In a crunch

Message

bebopin64 · #1 Unread post by **bebopin64** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:23 pm

This is not the type of post I like to make as a first post but I'm in a bit of a situation. I need to get a motorcycle on a budget of about $2200. Until I get it I am at the mercy of others giving my rides from my house in the sticks. I have been looking at a Kawasaki Ninja EX250. It looks pretty nice but I really don't know much about bikes.

After I get myself settled away I look forward to contributing to these boards. This forum reminds me of a forum I used to be in with my car and it is a very good environment.

andrwhock · #2 Unread post by **andrwhock** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:28 pm

First of all, welcome to the forum.

Second, the EX250 is an excellent bike to start out on especially for someone on a budget. If you have any more information about the bike you're looking at like the condition, year, mileage, and even some pictures you could show, we'd be better able to help you out.

bebopin64 · #3 Unread post by **bebopin64** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:39 pm

its an ebay auction in my area. I figured ebay would be safe because I can inspect the bikes before dishing out the money. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-Kaw ... dZViewItem

I forgot to mention earlier that I've been riding a Honda XR250L for 4 years now and I've only spilled it once. So I do have experience but I am not really sure how my experience carries over into street bikes because I never went over 55mph.

Duffy · #4 Unread post by **Duffy** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:47 pm

I recently bought a new ninja 250. You could prolly get a used one for that price. I take it to work (weather permitting) everyday and have no problem keeping up and passing traffic. It's has a decent size tank (4.8 I think)and gets very good gas mileage (I think somewhere of either high 60's or low 70 mpg) And no complaints about in town driving. If you can read up on how to change oil and filter your golden. Seat is a bit uncomfortable on long rides and vibration makes hands numb after awhile. But all bikes could be like that? There are built in bungee hooks that come in handy when you want to haul your stuff in a bag or something. If you have an oops while riding, bike pretty forgiving. Great all around bike if your not looking for speed (top speed is like 100?) or for neck breaking hp then this could be good little bike for you. I've done 95mph no problem and can get up to speed on highway without a second thought to merge easily) It is on the lighter side but the only time it really is an issue is behind semi's or when wind is gusting at over 10mph. I don't think it's possible to be blown over, but it is nerve racking at times. Although, if your tall, seating may be a bit problematic. I am 5'3" and I am on tip toes at stops, but comfortable on pegs. My brother is like 6' and said he felt like his knees where up at his chest when riding it. Just go to a Kawa dealer and just sit on a 250 to see how it feels first. Hope this helps some.

slimcolo · #5 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:59 pm

Way off subject

This post appears wider than other posts. It is larger than screen. (I have to side to side scroll to read) Does anyone have an explanation.

bebopin64 · #6 Unread post by **bebopin64** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:02 pm

I'm 6'2" 220lb so maybe I will need to rethink the EX250. What are some good alternatives? This bike really caught my eye http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-HON ... dZViewItem but I don't know if it will be a maintenance hassle or if it will be too big. I think I can handle a bigger bike than some simply because I am huge. I do have to say that my 1992 XR250 is still riding strong. Will other Hondas have that kind of reliability?

edit: whats the feeling on nighthawks? there are many in my area and one that i thought looked good was http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/356297094.html

tortus · #7 Unread post by **tortus** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:03 pm

bebopin64 wrote:its an ebay auction in my area. I figured ebay would be safe because I can inspect the bikes before dishing out the money.

Very nice lil Ninja there. Looks to be in good condition, and yellow is the best color for the 250 IMO.

I don't see any red flags in the auction description. But I'm also not exactly an expert on these things.

Kal · #8 Unread post by **Kal** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:23 am

As a rule Hondas are solid, solid bikes - I'm a big Honda fan.

However, even with 4 years trail riding I wouldn't recomend CBR asa first road bike.

Go sit on the EX250 and see if it is comfortable before writing it off as an option. I doubt that you are too big for it, mostly because you aren't the size of two people.

jonnythan · #9 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:42 am

slimcolo wrote:Way off subject

This post appears wider than other posts. It is larger than screen. (I have to side to side scroll to read) Does anyone have an explanation.

It's the links. Many forums automatically shorten the link text that appears so this does not happen, but not TMW

bebopin64 · Thu Jun 21, 2007 4:37 am

I was thinking about financing a new bike that way my options would open up a bit. If the Ninja turned out to be comfortable I wanted to get an EX500. I think I can handle a 500 because of my experience with the 250 and how to handle the throttle on some very bumpy terrain but what do all of you think?