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Arai Corsair-X Helmet Review: Rea-5 Graphic Edition
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RupmiscParticipant
You can say that again. I’d love a nighthawk in a 450. I just want to sit upright, or just a little forward on a naked bike without having my knees higher than my hips. Especially with gas prices so high, and the success of the Ninja 250 in 2008, one would hope for more standards.
Well, I’ll pay my dues on whatever works best-probably a Ninja 500R, but I look forward to the day that I can realistically a larger standard.
July 7, 2008 at 3:39 am in reply to: H-D Sportster, Ducati Mini Monster, BMW 800(sport-touring) #8462RupmiscParticipantIf I understand you, then, the light weight is the key. The Sportster is far slower 0-60, than the Ninja 500, and has a lower top speed. It is heavier, and lower. Is maneuverability the key?
I am 6 feet/ 190 lbs, 32 inseam. I feel a little scrunched on the nighthawk 250. Can’t get a new Ninja 250. Guess that leaves cruisers, but I really prefer to have my feet centered rather than forward.
On the ninja 500, my knees can come up a little above the indentation in the gas tank (at least that is sitting in the showroom). Still, that is the current frontrunner as best choice. Can anyone tell me if I am ok with the 500R if my knees are positioned as described?
RupmiscParticipantJust asking? Is it the pegs that mate it a cruiser. It would be nice if there were a few more standards that might be suitable for a beginner. I don’t have a problem getting my feet on the ground, I just don’t want to feel quite so hunched up.
RupmiscParticipantThe Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycles has some interesting opinions. It seems (if I didn’t misunderstand) that the author finds most middle weight cruisers to be acceptable for new riders. He also seems to think that the BMW 800 sport-touring bike is ok for beginners, as is the Harley Sportster (833). He also recommends the Ducati (mini monster).
I’m still planning to go with a Ninja 500R, even though the 650 is more comfortable. I dislike really forward foot controls. I sat on the Harley 833 today and found it uncomfortable because some piece of the engine pressed into my right leg, and stopped me from getting my knee on the tank (too bad because the pegs were OK). Also too bad, the Dyna was comfortable as hell (but also heavy, powerful, and expensive); but i might be able to get used to an extra pair of pegs (“highway pegs”) for leisurely cruising. Maybe on my second bike.
Anyway, I put this here because the Idiot’s guide seems to think that cruisers, being less aggressive, are safer for many new riders. I, myself, have no opinion on safety, but would enjoy comments on some of the “standards” like the small Ducati, the BMW, the Sportster, and the Dyna (the last just because it is so comfortable).
I would also like to know which “cruisers” which would be suitable for a new rider, have more central foot pegs.
RupmiscParticipantAcidpope: I am afraid of locking up my brakes. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to learn where the threshold is. I know that I’m not supposed to compare motorcycles with cars, but in this case it might make sense. A small percentage of drivers who have learned threshold breaking, and practice it, can stop faster than when they are using ABS. That is probably true of riders as well. But for the newbie, or rider who doesn’t practice, ABS sounds reasonable. But, dealer probably can’t find an SV with ABS, and I don’t trust dealer to “find me one”. Someone suggested that the Kawasaki 650R was available with ABS but I haven’t seen that anywhere.
I really don’t think that the 500R is better (or worse) looking that the 650R or the SV. I was trying to say that I am inclined to take the advice of some who have said that the 500R is a friendlier bike than the other two. If anyone believes that the 650R or the SV are as new rider friendly, I’d like to know before I get the 500 (which seems slightly less upright).
RupmiscParticipantYou are probably right. It was more a question of uprightness, and technology, than anything else. The 650R is fuel injected, recently redesigned, has larger, wider wheels (which I figured would help stability). A dealer “had a problem” after taking a deposit on a 250R (smaller than 500)that would be picked up within a week out of state (I should have smelled trouble when He wouldn’t give me a VIN). But I can afford to learn correctly, and wait. And for the record, I can’t see why people think the 500R is better or worse looking than any other bike.
I hope it isn’t that I don’t “get it”, but am looking for comfort and safety. I don’t really care about “cool”. My ego is not vehicle dependent. In fact, I’ll take a lot of gratuitous abuse from acquaintances, simply for being on two wheels. If I liked having my feet in front of me, I’d go cruiser. If I thought it would be an OK first bike, and if I could find a dealer, my taste runs toward the Truimph Bonneville. Sitting still, the 650R seemed more comfortable.
The dealer who has yet to refund my deposit (will check Monday or just tell AmEx to charge it back), says he can find a naked Suzuki 650 with ABS-but I do have a trust issue there for some reason (dealer, not bike). I’m ready to get something before the summer is over.
So, I guess, officially, as of now, I’m leaning to the 500R. Thanks.
I have a 500R question, but I’ll post it under the review.
RupmiscParticipantI haven’t seen that. Looked into finding SV650 with ABS….about as much chance as finding a ninja 250R 2008. Thanks for the info. Will spend the next three days overthinking. (just my nature).
RupmiscParticipantMatt, I noticed a comment of yours on another thread, and asked there too. If I understand you, event hough the 650R is a bit more upright than the 500R [?], and not that much heavier, would you say that the 500R is a much better beginner bike than the 650R for a 54 year old beginner, fresh out of the MSF course?
By the way, after reading “Precision Motorcycling”, I am beginning to wonder if all MSF courses are equal. Mine, in MA, was held in a very small parking lot. It was not possible to exceed 20mph for more than a second or so. I wonder if I even got a chance to get the hang of counter-steering in any turn given the physical constraints of the space. I am determined to practice in a larger controlled area. Are most MSF courses held in larger areas, where there is more opportunity to practice?
RupmiscParticipantSorry, I don’t wish to highjack this thread, but Matt has raised an interesting side question. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycles lists both the SV650, and the Ducati, as good bikes for beginning riders (ease of handling, and controllable predictable power). Before I go and get a 500R on Monday, is the 650R also to be recommended as a beginner bike?
RupmiscParticipantGuess what? My salesman called today and explained that the 250 was not going to be delivered. According to him, the out of state dealer who had agreed to sell two Ninja 250s had backed out of the deal. Of course, his dealership was SHOCKED, and hoped I wouldn’t think badly of them. Further, when I brought by receipt back, my salesman would initiate the process to refund my $500 deposit (made by credit card and can, I know, be credited instantly). In short, I was not totally surprised. Told the salesman that although I liked him, his manager would have to act quickly if they ever wanted business from me. I want the $ credited to my account before I talk any other bike. We’ll see what happens.
So, back to choice of two to three bikes— New Ninja 500, New Ninja 650 (would really like to see review- is two cylinder), or possibly Suzuki 650 with ABS (I am indifferent to naked or sport). Dealer says V series higher and more difficult to ride (which probably means they can’t find any. I know some think that the 650 Suzuki is good for beginners. I am wondering if I would be more comfortable on ninja 650 than on 500. Those books I’m reading seem to suggest that any of the three are OK. Hope to get opinion on Ninja 650. I know megazpaz likes his Suzuki.
But I’m sick of waiting. So, either tomorrow or Monday–bite bullet. Welcome any new info.
RupmiscParticipantIt’s been about 6 days and still no definitive response from dealer about when his driver will pick up the bike from a dealer in another state. He has, so far, been unable to provide a VIN, and I am beginning to wonder if the bike will come in. However, I know where to find a couple of 500s or even a 650 (different dealer) if this falls through.
Been reading the Complete Idiot’s Guide, and Proficient motorcycling. The former recommends the 500R but doesn’t say much about the 250. It also suggests that either the Suzuki 650VS or the BMW 800 would be good beginner bikes. After reading all about too much front braking with lighter bikes, the need for serious protective clothing, and survival skills, I wonder if I shouldn’t be getting a slightly heavier bike, or am just nuts.
Good thing that I want to learn the skills, and an perfectly happy to move larger for next season. I sense some jitters of anticipation. The waiting is hard for me.
RupmiscParticipantLike that part about benefits of being older. I am 54. I never took a driving course that wasn’t beneficial, and I suspect the same is true for the MSF. Also good point about bad habits, but I’ll probably discover some anyway-trusting the lean is tough. I am looking forward to some quality time with the alleged bike that is allegedly on the way, especially if I can find a nice quiet parking lot.
RupmiscParticipantMy family would probably appreciate it, too. Better the bike than me?
RupmiscParticipantI always say. I suspect that between demand this year, and gas prices, Kawasaki will be making a lot more 250s for 2009. One wonders if smaller standard bikes might make a comeback.
RupmiscParticipantWell, I guess you learned pretty fast, as your advice has been pretty reasonable. Good that I made a decision before I read your post megaspaz, otherwise I might have had to think for another week before coming to the same conclusion.
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