Brand new rider, looking at first bikes >> 250 or 500?

[jackacid]

Hey everyone -- new poster, prospective rider. Looking for some feedback, especially from taller people.

I am taking the CA MSP training in 3 weeks and would like to make a purchase within 4 weeks after that (ie, a 6-8 week window from now). I am VERY torn between a 250 and a 500.

Background and Needs:

1. I have no riding experience, save a handful of short (albeit illegal) scooter rides no longer than 5-10 minutes.

2. I am 6'3", 185 lbs.

3. I will mostly use it for short commuting to work, town errands, etc. However, I would also like to eventually be able to take it longer distances, anywhere from 60-300 miles (round trip), on a freeway. I would also like to eventually be able to also carry a 100-120 lbs. passenger, BUT THIS IS NOT CRITICAL, especially early on.

4. I am 35 and a father of two. I am NOT a daredevil and have no interest in something that exceeds what I would ever do in a real world situation. In short, get me to 75-80MPH comfortably and I'm good.

5. Prefer the look of a sports bike or naked over a cruiser. Open to a cruiser, but would really like to find something more sporty looking.

My father, a long time rider, thinks a 250 is the best way to start. He's looking at my more routine needs (mostly local riding) and thinking it's a better start than a scooter, while still completely economical.

My good friend, also a long time rider, says that a 500 is ideal. His reasons: it will handle all my needs without being too much to handle; my frame would be too big for a 250; 500 is relatively small and still perfectly fine for a starter bike; I will outgrow a 250 quickly and I may as well go for something to last longer than a season or two.

My take is a 250 will be short term (unless I hate riding all together)...eventually I WILL want to go farther and I WILL want to be able to throw a body on the back (my GF wouldn't have it any other way.) However, I do agree I am a ways from doing that, possibly a year.

I mean, is a 500 really much more than a 250 in terms of learning the ropes? I hear of people starting on 750s or higher, but I do not feel that is overly wise. Plus again, I'm 6'3" and it seems the 250s are ideal for 5'1" - 5'10" range.

Anyway, given my lack of experience and physical size, what do you guys suggest?

Thanks much!

[Thumper]

You won't "outgrow" a 250; you could ride one for years and it would have all the power you need...once you learn to wind those little bikes up, they can fly. You might want more power (I know I did...I rode a 250 cruiser for a year and a half and moved up out of want, not need.) If you get a 500, it very well could be a long term bike.

Ideally, take the class first. You'll probably get a chance to ride a 250 in the class and get a better idea how you feel on one. Your height isn't an issue so much as your inseam will be; if your height is in your legs, a 250 frame might be uncomfortable; if it's in your torso, you might feel fine on one. But take the class first, see if riding is even something you really want to do. A lot of people take the class and realize it's not something they want after all, and that's perfectly fine, too.

Rule of thumb for bike shopping: for sportbikes, keep it *under* 600 cc. For cruisers, under 800 (though I ride a Bonneville right now, and even at 865cc I think it would be a fine beginner-keep-forever kind of bike.) If you tap into that over-600cc range for a sportbike, you're getting into potential newby trouble.

Either a ninja 250 or a Ninja 500...both very good starter sportbikes. And can be found at awesome prices in the used market.

[mogster]

Hi, if you post in welcome forum you will get more hello's.

The previous advice above is sound.

Take the learner course & see if you want to continue. Go to as many dealerships as you can & sit on (not yet test ride) as many models as you can.

When you are ready to buy get the smaller cc option. There is always a brisk market in used learner bikes so you would have no trouble selling it a year down the line.

You say you eventually want to take your GF as pillion? If you get a starter bike maybe she will be encouraged to get her own training! In 2 yrs time (or sooner) you could be a 2 licence couple! Personally I don't take pillions as my risk is my choice alone.

Good luck & let us know how you get on.

[havegunjoe]

You won't "outgrow" a 250; you could ride one for years and it would have all the power you need...once you learn to wind those little bikes up, they can fly .

Amen to that. My wife rides a Hyosung GV250 and I don't know how she gets it moving as fast as she does. I ride a 950 Yamaha and it is all I can do to keep up sometimes. Of course me being a wuss doesn't help I suppose.

[Wrider]

Like they said, MSF class, but coming from someone almost as tall at 6'2", my legs tend to get in the way of steering on a Ninja 250. Haven't tried a CBR 250 yet, but apparently those are completely wrapped out at 80 MPH. I'd suggest checking out the GS500 and the Ninja 500. Good bikes, easy to ride, forgiving, and have plenty of power to toodle along at 80 without a problem.

[totalmotorcycle]

Welcome Ryan!

Great advice thus far that has been offered up. All I can add is you can look for an older 450cc or 500cc bike (say from the 80's) IF it is in very good condition (you don't really want a fixer-uper as a first bike). Those older 80's bikes of 400-500cc are less powerful than the newer 500cc ones, even though they are the same engine size.

For a 250cc, 80 mph is plenty fast for your first bike IMO, but you may not fit on ANY 250cc bikes. You should take a trip (I'm sure you already have) to a motorcycle dealership and sit on a few different small bikes and see what fits.

Definately grab a motorcycle safety course, it's a life saver and well worth the $$$.

Mike

[pchast]

Mike,

I've got to argue with you. The engine matters too. My gs550 is an in line 4 and, if I get a
little eager passing a car, it can wind out FAST. If I keep it under 5000 rpm its as kind as
those 250 range bikes.

You can't just say old bike vs. new.

Pete

[ceemes]

I'm was 6" 3" when I started riding years ago (lost half an inch due to age and spinal compression) and whole heartedly agree with Mike. I highly recommend the Honda CM400 range of bikes from the late 70's to mid 80's as an excellent starter bike. They can be had fairly cheap and if in good condition will give you miles and miles of riding pleasure. I'd stay away from the Kawasaki KZ550's though, lovely bike but can be a bit twitchy at times.

[jackacid]

Hi guys. Turns out I've been given a '85 Honda Nighthawk 650. Needs a little work, but much cheaper than a used bike in running condition.

I read somewhere this is actually closer to a 625? Anyway, does this seem to large?

I took the MSP and enjoyed the 250s. I had no problem handling the size, and felt I could take on bigger. I think the 650 is almost 500 lbs., which is definitely bigger than I was anticipating.

Thoughts?

[pchast]

Ryan,

I believe that's an in line 4 cyl motor. I have one. You could be good to go with that. HOWEVER, Take it easy and remain aware of your throttle and hand position. If you grab a hand full of gas it can really surprise you, especially in the upper rev ranges, and could be trouble. You may find the bike a little top heavy at first.

Lots of parking lot work for at least the first month in between other uses. Control is the key to enjoying it.

My only concern would be what kind of work would it need. IMHO definitely look for new tires at the least.

Keep the dirty side down.
Pete