The age old question: a 600cc or a 250cc as a first bike

[Goldsound]

I just got back from the Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki dealers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Here in Mexico we don't have a traditional MSF course. Instead, we get a personalised session, what this means is that we learn how to ride on the bike that we buy. If I were to buy a Ninja 650R, that's what I would learn on. If I bought a 125CC Dirt Bike, that's what I would learn on. After the session, you get to repeat any parts of the course you still feel shaky on. Anyways on to the question, would a 600cc bike be ok for a beginner under these circumstances? It's not exactly my first bike, I've ridden on a modded 50cc scooter for around 6 months, it hit around 100km/h. I do realise the difference and dangers of a 600cc vs a 50cc scooter.

I went to the Kawasaki first, sat on the Ninja 250R, the ER-6N (650R) and the ZX6R.

KAWASAKI

Ninja 250R: Ok, I liked the sporty feeling of it but I felt a bit cramped on it. This could've something to do with the actual dealer itself, every bike is really close to each other. I sat on it for about 5 minutes and I didn't feel any discomfort whatsoever. Felt pretty light as well.

650R: I wasn't impressed, it WAS a used 2009 model but even though it had a touring position I felt quite uncomfortable on it. In fact, it was the bike I felt the most discomfort on. The tucking position wasn't good at all and I know that bike isn't exactly designed for tucking but honestly, I could tuck better on my scooter...

ZX6R: I loved the riding position, it was the most comfortable I sat on strangely. It felt heavier than the other bikes but again, there wasn't much space at the dealer. I also felt that the bike was bigger than what it actually looked.

HONDA

Unfortunately, Honda doesn't import the CBR 250 into Mexico. They also ran out of 600's and won't be getting more until December so that was a waste of time. Shame, it was the one I was really looking forward to trying.

SUZUKI

GSXR600: Very nice dealership, lots of space and they even had a demo area where you could try the 600 out but I didn't dare try it haha. They also had a place where you could buy accessories, got to try out a jacket and a helmet and I must say, I felt damn sexy. Have no clue why people don't wear gear. I felt comfortable on the bike, again, the aggressive position suits me more. Out of all the bikes I thought it was the nicest looking, Kawasaki makes sort of sharp pointy designs whereas I felt that with the GSXR the style was much smoother. It felt really light and i didn't feel like it was going to fall at any point while I was leaning it. I like the tucked in position, the handlebars are sort of twisted inwards so it gives a tighter tuck. Out of all the bikes, this one was my favourite. I really enjoyed the look and feel of the bike. Plus, the A and B power selector really convinced me. I know that selecting the B power won't necessarily turn it into a 250 or even a 650 but I think of them as A being track and highway and B being City modes.

I've got some thinking to do. Any input you guys have would greatly be appreciated. Also, I've heard something about setting the EFI to "WET" on a GSXR600 and that's supposed to make it easier to ride somehow? If anyone could elaborate on that it'd be greatly appreciated.

I don't want to get a 250R because I just don't feel like the power will satisfy me...also, the Ninja 650R isn't being imported into Mexico anymore as of 2009, if I drop it spare parts will be hard to get and the bike will be hard to sell.

[Wrider]

For what it's worth, no way would I ever recommend a 600 as a first bike. Ever. Even if you've ridden friends' before.
Also for what it's worth, a 100 km/h scooter will still be left in the dust by a 600 before it decides it needs to shift to 2nd gear. Oh and there's the shifting part too.
Not sure exactly what they have in Mexico, but take a look at the Suzuki SV650. Sportier position but a lot better for a new rider than a 600.

[totalmotorcycle]

Freddy to the TMW community!

Some good questions, let's see if I can put some answers on things for you as well.

Q. "Would a 600cc bike be ok for a beginner under these circumstances?"

A. As much as I would like to say, "Sure" to you, it's a No. While a 50cc scooter counts as a 2 wheeled vehicle, it's still a learning curve from a small scooter to a big powerful motorcycle. You most likely have already developed bad riding habits that you'll need to work on getting rid of too from the scooter. It's best to "start over" and look at a "Beginner" motorcycle.

Q. " don't want to get a 250R because I just don't feel like the power will satisfy me...also, the Ninja 650R isn't being imported into Mexico anymore as of 2009, if I drop it spare parts will be hard to get and the bike will be hard to sell."

A. You would be "over the moon" with a 250R, let me tell ya! The 250R is a lot more power than you might think and much more than 5x that of your 50cc scooter. It's light, agile, fast, cheap on insurance/gas and it's extremely popular (lots of parts). The Ninja 650R is being sold worldwide still and I don't see that changing for a long time so lots of parts there...but not a good bike as a 1st bike.

I see you really like the sport bike look. Remember, generally, the more extreme the sport bike, the more narrow it's focus (ie, built for track, then street) and it can get more uncomfortable to ride distances. For everyday riding, you don't need more than a 250cc. It would be a shame to miss the joy of having a small light bike like the CBR250R or Ninja 250R.

If I fit on either of the 250's, it would be beside my Kawasaki Z750. What a blast of fun they would be!

Mike