Attn Motorcycle Gurus

[Abandonhope16]

I'm considering the possibility of getting a bike. Havent seen any in person but just looking around online. What are people's feelings on the Kawasaki 250r. My only experience riding anything close would be a small dirt bike a long time ago or possibly a moped:), so I'd definitely look for something very beginner. Probably something for commuting and taking out on the weekends. The 250r stuck out because its supposed to be a good beginner bike, and I think the '08 looks pretty badarse for what it is, but I dont know that much. Seems quick enough for me with 0-60 and quarter mile times only a hair slower than the LGT. Would having a passenger be a possiblity for going around town? I wouldnt go above a 500cc though, and unfortunately the 500r is pretty unattractive (not that thats everything, but it counts for something).

[Leonardo]

Get a Harley!!!

 

Sportsters are great bikes and hold their price in case you want to upgrade later which I know you will. I have a Road King Classic with MANY upgrades!

[05GT Guru]

Some of the new harley sportsters are nice, but harleys do usually require more maintanance, less gas mileage and compared to 600s or 1000s less hp and more weight. A Buell i would get, but those are the only harleys that interest me because i like performance

[collegemt]

I would not recomend a 250 even for a beginer bike. It is way too underpowered for the street. Once you get comfortable with the bike you will want more performance, it is like buying a legacy 2.5i. If i were you i would look into a 500cc or 600cc. Also stick with a japanese bike (honda, kawasaki, suzuki, yamaha) much more bang for your buck compared to an american harley. If money is a concern, look for a used one.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[Leonardo]

Sportsters are 600 and 1,200

 

Harley service intervals are almost every 5K but you can do less if you like.

 

Buell are great and some look funky! Not a bike you see every day, which is what I like.

[05GT Guru]

Yes, im goin to look at bikes soon and my first stop is a harley dealership to look at buells. They really have upped there game the last couple years

[collegemt]

Yes, im goin to look at bikes soon and my first stop is a harley dealership to look at buells. They really have upped there game the last couple years

 

I would compare price for performance of a buell to a Japanese bike and the american buell will allways lose.

 

However you don't see near as much buells on the road so the uniquess is very cool.

[Euclid]

The Ninja 250 is a fantastic bike. They are not very quick, but they are inexpensive and when you drop it you won't feel too bad about it. The suzuki sv650 is also a fantastic bike.

 

Take the MSF basic rider course and get the proper gear before you get a bike.

[Abandonhope16]

Seems like the 250 would be appropiate for what I'd want to do. My commute right now is about 15 minutes and the highest speed limit is 35, so its all secondary roads. One of the bigger selling points is the price for what you get; especially being a first bike.

[Penguin]

The Ninja 250 is a fantastic bike.

 

Would it be suitable for a 24 mile highway commute with long steep grades to climb? Just curious because next year I would like to get a starter bike, and that is how it is going to be used.

[05GT Guru]

You dont need to start on a 250 if you are a new driver, i would get something older at first like a 650 not a sport bike a cruiser and learn to ride on that. The get the bike you want. First bike i had was my dads 80 something 650 kawasaki and it worked great. 250 is too samll for me, i would only use that as a trail bike

[Euclid]

Would it be suitable for a 24 mile highway commute with long steep grades to climb? Just curious because next year I would like to get a starter bike, and that is how it is going to be used.

 

Probably not the best for that. You could probably maintain 65-70 going up hill, but you'd be hitting the acceleration ceiling. I'd suggest something along the lines of an sv650. They have very good power delivery, comfortable, fairly quick, and can be picked up used for pretty cheap.

[sactojesse]

^

The Suzuki SV650 was going to be my suggestion as well. It only weighs 363 lbs. dry, has a torquey and surprisingly powerful (73 hp at the wheel, probably more like 85 crank hp) V-twin, has better lateral weight distribution than 600 cc inline-4, offers a standard, not sportbike, riding position, and has been a popular "best bang for the buck" bike for years.

[Leonardo]

Or just get a Smart Car!!! Not even the Prius beats the MPG and you won't get wet when it rains!

[Penguin]

Or just get a Smart Car!!! Not even the Prius beats the MPG and you won't get wet when it rains!

 

I have another commuter car for bad weather that doesn't get bad mileage (30-32mpg highway). I just want something fun, and efficient.

[IwannaSportSedan]

"How big an 'ol boy are ya?"

 

Some beginner bikes are too small physically to be comfortable. You'll have fun at first, but it gets old to crouch on a bike that is too small for you.

 

Ask me how I know... I just can't bring myself to sell my little Hawk GT, though, it may be too small for me, and underpowered, but it handles and looks so nice, and was sooooo hard to find, I probably won't find another one the same way, I might as well keep it.

 

If I were looking for a good quality, not-uber-overkill-fast, practical, but VERY fun bike that can handle a few miles...

 

First I would get leathers/textile riding suit, helmet, good sunglasses or a easy-to-change facesheild, and good gloves and boots.

 

THEN, I would go get a bike.

 

I would probably be looking at the Suzuki SV650-S. If you are not a novice, and are comfortable on a bike, maybe an SV1000. The half-fairing might be nice for less wind-buffeting on the highway commute.

 

Yamaha has the FZ6, which is a little higher-strung than the SV650, but not as high-strung as the YZF-R6.

 

Kawasaki has the new 650R, as well, which isn't as hard-core as the 660cc ZX-6R Ninja, and more modern than the 500 or 250ccs.

 

Honda doesn't have a whole lot anymore, as they used to. The VFR is a slightly heavier sport touring rig, nice, but perhaps a bit heavy and expensive to learn on. A new-leftover, or lightly used 599 (known as the Hornet overseas) is a nice bike, if you can find one.

 

Triumph Street Triple would be a NICE bike, on the higher-end of bikes that a beginner could handle and grow into. It might have a bit more learning curve, though.

 

BMW's F800 new parallel twins are probably in this category, as well.

 

I would definitely go with a non-supersport 500-650, with a size appropriate to your needs. Too small gets too cramped, and less fun. Too big gets hard to handle in parking and stoplight conditions.

 

250s are pure starter bikes, and you will outgrow them, despite them being fun initially. If that is what you want, might as well pick up a used one that someone else has used to learn on, but not destroyed in the process. Let someone else eat the depreciation, pick it up used, learn on it, and re-sell it to someone next in line, when you upgrade.

 

If you want new, or nearly new, especially a reliable and comfortable commuting bike, buy something with "legs" that you aren't going to outgrow or get tired of in a year or two. As long as it isn't too "supersport" focused, it should be pretty easy to learn on, as well.

 

My easy choice for something common enough to be easy to find and maintain, very fun, easy to learn, capable enough to keep around, I would have to go with Suzuki SV650-S.

 

http://www.mcnews.com.au/newbikecatalogue/2003/Suzuki/SV650S/SV650S_Copper_RHF_700p.jpg

[Knight705]

what about bikes for the "hefty" folks.... like me........ heh each time i goto work and see my co-worker on his bike, and i just keep wanting to get one. but always feel that being my weight, it wouldn't be practicable or comfortable.

 

and no suggestions of harleys or cruisers in general.... if those are my own choices, i rather get a nicer car.

[Penguin]

"How big an 'ol boy are ya?"

 

Some beginner bikes are too small physically to be comfortable. You'll have fun at first, but it gets old to crouch on a bike that is too small for you.

 

Ask me how I know... I just can't bring myself to sell my little Hawk GT, though, it may be too small for me, and underpowered, but it handles and looks so nice, and was sooooo hard to find, I probably won't find another one the same way, I might as well keep it.

 

If I were looking for a good quality, not-uber-overkill-fast, practical, but VERY fun bike that can handle a few miles...

 

First I would get leathers/textile riding suit, helmet, good sunglasses or a easy-to-change facesheild, and good gloves and boots.

 

THEN, I would go get a bike.

 

I would probably be looking at the Suzuki SV650-S. If you are not a novice, and are comfortable on a bike, maybe an SV1000. The half-fairing might be nice for less wind-buffeting on the highway commute.

 

Yamaha has the FZ6, which is a little higher-strung than the SV650, but not as high-strung as the YZF-R6.

 

Kawasaki has the new 650R, as well, which isn't as hard-core as the 660cc ZX-6R Ninja, and more modern than the 500 or 250ccs.

 

Honda doesn't have a whole lot anymore, as they used to. The VFR is a slightly heavier sport touring rig, nice, but perhaps a bit heavy and expensive to learn on. A new-leftover, or lightly used 599 (known as the Hornet overseas) is a nice bike, if you can find one.

 

Triumph Street Triple would be a NICE bike, on the higher-end of bikes that a beginner could handle and grow into. It might have a bit more learning curve, though.

 

BMW's F800 new parallel twins are probably in this category, as well.

 

I would definitely go with a non-supersport 500-650, with a size appropriate to your needs. Too small gets too cramped, and less fun. Too big gets hard to handle in parking and stoplight conditions.

 

250s are pure starter bikes, and you will outgrow them, despite them being fun initially. If that is what you want, might as well pick up a used one that someone else has used to learn on, but not destroyed in the process. Let someone else eat the depreciation, pick it up used, learn on it, and re-sell it to someone next in line, when you upgrade.

 

If you want new, or nearly new, especially a reliable and comfortable commuting bike, buy something with "legs" that you aren't going to outgrow or get tired of in a year or two. As long as it isn't too "supersport" focused, it should be pretty easy to learn on, as well.

 

My easy choice for something common enough to be easy to find and maintain, very fun, easy to learn, capable enough to keep around, I would have to go with Suzuki SV650-S.

 

http://www.mcnews.com.au/newbikecatalogue/2003/Suzuki/SV650S/SV650S_Copper_RHF_700p.jpg

 

I was kind of figuring on having more money tied up in protective riding gear than my first bike, so I already have that plan in place.

 

As to size well I'm pretty average. About 5'10" to 5'11" and depending on how much I have been able to get to the gym I weight about 200-210lbs. So, there is just that much more of me to leverage my neck and kill me when I fly into a ditch.:lol:

 

Now the good news. I live in rural western South Dakota. My town has two stop lights, both of which can be avoided and one of which is nearly always green in the route of travel that I use. We have virtually no traffic either and on my commute I might see 10-12 other cars on the whole 24 mile trip.

 

Not so good news on the wildlife front, we have tons of mule deer and the occasional elk. I would venture that if you hit an elk on a bike you will die.

 

Thanks for the advice, we'll see if I can swing it next year.

[scooby600]

I wouldn't get the 250. I would get the SV650. I've ridden both and as a beginner I would recommend the 650 because it is still forgiving and you won't get bored with the lack of power. I mean the 250 is okay around town but you won't be accelerating quick at all. My 450 supermoto would've even been a better choice than the 250. For a first bike though, I would recommend buying used that way you won't lose as much money when you sell it to buy what you really want after you've learned how to ride and everything. It is smart to save up for riding gear (good jacket, helmet, gloves, boots, etc.). I would set 1000 just for gear but thats just me. Also looks aren't everything in a bike, but that's just my opinion.

[Penguin]

I wouldn't get the 250. I would get the SV650. I've ridden both and as a beginner I would recommend the 650 because it is still forgiving and you won't get bored with the lack of power. I mean the 250 is okay around town but you won't be accelerating quick at all. My 450 supermoto would've even been a better choice than the 250. For a first bike though, I would recommend buying used that way you won't lose as much money when you sell it to buy what you really want after you've learned how to ride and everything. It is smart to save up for riding gear (good jacket, helmet, gloves, boots, etc.). I would set 1000 just for gear but thats just me. Also looks aren't everything in a bike, but that's just my opinion.

 

Looks are not real important to me. Some of my friends (who ride) hate the way some bikes look, I don't care. I think BMW R1200GS is as ugly as sin, but if I decided I wanted an enduro I am pretty sure it would be near the top of the list.

[IwannaSportSedan]

If budgets are an issue, DEFINITELY USED.

 

Used bikes can be real bargains, and aren't all that different than new bikes, except easier on the pocketbook upfront. Have someone who knows bikes look at it first, though.

 

A trip through the black hills on a nice sporty but upright bike would be a fun trip. Do watch out for the aminals, though. That makes gear all the much more important.

 

As for knight's question...

 

All of the 650 class bikes should be big enough to ride. Truly comfortable might be a bit bigger, though, especially if you have ridden before.

 

My 650 Honda Hawk GT is old (1989) and an extremely compact, lightweight aluminum chassis with a single-sided swingarm before the Ducati 916 or Honda VFR had it. Most 650s now are much more comfortably sized, and not really to be feared. The Hawk GT is really an advanced and strong 400cc class-sized chassis with a 650 OHC v-twin in it. 250-400cc bikes usually are physically smaller and built lighter, and less robust.

 

If you have ridden before, and are comfortable with the controls, and have some miles under your belt, I'd suggest perhaps stepping up to the 1000cc class variants of the bikes I mentioned above. If you are new, 650s are probably the best place to start.

 

SV1000 (-S for half-faired version, otherwise it is just a round headlight...)

Bandit 1200cc is a bit older, but less expensive, and still quite popular.

 

Yamaha FZ1 (half-faired, upright, detuned version of YZF-R1)

There is always the V-max, but that is more of a power-cruiser, more like harley or metric cruiser bike.

 

Honda has the 919 (919ccs rather than 599ccs) un-dressed sport-standard.

The Honda SuperHawk 1000cc V-twin is a great affordable bike, but a bit short on the fuel range, but VERY easy to ride.

Then the VFR 800cc sport tourer.

 

One of my favorite liter-class machines, and a machine that I actually FIT on, (and I am "huskier" than most, probably than most of you) is the Triumph Daytona, or the un-faired Speed Triple. Later models are a bit more reliable/powerful, earlier models are better looking... 2002 or so is were they both happen at the same time.

 

One bike that is a favorite of the non-harley "big" guys is the Kawasaki ZRX-1200 retro-bike. It looks like a late-70s, early 80's Kawasaki power-bike. It is no cruiser, but it isn't a lightweight supersport either. It is FAST, and a bit much for a beginner.

 

11-1200cc BMW boxers are really nice, shaft-driven, but expensive, moreso than a beginner is willing to spend. Likewise ducati supersports/superbikes, or Moto-Guzzi standard-style bikes. All nice, but usually not novice riders choices.

 

Hayabusa, ZX14 full-faired supersport, Honda CB1100XX Blackbird, and other 1200cc Supersport bikes are too indimidating for anyone less than completely comfortable. These are some of the outright fastest bikes on the planet, even if they are not the quickest.

 

There are a few 1000-1400cc sport tourers from Japan or Europe, like Kawasaki's ZZ1200-R, or Triumph's 1050cc Sprint ST which are probably do-able, but might be a bit big/heavy of a bike to really handle as a novice. Hard to beat to eat miles with, though.

 

Go take a look at the used bike selection at the local bike dealers, and you'll see some stuff. Just stay away from stuff that has more than one "R" in the name, or the neon paintjobs and crash knobs that have been scuffed.

 

Some of my favorites:

Triumph Daytona and Speed Triple. (my first motorcycling love-at-first-sight, and what got me interested in motorcycles)

MV Agusta F4. (just because it is sex on two wheels. Not a practical choice.)

BMW R1100S and R1200S. (sport versions of their boxer twins, every bit as uniquely cool as Subaru Legacy GT, and about as well known.)

SV1000-S (as an everyday sidekick, not rare, not uber-sexy, but probably the best all-around riding partner around, and still a fun ride)

Ducati Classic Sport. (1970s ducati looks, with new engine and suspension tech. one of the best uses of "retro")

[timbo7]

the 650sv is a good beginner bike ive heard. i have yet to ride one but they seem pretty nice. i dont think if i were u ide get a 250. i started on a 89 ex500 5 years ago when i was 18 and rode it for a year and was tired of it after the summer. atleast get a 500 if not start looking at older cbrs, like a f3 or f4, or if u want FI get the f4i but that might be a bit much for a beginner.

 

 

after i got rid of my ex500 i got a 01 yzf600r and it was a world of diff even though it was still carbed. now i have an 03 cbr600rr and its alot faster than the yzf. make sure u take the MSF course and wear ur gear even if u only ride 20 min to work.

[scooby600]

I started on a CBR600F4i and as long as you respect the machine you'll be fine. Since then I've had a 03 CBR600RR, 05 KTM450SMR, 07 ZX6R, and a few pitbikes. I've also ridden 05 GSXR600, 07 GSXR600, 03 R6, 04ZX6R, EX250, SV650, and a couple dirtbikes. When it really comes down to choosing a bike. I think that anything under 600 is okay as long as you respect the machine and take your time learning. Also the MSF course is a great class to learn. I took it when I already knew so it didn't really help much, but it teaches you a lot of the basics. Also track schools help with your confidence once you have learned to ride and you don't really have to be fast, there are plenty of slow people at the track. I personally wouldnt go any older than 2000, just due to maintenance that may not have been done (but thats just me). Also the SV650 is a very capable bike that you can grow with. It is easy to learn on, easy to find parts on, and if you want to start doing trackdays or racing it, you can put on GSXR front end. I wouldnt even think about the busas or zx14's or 1000's. But just get a bike that you are comfortable on and get some good gear and you'll be set.

[SunburnNYC]

SV is a great suggestion IMO easy to ride, decent power, huge aftermarket.

 

I have an 2006 R1

[NewLegGT67]

SV650 is a great beginner bike that you will not out grow in one season. You might also want to consider a Suzuki Bandit 600 or the Yamaha FZ6. What is great about the nakeds/standards is they are more comfortable than a sportsbike but still have the same performance characteristics of a sportsbike.

 

Also, many insurance companies do not consided these sportsbikes. My ZRX1100 cost less (1/2 the cost) to insure than a 600cc sportsbike for full coverage in NJ.

 

BTW - Take the Motorcycle Safety Course is you haven't already.