[jsan08]

They aren’t so affected by the wind that if a heavy vehicle passes you, you will loose control, right? Please clarify.

After looking at supermotos, they might be the way to go for a first bike. D.C. is very urban and there is always a lot of traffic, even on the freeways. I like the look of the WR250X and how they fit taller riders well…

[WeaponZero]

WR250X and DR-Z400SM are similar bikes that both should be looked at. The DR-Z is lower tech (carbureted, lower compression ratio, lower tech frame/suspension components, etc) but makes up for it by having a bigger and more powerful engine. The DR-Z has more torque so it will take off quicker and will have an even easier time under load, but because it’s only a 5-speed while the WR250X is a 6-speed, they both have roughly the same top speed. The WR250X has a racier engine that doesn’t have as much power down low in the rev range so you need to wind it out and pin the throttle to get the same kind of exhilarating riding experience out of it, but some people might say that would make for an even more fun ride. All depends on the rider.

Personally I’m considering getting a similar bike for my next bike.

Of the two, I’d take the DR-Z mainly due to the fact that I like torquey engines (why I ride an SV650 vs. an I-4), and the fact that it has a much larger aftermarket.

[TrialsRider]

Never been blown off any motorcycle including riding a TS185 on two lane highways, and part of learning to ride is learning to deal with and or avoid traffic wind. The most irritating wind buffeting is while following transports, but you shouldn’t follow transports, you pass them or drop back enough. The larger displacement motorcycle ( 400cc or larger single ) gives you a clear option to pass. ( and stay ahead ) with a 250 single, dropping back and matching their speed might be your only option. Up here the transports are now governed to ~108kph making it much safer to travel the multi lane highways

[madjak30]

You will just get buffetted around…kinda lightly pushed a bit…the first time it happens you might get a little concerned, but after a couple of times you just “go with it”…just don’t have a “death grip” on the handles…stay loose and just ride it out…back off a little to get out of the buffet zone, or pass the vehicle if you can…it’s only a little wierd the first time then you know what is happening and you deal with it…

If I had it to do over again, I would have bought the DRZ400SM as my first bike…not that I am unhappy with my bike, I just think the Moto would have been more fun. (don’t let the hard seat put you off, seats can be changed and there is lots of room to move around on those bikes)

Later.

[madjak30]

I still get passed by the transports on the “Alberta Autobaun” (hiway 2 – Queen Elizabeth II Hiway) when I am doing 120kph.

[jsan08]

Ok, that’s good to know!

Well, with your guys help I think I have narrowed down my options for a first bike to the WR250X and the DRZ400SM. I’ve been reading reviews and watching youtube videos. They both seem like great bikes. I feel like I’m leaning more toward the DRZ though. I like how it has a little more power for the freeway.

TrialsRider, you better believe I love the wind! Nothin’ more windy than jumping out of an airplane at 13,000 feet!

[Jeff in Kentucky]

For the DRZ, you will probably be looking for a thicker, more comfortable seat, especially when riding more than 30 miles at a time and if your legs are longer.

I have rode a Honda 600cc cruiser for the last 8 years with 30 horsepower stock, similar to the DRZ, and I can ride it at 75 mph on the interstates fine for 100 miles, then I am ready for a butt break and to get gas. At 80 to 85 mph, there is more vibration and it has less passing power- I tell the leader of our group to not go over 75 when the speed limit is 70.

A 600cc supersport will go 80 mph in first gear and has a top speed of about 165 mph, so it is huge overkill for the street. A 1,000cc supersport will go 100 mph in first gear, and the top speed is computer limited at the factory to 186 mph. These crotch rockets are very uncomfortable for street riding, and are designed for someone with years of experience who does some track days- or renting time to ride it at a race track.

[jsan08]

Well, last summer when I posted this topic, I wanted a bike sooo badly but ended up not getting one. Now spring is here and summer is around the corner again and I am getting a motorcycle this weekend. I decided on getting an ’06 Ninja 250R (Yellow) it has 4,000 miles on it and I’m getting it for $2k. I’m super excited , now I’m just trying to find some good gear. The gear review section of this website has been very helpful for this. I will probably end up getting the gear featured on this site like the shift pants, etc.

[jsan08]

The guy who was gonna sell me the bike ended up laying it down on the freeway at slow speed in stop and go traffic…this happened on the day he was going to sell it to me! The bike suffered scratched fairings, busted blinkers and a little glass piece where you can see the oil level cracked, so the bike lost almost all of its oil. The rider is ok, luckily. He has minor bruising on some of his ribs, good thing he was wearing full gear. The good news is I found a 2009 Ninja 250 and should be getting it this upcoming week. I love the updated look of the new Ninja 250’s

[TrialsRider]

hmmm bruised ribs, following a little too close were we …maybe you better send a truck to pickup the next one

[jsan08]

Ha, that’s exactaly what he said what happened! Anyway I finally got my bike! Check out my thread in the general section if you want.

[Author]

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