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2018 Kawasaki Z650: First Ride/Review
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CBBaronParticipant
Feeling comfortable on some of the smaller bikes can be difficult at our size but the bikes can handle it no problem. When I was trying out bikes for size I found the pre-08 Ninja 250r, all the super-motos and nearly all of the dual-sports fit without a problem.
For a newbie large rider the super-motos and dual-sports have alot of advantages. They are light, can be dropped with little or no damage and most have modest easily controlled power. The one disadvantage of these bikes for most people is high seat heights but at 6’3″ that won’t be an issue. However super-motos are usually hard to find under $2k. The most SM models have not been around long and they have higher starting prices than other 250s. The highway capable dual-sports are similar except older models are available. The 200 and air-cooled 250s will struggle with freeway speeds. The SM bikes are designed for street use and not really intended for off-road trails though they are more capable off-road then other road bikes.
In sports bikes I found that the new gen Ninja 250r and the Ninja 500r have fairing cutouts that interfere with my knees. They are still rideable bt it seems like the crease near my knee would be uncomfortable very quickly. The pre-08 Ninja 250r does not have this problem and the GS-500F seemed like a great fit.
I ended up with a `06 Ninja 250r. The 250rs are very common and readily available on the used market. You can find nearly new bikes for under $2k. Plus the ninja has plenty of power for road use. Considerably more than most of the other 250s. The riding position is comfortable for new riders also with an upright sitting position.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantMy opinion is you can’t go wrong with a Ninja 250r. Enough power for any road but light, and easy to ride. They are cheap and readily available on the used market and not too hard to resell if you want to upgrade. Only problem is the new models (`08 and later) have a fairing crease that is too low for the long-legged. Not a problem with pre-08.
Though I have seen the FZ6r listed as an OK beginner bike so it would not be a problem either if you are comfortable and responsible on a bike.Craig
CBBaronParticipantThese two bikes are so different they are not really comparable except if you limit your question to a narrow focus. Like:
Which bike is easier to ride?
Which bike is more practical for my use?
Which bike is more efficient?If an electric bike meets you needs and you are willing to pay the premium for an eco bike then the Brammo looks like one of the best choices.
If you need a bike to do highway (>60mph), long trips (> 40miles round trip), or cost is a major factor then the Ninja is far superior.Either should be easy to ride, however the Brammo with its scooter like controls is probably easier. The Brammo has no clutch or gears so its just twist an go. It looks like a neat bike and a fun ride, but it is no motorcycle replacement.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantYes the 250r is enough bike and no the 500r is most like not too much bike.
The ninja 250r will do freeway speeds without a problem, it tops out north of 90mph. It easily handles my 6’2″ 220lb frame though the newer model has a minor ergonomic issue for me, it won’t be a problem for someone more average height.
Take the MSF first before deciding what to buy. The class is great and you will be much more comfortable on a bike after the class.
The Ninja 250 felt like a much bigger and more powerful motorcycle than the MSF bikes (TW200, Rebel, Nighthawk) but still light and easy to ride.Craig
CBBaronParticipantBiker Paws seems to have been discontinued.
Perhaps check out Hippo Hands, which appear to be a similar product with good reviews.Craig
CBBaronParticipantRead the article on why a 600cc is a bad idea, listen to the other experienced riders here, including many who currently own a supersport. Just avoid it for a first bike.
Instead get a nice used ninja 250r. pre-08 ninjas are usually less than $2000 and many are available. You can learn and thrash on that bike for a year or 2 and if you decide to upgrade you will lose little on the sale. The 250r has enough power to exceed any speed limit in the US and can out accelerate most sports cars from a stop.
Other good choices include the GS500F and ninja 500r. A little more expensive and not as common but you still can probably find some good used ones without a problem.Don’t think you have to get “the bike” you will keep for your first bike. In fact that is probably a bad choice as you don’t yet know what you really want. It seems no matter what bike a person starts out with he ends up changing bikes 3 or more times in the first few years of riding. You might as well start out on a cheap bike that is easy to learn.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantNot from NY but my sister lives in Rochester so I’m familiar with the area. There is a huge difference between up-state and down-state(NYC) in NY. The suburban area around Rochester is pretty small and the area is pretty rural otherwise. And you are close to some pretty good riding in the Finger Lakes region and the other hilly regions nearby. The city is pretty small so its easy to get out of. Nothing like the urban areas of CA. Outside of a moderate rush hour traffic is usually not too bad.
However riding is more of a 6month thing in Rochester. It is the snowiest major city in the US!As for the 250r, I have an ’06. It has a surprising amount of power. Plenty to out accelerate all but the fastest cars from a stop and exceed any speed limit. It is pretty light and the fairings make it easy to be blown around but it is still very capable on the highway. Best part is they are cheap and readily available. Just about the most common bike out there. And insurance is cheap too.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantI won’t be riding for a few months due to weather but once things clear up I will contribute. Keep the tags coming.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantEither one will handle your weight without a problem, after all both are capable of being ridden 2 up. However you may find the DR200se is pretty small.
These two bikes are very different segments of the dual sport market. The DR200se is an inexpensive trail bike and competes with the TW200, XT250 and Super Sherpa. The DRZ has fairly advanced suspension and a water cooled engine. The SM version has sportbike tires that make it alot of fun on the pavement. Comparable bikes are the WR250x and KLX250sf.
These bikes are much taller and considerably more powerful. Ofcourse they are also more expensive.The DR650 and KLR650 are also good bikes to consider for a larger rider. These dual sport thumpers are lighter and less powerful than the 650 twin street bikes, and the seat heights will not be any problem for someone your size. They are also less expensive than the DRZ and WRX.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantSorry didn’t mean to imply that a dealer would get a premium over list for the DRZ just the the DRZ cost about $2000 more than the ninja 250.
When I was looking I found quite a few 250rs in good shape for under $2000 but not a single DRZ for under $4000 and SM models were even more expensive. However I was only looking locally so other areas may have a different market.
However the DRZ and ninja are very different so if you really like the DRZ go with it.Craig
CBBaronParticipantIf you live in an area with deer be very careful after dark. Vast majority of deer hits are after dark and most of those are in October and November.
I think in the fall I will limit my riding to urban or daylight only.
I’ll have to get some of that SOLAS tape for my helmet and rack trunk. It much less effective in an urban environment but every little bit helps.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantOne other difference is price. The Ninja 250 is very common and older models can be found cheap. The DRZ is much less common and can be hard to find at a good price. Combine that with a 50% premium on list price for the DRZ and you will likely pay much more to get the SM.
However I also really like the DRZ and it was on my short list, price ended up being the deciding factor for me. Its tall for the average rider but if your tall then it fits better.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantThats a good price if the bike is in good shape, however it may seem small for your size. I think they are a really good bike for short riders because the seat is so low, but they felt cramped for me at 6’2″. At 5’10” you will fit better but it will still be small.
I think 250s are still a great starter bike as is the 500s. I have a ninja 250 that is plenty fast enough. The 250 dual-sports also fit me nice. A 500 like the GS500 or ninja 500 would also be good but will also be more expensive to buy and insure.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantGiven your mechanical ability I would look for a bike without problems for a first. I’m somewhat comfortable around machines but no mechanic, and I felt much better getting a like new Ninja 250 with 1000 miles and no damage. I paid twice what you are looking at but have a bike that was ready to ride and looks great. With only 1000 miles and no obvious damage I should be free from problems caused by abuse from the previous owner.
$800 is a good price if it runs well and is in rideable shape, but only if you have the knowledge to fix any problems yourself. Once you start paying someone else it can eat money real fast.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantBeing a tall guy looking for a cheap beginner you are in a similar position to where I was. First thing I found was that most small bikes do fit very well. The ’08 and newer Ninja 250 and the Ninja 500s have a fairing crease that hits on my knee instead of above it. The small cheap dual sports seem really short and cramped. And on the 250 cruisers and standards my knees interfere with the handle bars.
However I did find that the older (`07 and earlier) Ninja 250s did not interfere with my knees and they are readily available for well under $2000.
GS500s and the taller dual sports/supermotos (klx250, wr250, dr-z400, and larger) also fit nice. However these are more expensive so you have to look for older bikes to get within your price range. The dual-sports in particular are much less common and bikes like the klx and wr are newer models without much older stock for sale. You may find a drz-400 in that price range and dr650 or klr650 can usually be found fairly cheap. However the 650s are pretty big especially for a new off-road rider.
So I have an `06 Ninja 250. Figure I can sell it in a couple years for a couple hundred less than I paid for if I want. In the mean time, insurance is cheap, its light on the fuel looks good and is very capable of any sane speeds. Though I almost did buy a late ’90s DR650.
Craig
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