Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Well, I've actually been around for a little while.. didn't post much though.

Anyway, I've been really wanting to get my first bike for awhile and after much procrastination, I think I'm finally gonna do it this time. Naturally, I have a few questions.

I've read through the stickies and I've heard over and over that it's best to start off with something small. I've got a few issues with that. Due to my current budget, I'm going to have buy from a dealership and make monthly payments because it'd take me forever to save the money with all my bills. So I probably wouldn't be able to upgrade for a long time.. I know I'll get bored of 250cc real fast, so I'd prefer just to invest in something I'll be happy with for a longer period of time.

Now, I used to ride dirt bikes with an old friend a few years back so I already have experience with bikes already, however, I do realize street bikes have a lot more power and kick.. but just the fact that I already have experience with bikes, makes me feel like I'll pick up the needed skills quicker then most new riders and get bored of that little 250cc real fast.

I've been looking into bikes for a long time and I've had my eye on the GSXR for a long time. Quite frankly, I am afraid as hell to get that as my first bike, and I'll agree it's a terrible beginner bike.. but 250 is just too boring for me.

My question is, considering my experience, is there any kind of median between the Ninja 250 and GSXR? Something I'd be much happier with that wouldn't tear me up, but still give me some enjoyment? Anyone go through a similar experience as far as having some riding experience prior to purchasing their first bike? Ahh! Any help is greatly appreciated.. even if it's "suck it up, loser, get a ninja 250!"

-Ryan

edit: I should add that I am not TOTALLY opposed to the 250cc Ninja.

Welcome to the forum. If you've been around a while you'd know that if you want a first bike bigger than a 250 but smaller than a 600 sportbike, you go for a 500.

You should take MSF and get going on your license if you're not already there. Since you have dirtbike experience, the controls should be easy to grasp.

I wouldn't completely count out a 250 as a first bike, it's not a child's toy. But buy what you want, its your choice. As for buying new, not a real smart idea since first bikes tend to be test dummies for the whole learning process. Again, if you've got experience this may not matter.

Read up on the newbie stickies and do a search for the Ninja 250/500, Suzuki 500 and the grey area bikes like the SVs.

ninja 500

I mainly want something with more punch then the 250cc but definately less then the GSXR. As much as I love bikes, my knowledge of them is not all there. I don't know what is out there, or what is good for this or that. I'll check out those that you've mentioned.

I agree, buying new is not the best way to go, but I just can't afford to drop a couple grand on a used bike. I mean, I can go to a used motorcycle dealership and do the same deal, as well I believe. I really just need to make payments on it with my current financial situation. That all leads to me wanting to get something I'll be happy with for awhile because it'll be my bike for a looooooong time.

Any other suggestions?

Edit: Oh and I totally forgot to ask.. I was told that you do not have to pay insurance on a bike in my state (Florida). Is this true?

Suzuki GS500 e or f, that's the 500, standard version of the GSXR. Not sure of his username, but someone here on the forums lives in Albuquerque and has one, has been riding it instead of having a car, his dream is also a GSXR. He says it rides well, so definitely look into that.
Wrider
PS, Nice to meet a fellow Ryan!

sv 650 and kawasaki ninja 650 are very calm twins (sv a vtwin, ninja inline twin).

They aren't balls to the wall but they are grey beginners bikes (how competent are you and be fair to yourself because injuries/damage from crashes can get expensive)

Now about outgrowing the ninja 250. My cousin started on a 250. He dropped it, banged it up and managed to sell it for $100 less than he bought it for a year later. What did he replace it with? A new ninja 250. $4k out the door with all teh gear you need. He loves the ride, rides it hard and can probably spank most of us when it comes to bike handling

of course with college graduation coming he's wanting the buell firebolt

Edit: Oh and I totally forgot to ask.. I was told that you do not have to pay insurance on a bike in my state (Florida). Is this true?

No idea about that but, really, would you want to ride without insurance?

Shiv wrote:

Edit: Oh and I totally forgot to ask.. I was told that you do not have to pay insurance on a bike in my state (Florida). Is this true?

No idea about that but, really, would you want to ride without insurance?

No kidding. You want to buy a new bike so you can "afford" it but you want to ride without insurance. The first time you drop it real good and the bike is totaled out, you my friend owe the finance co the rest of the money out of pocket. So you'll be paying for a bike you don't even have anymore.


Do yourself a favor and save some money for insurance and the bike. Saving isn't easy but its a lot easier to not be paying for it in the bad way.

ninja79 wrote:ninja 500

+1

I went from a 636 Ninja back to a 500-R (636 was stolen ) and while the power is significantly less, it is a good, solid bike that is fun to ride. Hits 100MPH with throttle left. Or, if you like cruisers, go with the Vulcan 500 Ltd. Same engine. Good bike.

--Dave