bigguybbrYou’re a couple inches shorter than me, but about the same general size. If you are long in the legs, I can see why they might try and push you to a larger bike for comforts sake. Regardless of the modifications that you might make, the geometry of the 250 ninja is always going to make it a bit small for someone of our stature. It’ll be rideable, but it is going to be an annoyance. Something like a dual sport or motard will have better ergonomics for you in the 250cc class/
Anyways, the FZ6R (fully faired bike) is a little more beginner friendly than the FZ6 (naked bike, which yami actually discontinued, naked bikes just don’t do well here in the USA, we’ll hope the fz8 does better)
I started a couple years ago and bought a brand spankin’ new FZ6R right as it came out, actually about 2-3 weeks before my MSF course. I had my learners permit, and lived only 1/4 mile from the practice course, so I was able to get some practice in before the MSF even started. At low RPMs the FZ6R is a real kitten, and is very predictable in it’s handling. Now while it’s performance is easy to manage, and the ergonomics are great seeing as you can adjust both the seat height and handle bar distance to fine tune your ride, it is considerably heavier than a 250, as well as a little pricier. At a 467lbs (wet weight) it’s the same general weight as some 800cc sport touring middle weights, as well as many small cruisers (but much lighter than a harley sportster, it’s like they are made out of lead and concrete!). This will make it more difficult at first to get you confidence up at tight low speed turns, especially for smaller riders, who might be afraid of the weight. This weight however makes for a much more stable bike on the highway, making commuting more comfortable as passing cars and trucks won’t blow you around as much, an incredibly unsettling feeling on a smaller bike when starting out. Weight aside, the bike is still incredibly nimble, and incredibly fun to ride. As you grow and discover more of the throttle, the bike will grow with you and will move quickly when asked. All in all I couldn’t ask for a better bike to start with. This is year 3, and the end of payments on it for me, and I still totally enjoy it, and am looking to find it a partner rather than a replacement.
