Need Help Starting Off

[Lik01]

About me

Im bout 5'8 195 lbs
The only "motorcycle" Ive owned is a dirtbike. Its a yamaha ttr125l and I learned in less than a day how to shift and stuff.

Im looking for a good starting sportbike that is around 5 grand or so. I dont know how big of an engine to start off on but the ninja 250 always seemed kinda small.

I also plan on using this bike as full time transportation and my only vehicle.

[jmillheiser]

Have you looked at the Ninja 500 or the GS 500. both have a bit more power than a 250 but are still within the realm of being beginner friendly. both will also be good on gas which is a plus if you plan to use the bike as a commuter/daily ride.

And both can be had NEW for around 5 grand. Used ones are even less, and not hard to find if you dont live in the middle of nowhere.

[cuyose]

5 grand is a hell of a budget for a first bike. I would check craigs list and ebay for used bikes in the 400-600cc range and go with a 90' erra bike in the 2K Range. See if you like it(You will) spend some of that extra money on really good protective gear and get in the habit of wearing it whenever you go out.

Everyone says you will eventually dump your bike, most likely in the driveway. It is much easier to sell a beginner bike in the 1500-2000 range than has been laid down in the driveway than it is to get 5K for a new one you dropped and scuffed up the fairings and exhaust on.

[Lik01]

Ah ok thats pretty cheap heh.

[Ninja Geoff]

Don't rule out the Ninja 250. They're still fast enough to get you in trouble if not carful. They're still faster than most of the typical cars out there. And brand NEW they're $3,000. And in a year you could easily get $2,500 for it.