[RobbieJ]

Well, I bought my wife a brand new SUV before I deployed in May 07′ and now that I’m on my way home very soon, I’m ready to buy my first Motorcycle. I’ve been on some dirt bikes when I was younger but, seeing how that was over 15 years ago, I’m looking at it like a beginner. I’m pretty set on not getting a bike for speed because, I’ve never really been into wanting it. Besides, I’ve got a wife of 2 years and a 9 month old son that I haven’t seen since my 2 week R&R when he was 2 weeks old. I don’t wanna get too crazy out there. I hear that even though people don’t necessarily look for speed when choosing a motorcycle but, I think they’re more likely to use it if it’s available. I have just always loved motorcycles and never been able to get one before now. My father had them while I was growing up but, gave it up after getting into a major wreck with it before I was old enough to appreciate the rides.

I’ve narrowed my search down to either the 08′ Ninja 250 or the 08′ Ninja 500. My biggest hangup is that even though I know either bike will support me at 6’1″ and around 185 lbs, I know, occassionally, the wife is gonna want a ride. However, since having our son in the middle of my deployment, she has not gotten back down to her desired weight of around 140 pounds. So, I know both the bikes I’m interested in a great beginner bikes but, how much of a difference will it make between the 2 if I have a passenger on it once in awhile. Will the 250 feel a little sluggish with over 350 pounds on it.

[AaronMerlot]

I am sure a bunch of people here can help with your bike question. I just wanted to say Thank You!! for your service and have a safe trip home!

[Matt]

350pounds put you right up to the edge of (possibly over) what a ninja 250 is designed to carry. Legally speaking, you are not allowed to operate a vehicle above it’s max load weight. And there are pretty good reasons for that. If you plan on doubling up, I’d look at a Ninja 500 instead.

Don’t be afriad of getting a used 500 (or a suzuki GS500), they haven’t had any significant change in close to a decade. If you can save yourself a few hundred bucks by getting one with a few thousand miles on it.

Thanks, and keep safe over there.

[ShannonG]

I just bought a GS500f and I think it could pull that kind of weight.

[Ben]

+1 on the Ninja 500 or the GS500

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[RobbieJ]

Growing up, my father never had anything other than Kawasaki motorcycles. So, I am a little partial toward them. However, I won’t let that be my sold decision for getting my bike. I have checked out the GS500F online and it looks like a really nice bike. I like a mixture of the both of them, actually. I like the full fairing on the new GS500F and it also has a little more HP, if I’m not mistaken. But, I really don’t like the color scheme they have on the new one and that cyclops looking headlight, geeeeezz I don’t know if I like that at all. LOL. I intend on checking them both out when I get home and will make my decision from sitting on the both of them and the oppinion of my wife. There’s only about $100 difference in MSRP between them so, I’m sure I can work that under $5k or maybe some toss in equipment.

I really do like the sport bike look and know I am interested in the 500 cc range. If there is any other newer bikes out there that you can suggest, I like doing my homework before going to the dealership. Something I learned while selling cars, I guess.

Thanks again.

And btw, AaronMerlot, I will do what I can to get home safe and thank you. I chose to re-enlist after a 10 year hiatus from the Army.

[RobbieJ]

Something I’ve noticed, even before I read on these forums, is that the Ninja 500’s have an excellent resale value. A bike only 1 or 2 years old is still selling for approx. $500 less than original cost. So, on that kinda cost difference, I’m pretty certain I’ll buy new. However, if I can find a great deal, I’ll go with a used bike. Just, it’s gotta be a great deal for me to do that.

[Author]

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