Newbie with first bike question and need your opinions

[vespertillio]

Hey all,

Short time reader, first time poster here. I've been wanting to try motorcycling for a while and bit the bullet last weekend by taking and passing my ABATE MSF class. woohoo

Now the big question of these two bikes which would recommend:

1. The ever popular here Kawasaki 250r or
2. 2005 Suzuki GZ250 ($2400 new and on sale)

when I went to the store to look at the 250r I was informed the one on special and the 250r were both at the other location ugggh so sadly I didnt get to sit on them. I hope to get there late this week,

However the rep tried to get me into a Suzuki SV650 which frankly scared the crap out of me lol. He said I would grow out of the 250 too quickly. While it did look cool, I really want to start small to get some safe miles under my belt. To address his concerns though is 250 too small to start with? I'm not a speed freak and just want to enjoy some rides. Something that will get me back and forth to work with some room for a couple of bags to hold a laptop, accessories, jacket, spare shoes etc..

anyway, what do you all think? I'm open to all suggestions and help. Thanks for letting me post here; I look forward to some reading and writing of experiences here.

Fred

[cdillon23]

Sounds like the sales guy wanted to make a sale.

As for the bike, a lot of people really like the Ninja 250 as a starter bike. I would go to the other place and check out the 250's before you decide anything. Go in, look at them, sit on them and decide what style you want. Have fun looking, it is all part of the fun.

[HYPERR]

I think you will outgrow a 250 cruiser pretty quick IMO. I would go with the Ninja 250 between the two. Although I like the dual purpose bikes like the Yamaha XT250 or the Honda CRF230L also.

[Flesher]

Just my opinion, but I would stay clear of the GZ250 if you intend to commute. If I were in your shoes I would buy used, the Kawi 250 is a great bike. In the cruiser style bikes you could consider the Vulcan 500, honda VLX 600, v-star 650, or a shadow 750 if your up for a little more power.

Also consider some of the older honda standards like the cb350, 450, and even the 650 although that may start to get into a little too much bike for a start.

Grats on passing the MSF. Remember to take some time to practice with your new bike in a safe spot before hitting the streets in earnest. Take care and enjoy!

[the_sandman_454]

Probably a good choice staying away from the SV650, since it has about 73hp or so, which is enough to bring the front wheel up in the lower gears without really trying too hard, which could be inconvenient when turning, or most other times if you're not prepared for it. It also engine brakes pretty hard, which could cause a loss of traction if you're riding on a questionable surface and suddenly release the throttle, turning and suddenly get off the throttle, or other such scenarios for example. Not something a new rider really needs to be worrying about in addition to the basics.

What bike did you get to use during your MSF course, and what did you think of that one? I've not got a ton of experience with the 250's, but that information might help people suggest bikes based on what you thought of that one.

[HYPERR]

Probably a good choice staying away from the SV650, since it has about 73hp or so, which is enough to bring the front wheel up in the lower gears without really trying too hard.

Yeah that front should come up with a quick flick of the throttle in first gear while rolling at slow speeds. Fun once you get used to the bike but not good for a first time rider who may not have a steady throttle hand.

[vespertillio]

Thank you all for the suggestions so far. I forgot to mention I'm 6'0 165 so I'm not a very big guy. Are the 250 cruisers just to small do you think? I keep reading and hearing conflicting stories. The 250 is too small or it's just right lol.

I talked to a friend of mine and he said to get a 500-600 to make sure I can get out of tight situations of need be. Are the 250's that under powered?

Thanks aain for your help and suggestions.

[cdillon23]

If you are looking at a sport bike a 250 is going to be plenty to start out with. In a cruiser model the 250 is going to be really underpowered for commuting. So going with a 600 in a cruise model is a better choice.

[Tower18CHI]

I learned to ride on a 1980 Suzuki GS250. I now ride a 2008 SV650. I can say from my own experience that I'm really glad I did what I did. Could I have handled the SV650 as a beginner? Sure. The power is so linear it's ridiculous. However, there's a LOT of it. Small mistakes (particularly with throttle control) that I made with the GS250 would have put me on my "O Ring" with the SV650.

[NorthernPete]

certanly looks underpowered to me....