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Well, after reading the beginner riders articlesrum), Iave decided to look at the 250R later today. My only concern is that I am 6' 2" and 250 lbs. I will look like one of those bears riding the teeny tiny bikes at the circus. Also, this bike needs to be a commuter.

BTW - Wold anyone be willing to offer a guess as to the best price I should expect to see on one of these?

I've seen a couple members posting that they were getting $3400-$3500 OTD, which is apparently a good price (MSRP is $3000). Dealers make about $200 off these bikes, so don't expect a lot of bargaining room. If this is your first bike, I would suggest seeing if the dealer (or checking craigslist) has used bikes, as the Ninja 250 hasn't really changed since '89.

As for your size concerns, that's why you're going to the dealership! =)

Good luck!

Check out the Ninja 500. Just a bit more 'oomph' than the 250 without being ridiculous. You may still look like a bear on a bicycle, but YOU'LL BE RIDING!!!

I'm 5'8" and about 100 lbs lighter than you and the 250 felt like a toy to me.

P

It's commonly reported by taller riders that the 500 is less comfortable than the 250 due to the tank design.

dieziege wrote:It's commonly reported by taller riders that the 500 is less comfortable than the 250 due to the tank design.

I've got a 500 and it's plenty comfy, although the tank is pretty wide.

Honestly though even at 250 lbs the EX250 should propel you quite well. And as a commute bike (if you're trying to save some $$) you can't go wrong. With your size you'll still be able to hit close to 100mph is need be and you'll be getting probably 70mpg.

i end up saying this most times people post about the 250 ninja, but it hauls me around quite easily (6foot 240ish).

i have no idea what i look like riding it, and frankly don't care what other people think and never have a big enough mirror to check myself out in while i ride.

it's comfortable and fun to ride. It is definitely light though if you are used to riding a bigger heavier bike, but as a commuter it's a champ.

Anyone who would give you a hard time about what bike you ride is either:

1) an "O Ring" who doesn't deserve your respect of his opinion
2) someone who has no idea about bikes in general
3) a friend who expects to be teased back

Don't worry about it, get the bike you want, I think the 250 ninjas look great.

Sevulturus wrote:Anyone who would give you a hard time about what bike you ride is either:

1) an "O Ring" who doesn't deserve your respect of his opinion
2) someone who has no idea about bikes in general
3) a friend who expects to be teased back

Don't worry about it, get the bike you want, I think the 250 ninjas look great.

What he said. in spades.

I work with a guy who is about 6'5" and 300 lbs. He rides an old 1980's Honda 250. Does he look like Bobo the circus bear when he rides? Yea. Does he care? No. He is happy to be out there riding. And gets around quite well on the bike to BTW. I say go for it if that is what you like best and what is comfortable for you.

Where do I even start thanking you all for chiming in.

BTW - I eluded to this 250 topic in another thread and have received some great responses there as well. The reason I duplicated the post is because the other thread/conversation was in regard to a magazine (of all things) and felt I would get better results under a more applicable thread.

I did end up going to the dealership at lunch and they will not have any 250's or 500's for the rest of the year. So they tried to push me in to an SV650 -- out the door at $6000.

I declined the offer.