Beginner bike. 250 or 600

Kabeer · May 14, 2013

Hello, I'm 16 about to turn 17 in a couple of weeks. I really love motorcycles! I am planning on getting one soon and I can't decide if I should get a ninja 250r or 600. Which bike is better for a beginner? I am planning on taking a bike course where you learn the basics about motorcycles. I am 5'11 160 pounds. Please feel free to recommend me any different bikes. Thank you

Witch · May 14, 2013

Kabeer said:
Hello,
I'm 16 about to turn 17 in a couple of weeks. I really love motorcycles! I am planning on getting one soon and I can't decide if I should get a ninja 250r or 600. Which bike is better for a beginner? I am planning on taking a bike course where you learn the basics about motorcycles. I am 5'11 160 pounds.

Thank you

Well, words of advice. Insurance on a 600 for you will be through the roof (as it is for me). I would take the MSF course first and gauge how comfortable you are on a motorcycle first before you try and pick out a bike. You're very close to my size. I'm 5'10" and 155lbs and I fit comfortably on both a 250r and a 600 so that will not be an issue, but you may want to see the difference in the riding positions. Also, have you ever rode anything like a dirt bike or anything like that? If not, I would advise you to lean toward getting a 250r. They are much more forgiving if you make a mistake (which I am sure you will, everyone does.) And one wrong twist of the wrist on a 600 can really send you flying on a bad ride. In the end it will be up to you. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I am only 20 so I was in a similar situation last year when I was looking for a first bike. And welcome to the forum.

Saavik · May 14, 2013

As always, never rule out a 500.

byte2022 · May 14, 2013

Have u ever ridden a motorcycle, how big are you, what is your main purpose of getting a motorcycle those of the three questions I would ask myself first. A 250 is a great bike for anyone to start off but if your a big guy you're really not going to enjoy the bike you're not getting get the same feel for the bike that you would with something bigger that has more power to support your weight. A 600 is great and pulls the ladies but
Unfortunately is a lot of bike for anyone who has not ridden a motorcycle before. A 600 is not like a dirtbike. Dont make that mis-conception. My suggestion for a new rider is a 650. They are not as sporty but can still ride wheelies, go fast, ride passengers, and look good with little effort. Plus lots of upgrades available that actually make a difference. Ive ridden lots of bikes. Thousands probably. Sv650 is one of the best all around. Kawasaki 650. Is great too. Yamaha is a great ride around town but not the way to go if u want any speed at all. Honda has lots of new bikes out that are great. All this from a yamaha guy. Only plus about the yamaha 650 is they offer a front fairing kit. That once you install it the bike instantly looks bad ass. And 5 times as sporty. Just my thoughts though. Good luck and be smart on the road

Saavik · May 14, 2013

Is a 250 the same size bike as a 500? I was wondering this the other day.

byte2022 · May 14, 2013

No. However they are pretty close actually. Just bigger of each part. A littlw bigger fork. A little bigger chain and sprockets. Little bigger brakes. Over all stature of the bike is pretty close. However they dont make the 500 anymore that im aware of

earlthepearl · May 14, 2013

First bike.....buy something used......
It all depends on ur personality really.....
Are u a rip n tear person like i was when young?
Or are u more a girly dude?
Girly dude go 250.......
Rip n tear.....maybe a 400 or 500 would do u good.....
Ever drive a sporty bike/off n on/strickly dirt...?
If so maybe 400 n bigger....
Never been on even a mini bike......250....maybe a off n on 250 or smaller...
We don't really know much about u.....
Hell..... Just buy a brand new financed liter bike n be done with it.....LOL

Dam..... I better tell him i'm joking right......

:whistling: :whistling: :whistling: :whistling:

indyjoe7 · May 14, 2013

Honda has 3 different styles of 500's this year. Nice lookin bikes.

Tire Wheel Motorcycle Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Tire Shoe Wheel Motorcycle Automotive tire

Wheel Tire Fuel tank Vehicle Automotive lighting

Choose what u like n what u r capable of driving without killing yourself. With great power comes great responsibility Lol

earlthepearl · May 14, 2013

Beginner bike.....
The one that will kill ur ass....
125 will do it...

:whistling:

gtoryder71 · May 14, 2013

I started off on a 650 and I thought that was a great bike to learn on. But after 2 months or riding that I needed something faster. So I bought a 600. If your main purpose is to get from point a to point b then go with the 250 or 500. If you want a bike to cruse with friends you will want a 600.

jkv45 · May 15, 2013

A used 250 of one brand or another is my recommendation for a new rider.

IBeSpaceman20 · May 16, 2013

Craigslist has a 2011 250 for sale for like 1500.00 needs new headlight....

earlthepearl · May 16, 2013

IBeSpaceman20 said:
Craigslist has a 2011 250 for sale for like 1500.00 needs new headlight....

That's a great price for a 2011 that just needs head....light....LOL

indyjoe7 · May 16, 2013

Why does it need a headlight? Has it been dropped or in an accident ? I would check that out with a magnifying glass

earlthepearl · May 16, 2013

indyjoe7 said:
Why does it need a headlight? Has it been dropped or in an accident ? I would check that out with a magnifying glass

Maybe at least wear ur glasses...LOL

keith217 · May 16, 2013

I would go with a 250. I started on my 250r and I've been fine with it for almost 1.5 years now. I'm looking to upgrade eventually, but I'm also content at this second.

IBeSpaceman20 · May 17, 2013

Says nevrr dropped adult own... on craigslist....

earlthepearl · May 17, 2013

IBeSpaceman20 said:
Says nevrr dropped adult own... on craigslist....

Never dropped......whats wrong with dropping it?
Does it mention a head on with a 18 wheeler?

:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Graham R · Jul 5, 2013

I got a 10 year old ZX-7R and couldn't be happier with it. It has power but I treat it with immense respect and my progress has been slow slow slow intentionally, going around a parking lot, then up and down the alleyway, then around the block, then the neighbourhood, then local roads very carefully, and after doing each of these for weeks each, recently out on the public road in full.

I had a go on a ninja 300 and it felt tiny, flimsy and slow after the 7R. Personally had I started on it I would be selling it by now after a few months, plus the 7R is awesome for crosswinds on the highway, I can't imagine the 300 would be.

earlthepearl · Jul 5, 2013

Graham R said:
I got a 10 year old ZX-7R and couldn't be happier with it. It has power but I treat it with immense respect and my progress has been slow slow slow intentionally, going around a parking lot, then up and down the alleyway, then around the block, then the neighbourhood, then local roads very carefully, and after doing each of these for weeks each, recently out on the public road in full.

I had a go on a ninja 300 and it felt tiny, flimsy and slow after the 7R. Personally had I started on it I would be selling it by now after a few months, plus the 7R is awesome for crosswinds on the highway, I can't imagine the 300 would be.

:thumb::thumb: