[jpetrocelli]

Hi everyone!

I am a new rider and am looking to purchase my first bike. I was looking at the range of 250s but have read that they won’t perform well for heavy guys. I weigh in at about 250 lbs and am 5’9″. Suggestions that won’t break the bank? I have about $5000 to spend.

Joe

[briderdt]

…will be fine for a single 250lb rider.

[Sangria7]

You will be fine on a 250. But if you need more umph there are a couple 500cc that are definitely viable solutions.

Take the MSF first – they usually teach you on 125cc and 250cc. This will tell you if you will be ok with the 250cc.

[Jon D.]

I realize a large number of people lean toward the 250cc range. Uncle Bernie has a fine article on the S50, but if you are new to riding the S40 is a fine linear bike that should fill your needs as you gain experience. It is not a rocket ship and will be more prone to stutter if you give it to much gas vs. front wheel staring at the sky. I found it to be a very easy bike to handle, back when it was still called a Savage. You may be able to find one that is used that is well within your budget. Make sure to take the MSF. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Sangria7]

Just remember an S40 is 600cc’s…..

[Jon D.]

I realize that the s40 is a 600cc class bike, but at the time I had mine ,my room mate owned a Kawasaki 454ltd. In a regular cruising situation on the city streets of Norfolk, I really had to wring it out just to keep up with him. The S40 is a single thumper that is not rev happy, and you will find a large number of smaller displacement motorcycles that will just flat out perform over the abilities of the S40. I would almost wager that my old GS400 had more ooomph than the S40. Although I do agree with the philosophy found on these pages, I think that the S40 is getting a bum rap due to the 600cc displacement. It just acts different than any twin or four on the market with the same displacement. Remember, this is just an opinion. I have ridden this bike and am familiar with it’s behavior. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[jpetrocelli]

Thanks guys very much for the help. You live in Norfolk? I am in Chesapeake.

[Sangria7]

Yea youre correct about the S40. Not giving it a bum rap – it was just an observation.

[Jon D.]

I was stationed at the amphib base until 1985. I currently live in Kansas, you should continue to read the postings in this sight. You will be better able to make an informed decision should you read further. Please remember that most people in these forums are drawing from their own experience to best help you and others. Because I am familiar with the area you will be riding, any of the smaller bikes will suffice. Keep in mind all of the young military guys that may be spending their first time in a big city setting. You will need to be extra mindful of your surroundings. Definitely take the MSF course, it will help you in seeing ahead and avoiding serious dangers. I wish you all the best, keep in touch. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Clay Dowling]

If your intention is to take it to track day and compete with 600cc bikes. Which you probably aren’t going to be doing right out of the gate. I know big guys who ride 250s. If people laugh, they’re doing it as his back as he passes them in traffic.

[hawkeye206649]

I was wandering the same thing when I was making my choices for my first bike. A few things helped me make up my mind.

First this was gonna be my first bike so it doesn’t have to be the fastest thing on the block just able to get me to point A to B. When I ‘m ready to move up I will trade this one in and get a better bike.

I’m a big guy too around 270 pounds. Me and my Ninja do just fine going down the highway at 70+ speeds. I do notice that there really isn’t much left, but this is my first bike so I don’t really need to be going any faster.

At 5’8″ the 250R fits me well both feet on the ground with no problems. The reach to the bars is just right as well. I was able to find a used 06 model for around $3,300 so you should be able to find one that’s under your price range.

Just like the other guys said I would also recommend you take an MSF course. It help me alot.

[boulevardboy]

Well, I think that the S40 is a great bike to ride, but I did have over 8k on a 50cc Vespa first, so although I would not have said I was an experienced motorcycle rider when I moved up I was certainly not totally green. The MSF course helped a lot, but I think part of it is that the S40 is an easy bike to ride. It will easily carry me at speed down the freeway (175lbs) and I managed to get to 75 mph today without even realizing I was going that fast, so it has enough power to managed every day legal street riding!!

I have not ridden a sports bike, but from what I have heard you can get into a lot more trouble with a 250cc Ninja than you can with a 650cc Boulevard.

Just my own very limited point of view.

[SantaCruzRider]

I have a buddy who weighs over 250 and rides a 400cc Suzuki dual-sport. This single-cyclinder is more than up to the task of carrying him (plus sometimes his 100lb son) all over town and on freeway speeds for an hour or so. It’s no superslab commuter lane speedster, but it is perfect for his use and is up to the task. Rider weight is not the primary issue, it’s as much frame geometry and suspension travel that matter.

[JakeInFla]

I”m in the same boat. 5′ 10, 260 lbs. Sigh…Damn carbs and beer! I’m loving the idea of a 250R, but unsure if it’s size and power will be sufficient for my big ass! From what I’ve read, it should be just fine for a first bike. I’m heading to a dealership Thursday afternoon to sit on, and check out an 08 Blue 250R with seat cowl. Just got a call back from them stating it’s not a trade-in, rather it’s on consignment due to the owner not being able to afford the payments. Sucks for him. I’ll check her out and reply how comfortable it is to sit on and handle bar distance, etc.

~J.

[megaspaz]

Not sure what you meant about the track thing, but the ninja 250s do really well on the track against bigger bikes in the C group. Seen it myself. A seasoned track rider can outride a noob or intermediate rider on a bigger bike at the track.

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