Wich Kawi best for a noob?

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greyotter · #1 Unread post by **greyotter** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:28 am

Hello all,

I took the BRC a while ago but until now have been unable to get a bike. I now have enough to get a bike but would like some opinions on the best of the Kawasaki line for a beginner. I am just over 6'1", 220 lbs with an inseam close to 34". I'm looking for a bike to use mostly for commuting, about 20 miles each way surface streets and highway. I would like to know what you think of the KLR 650, Ninja 500R, and Vulcan 500 or is there something else that would work better? Thanks.

Septimus · #2 Unread post by **Septimus** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:55 am

I'd sit on both a Vulcan and a Ninja and see where your preference is and then figure out how much power you need.

A Ninja 250 has enough power to do what you need. A 500 will give you a little more oomph on the highway. The 650s are also very nice (the Ninja and the KLR) but then you're spending a bit more.

Check out the beginner stickies and get something cheap to learn on. I got a Ninja 500 to learn on myself, and I probably could've done with a 250 for my first season (and I'm 6'0" and about 200 lbs).

I was glad I didn't drop $6-$7k on my first bike. It gave me some room to get nicer gear and I'm not as terrified of damaging the thing as I would be if I'd paid twice as much.

Ian522 · #3 Unread post by **Ian522** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:07 pm

The ninja and vulcan 500 basically share the same motor and transmission, just tuned differently. Either bike would be a good choice and would have plenty of power for highway cruising. So it depends on your preference of sport vs. cruiser.

The KLR is a great do-anything machine but its a tall, gigantic bike. Might not be the best choice for a beginner because of the handling characteristics, but you could probably handle it ok since you are over 6'0. But you should go sit on one at a dealer to see if you like the vibe.

darsek · #4 Unread post by **darsek** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:11 pm

A used Nija 500 was the perfect starter for me!!!

flw · #5 Unread post by **flw** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:10 am

I'm 5'10 and ride the vulcan 500. For your inseem, I'd suggest the taller dual sport. You be just too cramped on the 500 at your height.

I trained on a dual sport and it is top heavy but you have to get use to any bike you are going to get anyway.

new2cycles · Mon Jul 23, 2007 11:43 am

I am new to riding and the cruiser felt more comfortable to me, I went with the vulcan 500, I sat on it and it felt right for me, I am 5'11.

Did I mention that I get my new bike tomorrow

cakmakli · #7 Unread post by **cakmakli** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 1:16 am

I'm not as tall as you - 5' 9" but I have a Vulcan 500 and love it. It is a great bike, especially for a beginner.

wiggumon · #8 Unread post by **wiggumon** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:01 am

I am 6'1" and 190lbs. I do love my Vulcan 500, but it does get a little cramped on long rides.

JC Viper · #9 Unread post by **JC Viper** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:13 am

I love my Vulcan 500 but I would rather have a Ninja 500 for it's lighter weight, quicker engine (according to performance records of the Ninja) and it seems less cramped than the Vulcan. The Ninja also has a bigger tank so you can go quite a bit further than the Vulcan.

Longshot · #10 Unread post by **Longshot** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 3:17 am

My riding partner is very happy with her Vulcan 500. But she is 5 ft 2in. It fits her perfectly. It is hard for me to picture you being comfortable on the bike for long. The forward controls would help. I would recommend looking for a larger bike. But we are both noobs, so I don't know much.