Total Motorcycle Community Forums

dplaya746 wrote:Thanks for the advice guys and i have learnd alot here. I have decided that i will either get the EX650 GS500 or Ninja 250. Which of those 3 would be the best for my height and also one more question. I am planing on doing the MSF asap and want to know how much doesn it usually cost and do they let you choose the bike that you want to ride/pass test with.

they say the 250 ninjette is more comfortable to bigger riders than the 500 bec of the difference in ergos.

but to be sure... visit dealers... and sit on them. try not to sit on the RR bikes or you might be tempted.

are you sure you don't wanna consider the hyosung?

If you can find one, the hyosung 650 might also be worth a look.

GS500, EX500, EX250 are probably your best bets.


But good luck finding a GS500 or an EX500, used, that is. The Ninjas are especially hard to find, or at least around here they are. I see a GS every now and then, there's one listed in Austin right now on CL actually, but an EX? Hardly ever.


You are planning on buying used, right?



Also, MSF prices vary. Here in TX it was $180. But in some states it's free, or a very low price.

www.msf-usa.org should have the price on there, or a number you can call to find the price.

dplaya746 wrote:Thanks for the advice guys and i have learnd alot here. I have decided that i will either get the EX650 GS500 or Ninja 250. Which of those 3 would be the best for my height and also one more question. I am planing on doing the MSF asap and want to know how much doesn it usually cost and do they let you choose the bike that you want to ride/pass test with.

My advice is not to fall in love with anything until you take the class, then go sit on some bikes and see how they fit... You'll be suprised how much your taste might change after you take the class. The MSF here in Miami was $250 and they assign you a bike that fits you best. Good luck!

don't forget the ex500 (ninja 500) in that list. some folks fit better on the 250 some better on the 500 it's weird. Big thing is to sit on them all and don't listen to the salesperson if they say those famous words "you're a big guy, you would be able to handle a _____, and you won't outgrow it in a year"

Outgrowing a bike varies depending on many factors, such as attitude, practice, ability, style of riding etc. but has very little to do with your height or weight. Also as you will probably notice on this forum 250-500cc starter bikes like the Ninja hold their value amazingly well so you could ride for a year or two and not lose much money in the deal.

the MSF varies from state to state, but most of them should allow you to try all the bikes out. some people find passing the tests is easier on the little cruiser bikes they have there so even if you don't want to buy one, make sure you ride one it may work better for you for many of the excercises.

Shiv wrote:GS500, EX500, EX250 are probably your best bets.


But good luck finding a GS500 or an EX500, used, that is. The Ninjas are especially hard to find, or at least around here they are. I see a GS every now and then, there's one listed in Austin right now on CL actually, but an EX? Hardly ever.

It's weird you mention that. There has been a 2003 Ninja EX500 sitting for sale out in front of this bike shop up the street from me for 2 1/2 months now. It looks good from a distance but I haven't checked it out up close.

Here in Michigan you can take the MSF course for $25.

Kim wrote:Here in Michigan you can take the MSF course for $25.

Yeah and at the other end of the spectrum, mine was $135 in VA but it still was the best $135 I've spent and I'd spend it all over again.

I spent over $400 on my motorcycle training course. Both times!
They let me choose which bike I wanted to use for the test, but the instructors chose what bike you used on each day of the lessons.

As for a first bike, I have a Ninja 500R and I love it. I don't believe I'll want to upgrade any time soon, but then again, I'm a pretty (ok, very) cautious rider.

sharpmagna wrote:

Kim wrote:Here in Michigan you can take the MSF course for $25.

Yeah and at the other end of the spectrum, mine was $135 in VA but it still was the best $135 I've spent and I'd spend it all over again.

$135 is "the other end of the spectrum"!?

Mine is $275!