First Bike

[Ares]

Hey everyone. I have been reading around here for a while. I am into sport bikes mostly, although my mom and her boyfriend have Harley's, I'm looking for something a little different. I am 16, 17 in June, and I have not even got my car license yet, I have my learners permit though. I live in Wisconsin.

Anyways I really like the Kawasaki Ninja 250r and 500. I was wondering if the extra $$ for the 500 is worth it. I really don't want anything too powerful as this is my first motorbike other than a little 47cc I got for my birthday once.

Also I have questions in regards to licensing laws in Wisconsin. I read over the DMV website for WI but I am still a little confused. In WI is the skills test for motorcycles required if you take and pass an MSF course?

Thanks,
Nate

PS: I really need good arguments to convince my 19 year old friend from getting a Yamaha R6 as his first bike. He just wont listen to me when I tell him he is going to end up killing himself.

[Jadien]

He won't necessarily kill himself.... maybe he'll end up paralyzed and eating out of a straw, fighting with the insurance company to pay people to wash his "O-Ring". Or, he could kill himself and perhaps his parents when they commit suicide because their baby is gone, or he could be just fine and do very well, who knows....

Try to get him to look at this site. But don't say, "I told you! Everyone thinks you'll kill yourself!" That will just put him on the defensive.

Try something like, "I found this cool forum with veteran bikers (definately not me) sharing tips and stuff with new riders." That way you two are buddies learning how to ride SAFELY, together.

Just a newb's 2 cents...

[Dragonhawk]

Hey everyone. I have been reading around here for a while. I am into sport bikes mostly, although my mom and her boyfriend have Harley's, I'm looking for something a little different. I am 16, 17 in June, and I have not even got my car license yet, I have my learners permit though. I live in Wisconsin.

Anyways I really like the Kawasaki Ninja 250r and 500. I was wondering if the extra $$ for the 500 is worth it. I really don't want anything too powerful as this is my first motorbike other than a little 47cc I got for my birthday once.

Also I have questions in regards to licensing laws in Wisconsin. I read over the DMV website for WI but I am still a little confused. In WI is the skills test for motorcycles required if you take and pass an MSF course?

Thanks,
Nate

PS: I really need good arguments to convince my 19 year old friend from getting a Yamaha R6 as his first bike. He just wont listen to me when I tell him he is going to end up killing himself.

My first bike was a Ninja 250. Great choice.

Personally, no, I do not think the extra money for the Ninja 500 is worth it. Plus, the ergonomics of the 500 is different too. They are similar in ergonomics, but I found the 250 to be more comfortable.

to get him to look at this site. But don't say, "I told you! Everyone thinks you'll kill yourself!" That will just put him on the defensive.

Try something like, "I found this cool forum with veteran bikers (definately not me) sharing tips and stuff with new riders." That way you two are buddies learning how to ride SAFELY, together.

Great idea.

As for your friend who wants the R6, I think the advice of directing him to some "new biker" sections of forums is a great idea. Don't say, "You're being an idiot and going to die!"

People are stubborn, egotistical and defensive. If you approach him that way, it will likely INCREASE the chances that he WON'T listen to you.

I made a site for new riders. Check it out:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

Be extra careful on your bike. Many "old timers" think teens shouldn't ride motorcycles because you aren't familiar with traffic patterns yet. I can see their point. But I think it's okay as long as you are smart and cautious and responsible.

Have fun!

[Ares]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Also. I am a very conscious driver, take it from my dad. I have seen some very messy car accidents and I don't even like to think about being in one, but I do know the possibility is there and I respect that. Ergo, I am extra careful when it comes to driving.

Thanks again,
Nate

[intotherain]

+1 to dragon and Jaiden.

I agree with dragon about the ninja 250.

the ninja 500 only has a few more HP than a ninja 250 but costs thousands more. I say get a ninja 250, and spend the extra into good gear. Expect to spend close to $1000 for full gear. (riding boots, thick motorcycle jeans, ARMORED jacket, leather gloves, and a helmet.) Thats the gear I would suggest.

ha, nice to see another Wisconsinite! Where you at? You sound like a Madisonian for some reason, idk why, but I'm from Madison.

[nottheface]

Hey guys I'm also getting a bike soon and will be taking the MSF course. Where are some good places to buy gear? What are the good brands to look for?

Thank you much.

[VermilionX]

Hey guys I'm also getting a bike soon and will be taking the MSF course. Where are some good places to buy gear? What are the good brands to look for?

Thank you much.

online, i like to shop around with...

newenough.com
kneedraggers.com
parts411.com
motostrano.com


otherwise... check a cycle gear or whatever local shop is in your area.

[Dragonhawk]

Hey guys I'm also getting a bike soon and will be taking the MSF course. Where are some good places to buy gear? What are the good brands to look for?

Thank you much.

Again, check my site:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

Cycle Gear is a national store chain with good stuff. You don't mention where you are from, so Cycle Gear is the best place to recommend.

[MotoF150]

WOW! everybody wants the Ninja 250, im going to buy stock in Kawasaki, or better yet go to the Kawasaki Dealer and buy up his entire stock of 250 Ninja's and resale them at a higher price.

[tanitatt]

I just found out I have a dog in this race. My neighbor rides an R1 and his son rides and R6. Anyway, his son let a friend ride his R6 ... of course, his friend doesn't know how to ride and wanted to learn ... on the R6 ... short story shorter ... 6 months rehab.

As for the Ninjas ... I like the 250 ... but then I'm short. I think both are perfect bikes for beginers, just find the one that "fits" you best.

Thomas