250cc or 500cc, how big of a difference?

[Eterenal]

Well, as the title says I'm really interested in knowing how drastic the difference is from a 500cc bike to a 250cc bike in terms of acceleration power, handling, and ability to take on freeway speeds.

I'm 18 years old and am really interested in taking up riding because it will offer cheap transportation, and the freedom that the bus just can't provide on the way to school and back everyday. I've been reading this forum and all its sticky messages, and have been looking around at other beginner websites, and the message has gotten through. I really want to start out on a 250cc or 500cc bike and then move on to something sportier in a year or two.

What worries me is I will be taking a lot of freeway trips on the bike, and a friend of mine who has ridden for a year or so, told me that I would get "blown off the road" on a 250cc bike on the freeway. Is there any truth to this? How well do 250cc bikes handle high wind speeds and going about 70mph? I've read a couple of 250 bikes actually top out around 70mph. If this is the case would I be better off on a 500cc bike?

[emperorjordan]

I think a 500 would be better at those speeds, because a 250 would be too light and you will get blown around, and not have any more power if you need it at 70mph.

[TechTMW]

Here in Italy there is a different perspective on these things. 150cc Scooters are allowed on the freeway, and they do fine!

Of course Italy is a world apart from the States - If you are going to do Highway stuff, get the 500. In Italy motorists actually -look out- for motorcyclist, but in the states you are invisible, so you really do need that extra power to get out of 'idiot in the SUV's' way.

Suzuki also makes a 400cc bike that you may be interested in (The DR-Z400)

[Sev]

That being said, something like a 250 ninja will do pretty much everything that you need it to at highway speeds. Something like a 250 rebel will have trouble even getting up to highway speeds.

It all depends on the type of the bike, and the way it was designed to work. I've got a 650 cruiser, but it maxes out at highway speed. One thumper, poor little single cylinder can only go so fast. My friend has a 750 v-twin and can get up a LOT faster then I ever could. But... do I really need to go A LOT faster then highway speed? A little voice in the back of my head keeps saying yes

[emperorjordan]

Suzuki also makes a 400cc bike that you may be interested in (The DR-Z400)

NO, I can tell you first hand. The DRZ is a DIRT bike made street legal as an after thought. It SUCKS on the freeway. It has the power and is still pulling at 85mph, but you are working HARD trying to hang on, and if there is even the slightest breeze, forget about it. You get blown all over the place. It is MISERABLE on the freeway!!

But its a great bike, if you are going to ride 90% dirt, and 10% or less street.

[Eterenal]

Thanks for the input. I'm not really going to have time to pick up a new hobby, so the dirt bike crossover isn't really my style. However the only 250cc bike I've seen so far that I've liked is the ninja, do you believe it's a decent bike for the highway? Really, I don't plan on being a speed demon, at least for the first few months, but I DO want to be able to safely take the local freeway. I drive a focus svt right now and have only taken it over 100 maybe two or three times, so I'm definetly going to take it slow on a bike.

Also, is the Buell Blast comparable to a 250 Ninja? I know it's a 500cc but the hp output seems rather small and at 70 mpg or so it must be doing some very conservative work with those 500ccs..

[DivideOverflow]

From what I have heard the ninja is a much better bike than the blast. Some people say a suzuki GS500F isnt a bad bike to start on either, just be conscious that is has a little more power than a 250. Although, the ninja is not a 250cc to scoff at, it boasts impressive acceleration (5.5 sec to 60 for a magazine test rider), and a top speed of around 100mph.

I drive a 250cc Alphasport GV250 cruiser, I love it to death, but it doesnt really care for going much over 65-70mph (it CAN go 80, but I'm a heavy guy, and I dont like going that fast yet anyway). You also seem to be more interested in the sport bikes. But if you did want a cruiser, a 500cc cruiser is much more docile than a 500cc sport bike..

Best bang for your buck, I'd say a 250 ninja is a great starter sportbike. I'd give suzuki a look though with the GS500F. It is a V-twin 500cc, so it is much more forgiving than an I4 600cc beast! And I have heard wonderful things about them. Look for a used one, btw.

[Eterenal]

Thanks, I think I have a pretty good idea of what I want to look for. I guess I'll ideally look for a ninja 250, suzuki gs500f, or maybe a suzuki sv650. Now I just need someone to buy my car! Been up for sale for near a month and not even a call on it yet.

[Scott58]

My Rebel will do highway speeds all day long.

[jeff_connors]

"That being said, something like a 250 ninja will do pretty much everything that you need it to at highway speeds. Something like a 250 rebel will have trouble even getting up to highway speeds."

I'm new to riding and have only rode the Rebel so very little experience. My rebel will get to speed fairly quickly and it can go 65-70 with no problem. I think it's probably easier to manuver than a sport bike and much easier to test on also. My opinion.