Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey guys,

So, I've finally decided to take action against getting a bike. Just the other day I ordered about $900 worth of gear from the motorcycle superstore, and then I'll sign up for some MSF lessons.

I have a couple questions or... concerns I'd like to share. Let's keep in mind that I am 6'4 and about 180 lbs (skinny and tall)

1) I don't have too much experience with manual shifting. When I go to the MSF course will they teach me how to use the clutch and such as that? If I fail at it will they kick me out?

2) I like how sportsbikes look, but I am not sure I should get one of those for my first bikes. I like how standard bikes look, especially the sporty kinds. If anyone could recommend a bike that I can start on that isn't tiny (ninja 250r is way tiny in my opinion) I'd really appreciate it.

3) I am concerned about some streets in Los Angeles. How badly will bumps throw off a rider? Can you go over them with out too much stress? There are quite a few bad streets in L.A so this has sparked some concerns.

If anyone would like to share any tips or anything for a new rider, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Well to the forums!

1. Yes they'll teach you, they spend quite a bit of time going over it in the beginning.

2. You have the exact body type of one of my instructors. He rides a 250R around town actually... So it'll fit, it may not be for you, but you'll fit! You may also want to look at a 500 of some kind.

3. Not sure how bad the streets are in LA but we have a member on here named DragonHawk, who IIRC is from LA. As long as you're not cranked over in a corner when you hit a big bump on a bike you should be fine... Bike suspension is usually softer than the average sportscar's suspension.

Wrider

arachnd wrote:1) I don't have too much experience with manual shifting. When I go to the MSF course will they teach me how to use the clutch and such as that? If I fail at it will they kick me out?

No worries. The first few exercises are all about getting you used to a clutch and proficient at its use. I find that people without clutch experience do just as well as those with clutch experience. Just relax and enjoy.

2) I like how sportsbikes look, but I am not sure I should get one of those for my first bikes. I like how standard bikes look, especially the sporty kinds. If anyone could recommend a bike that I can start on that isn't tiny (ninja 250r is way tiny in my opinion) I'd really appreciate it.

Try the gs500f. Sport bikey at a bigger size, but you'd be surprised at how nice the ninja250 feels

3) I am concerned about some streets in Los Angeles. How badly will bumps throw off a rider? Can you go over them with out too much stress? There are quite a few bad streets in L.A so this has sparked some concerns.

Can't be worse than the roads in Mississippi- and I still haven't been thrown off

arachnd wrote:Hey guys,

So, I've finally decided to take action against getting a bike. Just the other day I ordered about $900 worth of gear from the motorcycle superstore, and then I'll sign up for some MSF lessons.

(insert other junk here)

2) I like how sportsbikes look, but I am not sure I should get one of those for my first bikes. I like how standard bikes look, especially the sporty kinds. If anyone could recommend a bike that I can start on that isn't tiny (ninja 250r is way tiny in my opinion) I'd really appreciate it.

Luckily it's only tiny in your opinion. Don't knock it til you try it- it can still do 0-60 in under 6 seconds and kill you.

arachnd wrote:If anyone could recommend a bike that I can start on that isn't tiny (ninja 250r is way tiny in my opinion) I'd really appreciate it.

A ninja 250 isn't tiny at ALL. It might look like it's small but trust me, its not. Those ninja 250s can hit 100 MPH on the highway.

SBK15 wrote:

arachnd wrote:If anyone could recommend a bike that I can start on that isn't tiny (ninja 250r is way tiny in my opinion) I'd really appreciate it.

A ninja 250 isn't tiny at ALL. It might look like it's small but trust me, its not. Those ninja 250s can hit 100 MPH on the highway.

I took my Ninja 250 out last week on the highway for the first time - the Garden State Parkway in NJ, it went to 70 with no problem. The biggest thing I had to deal with was the wind.

Of course, I'm 5'9" and 175 lbs. In terms of the bike pulling the weight - probably not much of a difference between us. In terms of height, I can only say that I'm quite comfortable on it, but being average height, everything seems to be custom made for me.

RhadamYgg

I am 6'1" 180 and have gone to look at the new Ninja 250 and I've sat on an '05 that was in the dealership. They were both comfortable for my height, the controls were a bit close but not bad at all. The unfortunate thing is that because of the high demand for newbie bikes... I can't afford a newbie bike, used or new. So I'm looking at slightly bigger bikes but thanks to the sagely advice of the bikers on this forum I have ruled out several and been given lots of tips for how to make sure I'm not getting ripped off. So like the experienced guys are sayin try out that ninja before you decide to stay away from it.

I have owned 3 bikes in my short biking career, and the Ninja 250 Sports bike is the only one I have left.......sold other two, they just sat in the garage while I rode the ninja........My road machine.....It's a hot bike, best was the 2007. And any Ninja 250 will get you where you want to go faster then maybe good for you.