Serious Newbie

[ZooTech]

I'd like to point out that the ergos of the 250 ninja and the 500 ninja, and the 600 supersports actually work the opposite direction of what zootech seems to think.

Sev likes to forget the two top reasons he himself steers noobs towards the Ninja 250...weight and total lack of power (which will kill you if you don't watch out! It won't even be your fault! Bikes are out to destroy you and make your mother cry!).

Anyway...that said...I've sat on both the Ninja 250 and the SV650, and numbers schnumbers, the ergos are not the same. And let's not forget the 59lb weight difference (dry) and the 2.2" difference in seat height (the SV650 is taller). If he's referencing the Ninja 500R, then how 'bout we consider the 84lb weight difference and the 1.2" taller seat. It's undeniable that the 500R is a more realistic representation of a real bike, not to mention you may even be motivated to keep the thing for an entire season. And three different motorcycle publications have named the SV650 a "best beginner's bike" many times over.

The Ninja 250 and NightHawk 250 are small. In every way. Period. Thus, if you are an Oompa Loompa, you may want to look into one. Otherwise you might want to shop for a real bike. You'll have plenty of opportunities to ride a 250 during the safety course you'll be taking.

[Sev]

And pegs that are higher and closer to your body. And handlebars that are further away from you. The seat might be up higher, but so is the rest of you. You yourself and put into a smaller and smaller space. But you're ignoring that.

And the Suzuki SV650 is not a sport bike, it's technically a standard. So of course it's going to have different egros. But you knew that as well.

[Relsek]

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Ok everybody first of all hows it goin. My names Matt everybody calls me Zoom or Skizz though. So here's my delema. I have been into cars since i was 16, I currently drive a 300 hp 1g dsm (read eagle talon tsi) and compared to previous cars yes its fast. However it's not quite enough anymore, something about a bike has now attracted my eyes. I've done a little bit of research with friends who are riders and they say that is probably the most addicting thing you'll ever do. Now I'm not here to offend anyone, but I am looking at purchasing at the end of August a bike of my own. I'm looking in the crotch rocket/ rice burner (i'm not sure what that specific design is called so please feel free to correct me on this) Again no offense to the "chopper or harley style" bike owners, it's just the design of the import bikes looks more appealing to me. THat being said I'm looking at taking the mva (I'm located in Maryland) biker course ( a fifty dollar course where they provide the bikes teach you to ride and give you your license at the end) my only other question would be what bike to buy. Yes, I am looking for a greater rush, but don't confuse me with stupidity I am not planning on hopping on a bike and running the "poo poo" out of it and splattering myself against a wall at 150. I will be purchasing all appropriate equipment (bike suit, helmet, dead mans switch, etc) I want some recommendations as far as a good first bike (something fast but easy to learn so i don't kill myself) and any other advice any experienced bike rider has? Again I'm not looking at being a moron, i didn't start pushing my talon through turns at 100 until i knew the capabilities and I won't with this vehicle either. Thank you all for any advice you can offer and I loook forward to an enjoyable stay here

Matt

Judging from what I've just read, whatever you do, DON'T buy a Hayabusa, DO buy a ninja 250

[ZooTech]

Have you actually sat on all three bikes in question, Sev? It's a whole package deal. It's not just ergos, but weight and performance and power as well. If you insist the Ninja 250 and 500R are the same bike, then I don't know how to debate you any further. All I'm saying is, the 250's are great for the MSF course (as far as fitting the lowest common denominator) and for the height/weight challenged. I work with a guy who is barely 5'2", and he currently rides a 50cc Aprilia. He says he used to own a Ninja 250, but said he'd have to get a lowering kit for anything bigger (i.e. a Ninja 500R or larger). Three magazines point newbies towards the 500R at minimum, and the SV650 with zeal, but you know best as always.

[Sev]

I've already said that they aren't. And yes, I've sat both, in fact I've sat everything I can get my hands on.

However, you're the one who said only buy a 250 if you're built like an oompa loompa. But you seem to have missed the point. While it might be further to the ground. It's closer to the footpegs. You as a rider will be squished into a smaller area. So how is that condusive to having a larger rider?

[swatter555]

Remember, we are trying to help the poster, not settle long standing rivalries. Id say if your a big guy, an SV650 will work well for you. If your a small guy a ninja 250/500 would work.

I just think the main point everyone is trying to make here is to stay off of supersports when you learn. Supersports are bikes like the R6,CBR 600, ZX-6 and the litre bikes.

If you can tell yourself your not going to get a supersport, then just pick a bike that works for you. If your going to buy a bike new, getting a ninja 250 MIGHT be a mistake, you could outgrow it pretty fast. I am learning on a SV650S right now, and I think its a great beginner bike.

And Sev, dont tell my butt the SV650 doesnt have sport bike ergos

[Sev]

I still say 500 ninja

[ronboskz650sr]

UJMs are another possibility. They are heavy, though (most are). You can really have a blast on them, while saving alot of money while you learn. It's important to have mechanical ability/motivation, or get it checked by someone who does, before you buy one. Kz's have good technical support on KZrider forum, and I suspect many others have sites, as well. Many old bikes can go very fast, once you learn how to ride.

[Benno]

To be honest, you're better off spending less on your first bike. I had my Ninja 250 for a week, before I wanted more power. I kept it for over 12 months though, then upgraded to something that feels like it wants to flip everytime I peg it out of a corner.

Buy something that's easy to ride, and probably more importantly, something that you FEEL comfortable on. Sit on bikes, and get what feels right to you

[ZooTech]

However, you're the one who said only buy a 250 if you're built like an oompa loompa. But you seem to have missed the point. While it might be further to the ground. It's closer to the footpegs. You as a rider will be squished into a smaller area. So how is that condusive to having a larger rider?

In addition to being short, the Oompa Loompas are also light. It's my belief that a motorcycle should weight at least twice as much as the rider. At 304lbs, the Ninja 250 would, therefore, be good for anyone <152lbs, assuming the ergos work as well. I don't know about you, but I weigh ~220lbs, so to me the Ninja 250 and NightHawk 250 feel like pocket bikes. The bike I learned on was ~450lbs, and the one I ride currently is pushing 800lbs.

I still say 500 ninja

At 388lbs, that would be good for up to a 194lb rider, so I have no problem agreeing with you there. But don't discount the SV650 because you think it has massive power (it doesn't) and that a newbie will easily get killed on it (three bike magazines would disagree with you).

So...as it stands, I recommend either this:



Or this:



But definitely not this unless you're short, light, or both:

Buy something that's easy to ride, and probably more importantly, something that you FEEL comfortable on. Sit on bikes, and get what feels right to you

That's the best advice yet! And I doubt too many people will sit on a 250 and say, "Man, this fits great!"