1st Bike for a high big guy

[Shiv]

Just remember the salesman is there to get money, he may or may not be particularily interested in your safety. IT's not his job to be interested in your safety.

I know you all said the 500, but if it were your first bike ever (I'm 26 M) would you do it?

I plan to start out on a 500 (still dont' have a bike) and I'm 18 M.

So I think you'll be just fine. Your insurance will be a hell of a lot cheaper, too. Good luck.

[Ninja Geoff]

Also, check out a dualsport such as a Honda XR650L or a Kawasaki KLR650. It might fit you better. Also means you can go off road.

[Dragonhawk]

Normally, I would say go with the 250. It is a great bike for a beginner.

However...

I owned a Ninja 250 for about 18 months as my first bike and I have to say that at high-altitudes, it really does get quite slooooooow. And I'm shorter and lighter than you.

The problem is, the Ninja 500 is almost double the price of the Ninja 250 but it is not double the performance or power. So, I understand your hesitation. I felt the same way. Why spend 80% more money for a 500 when you get a 25% increase in performance?

Honestly, that's a tough choice.

As I said, I totally endorse newbies getting a little Ninja 250, but under your riding conditions, you might want something like a Ninja 500 or a Suzuki GS500 instead.

[swatter555]

You can sit on some non-racerep 600s and see how you like em. There is nothing wrong with getting a ninja 500, though. At the same time, dont let other people tell you what bike to get. Look up the stats, judge for yourself because it sounds like you want to finance. If you get bored with a bike financed for several years, getting rid of it will not be easy.

Actually, I recommend not financing a first bike. If you have a couple of thousand saved up, then by all means start on a used ninja 500. If on the other hand you are going to finance a bike, better think real hard and plan ahead.

Dont get me wrong, you are already recieving sound advice from everyone. At the same time, too many people imply that not starting on a 250 or a 500 will kill you. That is not true, that bears pointing out sometimes.

I would peg the upper limts of a decent starter bike at 70bhp or under. Some bikes that fall in that category are: SV650,Ninja650,GS500,Ninja500,Ninja250.

[Sev]

Quick note, I've heard of a ninja 250 going for $1500 used and selling for $1400 the next year, the ninja 500 is the same (but more expensive obviously). Buying a used bike carries no shame or stigma whatsoever. Unless the people you ride with are no funs, in which case I wouldn't ride with them.

People will say you'll get bored of it, but so what? You spent $100 to use the bike for a whole season (plus gas/maint but you have that on every bike).

I'd agree with swatter and say look for a used 250 or 500 ninja, whatever fits your budget.

[Kal]

Right tool for the right job.

In your case, I'd say that the right tools would be Ninja 500, GS500 or CB500 (do you guys get the CB5 over there?)

All of them are solid entry level bikes with enough power to cope with high altitudes...

I am trying to remember the one lung suzuki 650 cruiser that Raff own's... I know that's good for altitude as he quite often takes it across Europe to see his family...

[Shiv]

I don't think we get the CB500 here in the states.

Tis a sharp looking bike though. The mirrors remind me of a micky mouse but you could always get aftermarket ones.

[scan]

I thought the FZ6 was a good bike while I owned it, and it was a de-tuned R6. I think it could be a bit much for a new rider, since it has the climbing power as you increase RPMs. This can get out of hand under some circumstnaces. I had a time when I first had the bike and I had to take off into some heavy traffic turning left. When the opening occured I'd rev'd a bit high and popped out the clutch and almost high-sided myself. That was a new guy mistake, but a more forgiving bike wouldn't have given me so much so soon. But at altitude it would might be better, since it is an FI bike. Just a thought.

[BaoQingTian]

Normally, I would say go with the 250. It is a great bike for a beginner.

However...

I owned a Ninja 250 for about 18 months as my first bike and I have to say that at high-altitudes, it really does get quite slooooooow. And I'm shorter and lighter than you.

The problem is, the Ninja 500 is almost double the price of the Ninja 250 but it is not double the performance or power. So, I understand your hesitation. I felt the same way. Why spend 80% more money for a 500 when you get a 25% increase in performance?

Thanks, that kind of was the crux of the problem. Why spend more if I don't need it. However, I did feel more comfortable on the Ninja 500. And I do not want to be holding up a line of cars on Kingsbury grade up to Tahoe...that's just....wrong. I'll probably end up getting a used Ninja 500. (I only went to the dealership to sit on bikes, I plan on going used first). And just so people don't get the wrong picture, I'm not fat at all. Being 6'3 and only weighing 195, I'm actually pretty skinny. So I'm not worried about looking like a fat man on a little bike-I'm worried about elbows and knees sticking out all over and that by weighing 50 lbs more than someone 8 inches shorter than me, it'll be slow going on a 250. Thanks for all your advice, I'm considering all of it.

[ZooTech]

I'm not even 5'11" and I feel like Big Bird sittin' in Little Bird's nest when on a Ninja 250 (or any 250 for that matter). A Ninja 500R would be a great start. You may also want to keep an eye out for a good used NightHawk. The powerband is north of 8K and everything below that is pretty tame and predictable, so don't let anyone tell you that's it's too much for a beginner. When you're ready for more power down the road, just start letting it come onto the cams. You should be able to find a 90's model (750) for a comparable price to a used Ninja 500R, or you may luck out and find an '84-'86 700SC for $1900.00 like I did.