Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello all,

I took the BRC a while ago but until now have been unable to get a bike. I now have enough to get a bike but would like some opinions on the best of the Kawasaki line for a beginner. I am just over 6'1", 220 lbs with an inseam close to 34". I'm looking for a bike to use mostly for commuting, about 20 miles each way surface streets and highway. I would like to know what you think of the KLR 650, Ninja 500R, and Vulcan 500 or is there something else that would work better? Thanks.

I'd sit on both a Vulcan and a Ninja and see where your preference is and then figure out how much power you need.

A Ninja 250 has enough power to do what you need. A 500 will give you a little more oomph on the highway. The 650s are also very nice (the Ninja and the KLR) but then you're spending a bit more.

Check out the beginner stickies and get something cheap to learn on. I got a Ninja 500 to learn on myself, and I probably could've done with a 250 for my first season (and I'm 6'0" and about 200 lbs).

I was glad I didn't drop $6-$7k on my first bike. It gave me some room to get nicer gear and I'm not as terrified of damaging the thing as I would be if I'd paid twice as much.

The ninja and vulcan 500 basically share the same motor and transmission, just tuned differently. Either bike would be a good choice and would have plenty of power for highway cruising. So it depends on your preference of sport vs. cruiser.

The KLR is a great do-anything machine but its a tall, gigantic bike. Might not be the best choice for a beginner because of the handling characteristics, but you could probably handle it ok since you are over 6'0. But you should go sit on one at a dealer to see if you like the vibe.

A used Nija 500 was the perfect starter for me!!!

I'm 5'10 and ride the vulcan 500. For your inseem, I'd suggest the taller dual sport. You be just too cramped on the 500 at your height.

I trained on a dual sport and it is top heavy but you have to get use to any bike you are going to get anyway.

I am new to riding and the cruiser felt more comfortable to me, I went with the vulcan 500, I sat on it and it felt right for me, I am 5'11.



Did I mention that I get my new bike tomorrow

I'm not as tall as you - 5' 9" but I have a Vulcan 500 and love it. It is a great bike, especially for a beginner.

I am 6'1" and 190lbs. I do love my Vulcan 500, but it does get a little cramped on long rides.

I love my Vulcan 500 but I would rather have a Ninja 500 for it's lighter weight, quicker engine (according to performance records of the Ninja) and it seems less cramped than the Vulcan. The Ninja also has a bigger tank so you can go quite a bit further than the Vulcan.

My riding partner is very happy with her Vulcan 500. But she is 5 ft 2in. It fits her perfectly. It is hard for me to picture you being comfortable on the bike for long. The forward controls would help. I would recommend looking for a larger bike. But we are both noobs, so I don't know much.