Where we talk about two wheeled vehicles. Motorbikes!

[00NissanNinja]

Originally Posted by roddy

A friend of mine felt the same way. He rode a ZX-6 and couldn't understand why I got the 599 instead of the CBR600. Then he took a street triple for a test ride... He wasn't long trading the Ninja in, lol. He got the higher spec model and loves it. Nice looking bike, and far more comfortable to ride.

I just rode a 09 street triple r and that was awesome. It checks all the boxes for what I want right now. It was comfortable, really sporty, and quick without caring what gear it was in. With the flyscreen it had surprisingly good wind protection. I like my ninja, but that triumph was just a joy to ride fast or cruise on. A couple mods and it'll tear up the track too although stock the r is really a capable machine. I'm saving the cash for a 2013. I was getting a BRZ first but its taking far to long and as of now I can't stop thinking about getting the STR.

[bestwheelbase]

Came across this photo. Makes me want something old and funky rather than new and shiny.

[Ahernandez0909]

I thought I'd bring this thread back into action. I'm looking for a motorcycle at the moment. It would be my first ever motorcycle. I rode a 50cc dirt bike one time about half a mile when I was like 12 so I'm REALLY new. I want a 250 in all seriousness. I know it's small and "underpowered" but that's all I need right now. I love my FR-S and all I'm looking for is a good looking bike that can push my 5'9" 140lbs body around. Anybody have any negative things or positive things to say about this idea? I'm 20 years old and my mom is scared to death that I'm gonna end up in a casket. I think I'm mature enough to not kill myself on a bike (at my own fault). Anybody wanna stray me away from the ninja? 250? Or motorcycles in general. Most likely I'm gonna end up getting a 2008 Ninja 250 regardless of what anyone says since I'm an impulsive little kid haha but I really would love to hear some feedback and if everyone discourages me it will probably be changing my mind. Who knows? Help?

[civicdrivr]

You've got your head screwed on right for wanting a 250 as your first bike. I always shake my head when I hear about a newb that got a 600cc sport bike.

Definitely look used. The prices on used 250s are dirt cheap, and you can get most of your money out of it when you do eventually move up to a larger bike. Youll learn a lot on the 250 too. Just respect the bike, and dont push yourself outside of your comfort zone, thats when mistakes happen.

Also, take the MSF course asap.

[whaap]

Definitely take a riders course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a good one. Don't make the mistake that a lot of people do. When you finish the course and get your license you are not a proficient motorcyclist. You have been nothing more than taught the basics and it will require you to practice, practice and practice the rest of your riding life. It's a wonderful sport but you have to be on your toes all the time. You need to always be alert. They don't teach it any more but when I taught MSF we used the word SIPDE.

S - Scan for any possible threat to your safety
I - Identify those things that might cause you a problem.
P - Predict what that person/vehicle might do.
D - Decide what to do if they do as you suspect.
E - Execute when they do.

A 250cc is a good starter bike and yes, definitely buy used. You will drop your bike in the beginning and you don't want to do that to a new shinny bike. The only negative thought I have about a 250 is that many beginners tire of that small of a bike pretty quickly. It will only after you've been riding for a while that you will begin to develop different likes and dislikes about different types of bikes. It takes time to really decide what bike you want "it" to be.

Good luck.

[zoomzoomers]

Completely agree with civic. Take a course and practice. Take it slow and respect the bike. You'd be surprised what that Ninja 250 can do. When you're ready you can always move up. Good luck.

[bcj]

A used Ninja 250 is the overwhelming recommendation new street riders will get in the US.
Mostly because we don't get the 125's or other small street bikes over here. Would really like to see some of those.
If you take care of it, you can recoup almost all of what you paid for it after a couple years riding.
Many hang on to it because they're so much fun.

Photos of other stuff:
83 CB650 Nighthawk I bought new.



I sold it in '05 shortly after getting a used '98 BMW K1200RS



Then I picked up an '03 SV650 as well because I missed having a smaller bike.

[bestwheelbase]

@whaap the MSF program now they calls it SEE which stands for Search, Evaluate, Execute. This element really clicked with me when I took the MSF course last year. It hits directly on the important point that you cannot avoid a risk until you identify it. Situational awareness is key.

[wheelhaus]

I agree with every response regarding the 250 as an ideal first bike, particularly the ninja if youre interested in sport bikes. You're on the right track! It's not much unlike the 86 in the sense that its considered underpowered, but for some it's plenty quick and more fun to ride because of it.

I started on a 650 (not the same power/speed as a 600 or 675) and moved to a Z1000 a little over 7000 miles and a year later. This worked for me because of how I approach these sorts of things. For others it may have been a death wish. Definitely take the MSF course, and ride at your own pace.

[Ahernandez0909]

Hey guys I really appreciate the feedback. I thought I was gonna hear negative things and insults haha. I really appreciate the advice

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Ahernandez0909

Hey guys I really appreciate the feedback. I thought I was gonna hear negative things and insults haha. I really appreciate the advice

I just want to put my $0.02 worth in that these guys are all giving you great advice.

Take the course, and start with a 250. You'll enjoy the heck out of it, and it will help keep you safe. My 16 year old wants to ride and that is exactly what we'll do with him.

Also, good advice on buying used. Like cars, bike values fall off the cliff when driven off the lot, but unlike cars, level out pretty quickly (or at least that's been my experience). There's lots of good, used bikes with almost no miles on them for substantially less than new. When you're ready, you'll be able to sell your 250 and move up.

I'm getting the urge to ride again, after selling my last bike to help fund the FR-S. Might be time to start looking...

[Ahernandez0909]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I just want to put my $0.02 worth in that these guys are all giving you great advice.

Take the course, and start with a 250. You'll enjoy the heck out of it, and it will help keep you safe. My 16 year old wants to ride and that is exactly what we'll do with him.

Also, good advice on buying used. Like cars, bike values fall off the cliff when driven off the lot, but unlike cars, level out pretty quickly (or at least that's been my experience). There's lots of good, used bikes with almost no miles on them for substantially less than new. When you're ready, you'll be able to sell your 250 and move up.

I'm getting the urge to ride again, after selling my last bike to help fund the FR-S. Might be time to start looking...

Would you say $3000 for a 2008 Ninja 250 with 7000 miles and a free helmet be worth it?

[civicdrivr]

Originally Posted by Ahernandez0909

Would you say $3000 for a 2008 Ninja 250 with 7000 miles and a free helmet be worth it?

Seems a bit pricey to me, and the helmet is a moot point as you HAVE to buy one that a) fits you and b) you know has never been dropped/hit/knocked around.

You should be able to find a 250 in the $2500 range, and then toss $500 at a good helmet. Don't forget a jacket, pants (jeans don't count), gloves and boots (not steel toe).

I'm not saying you need to look like a Ninja Turtle, but good protection goes a very long way.

Sent from my Nexus 4

[bcj]

Check NADA in your area code for the range of going prices / mileage.
I think they're a bit more realistic than Kelly BB.

http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles