any motorcycle riders out there???

[powercatmiller]

 My wife and I have discussed buying a bike to ride around town on, no long trips maybe a day trip around Lake Perry on a sunday or something but something mostly just to get outside and enjoy ourselves with, plus me driving 35 miles one way to work everyday gives me a excuse

I have been looking at the Ninja 250R it retails for $3500 brand new. Keep in mind I have never rode a bike before. Would this be a good beginners bike. Here are the specs/

Engine Type Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
 
Displacement 249 cc
 
Bore & Stroke 62.0 x 41.2mm
 
Maximum Torque 22 Nm (2.24 kgf/m) 16.2 lb-ft/9,500 rpm
 
Compression Ratio 11.6:1
 
Carburetor Keihin CVK30 x 2
 
Ignition Digital
 
Transmission 6-Speed
 
Final Drive O-Ring Chain
 
Cooling Liquid
 
Frame Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
 
Rake/Trail 26 degrees / 3.2 in.
 
Front Tire Size 110/70-17
 
Rear Tire Size 130/70-17
 
Wheelbase 55.1 in.
 
Front Suspension / wheel travel 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
 
Rear Suspension / wheel travel Bottom-Link uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.1 in.
 
Front Brake Type Single 290mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper
 
Rear Brake Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper
 
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.8 gal.
 
Seat Height 30.5 in.
 
Dry Weight 333 lbs. / 337 lbs. (CA-model)
 
Overall length 82.1 in.
 
Overall width 28.1 in.
 
Overall height 43.7 in.
 
Color Lime Green, Ebony, Passion Red, Candy Plasma Blue
 
Warranty 12 months
 
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36, 48 months
 

[AzCat]

Anything with lots of easily broken plastic bits is a very poor choice for a first ride.  There are two types of riders: those who dumped their first bike one or more times at low speeds or while stopped and liars.  A small used Japanese cruiser is the starter bike of choice for just about everyone.  Anything clean, cheap, in the 600cc range, and featuring absolutely no plastic fairings of any kind is where you want to go.

But above all else, please take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course before you ever ride on the street.  Even folks who've ridden for years can learn quite a bit from the Basic Rider Course.  Not only is it hugely valuable, it might just save your life.

[SUPERKSUFAN]

We have a Harley Fatboy.  We live around Lake Perry as well but, we go everywhere on our bike.  At the end of the month we are going to Eureka Springs, AK

[AzCat]

And when you've got a year or two under your belt you can pick up one of these.  It's good to see that someone is still building 'em right. 

 

[ECN]

i got one of these:



but if youre a beginner...save it for later.





sheeeeeeee's a bad bitch



of course this isnt your standard. a few mod's took place:

    * Custom gloss black paint done by Drury Body Shop
    * OEM Marchesini aluminum wheels refinished with brushed centers and polished lips
    * Sargent Sport Skinz replacement seat cover
    * '99-'00 Supersport black tank pad
    * Termignoni high mount carbon fiber slip-on exhaust
    * K&N air filter with open air box lid
    * 14 tooth front sprocket
    * Evap canister removed
    * Barnett performance clutch
    * Billet clutch cover
    * Woodcraft-CFM rearset footpegs mounted to modified OEM brackets
    * Woodcraft-CFM rearset brake and shift pedals
    * Billet front sprocket cover
    * OEM timing belt covers painted satin black
    * DesmoParts full stainless steel fastener kit
    * Lockhart Phillips Flush Mount V clear front turn signals
    * Lockhart Phillips Qualifier mirrors
    * Brushed aluminum mirror mounting bases
    * Brushed aluminum gauge trim panel
    * Pro-Tek billet aluminum clutch and front/rear brake master cylinder reservoir covers
    * Vee Two billet aluminum oil fill plug
    * Custom brushed aluminum front fender mounting clamps
    * Pro-Tek billet handlebar bar ends in brushed aluminum finish
    * Clear Alternatives clear taillight with integrated turn signals
    * Rear inner fender delete
    * Custom license plate bracket and light
    * Inspection sticker relocated to swingarm
    * Rear tire hugger fender cut down to ultra-short version
    * Front fender reflectors removed
    * Evoluzione kickstand wiring bypass

[AzCat]

Here's mine:



Stock other than the catalytic converterectomy I performed and the Corbin bags.  This sort of thing is also best saved for later. 

[pufizzle]

I drive a 150cc scooter to work everyday.  She's a beeeotch.   




But 80 mpg!! 

[AzCat]

I don't think my bike would make the new CAFE standard for four-wheeled vehicles.   

[cireksu]

Anything with lots of easily broken plastic bits is a very poor choice for a first ride.  There are two types of riders: those who dumped their first bike one or more times at low speeds or while stopped and liars.  A small used Japanese cruiser is the starter bike of choice for just about everyone.  Anything clean, cheap, in the 600cc range, and featuring absolutely no plastic fairings of any kind is where you want to go.

But above all else, please take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course before you ever ride on the street.  Even folks who've ridden for years can learn quite a bit from the Basic Rider Course.  Not only is it hugely valuable, it might just save your life.

my father in law is an avid rider (rode motorcross in his younger days) and he raves about the safety course.  good advice.

[BigXIIpowercat]

The MSF should be a must for new riders, it really should. A ninja 250 is a fine beginner bike, but I'd get a 500 if you're going to ride 2 up (which I'd wait a while before putting someone else in possible danger). I think I rode for over a year before letting someone else on with me, but YMMV.

Stay away from any inline 4 that is 600 or higher until you've ridden a few thousand miles at least.

BTW - go here http://www.sportbikes.net/forums/index.php? for more advice. There's a ton of people just like you with the same questions. There's a "new rider forum".

[powercatmiller]

Thanks guys for the tips I checked out the websites you guys have suggested, and every bit of info is valubale. I told my wife that she wont ride with me for a long time and she was dissapointed. I told her I would probaly get the nija 500 then we started looking and we can get 2 250's for about $500 more so Im trying to convince her that it would be more fun if we were both riding. SHe is only 5'2" so we are going to Kawasaki to let her sit on some bikes to see if she feels comfy. Hell we might just buy the 500 and after a while let her ride around a parking lot to see if she likes it.

[powercatmiller]

And when you've got a year or two under your belt you can pick up one of these.  It's good to see that someone is still building 'em right. 

 

Funny thing my mom owned a 1966 triumph spitfire that was a bad little car. Talk about get up a go

[shaft3500]

I learned on  a Honda CB 750 i bought from a buddy. it was a little big for a beginner bike, but not too bad. they are cheap and there quite a few of them around, no need to worry about having a low speed low side. i have another buddy who just bought a honda 1300vtx. his only other previous experience had been a mini dirt bike on the farm. now i am loooking for a cheap triumph for my next bike. thinking of fixing up an old cafe racer or possibly a newer model.

don't be afraid of the bike, respect it but do not fear it. get a class and have some fun.

[AzCat]

And when you've got a year or two under your belt you can pick up one of these.  It's good to see that someone is still building 'em right. 

 

Funny thing my mom pwn3d a 1966 triumph spitfire that was a bad little car. Talk about get up a go

I pulled into a gas station in Flagstaff on a Triumph a few years back.  This nice little old lady hopped out of the shiny new SUV at the next pump, looked the bike over, and struck up a conversation.  She said that in 1950 while living with her folks in a farmhouse a half-mile off the public road she'd purchased a Triumph which her father promptly forbid her to store on his property.  Being forced to park her bike on the neighbor's property a half-mile from the house ticked her off so much that she immediately bought a Norton to go with the Triumph.  Right about then her kind of MILFy daughter walked out of the station and, apparently horrified that her mom was chatting with guys on motorcycles, hustled the nice old woman back inthe the SUV. 

[pwrcat1]

cruisers are the way to go for starters.  a bandit is an awesome cruiser that is only 450 cc but still looks bad ass.

[KSt8er]

Don't short yourself of CCs, lack of power can get you into trouble more often than not, whereas power can get you out of trouble quickly.  Of course you need experience to be comfortable with power, but that'll come, just be cautious until.  If you plan on riding in town often, get a bike you can easily and comfortably control during all the stopping and starting involved.  Riding two together can be tricky, as suggested above, so be cautious with that.  And the best advice you'll get I'm sure is a part of the training they mention above, but to turn a bike you "turn" the steering in the opposite direction.  Turning isn't what you actually do with the steering, it's a push of the handle in the opposite direction, so if they do not cover this in the class (if you take one), look into it yourself.  There are millions of riders out there who do not understand this basic but immensely important fact. 

Also in your search for the "right" bike, keep in mind there is a hot hot hot motor between your legs during the KS summer swelter.  The bigger the motor, the more heat.  I bought a 1200 sportster in '01 while in Oregon, got back to KS with it and couldn't stand to ride it here.  Sold it before I had even 1k on it.  Too damn hot. 

Will you be riding with or without the helmet?  Eating bugs at dusk (where the swarm over roads for heat) will often require a helmet or fairing to avoid.  I don't like riding after dark because of all the deer in KS so found I was always heading home when the bugs were terrible.  I don't like helmets personally, but I sure didn't like eating bugs either.  I had a Honda 750/4 that was fully dressed, back in the day, and loved having the stereo, storage and protection from the elements. 

Good luck and good riding!

[BigXIIpowercat]

Don't short yourself of CCs, lack of power can get you into trouble more often than not, whereas power can get you out of trouble quickly. 

Absolutely ridiculous, horrible advice. He's looking at sportbikes at the moment, and that is just stupid to say that more power will get him out of trouble faster.

[AzCat]

Don't short yourself of CCs, lack of power can get you into trouble more often than not, whereas power can get you out of trouble quickly. 

Absolutely ridiculous, horrible advice. He's looking at sportbikes at the moment, and that is just stupid to say that more power will get him out of trouble faster.

I agree 100%.  New riders, no matter how careful they are, are far more likley to get in trouble due to having too much power at their command rather than too little.  25 years ago a 750cc cruiser was considered a very large motorcycle.  Just because I'm riding one these days that features an engine larger than that in most cars doesn't automatically make it a good idea for beginners to start on something powerful.  And CCs aren't a good measure: power and performance are.  As such pretty much all sportbikes are bad ideas for new riders but it's not my hide that'll be scraped off on the pavement so I really don't care where he starts.   

[Skipper44]

If you are reasonably tall, an older street legal dual sport is the best thing for a first bike.  Not enough power to get in trouble, no expensive plastic to fix (aftermarket parts are cheap)  and once you learn how to ride, a lot of fun to be had in the dirt (especially around Manhattan). 

I started on my old man's 1972 Kawasaki before buying my first bike, a 80's 600cc UJM in college and then late model sportbikes after graduating and I am always glad I started( and wrecked) cheaply when I was learning.  Once you master locking up the rear tire on a crapty dual sport on a dirt road for fun you won't crap you pants and crash on the street the first time someone cuts you off in traffic!

[KSt8er]

Don't short yourself of CCs, lack of power can get you into trouble more often than not, whereas power can get you out of trouble quickly. 

Absolutely ridiculous, horrible advice. He's looking at sportbikes at the moment, and that is just stupid to say that more power will get him out of trouble faster.

I agree 100%.  New riders, no matter how careful they are, are far more likley to get in trouble due to having too much power at their command rather than too little.  25 years ago a 750cc cruiser was considered a very large motorcycle.  Just because I'm riding one these days that features an engine larger than that in most cars doesn't automatically make it a good idea for beginners to start on something powerful.  And CCs aren't a good measure: power and performance are.  As such pretty much all sportbikes are bad ideas for new riders but it's not my hide that'll be scraped off on the pavement so I really don't care where he starts.   

I suppose you may be right, I grew up with a bike between my legs (old briggs and straton mini-bike and then to dirt bikes) so it might be he's a complete idiot and doesn't understand that turning the throttle will increase speed.  With the idiots driving cars I'll take the power increase ever time so I can get the hell out of their way when necessary.  Nothing quite like being in the passing lane and not having enough power to get around someone because it's a twenty mile an hour KS wind you're bucking.    

[AzCat]

Don't short yourself of CCs, lack of power can get you into trouble more often than not, whereas power can get you out of trouble quickly. 

Absolutely ridiculous, horrible advice. He's looking at sportbikes at the moment, and that is just stupid to say that more power will get him out of trouble faster.

I agree 100%.  New riders, no matter how careful they are, are far more likley to get in trouble due to having too much power at their command rather than too little.  25 years ago a 750cc cruiser was considered a very large motorcycle.  Just because I'm riding one these days that features an engine larger than that in most cars doesn't automatically make it a good idea for beginners to start on something powerful.  And CCs aren't a good measure: power and performance are.  As such pretty much all sportbikes are bad ideas for new riders but it's not my hide that'll be scraped off on the pavement so I really don't care where he starts.   

I suppose you may be right, I grew up with a bike between my legs (old briggs and straton mini-bike and then to dirt bikes) so it might be he's a complete idiot and doesn't understand that turning the throttle will increase speed.  With the idiots driving cars I'll take the power increase ever time so I can get the hell out of their way when necessary.  Nothing quite like being in the passing lane and not having enough power to get around someone because it's a twenty mile an hour KS wind you're bucking.    

It's more an unfamiliarity with the dynamics of riding a motorcycle and the lack of instinctual "good" reactions in new riders that's the problem.  I'm sure the OP is reasonably intelligent and will diligently learn everything he can prior to hitting the street but there's absolutely no substitute for experience.  As a dirt rider from way back you'd mastered the dynamics of riding before you ever hit the pavement.  Nearly everyone who starts there and spends significant time off-road will be a better street rider than those who didn't grow up riding. 

But y'know there's nothing quite as entertaining as waching a squid on his first sportbike inadvertently do the "hi-ho Silver away" move just prior to careening across a few lanes of traffic and crashing unceremoniously into a guard rail.  That's the sort of thing new riders on modern sportbikes are at risk for and it's precisely because those machines are overpowered for new riders who lack experience.  Given the performance capabilities of even 600cc sportbikes it's just far too easy to bring either wheel off the ground or to cause either to lose traction.  For experienced riders I agree with your assessment, for the inexperienced ... not so much.

[BigXIIpowercat]

Don't short yourself of CCs, lack of power can get you into trouble more often than not, whereas power can get you out of trouble quickly. 

Absolutely ridiculous, horrible advice. He's looking at sportbikes at the moment, and that is just stupid to say that more power will get him out of trouble faster.

I agree 100%.  New riders, no matter how careful they are, are far more likley to get in trouble due to having too much power at their command rather than too little.  25 years ago a 750cc cruiser was considered a very large motorcycle.  Just because I'm riding one these days that features an engine larger than that in most cars doesn't automatically make it a good idea for beginners to start on something powerful.  And CCs aren't a good measure: power and performance are.  As such pretty much all sportbikes are bad ideas for new riders but it's not my hide that'll be scraped off on the pavement so I really don't care where he starts.   

I suppose you may be right, I grew up with a bike between my legs (old briggs and straton mini-bike and then to dirt bikes) so it might be he's a complete idiot and doesn't understand that turning the throttle will increase speed.  With the idiots driving cars I'll take the power increase ever time so I can get the hell out of their way when necessary.  Nothing quite like being in the passing lane and not having enough power to get around someone because it's a twenty mile an hour KS wind you're bucking.    

It's more an unfamiliarity with the dynamics of riding a motorcycle and the lack of instinctual "good" reactions in new riders that's the problem.  I'm sure the OP is reasonably intelligent and will diligently learn everything he can prior to hitting the street but there's absolutely no substitute for experience.  As a dirt rider from way back you'd mastered the dynamics of riding before you ever hit the pavement.  Nearly everyone who starts there and spends significant time off-road will be a better street rider than those who didn't grow up riding. 

But y'know there's nothing quite as entertaining as waching a squid on his first sportbike inadvertently do the "hi-ho Silver away" move just prior to careening across a few lanes of traffic and crashing unceremoniously into a guard rail.  That's the sort of thing new riders on modern sportbikes are at risk for and it's precisely because those machines are overpowered for new riders who lack experience.  Given the performance capabilities of even 600cc sportbikes it's just far too easy to bring either wheel off the ground or to cause either to lose traction.  For experienced riders I agree with your assessment, for the inexperienced ... not so much.

Very true. I'm guessing Kst8er doesn't have much experience on sportbikes. The new 600cc R6 has been clocked stock at going a hair over 170 mph. I'm pretty sure those "extra cc's" will do nothing to help a new rider get out of trouble faster. I am pretty sure that a bunch of new riders would be trying to hang on if they went WOT....especially with the way the power band is with sportbikes. They'd be like I'm in control, I'm control, wow this is fast, but I'm in control *hits power band*, OOOHHH crap!!!! Front wheel comes up and they are literally just trying to hang on in full on pucker panic mode. Crash.

[pwrcat1]

if you really wanna get a crotch rocket for a starter bike and there is no deterring your decision, then go with a katana.  they're 600cc but are also a little heavier and a lot longer.  easier to control and you dont have to worry as much about flying off the back when you get a little jumpy at a stop light.

[BigXIIpowercat]

if you really wanna get a crotch rocket for a starter bike and there is no deterring your decision, then go with a katana.  they're 600cc but are also a little heavier and a lot longer.  easier to control and you dont have to worry as much about flying off the back when you get a little jumpy at a stop light.

I think he's already stated that he's looking for an EX500. Great choice IMO.

[AzCat]

if you really wanna get a crotch rocket for a starter bike and there is no deterring your decision, then go with a katana.  they're 600cc but are also a little heavier and a lot longer.  easier to control and you dont have to worry as much about flying off the back when you get a little jumpy at a stop light.

The last time I saw the "hi ho Silver away" / crash into guard rail move performed it was by a rider on a Katana.   

[pwrcat1]

if you really wanna get a crotch rocket for a starter bike and there is no deterring your decision, then go with a katana.  they're 600cc but are also a little heavier and a lot longer.  easier to control and you dont have to worry as much about flying off the back when you get a little jumpy at a stop light.

The last time I saw the "hi ho Silver away" / crash into guard rail move performed it was by a rider on a Katana.   

well its def. possible to happen now matter what you ride, esp. with CR's.  i would venture a guess that he either weighed 85lbs or had downs.  am i right?

[AzCat]

if you really wanna get a crotch rocket for a starter bike and there is no deterring your decision, then go with a katana.  they're 600cc but are also a little heavier and a lot longer.  easier to control and you dont have to worry as much about flying off the back when you get a little jumpy at a stop light.

The last time I saw the "hi ho Silver away" / crash into guard rail move performed it was by a rider on a Katana.   

well its def. possible to happen now matter what you ride, esp. with CR's.  i would venture a guess that he either weighed 85lbs or had downs.  am i right?

Closer to the 85 lbs option.  Popped the clutch which caused an inadvertent twist of the throttle which pointed the front wheel skyward and so on.  High entertainment given that no serious injuries resulted. 

[KSt8er]

"But y'know there's nothing quite as entertaining as waching a squid on his first sportbike inadvertently do the "hi-ho Silver away" move just prior to careening across a few lanes of traffic and crashing unceremoniously into a guard rail.  That's the sort of thing new riders on modern sportbikes are at risk for and it's precisely because those machines are overpowered for new riders who lack experience. "

   You guys are right, I haven't ever ridden the sportbike, and didn't even think about that style at all because of it.  I have to completely ammend my previous statements about power being your friend, in this scenario I can easily see how a newbie could get themselves out of whack in a big damn hurry.  In fact I used to work across the street from a bike shop in Hutch where a kid working there used to love to do the front-wheel stand under breaking every time he showed up, who died about a month later on it. 

So, in retrospect, nevermind....... 

[AzCat]

  You guys are right, I haven't ever ridden the sportbike, and didn't even think about that style at all because of it.  I have to completely ammend my previous statements about power being your friend, in this scenario I can easily see how a newbie could get themselves out of whack in a big damn hurry.  In fact I used to work across the street from a bike shop in Hutch where a kid working there used to love to do the front-wheel stand under breaking every time he showed up, who died about a month later on it. 

So, in retrospect, nevermind....... 

There ya go: too much power is just a bad idea. 

Now I'm off to shop for a turbo for the RIII.  I can't quite imagine what 200+ RWHP would be like on a bike so I guess I'll just have to experience it. 

[KSt8er]

  You guys are right, I haven't ever ridden the sportbike, and didn't even think about that style at all because of it.  I have to completely ammend my previous statements about power being your friend, in this scenario I can easily see how a newbie could get themselves out of whack in a big damn hurry.  In fact I used to work across the street from a bike shop in Hutch where a kid working there used to love to do the front-wheel stand under breaking every time he showed up, who died about a month later on it. 

So, in retrospect, nevermind....... 

There ya go: too much power is just a bad idea. 

Now I'm off to shop for a turbo for the RIII.  I can't quite imagine what 200+ RWHP would be like on a bike so I guess I'll just have to experience it. 

Is that bike you posted a pic of, really what you ride?  Is that a Triumph or ??  Nice, whatever it is.