[halflife2]

Hi there,

Great web site with informative articles. I’m glad I found a place that won’t bash ppl for wanting to start off with a 250cc bike.

Well, here’s my story…

I’ve been interesting in scooters/motorbikes for a few years, but never seriously pursued it, despite doing some research last year. I might get laughed at on a scooter, and didn’t have the guts for a motorcycle. But I decided recently to just take a shot at it. I have zero experience at the moment; never even rode on a scooter!

Anyway, I went to the DMV and took my permit test (passed with only one question wrong). I signed up for a beginner’s rider course to take place in July (can’t wait). And I purchased my safety gear: HJC helmet, SS Gear jacket (couldn’t afford a leather jacket), and AlpineStars gloves.

So my next step is to take the class next month and hopefully get a hang of riding. And I hope I actually like riding! It seems exciting, but until I actually do it, I don’t know. After hopefully getting my license, then it will be time to look for a bike. My dream bike is still a Kawasaki Ninja 250R. I’ve tried considering other bikes like the Suzuki GS500 and maybe even Hyosung’s 250GT, but I keep coming back to the Ninja 250R. It’s a beauty, seems reliable, and popular enough that parts/service shouldn’t be a problem.

I’ve got various thoughts and questions. I guess I’ll jump over to the General forum and ask stuff there.

[Jeff in Kentucky]

The 250cc Ninja is a great bike for beginners, the 2008 + for more modern looks and the older one for a lower used cost. I started on a minibike with an automatic transmission and no brakes. If you have the money, this is a great bike for a beginner, or someone who wants even less risk for sliding the front tire(s) in a fast corner or on ice:

http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooters.php#/home/Piaggio%20MP3%20250

[redcromwell]

I too am an “uber noob” and always wanted to ride. I finally made a plan to get myself on a bike and did it.

The MSF course is a great way to get on a motorcycle. That being my first experience sitting on a bike, I tell others, that once I remembered “it’s not my bike” I got more comfortable. I was able to lean it over more on turns because I felt that if I “dropped” it, oh well, “it’s not my bike”.

You’ll see once you get your own bike. If you’re like me, you don’t want any dents or scratches on it.

My first bike is a Ninja 250R and I love it. It gets me moving along on the road quite well and is very forgiving of all the noob mistakes I happen to make.

I’ve been riding for about a month and look forward to each day I can go out for a ride.

[CBBaron]

The Ninja 250r is a good bike, and a great starter bike. I’m really enjoying my ’06. The GS500F and Ninja 500r are also good bikes to start with if you like sport faired bikes. Several other good choices for standards, supermotos and dual sports too.
The 250r is nice to start with because it is inexpensive, is easy to find used and resell if you move on, light but plenty of power and speed.
Other bikes are lighter, easier to learn/ride but those usually struggle at highway speeds or cost considerably more.

Craig

[Author]

Posts