[CBBaron]

I have an `06 Ninja 250. I have not kept accurate records but I am getting over 60 MPG and possibly over 70MPG.
That includes probably 10% freeway (70+mph). 30-40% urban traffic with lots of lights (great practice for clutch and shifting) and the rest 45-60mph rural roads. No curves around here

I think I need to keep better records so I know for sure.

Craig

[CBBaron]

If you are less concerned about looks I have seen good reviews on both bead seat covers and sheepskin. Much cheaper than a new seat.

I’m not too disappointed in the comfort of my `06 Ninja 250 but my knees cramp up after about an hour of riding. I really could use a little more space. I may try one of these to give myself a little more space. At 6’2″ I don’t have any problem putting my feet down on any bike, but most are very cramped in peg to seat distance.

Craig

[CBBaron]

There are Givi systems for almost any mid-sized bike.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/743/

I like the looks of the PLX system better than the traditional as it hugs closer but ofcourse that means the interior space on the bags are a little odd shaped.

Craig

[CBBaron]

The FZ6 and FZ6R are inline-4 600cc bikes with detuned supersport motors and more upright riding position. The GSX650F is also an inline-4 in a small sport-touring format. Otherwise the 600cc inline-4s have race tuned performance and aggressive riding positions that make them more difficult and less comfortable on the street.
The above bikes compete with the 650 twin bikes like the SV650, Gladius, Ninja 650r and EN-6R.

Super-motos and Dual sports both look like alot of fun. They have much more sensible speeds for street and urban use, however I have heard from riders that wheelies, curb jumping and general hooliganism is much too tempting on these machines. So tickets are not necessarily avoided, though I would guess you are less likely to kill yourself.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Yea the SV650 ended in 2008 but there are quite a few available used. The Gladius is basically the same bike with a new look and name.
The SV650S is not the same bike. It has clip-on handle bars and more rearset pegs causing a more aggressive riding position.

You wife may like one of the naked or faired standards mentioned above. Very different look but a similar riding position to the Bonnie but somewhat lighter.

I know what you mean by keeping you options open. I can see why some people get a new bike every year, or have a half dozen bikes in the garage.
I really like my Ninja 250 but I could use a little more leg room. Dual-sports are also intriguing, especially given the condition of the city streets I commute on and my parents dirt road. And bikes like the Bonnie just look great.

Too many toys, too little time or money!!!

Craig

[CBBaron]

15. Beware of tuner cars- their drivers may be aggressive after watching the Fast and Furious movies.

Not many tuner cars around here but aggressive drivers drive all kinds of vehicles. Junkers, minivans, luxury, bland sedans, I’ve seen plenty of aggressive driving in all. If you see aggressive behavior try to stay far away as they are more likely to cause sudden maneuvers by other near by vehicles also.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Well a Sportster 883 is right about 550lb.
The Vulcan 500 is quite a bit lighter at about 475.
The Triumph Bonneville has the classic look but is a standard at around 500.

Not cruisers but naked standards like the SV650 and EN6r are between 400 and 450.

Cruisers in general are large and heavy with few models under 1000cc and 600lb.
Light weight mid-sized bikes are much easier to find in standards (faired and naked) and dual-sport/adventure bikes. There are several twins and detuned fours near 650cc that would make a nice upgrade with being expensive.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Agree, Best choice is solder and heat shrink tubing. If you are really scared of solder (it’s easy) then a crimp connection with heat shrink tubing it OK.
Twist connections will loosen from the vibration on a vehicle and eventually fail. No the mention they are not sealed so corrosion will happen even if they don’t loosen.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Also remember that the SV weighs a considerable amount more than the 250r.

Personally I would look for a good used 250 of some sort to ride for the first year then if you feel you need a change you can sell it and buy the new bike you feel you really want. You are much more likely to have a slow speed drop the first year. A lighter bike will make that less likely, but if you do it will affect the value of a used bike less. If you do decide to change you will likely get most of your cost back in the sale.

The Ninja 250, Nighthawk, or 250cc dual sports are all great places to start with standard riding positions. There are some options to lower the foot pegs and raise the handlebars on the Ninja 250r if you want to open up the cockpit a little bit on that bike.

However you can learn to ride on the SV, even without the restrictor, if you take your time and can show restraint. The power is not crazy and controllable. The learning curve just may be a little steeper and longer.

Craig

[CBBaron]

For a starter bike used is almost always a better deal. But if you have to have new any of those bikes I think would make a good starter.
Just be aware that the WR250 and to a lesser extend the KLX250 have fairly tall seat heights. If you have average or shorter inseam they may be intimidating to begin on.
The Ninja is probably the best deal in a street bike and the most capable street and highway bike you listed. However the others all have better off-road suspension and are lighter.
I think based on getting what you pay for the Ninja is the best deal and the CRF is the worst with the others priced reasonably. However each has its own pluses and minuses. I think all would make a great bike to own.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Ninja 250s are great starter bikes. The suspension can be lowered if you need it but you give up suspension range and some cornering as it lowers the pegs.
I find that my Ninja handles the poor roads better than my car but I have the older Ninja model which has softer suspension. I would expect the newer model would be a little more harsh but would not be upset much.

A magnetic tank bag is a convenient way to carry a small amount on the bike. Similar in size to a student back pack or a little smaller. They are easily removed and most come with some kind of shoulder strap.

Craig

[CBBaron]

I think the CRF230m is the supermoto.
For the looks and specs it looks like a good bike for a beginner with light weight, low seat height (for a SM) and can be dropped with minimal damage.
However as mentioned it does appear to be expensive for what it provides compared to its competitors.
It has less power and less impressive suspension than the KLX250sf or the WR250x but is priced comparable to the KLX. The CRF is an air cooled carbureted 230cc while the KLX is a water cooled 250 and the WR is fuel injected.
Look at bikes like the DR200se, TW200, XT250 and Super Sherpa for similar bikes that are considerably cheaper. These are all dual sports but have lower seat heights and most are just as capable on the as the CRF with a change of tires.

Craig

[CBBaron]

My reasons for textile were:
I wanted a jacket in Hi-Vis that was water proof/resistent, and had enough vents for riding in warm weather that wouldn’t break the bank. Basically a do it all jacket for a reasonable price. A textile was the only option.

I would not mind getting a nice leather jacket for cool dry weather and a mesh one for the worst heat, but those conditions are not that common in Ohio so those jackets can wait.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Scooters are doing fairly well in the US recently. Mostly because scooter riders are not concerned about the look or top speed, but looking for efficient and function. Small scooters are fuel efficient, inexpensive, have nice storage space and are very easy to ride. Plus in may areas with limited or expensive parking and traffic congestion they can be much quicker through the streets and easier to park.

Craig

[CBBaron]

Actually I do know of a 125cc street bike in the US and a couple 200cc. The Kawasaki Eliminator is a 125cc cruiser style motorcycle. The DR200se and TW200 are 200cc dual sports. However I think that is about it for sub 250cc street legal motorcycles.

I think this a great site for US beginner motorcyclists who have people telling them a HD Sportster 883 and CBR600RR are beginner bikes. And license requirements in the US don’t help matter when you can take a written test and pay $25 for a temp license and legally go ride a Hayabusa.

I look forward to your reports about how things are different on the other side of the pond.

Craig

[Author]

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