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Thanks again for all the helpful info. I went down today and rode a Ninja 250. These bikes have never really appealed to me but after riding it, I love it. Anybody have any experiences with these bikes?? If the guy comes through this weekend and buys my V-star, I really think I'm gonna get the 250. Heck, I may go ahead and get it anyway.

I know it's a smaller cc than what I have now, but it really seemed quite comprable when I got it on the highway. I don't really go long distances at a time(2 hrs at most), so I really think this bike will suit me well for a while. I've also heard that when I do decide to upgrade, the 250's are pretty easy to sell.

TX

I wanted a Ninja 250 after reading this.

http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1145

TXClassic wrote:Thanks again for all the helpful info. I went down today and rode a Ninja 250. These bikes have never really appealed to me but after riding it, I love it. Anybody have any experiences with these bikes?? If the guy comes through this weekend and buys my V-star, I really think I'm gonna get the 250. Heck, I may go ahead and get it anyway.

I know it's a smaller cc than what I have now, but it really seemed quite comprable when I got it on the highway. I don't really go long distances at a time(2 hrs at most), so I really think this bike will suit me well for a while. I've also heard that when I do decide to upgrade, the 250's are pretty easy to sell.

You are right. The Ninja 250 and the VStar 650 are very close in horsepower. Your VStar should have more low-end torque and the Ninja has it up high. But the overall power output is very close. If I'm not mistaken, the VStar is 40HP and the Ninja is 36HP.

The Ninja 250 is a great little bike. My first was a Ninja 250. I put 16,000 miles on it before I got a new bike.

Lots of the bigger sportbikes are just overkill. I guarantee you that 90% of the people out there with their GSXRs do not possess the skill or ability to ride even a Ninja 250 to the limit of it's performance capabilities. Sure, they all THINK they can. But ... no.

As I often tell folks - respecting the bike is irrelevant. It's an inanimate object. It does not ask for, care about, or require anyones respect.

What motorcyclists need to respect are their OWN lack of skills as a beginner. Respect your own limitations. Acknowledge that the GSXR has power FAR beyond your skill-level. Keep the ego in check and realize that if you have an R1, you really WOULD get your butt beat by Valentino Rossi riding a Ninja 250.

I'm actually going to disagree slightly with the general consensus for a change.

Most of the critical skills to learn in my opinion is a general awareness (read paranoia) of whats happening around you. After a year of regular riding that should come pretty naturally to you. The 600 sports are demanding in terms of skill, but you should have a basic enough skillset to get one and learn to ride it. NOT jump on it twist and go, but LEARN to ride one.

Ride safely, sensibly, and with attention to detail and you should be ok.

For me the biggest change was not the power increase, but actually the riding positions. A leant forward position naturally made me focus on the road directly ahead of myself. Always gotta fight that instinct, and know whats happening around you in ALL directions

You may well be different, I don't know how well you ride to start with. I will recommend that you do a proper honest assessment of your own riding first.

I agree with the 650 guys. It is not the size that is going to get you introuble. The bower band is what matters. A Gixxer6 had a really hard power band that comes on rather abrupt. I would say find a V-Twin. They are more docile and still can have the smae fun in the twisties factor.

Nibblet99 wrote:
The 600 sports are demanding in terms of skill, but you should have a basic enough skillset to get one and learn to ride it. NOT jump on it twist and go, but LEARN to ride one.

Ride safely, sensibly, and with attention to detail and you should be ok.

+1

If you're at all uneasy with jumping into a 600 class sport bike then you're safest bet is to go with what you said - get the 250 ride that for as long as you like the nupgrade to a larger bike later. The 250 will be much easier to handle starting out & you are correct - they are always in demand providing it's in half decent shape when you want to sell. As a lot of people have indicated here though, it really boils down to how safely your ride out there - not what you ride

Remember when you first started riding your current bike?
Hyper aware ofthe clutch; what the throttle was doing as you twisted it; the brakes; turning (slow or fast speed).
Jumping up to a more powerful bike will put you right back there....
Whether or not that is a good thing is up to you.