[adrenalinerush]

I just finished the MSF course last weekend and got my endorsement at MVD yesterday. Im a 20 year old, female rider. A couple of the guys I hang out with ride bikes and I’ve wanted one for a long time, so I finally decided to go for it. They’ve been helpful, but I’m not sure if they realize how little I actually know lol! Anyways… i’m looking for a bike, dont really know what kind yet (any suggestions are welcome!) I want somethin that could almost keep up with them lol, but that wont be too much for me either (im tall, but small so they’re bikes are WAY too big for me) I want something that can keep up on the freeways (once I get to that point) so I’m not sure the popular 250 is for me… but don’t really have a suicide wish either … so if you have any input, PLEASE let me know :o) thanks!!

PS. heres some info about me that I’ve heard will help give advice …

im 20. small build (less than 140lbs on a bad day). 5’7″ tall (about a 33″ inseam). i am pretty set on the sportbike style, not really into most cruisers or “traditional” styles… if you have more questions, please ask – i look forward to hearing from you!

[megaspaz]

ShannonG rides a gs500 and so does AaronMerlot. Ben started on a gs500. At your height, weight and inseem, you might be fine with a sv650 as well… but unless you’re friends are pulling 110+ mph on the highway, a ninja250 should keep up fine, provided you aren’t going up in altitude. You’ll be pushing it, but a ninja250 from what I’ve seen is perfectly fine on the highway.

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[acidpope]

I’d check out the Ninja 500 or the GS500F. With a 33″ inseam you should be able to flat foot most bikes, including the previously mentioned ones. If you’re riding with your buds I’d let them know exactly just what your skill level is, so they don’t ask or expect you to bite off more than you can chew.

[megaspaz]

Agreed. You have to be honest in assessing your own skill level and not try to ride to your friends’ level. Ride your own ride. If they’re your real friends, they will understand.

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[adrenalinerush]

I’m not sure you want me to actually answer whether my friends are riding above 110 on the freeways lol… but they know I’m beginning and are willing to work with me on the slow stuff first, then move up to the mountain roads to practice twisties, THEN hit the freeways (at mostly legal speeds for a while)…. you mentioned altitude… im actually out in New Mexico (at about 5500 feet, with mountains up to 11000 very nearby where my friends do tend to ride… ive never really considered how this will affect the bike being in high altitude, can you give me a little more information on this?

Also, the previous post says I could be ok on the gs500… ive read a lot about this bike and it seems that it could be a good option. what are the main handling differences I would note on a ninja 250 vs the gs500?

[megaspaz]

According to Geoff, the ninja 250 will lose about 1/2 its horsepower at an altitude of about 6000 feet. So you will be going very slow at that altitude…

As far as the differences between the gs500 and the ninja 250 goes, i couldn’t tell you as I’ve never ridden a gs500. Sorry…

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[AaronMerlot]

Ok I love my GS500f and let me tell you why

Loves!

~I can pull up next to a gsx-r and not feel out of place.
~Maintenance, change the oil every 3k miles, lube the chain ever other fill up (300-400 miles) and that is about it.
~Insurance, less than $400 for the year with State Farm
~Two decades of the GS500 so parts are every were and the bike has a track record of excellent quality
~More up right riding position, so you are not riding on your wrists.
~Plenty of power even riding 2 up
~It is totally possible to do wheelies, stoppies and burn-outs if you want to give Jason Briton a run for his money LOL
~light weight so I can fly around corners
~58-65 mpg

Things I mite change if I was an engineer for Suzuki (notice I did not say “dis-likes)

~I would love to see it fuel injected, the engine needs to be choked all the way when it is cold out
~Liquid cool the engine
~Make more modifications for the bike

It is a great bike and if you have any questions please let me know I would be happy to help
Aaron

[adrenalinerush]

I think i’ve narrowed it down to pretty much deciding on the gs500. in new mexico it doesnt really get colder than 50 until october or november anyways, so the choke thing i’ve heard about shouldn’t be too much of a hassle or problem. Now, i just have to find one, sit on it and try it out…. thanks for all the help!

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