Standard bikes beyond the big names?

[Random Seed]

Hello there. As I've said in the start your engines forum, I have quite a ways to go before I can take my course, but I'm really enjoying doing research on bikes and everything that goes into making a wise choice. So while my bike searching is definitely not time sensitive, I was curious if I could be pointed in some new directions.

So far the two bikes that seem to agree with me the most are the Kawa Vulcan 500 and Ninja 250R. I don't drive fast, I'm looking for something that is fairly comfy, has good handling, and is geared towards being more "zippy" rather than setting any speed records. Like I said, I haven't even had my course yet so speed is the LAST thing on my mind.

I wouldn't say I have a BAD back every day, but at times it can bother me, so I'm thinking the standard style would probably be best for me (time will tell). So can anyone point me in the direction of some standard styles bikes, maybe some makes I haven't considered yet? The Buell Blast seems nice, and the price is right, but I've heard mixed things as far as reliability. Suzuki has some NICE standard style bikes, but the engines seem too powerful for a future learner like me. Standard styles are very limited it seems. There is the Honda Nighthawk, but I've read on a few sites that it is not near as reliable as the great newbie friendly Rebel. Opinions? What else... I'm 6 foot barefoot, 180 pounds, and have (around) a 32 inch inseam if that makes a difference. Right now I'm thinking I would probably buy new (maybe year old model) rather than used, so maybe you could let me know of some current bikes I may have missed?

*edit*
OH! I would say 6 grand (new) would be my limit on a bike. MAYBE a little bit more, but under that is the idea. The $3,000 new price on the Ninja 250R looks fantastic, but the insurance is more...

[earwig]

The newer Buell Blasts are very reliable... Some older ones like in 2001 had problems but all of those kinks have been worked out... Get the Blast! You'll have something unique and fun! They are also very easy to work on, get great gas mileage and you can customize the poo out of them. Check out the "Thumper" forum on this site for info and pics: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/ ... discus.cgi

[flynrider]

There is the Honda Nighthawk, but I've read on a few sites that it is not near as reliable as the great newbie friendly Rebel. Opinions? What else... I'm 6 foot barefoot, 180 pounds, and have (around) a 32 inch inseam if that makes a difference.

The Nighthawk 250 and the Rebel are very nearly the same bike. The primary difference is styling. If considering the two, you should sit on both. The Rebel's bars are not well suited for the longer legged crowd.

Personally, I think the Kaw EX250 gives you a whole lot more bang for your buck in terms of "zippyness" and suspension quality. Even though it has plastic, the riding position is very much a standard. I have a bad lower back that doesn't take well to sportbike riding postions, but the little Kaw feels just fine.

[Random Seed]

That's cool, then. As far as the looks of it, I really do like the more unique style, and I'll have to give it a serious look when I'm ready to buy. I was kinda worried about the vibrations at higher speeds with the single cylinder, but most of my riding would be to and from work, and then just heading outside of town for some nice cruises. Thanks for the info and link.

[Random Seed]

I guess I'll expose my level of noobish, but I've seen that a few times so I'll ask. When talking about an EX250/500/etc, that is the Ninja, correct? Was that an older model name, or does it mean something else?

Even though I know nothing right now, I can't help but feel the Ninja 250 is a lot more bike than the Rebel or Nighthawk, which is probably why I don't think of them very much. That and I plan on getting a beginner friendly bike and sticking with it for the long haul, not just upgrading when I feel I'm better at it. I really want to get a bike and just drive until the wheels fall off rather than thinking I need bigger and bigger, and the Ninja along with a few others just SEEM like they would have all I would need for many years, even when I do feel comfortable enough for highway travel and the like.

[Dragonhawk]

I'm safety-oriented to the point of being considered "overly cautious" by many folks. The Ninja 250 would be great for you. That was my first bike. It is powerful enough to be zippy and fun. It is docile enough to be safe and prudent. And, despite the sportbike-appearance, it is a standard-seating-position all the way.

Check out my site for some more info and insights:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

[Kal]

Bikes tend to have a model number AND often a name as well...

So the Ninja is also known as the EX500 and in Europe the GPZ500s

[Random Seed]

Man, you guys rock. Thanks for the replies. And, Dragonhawk, you have a fantastic site and I've been checking it quite often, checking out the beginner friendly bikes and your other tips. Really great job.

[flynrider]

That's cool, then. As far as the looks of it, I really do like the more unique style, and I'll have to give it a serious look when I'm ready to buy. I was kinda worried about the vibrations at higher speeds with the single cylinder, but most of my riding would be to and from work, and then just heading outside of town for some nice cruises. Thanks for the info and link.

The little Ninja is actually a water cooled 2 cylinder. It's very smooth, even at highway speeds. It does get a little buzzy around the 14,000 rpm redline, but I don't imagine most people would be revving it that high in normal usage. In sixth gear that would equate to just over 100 mph.

[Random Seed]

That's cool, then. As far as the looks of it, I really do like the more unique style, and I'll have to give it a serious look when I'm ready to buy. I was kinda worried about the vibrations at higher speeds with the single cylinder, but most of my riding would be to and from work, and then just heading outside of town for some nice cruises. Thanks for the info and link.

The little Ninja is actually a water cooled 2 cylinder. It's very smooth, even at highway speeds. It does get a little buzzy around the 14,000 rpm redline, but I don't imagine most people would be revving it that high in normal usage. In sixth gear that would equate to just over 100 mph.

Sorry, I should use quotes more. That reply was actually for the Blast.