

**Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so no mean bs**

Not trying to rag on you or be rude bro but of course the 250 is going to be a joke to you because you started out on a munch more powerfull bike dude. Mybe if it was the other way around you might have a different opion.

Again not trying to be mean or rude so please doin't take it the wroung way

so what did your friend think of the R6?

 

[rhy]

I'm still a total noob to riding but my bought my first bike (2001 r6) a few weeks ago now and i have about 500 miles on it. My buddy has an 08 ninja 250. We hopped on each others bikes today and let me tell you, what a joke it was on the 250. I can throw my r6 around just like the 250. Thats just my opinion though, I think the 250's are a waste of money but wth do i really know...nothing honestly...thats just my opinion. I promised myself today after riding that pos( in MY opinion) that I will never buy a bike without an inline 4, until I i retire the sport bikes to a Harley lol

**Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so no mean bs**

Good luck learning good riding techniques on that R6... hey, you may be the next Rossi, who knows.

 

[Nightfall]

I'm still a total noob to riding but my bought my first bike (2001 r6) a few weeks ago now and i have about 500 miles on it. My buddy has an 08 ninja 250. We hopped on each others bikes today and let me tell you, what a joke it was on the 250. I can throw my r6 around just like the 250. Thats just my opinion though, I think the 250's are a waste of money but wth do i really know...nothing honestly...thats just my opinion. I promised myself today after riding that pos( in MY opinion) that I will never buy a bike without an inline 4, until I i retire the sport bikes to a Harley lol

**Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so no mean bs**

I think you're just a powermonger, which usually equates to being a squid.

 

[Skaz915]

Not trying to rag on you or be rude bro but of course the 250 is going to be a joke to you because you started out on a munch more powerfull bike dude. Mybe if it was the other way around you might have a different opion.

Again not trying to be mean or rude so please doin't take it the wroung way

so what did your friend think of the R6?

It looked like he shit is pants when he ripped on the throttle lol