[Vineheart01]

I have researched a bit about the Ninja250 and the Buell Blast, but i cant come to a conclusion as to which to get. I’m tempted to just toss a coin, but i have over 3 months till i can actually buy one anyway (deployments suck).

I am 6’3, 23 years old, and weigh ~160pounds. Height-wise i know i am pushing both bikes’ limits, but i am underweight by far. No i am not unhealthy, or frail, i just have an insane metabolism.

So far my decision weighs on two questions:
1) I hear both sides saying both bikes are cheap to maintain, but others say they are expensive. Which is true? I dont know anyone that owns one of these as theyre all pretty well seasoned riders and have big bikes so i cant ask them.
2) Refers back to my height comment, would either (or both) of these bikes be difficult for someone as tall as me, regardless of weight?

Any help would be appreciated. And any links to lengthy guides and whatnot dont fear me as i have tons of time on my hands.

[megaspaz]

Do you have any goals in regards to riding? Putting around, canyon carving, racing maybe?

as far as your questions…

1) Depends on what kind of riding you do… maintenance for me is pretty pricey since I race my bike as well as commute and canyon carve.

2) Depends on your level of what becomes uncomfortable for you. I’ve heard of people your height refer to the ninja 205 as being cramped as well as others saying it’s fine. Sit on as many bikes as possible to get a feel of the riding position… make sure you have someone hold the bike upright for you while you do this as that will give you a better feel compared to sitting on something resting on a side stand.

[TrialsRider]

…insane metabolism
I have one of those, …just had a big bowl of maple syrup n’ toast, slightly wired now, …ready to go sit on cota in freezing cold garage and think about changing her back tire.

All motorcycles can be expensive only if you can’t do your own basic service. Have you compared the insurance cost yet. Rough choice, they both can be nice bikes!

[gitchy42]

As far as maintenance cost goes, both should be fairly inexpensive. However, something to remember is that Buell went out-of-business, last year I think. I don’t know if Harley is making OEM replacement parts, or not. I’m sure that there are some aftermarket replacements for the more popular parts. This probably shouldn’t be an immediate concern, just something to think about.

As for the Ninja, kawi is still around and it has consistently been one of the most popular motorcycles for 20 years. So parts will not be a problem for either style, and ‘junkyard’ parts for the old style. For fit, the 2008 and newer Ninjas may be too small for you, as they are more ‘sporty’ than the pre-2008 model, the older model might fit better. However, with different body builds, you might find that they both fit well, or neither do.

Thats my thought on the matter…have fun!

[Vineheart01]

Yea forgot to mention the things i would be doing.
Im not a hotrodder, i rarely go more than 5 over the speed limit and im not a stunt devil. I mainly want it because it would give me something to do (riding is always more fun than driving) and the far better mpg. my car gets about 25, and i drive bout 20 miles one way to work each day going through a few stoplights and stop signs. Usually doing 35mph most of the trip, 55 for the rest.
EDIT: And yes i plan to have a passenger eventually.

Thanks for the comments, i think the comment about Buell going out of business tipped me towards the ninja250 more than anything else so far. The only reason i dont do general maintenance on my car is because the Infinity i30 is a pain in the butt to do anything on outside an oil change, and even thats annoying because i need to jack it up. A bike, for the most part, doesnt have that crap so i would be doing most of it myself.
For that reason i am no way in heck getting a new bike, because i’d expect myself to do a routine maintenance and royally screw it up, possibly damaging the bike. Not to mention i expect to crash a lot lol.

[eternal05]

Just don’t get the Blast. It was a good beginner option before, but you don’t want to rely on H-D’s promises to honor support for old Buell models. I’d dodge that nightmare if I could.

Regarding height, the biggest issue will be the length of your lower-leg. I’m 6’4″ and started on a Ninja 250R. I had to get adjustable footpegs (about $130 total) to lower the pegs for a bit more leg room, but since then I’ve had no comfort issues. If you have an inseam longer than 36, however, you may be in trouble. The trick is to go sit on one, have a friend hold the bike up, and put both feet on the pegs. Get into riding position and try foot braking and changing gears, both up and down. These will present an issue for you without aftermarket pegs, but at least you’ll get a sense of how much room you’d need. Adjustable pegs will give you up to an inch of extra room.

[Vineheart01]

I’m researching the ninja500 now instead, since its slightly bigger (better for a tall guy like me) and more powerful yet not insanely powerful so when/if i have passengers i wont be choking the crap out of the bike to speed up.
I dont plan to buy the bike till after i take a class to ride one. I dont need a bike for the class, so i’m not worried that much about the literal first bike issue.

Thanks guys.

EDIT: I have one friend that i know would bug me for rides, thats why i am assuming i’d have a passenger even tho i am single and no kids. She wants to ride, but even an adjusted Ninja250r was too tall for her (shes 5’0).
Yea she doesnt weigh much, but the two of us would add up faster than you think.

[Zim_the_Giant]

Two feathers don’t weigh much more than one feather. XP

[JtownJJA]

Are you looking to get your first bike new or used? If you’re planning to go with a used bike there is probably more availability with the Ninja 500 or take a look at Suzuki’s GS500F (which is what I have). Going with a used bike for your first one eliminates a lot of the frustrations when you drop the bike to the pavement. We’ve all done it a time or two, it DOES happen with the first one.

However, if you’re into getting something new, the Ninja 250 or 500, or GS500F are all good choices, if you feel comfortable on them. I was glad I picked the 500 and not the 250 to start on myself, but I live out in the country where most of my driving is 55 mph or higher.

Yes, the Blast has the negative point mentioned above, but it also has a belt instead of a chain, I think, which would reduce your maintenance. One other bike to consider… the new Honda CBR250R. Wow! If it had been around when I bought my first bike, maybe I would have gone with a 250.

Very wise choice to take the class before you make a purchase! Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Terry Wellsworth]

hello gitchy,
Yes i am agree with you. Both should be inexpensive. As you say Ninja is popular motorcycle for 20 years so changing of any part is not a problem. so Ninja most be best.

Enjoy with your bike !

Regards,
Terry Wellsworth

[Jeff in Kentucky]

This dealer below in Tennessee has a 2009 Buell Blast like new with 300 miles on it for sale, for $3,900. You should go for quite a while before the headache starts for finding new parts for it, besides tires and brake pads. You will probably not have to ever replace the belt sprockets, and I would add an oil seal conditioner to the fork oil so the fork seals last longer:

http://www.abernathyonline.com/new_vehicle_inventory.asp?page=1

[bigguybbr]

See if you can find the owners manual online. Every manual includes the maximum weight the bike can hold safely (rider + gear + passenger + gear + luggage). I know my bike (FZ6R) lists max weight as 414lbs.

[Author]

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