[Shadow89]

The Ninja 250 is def. not slow. You make it sound like if I was putting down the bike. I would never put shame on my own bike. When I said it was meant for low speeds I meant speed that a beginner would feel comfortable riding, usually 50-70. As for me, I have way more highway miles than city miles. As soon as I passed the breaking point I got on the highway. Riding back on forth on the highway I feel comfortable enough that I can maintain the motorcycle at a higher speed. Like you said “It can handle any legal speed (including going over to the point of wreckless driving on the highway in most states) without a problem,” and I can back that up with personal experience.

[Shadow89]

Hey Safetyfirst,

I’m actually surprised to hear someone from my area. I also grew up in Detroit but now currently reside in Lansing. I can tell you one thing about the Ninja 250, there’s no way in hell a hybrid/fuel saver of a Honda or any other make that can go from Lansing to Detroit on 6 bucks. (Around 85 miles).

After I read more of the 600 articles it does seem to be a little chaotic. A lot of bikes have been suggested. The one thing that I have noticed in all my time of motorcycle research is that people focus too much on the cc number. People should actually look closer at the specs and see strokes and cylinders. For example, the Ninja 650 vs. Ninja ZX-6r. Like you pointed out the 650 has a parallel-twin but as for the ZX-6r runs on 4. 650cc vs. 600cc? Obvious who the winner is, no? Not to all.

My current research on bigger bikes is still in it’s early phases. I did note the Ninja 650r and the SV650s. I also was looking into see if I could get a older, 2001-2009, 600 4 cylinder and just remove some of the body. That way if I do drop it or something happens I really don’t have to worry about dropping 300-500 dollars on body work. Without some of the parts it’ll resemble a stunt bike. Once I get more experience I can then worry about the appearance of the bike.

[Shadow89]

Hey lethalllama,

You remind me of how I thought when was first considering a motorcycle. As I stated in my post my dream beginner bike was a Yamaha r6. I think seeing one and what it is capable knocked some sense into me. Eternal05 has a point, a 250 will provide a great riding experience on a safe level. You didn’t hear this from me but top speed on my 250r is 100-105mph, which is more than enough for beginners. At 17 I doubt you’ll be doing high speed racing, so the 250 has unbeatable gas mileage ideal for commuting. Plus if you do get bored of your 250 in a couple of months you can always drop money on tuning and upgrades. A full exhaust system can add 4-5hp and give the motorcycle a better sound.

[Shadow89]

That’s very true eternal05, since most 250’s are meant for low speeds the engines are tuned to low to mid range. I’ve noticed that on my 250r the engine revs closer to the red line regardless of speeds. Even expert riders have pointed out that when test riding one.

[Shadow89]

Hey Njfife,

I personally own the new Ninja; 09 Ninja 250r. Regarding your motorcycle issue I would go with the 500 over the Katana. As Spool mentioned the Katana has a 4 cylinder 600cc. The cc isn’t much of a problem because I have also test drove the Ninja 650r. The 650 has 2 cylinder engine making it easier to ride compared to a 4 cylinder 600. If you are worried about your weight then I wouldn’t recommend the Ninja 250r. It all comes down to your experience and comfort zone. If you don’t have much experience then go with the 500. The best thing to do is try to test ride one before actually buying. That usually makes the breaking point on deciding. If you can’t test ride one then at least sit on one and see how it feels, check how low it is from the ground, etc. Comfort is important, especially for big guys. Hopefully that helps.

[Shadow89]

In response to the initial post, I feel the opposite. Ever since I started to drive I try to notice everything; traffic intensity, predicting traffic and the road itself. Since the beginning I felt that it was was more exciting to do it, kept me interested. Once I got my motorcycle I was glad that I payed attention to all those details. Not only do I have to be more cautious when riding but the small thing that we take for granite well driving, such as pot holes, wind, blind spots, etc., we notice more while riding. The one thing that I have noticed more while riding is the riding community. What I mean by that is when I’m riding I get some kind of acknowledgment when I come across another rider. You don’t even have to know the person yet I find myself of exchanging greetings with complete strangers. As for a vehicle, all you get the middle finger from road rage.

[Author]

Posts