Good first bike? Kawasaki EX500 250

[BMF]

I'm looking at getting my first motorcycle. I think I have it narrowed down to the Kawasaki Ninja 500R. I was looking at the 250, but i heard that it lacks power on the freeway. That and my 6'2" frame might look funny on a bike that small.

Is this a good starting bike and would a yamaha or different brand be any better? I'm looking at getting a 2006 because they only run about $5,000.

Thanks in advance.

[dieziege]

You've been listening to the sales people, haven't you? Shame on you.

Get the 250... it is cheaper, has better resale value, is a little more comfortable for most tall people (because of the tank design) and is fine for anything under 100mph. I commute on one... 60 miles of interstates (speed limits 65-70MPH and traffic moving 10-15 over when it's clear) each way. 4000 miles of that so far and I don't see any performance problem. You won't be the fastest vehicle on the road... but do you really need to be?

I'm 6'... but there are many who are 6'2 and taller and love their ex250s.

The one caviat I'll throw out is that if you know you will want to carry passengers or the like you should look at the 500s. At that point, consider the Suzuki GS500F... sit on both and decide which is more comfortable for you.

[HungPower]

Hey, I was going to purchase a 250r and then realized about you mentiong about a qualm about carrying a passenger? Does it's overall performance reduce drastically if say my companion would be a 115 pound girl? How is it's acceleration and stability affected or would I still be able to carry her around?

[BigChickenStrips]

EX250R is the r0x0rz!!1!1!!!1!!!one!!!

im 6'2 240lbs and its still fater than the cars. and whoever told you its not good on he interstate- kick them in the throat, they dont know anythign about the bike.

the 250 will pull you and your skinny lady friend just fine.

[BigChickenStrips]

but generally at least a year and/or several thousand miles of riding are advisable before takign passengers.

[dieziege]

Hey, I was going to purchase a 250r and then realized about you mentiong about a qualm about carrying a passenger? Does it's overall performance reduce drastically if say my companion would be a 115 pound girl? How is it's acceleration and stability affected or would I still be able to carry her around?

Max combined weight of rider(s), cargo, and gear is about 340bs. The 500 allows a bit more. Personally, I'd say that a passenger from time to time is no big deal but if you plan to ride 2-up every day a larger bike is in order.

[BMF]

Thanks a lot for the input. It turns out that the salesmen told me to get a 250. When I called up my dad and told him about my plans to get a motorcycle he told me to get the 500. He said that the vibrations would be less on longer rides and that the extra power could help you avoid an accident on the freeway.

My original plan was to get a 250 and upgrade once I was comfortable riding.

I'm going to go look at the Suzuki 2006 GS500F today and see if I like them.

[BMF]

Oh, and

Kawasaki EX500 vs. Suzuki GS500? They look like almost identical bikes.

[dieziege]

ex500 is generally considered a better bike... but sit on them both before you choose. Comfort is more important than a slightly better suspension.

BTW: what are you doing listening to your dad's advice on motorcycles?

[Dragonhawk]

I was looking at the 250, but i heard that it lacks power on the freeway. That and my 6'2" frame might look funny on a bike that small.

If I hear the "I'll look funny" excuse one more time I'm gonna scream.

There are people in this world living with missing limbs or eyes or goodness-knows-what kind of physical deformities ... and people are insecure about how they will "look" on a motorcycle.

Pathetic. Gimmie a break.