[srtsen]

Hi everyone! Just thought I’d pop in to say hi. I love this site, it’s so informative. So I’m totally new to bikes, I mean I’ve always wanted one but I’ve never actually taken the steps to start to get one. So I was wondering if you guys could help me out with maybe what type of bike would be best? I’m 5 foot exact and 110 lbs, I probably, once I know how to ride, won’t go on the highway often, maybe once in awhile since I live in CO, which has really strong winds often. Would a Kawasaki Ninja 250 be ok? If so, what year? Thanks guys!

[WeaponZero]

Kawasaki Ninja 250R is perfect for you. You can get a current generation model if you want but you’ll pay a hefty premium.

There are basically three generations of the Kawasaki Ninja 250:

Pre-1995 – All badging said “EX250” rather than “250R”. Known for having head gasket issues.

1995: Name changed to Ninja 250R. All reliability problems fixed.

2008: Complete redesign, only the old engine carries over. Everything else is new from the ground up, designed to look like a razor edged sportbike. Ergonomics are a bit more aggressive than older models.

You have two choices: either a 1995-2007 model, or a 2008+ model. They’re both good, it’s entirely up to preference. Both will suit your needs as well. Feel free to post with more questions.

[srtsen]

Thanks for the info! This should help me a lot , but do you know if the 250R will get blown around a lot? I’m afraid of that happening since I’m small and this bike is lighter? Also do you know if I have to have a permit to be able to take a riding course?

~Stephanie

[eternal05]

…but unless you’re riding in a gale, you’ll be fine (I’m speaking from experience). You’ll learn to be more aware of what the wind is doing in order to compensate (which you’d have to do on any bike, just not as much). There are some minor downsides to the 250R, but honestly, they’re such minor issues that, especially for a beginner, the incredibly beginner-friendly nature of the bike wins out without question. It’s also a hoot to ride, and a sexy-lookin’ thing to boot (well, the ’08+ model anyway).

As far as needing a permit, that’s a question easily answered by your local rider course providers. It differs state by state, and each organization that offers rider courses does a slightly different job of it.

[Jeff in Kentucky]

If a beginner gets a heavier bike to be less pushed around by the wind, they also get a bike that is more difficult to balance at slow speeds. A big, heavy bike is best for long, straight trips at 75 mph.

My favorite light bike is the 400cc Suzuki supermoto, if your legs are tall enough.

The 250cc Kawasaki Ninja and the 250cc Honda Rebel are also very good. The Ninja is better at 75 mph than the Rebel.

For something a little different, check out the 250cc Piaggio three-wheeler, the 500cc Royal Enfield, or the various 2-wheeled scooters with an automatic transmission. I began with an automatic transmission- it is a lot easier to start with these and add the learning for the clutch and shift lever later.

[Sean_D]

… Winds today gusted up to 54Mph in Douglas County, CO today. Strong enough to be gale force, but not sustained like a gale. Still… difficult enough for a new rider for sure. Bunch of dust devils and so on to boot. Not sure if they got higher in other parts of Denver. A friend of my wife had the soft top ripped off her jeep on I-25 while she was driving. That gets the heart pumping a little LOL. I know the easy response is “don’t ride when it is that windy,” but honestly, there was at most a light breeze right up until about noon when it started gusting and then kind of off and on for the next few hours.

[Author]

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