[PhilUp]

Hello Joyinc!

I think the Ninja 250 is a great choice as a starter/learner. The 2008 and 2009 models are updated from previous years. There is a full-length review on these newer models on this site to give you an idea of the changes. The older ones seem to have a more upright riding position for what it is worth. Buying used is a good option in terms of cost, plus you will not mind as much if you end up dropping it. I think santacruz rider’s advice on having someone with you who knows bikes or getting a mechanic/dealer to check it out before purchase is very sound. Plus, if you want to move up or buy a new 250 later, you can sell yours without taking too much of a hit from the depreciation.
Here is a good site for 250 info:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/New_Riders

There are a quite a few textile/non-leather options.

http://veganmotorcyclist.com/gear.htm

[PhilUp]

Maybe you will have to find which online retailer’s return policy allows you to be able to try on helmets and return them without a restocking fee. Might end up still having to pay to ship it back though. Just to let you know, I have suomy spec-1r which fit my head the best. Scorpion also fit me pretty well. I tried arai, shoei, and agv to no avail. The shark helmets are extremely nice, but alas, did not work for my head shape. To loose around the cheeks. I am somewhere between a round and oval head shape.

[PhilUp]

Make sure the helmet is for your head shape. You can only know this by trying on a variety of helmets from different manufacturers. My helmet fit snug, and I had a little pressure on the center of my forehead. I had headaches for the first 2 weeks or so til the helmet was broken in. Now it fits and feels perfect and best of all, no headaches!

[PhilUp]

The 500r if you are talking about the ninja is a parallel twin not an i-4. As to what makes a good beginner bike for you, I think that is up to you. Most of the bikes recommended on this site for beginners take many factors into account, riding position and ergonomics, cost, power, and manageability. A v-twin will have more torque but less horsepower and lower engine speed. Take the ninja 650r for example. I think it will have like 65 hp. Much more manageable for everyday riding situations. Most of those super sport bikes have over 100 hp and are essentially race bikes made street legal. You won’t legally or safely untap their potential until you hit the track. I read all the research and advice when I got my first bike and decided on a ninja 250 only because I wanted to have as many variables working in my favor with the goal of becoming a good and safe rider. If I hit a bump and roll the throttle on my 250, I will learn from my mistake without injury and live to use that experience. Do that with a r6 or a cbr600rr, I am not so sure the outcome will be the same. I love riding but I totally recognize the dangers that it can present. Why not take it slow and work your way up? Only you really know what you are willing to risk and handle, though.

[PhilUp]

I don’t know what you did, but it worked. Megaspaz was that you? Thanks for sorting that out.

[PhilUp]

Ha! I will keep that in mind the next time. Any alternatives? I can’t seem to just post from my desktop.

[PhilUp]

Hmm. I tried to post some pics but don’t see anything on my end. What am I doing wrong? I tried using photobucket.

[PhilUp]

Finally took some pics.

[PhilUp]

Geico gave me the lowest quote as well. Plus, they have added discounts on Kawasakis, if you are into that sort of thing.

[PhilUp]

I am 5’11, 180 lbs, and the ninja 250 pushes me around no problem.

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/New_Riders

This is a very informative ninja 250 site. Should answer any concerns you might have on the 250’s capabilities.

[PhilUp]

I had none experience on a bike and took the class. During the first couple of drills, I felt like I was going to fail, but I started to get the hang of it. I think as long as you can get the concept of shifting down, you will be fine without prior practice. The MSF instructors teach you techniques as if you had never been on a bike before which I think establishes good riding habits.

[PhilUp]

I was definitely nervous the first time hitting the streets after the MSF. After the first ride, I realized that I actually had learned something in the class and was pretty comfortable. I just needed to take some time to get the basics down. I am not as nervous now, but still have that “everyone’s out to get me” mindset.

[PhilUp]

Great info! I will eventually need to start commuting to school on my bike. This will require about 25 miles on the freeway one way. I am trying to decide between a leather suit or a textile oversuit such as the ones by Aerostitch or the A* 360 drystar. I have read that the Aerostitch is very comparable to leather, but I am not sure if that is really the case. The thing I like about the textile suits is that you can where it over your clothes and get in it and out of it pretty quick. Also living in the Bay Area, you can go from different weather environments in one ride. I like the textile suit for the fact that it can be useful in multiple climates. Is leather that much more protective than let’s say an Aerostitch Roadcrafter? I guess best case scenario would be a textile suit for commuting and full racing leathers for weekend twisty riding, but that is an expenditure to say the least, and I can’t afford that yet. Anything comparable to Aerostitch gear but cheaper?

[PhilUp]

I just started riding and chose a 2005 ninja 250. It is lightweight, very maneuverable, and has an upright riding position. I think an overall great bike as a starter. If you have any questions regarding its capabilities, such as how it handles the freeway, you can check the ninja250.org. A lot of good information on the bike. I am 5’11”, 180 lbs, and it hauls me around just fine. The newer ones 2008 and up look pretty hot as well. Welcome!

[PhilUp]

I have always liked naked, standard type bikes. I am thinking of maybe a naked sv650, honda hornet, or a fz6. Who knows? By the time I need to upgrade, I might go cruiser all the way!

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