[retroracer]

Hello Everyone,
I just joined this great site and am looking forward to learning a lot from everyone. I’ve been riding for about a year on my Vespa GTS250ie. Its an automatic, 250cc scooter that has been loads of fun to ride. Since I live in a large metropolitan city, the Vespa was a very logical choice; not to mention that I love its retro styling. But lately I’ve been wanting to get a motorcycle and have been debating wether to stay with the 250cc engine size or move up to the 600+ size. I will probably keep my Vespa for running errands in the city, and use the bike for commuting to work and weekend trips. My main concern with the motorcycle is the gear shifting. I took the MSF course before I got my license and had no problems on their course bikes (suzuki 250s). But since the Vespa is automatic, I’m out of practice with gear shifting. This is my main reason to stay with the 250cc engine if I get a motorcycle.

So, what bikes would you all recommend? The two that I’m debating between are the Honda Rebel and the new ninja 250r. Ideally, I would love to get a Triumph Bonneville, Thruxton or Sportster 883 low. But I think they might be a bit much for me at this point.

Your feedback is much appreciated.

Thanks,
RR

[Medic]

Really comes down to what you feel most comfortable with. Personally, I think I’d go with a bigger bike, but if you like the 250s then there’s nothing wrong with that. I rode a scooter for a couple years, but mine was a little 50cc so the Rebel was a step up for me.

I don’t think shifting will be a big deal for you, I never rode a bike before and pretty much hopped on my new Rebel and ran it through a few gears just fine. So maybe you’ll stall it out a few times, but I don’t see that as a cause for concern. More important would be handling I think. I’m new to all this too though, so what do I know? Hahaha

The Rebel’s a great bike and I really like mine so far.

[Matt]

I see no reason not to move up to a bigger bike if that is what you want. Shifting is very natural and you’ll get back into it quickly. None of the bikes you list will punish you for poor shifting, or even poor throttle control.

There is a definite charm to riding a light bike like the Ninja or Rebel, and the others you list won’t have that charm. But, since you said you’ll be keeping the vespa, I don’t think it’ll be a worry. Embrace and enjoy the differences.

[eon]

Current 500cc scooterist here who is also planning on moving to a bike at some point. I wouldn’t sweat the whole gear thing. Some parking lot practice and I’m sure it will come naturally. I’m sure the throttle response on a bike will be a lot more pronounced but I think with common sense you could handle just about any bike. You will already have mastered a lot of the skills you need, allowing you to focus on smooth shifting and throttle.

[ranette]

I moved up from a 150cc scooter to a motorcycle last summer. I skipped a few steps and bought a Ducati GT1000. It is not a jump that I’d endorse for everyone, though it has worked out for me so far. If you are going to keep your Vespa, much as I’ve kept my Buddy-it is incredibly practical for errands in town, I’d strongly recommend moving up in size. Just too much overlap in what a 250cc scooter and 250cc motorcycle are capable of. People seem to love the SV650 and that would be a nice step up from the Vespa. However if you really want a Thruxton, Bonnie or Sportster I think you owe it to yourself to consider them, it’s not as if you’re lusting after a ‘Busa(the official BBM poster child of bad motorcycle choices).

[Clay Dowling]

Something like the 500cc ninja. You’ll get the bigger performance without being overwhelmed. But overall I’m inclined to agree that you shouldn’t experience any real problem. You’re already adjusted to bike issues.

[briderdt]

Comes in sizes up to 650.

[Author]

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