Total Motorcycle Community Forums

My wife and I just got our motorcycle permit today!
We both took the 3 day course on a Yamaha Virago 250. Obviously this is radically different form a Ninja 250R which we would consider as a first bike. My question is: how much will the driving differ (position, shifting, etc...)? We are a little apprehensive because the Ninja looks so different and wonder if we can drive it safely.

I haven't had a Ninja 250 or the Virago, so I can only comment on the idea that if you start off slow, practice clutch engagement, and the stuff from the course, I don't see where you'd have any significant difficulties adjusting*.

*As long as the bike fits you, you like the riding position, etc.

I haven't sat on the Virago before, but the Ninja 250 has a pretty standard seating position.

Go to a dealer (or two) and sit on both bikes. Some places, the salesman will hold up the bike so you can put both feet up on the pegs and see how it feels.

I've been on the above two bikes. The Eliminator is a very low seat height bike. The feet are forward of those on my Ninja 250.

I think you might experience similar differences between the Virago and the Ninja 250.

Also, the Ninja 250, I suspect is much more capable than most other 250cc motorcycles. I've taken mine up to 85 on the highways (just to keep up with NJ Turnpike traffic). The biggest and only thing I can think of to upgrade to a bigger bike with it - is a little more weight to make it deal with the winds easier.

RhadamYgg