[CBBaron]

Great bike. I have the older version a red `06.
For lots of good information I have found the FAQ at ninja250.org to be very helpful. It does tend to concentrate a little more on the pre-08 model but still plenty of good information on the new version and much of the information is the same.
ninjette.org seems to be a god forum for the `08 and later model but I have not been there much.

The 250r does like to rev. In 6th gear 55mph is about 7000rpm. However that is just starting to get into the powerband for the engine and it tops out about 14000 so there is plenty of room above that. If you are running at slower speeds below 7000rpm be prepared for a quick down shift if you need to accelerate.

As for fuel economy, with any vehicle high speeds will really start to hurt the fuel economy. The 250r is not a real aerodynamic vehicle so you start seeing a significant drop in efficiency above 55mph. It can help considerably to tuck in behind the windscreen to reduce drag and ofcourse slow down. Stop and go seems to hurt less, probably due to its light weight and small engine but if you ride it hard it will burn gas much faster. I have seen people get between 40mpg and 90mpg with most between 50-70. The older model actually gets a little better economy but usage will create a bigger variation.

Craig

[CBBaron]

With about 30 stop lights and signs on my 8 mile commute, I’m starting to think about how nice a twist and go scooter would be. There is not a speed limit over 35mph so even a 50cc would be sufficient.

I’m not sure I would find even a 500cc scooter as much fun as my Ninja 250 but scooters definitely have a very practical side and are more fun than a cage.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Wow, Excellent advice and a great way to put it.

Though I’m not sure about 110 on a Ninja 250 based on what I have read on other forums but I know it is very capable of 90 and will easily accelerate at 70.

Sounds like the OP has some experience so I imagine capable of the bigger bikes. Both have a lot of good reviews and the SV has a strong following.

Me I’m loving my older Ninja 250. Especially the price and insurance costs.

Craig

[CBBaron]

It depends.
I many states it is pretty easy to get a license on a dirt bike. You just need to install the legal hardware like lights and turn signals and pay the fees. Some enduro or trail bikes may even come with some or all that equipment. In other states they are much more strict and require emissions equipment and the model has the be legally designated a road going motorcycle. These models have the necessary equipment from the factory.

Dual sport motorcycles start at 200cc and go up to about 650cc with some dirt worthy twins even bigger. Bikes from KTM, Aprilla and Husky are basically street legal dirt bikes that offer high performance off-road but are expensive, require more maintenance and may not be well suited for street use. 200cc and 250cc air-cooled bikes are inexpensive and easy to learn but may struggle some at highway speeds.

Off road light weight is better, especially for a beginner. The more capable 250cc and 400cc bikes are often recommended. If you intend to do more road than off-road miles the 650cc bikes are better. The upgrade path is usually converted off-road models or the European models.

Lots of choices. Look up the KLX250s, WR250r, DRZ400, DR650 or KLR650 from lightest and lowest power to largest and most power.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Ninja 250r, Ninja 500r and GS500f are good beginner “sports” bikes. In quotes because they are really more standards with fairings.
There are some entry level 650 twins and 600s that are OK also but you are really going up in power.
The 250r is a little under 30hp but with accelerate from 70mph on the freeway and out run most cars to 60mph. The 650r has about 70hp which makes it a whole other class of machine.

Scour the craigslist ads and find yourself a good used bike in the category, Ride and enjoy.

Craig

[CBBaron]

+1 on the riding course and Ninja 250.
A riding course like the MSF gives you alot of good information about safety and general skills for riding a motorcycle. Since you are looking long term for buying you have plenty of time to signup for a course.

I don’t think there is an old man’s motorcycle except maybe BMWs and Goldwings but I don’t think anyone will recommend them for beginners.

If you like the sport bike style the Ninja 250 is a good starting bike. It is inexpensive easy to find on the used market and fairly light but still has plenty of power for highways or longer rides if you desire. The Ninja 500 and GS500F are not bad either but more powerful, heavier and more expensive which can make them harder to learn on.

I don’t think you have to crash a motorcycle when learning but many riders do end up with atleast a drop in their first year or two. Thats one reason why many recommend a used bike. Plus you will lose very little if you decide to change bikes in a year or two. However the newer (`08 and newer) Ninja 250r seem to be going for fairly high prices on the used market so a new one would not be a bad purchase if you really like them. The pre-08 models are very reasonably priced and a good value.
Fairings can be expensive to replace but if you are less concerned about looks they can be repaired or removed. Clutch, brake and shift levers are also commonly broken and are inexpensive. More serious accidents will ofcourse cost more in parts and labor.
Also realize that while you may save money on gas most of that savings ends up being eaten up in maintenance and tires. Most motorcycles require more maintenance than autos which can add up if you don’t do your own work. In addition tires cost more and need to be replaced much more often.
With a small bike you are way ahead of the bigger bikes in costs but it probably won’t be a huge savings over an auto in operation.

Craig

[CBBaron]

I believe most/all of the Japanese manufacturers have a cruiser in the 500-650cc range.
Sportsters have the advantage of a low seat and reasonable power (similar to a 650 sport twin) but they are heavy for a beginner. A sportster weighs around 550lb while something like a Ninja 500 is 400lb, and a 250r is about 350lb. This means slow speed handling can be a challenge to learn and little mistakes can result in a drop where a lighter bike you can recover.

If you are a large strong person then that may work for you. Myself i would rather get a good used smaller bike to learn on then when I have more confidence buy what I really want. I think I will know much better after riding a bike for 5 or 10 thousand miles what I want in a bike than I do right now.

Craig

[CBBaron]

+1 the Ninja 250. I’m 6’2″ 220# and have no problem at freeway speeds with the bike or out accelerating autos from an intersection. Especially if you are a beginner this is an excellent way to go. Plus the new ones look better than either of the 500s.

As for the 500s the Ninja appears to be more powerful and seems to beat the GS in most old reviews however there is not much difference between the 2 except looks and the air vs water cooling. If you must have one of these get the one that appeals to you most or that you can find the best price on.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Look in all the local craigslists for possible bikes. A tool like craigs helper that consolidates multiple cities can help.
At $1000 for a mid level bike you are looking at an older bike that will probably need some work and definitely maintenance. If you are not going to do the work yourself, you won’t be saving much over a newer model.

Craig

[CBBaron]

As everyone said as 500 or 650 twin is very powerful and fast but much easier to handle than the super sports. Plus the insurance is usually much lower.

I’m 6’2″ 220 and the 250r was easily able to do freeway speeds with power to accelerate. On one of the ninja forums there was a ride report of a 250r rider who did an Iron Butt ride on his. He went from OK to AZ to NC and back to OK in under 5 days (may have been 4). It is a very capable bike.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Two big difference between the 500r and bikes like the CBR600RR, the CBR has a much more aggressive riding position with low handlebars and higher and more rearward foot pegs. The position is likely to feel pretty cramped for a large rider and will make it difficult to handle as a beginner. They are really designed for riding very fast. The second big difference is much higher horsepower with a peaker, higher reving engine. Not that even a 500 doesn’t have a ton of power but the 600s have power to weight ratios comparable to supercars.

A Ninja 250r will fit you and be capable of 80+mph with good acceleration. I find the pre-08 models a little more comfortable but either is likely to work best with a suspension upgrade for your size. GS500s seemed to fit better than the Ninja 500 when I tried them out. Also the twin cylinder 650cc bikes like the SV650 or Ninja650r are reasonable starter bikes. Though even these are very fast and powerful which means the learning curve will be steeper.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Good resource for information about Ninja 250rs is the ninja250.com FAQ.

If you buy a used bike just assume that no maintenance has been done and have everything recommended by the users guide performed. Many of the tasks are not difficult if you want to learn to do them yourself. Even valve checks and adjustment doesn’t look to be too bad though i have not done mine yet.

A low mileage bike may need to have the carbs cleaned and the fluids replaced but is likely over all in better shape. If it runs well then you may be able to get away without a carb clean and just replace fluids and run a cleaner like Seafoam through the machine.

Craig

[CBBaron]

In Ohio its easy.
Go to the DMV.
Sit at a computer and take the “written” test.
Pay about $25 and get a new ID that is your temporary.
That is good for a year.
You are restricted from riding after dark or on the freeway but no restrictions on motorcycles (though there should be)
To get your permanent endorsement you have to take an on bike skills test.
If you take the BRC, the course will include the skills test. When you pass the test you go back to the DMV, pay another $25 and get your new ID with permanent MC endorsement.

You will need the learners permit for the BRC and I recommend taking the BRC before getting your own bike or attempting to ride on the road.

As for the BRC. Look in nearby counties for classes also. And if you want to get in sooner you can consider trying standby. At $25 its not uncommon for people to fail to show up, especially if weather is looking bad for the riding portion. You can show up to the class and take the spot of someone who skipped out. If you havn’t been there check out http://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/

I went through this process last fall and am just now getting a chance to ride. Got the bike I bought just after Thanksgiving out of storage yesterday.

Also I found a lot of good deals at New Enough. Some of their closeouts were really good values.

Good luck

Craig

[CBBaron]

I think the majority of motorcyclist in the US are hobbyist. And just look at the coin people spend on customization, most of which makes the bike less practical.
Unfortunately most are not interested in learning to ride better, they are more interested in looking cool and/or scaring themselves and others. Ofcourse this is true of most of the population in general, like you noted about drivers.
The ease of getting a license in the US doesn’t help any but even given the ease there are still plenty of unlicensed riders.

Craig

[CBBaron]

The “cost” of the course isn’t even a factor in Ohio as the state run course is $25.
Ofcourse you have to sign up for the course months in advance, then actually show up to complete it rain or heat.

Ohio also offers the ERC (experienced rider course) for $25 but there are not many classes offered. I hope to sign up for one in the fall to continue my education.

Craig

[Author]

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