Vulcan 500 or Tu250x

[Bohh]

Hey guys,

I'm new and looking to start riding. I'd like to buy a new bike and have been looking at the bikes in the dealership. The two that stick out to me are the Tu250X from Suzuki and the vulcan 500 from Kawasaki.

Both are comfortable to sit on and neither seem "too big." However, the Tu250 is cheaper which is good and having never riddin a bike I think the more "standing" siting position makes it seem safer? I don't know.

However, I am concerned about how long it will last. Ive been reading about many of the 250 owners quickly grow out of them. If that will be the case I'll spend a little more now to get a 500 which I'm sure I'll keep a long time.

I've read that the 250s have trouble going up hills and passing cars, or having power in emergencies. Those are the points that bother me. I'm 6' tall and about 180 pounds. I don't plan on riding on the interstate, but don't want to have a weak bike that wont go over 40.

Anyone help me sort my thoughts?

Thanks!

[TorontoBoy]

Let's get some facts straight.

Learning to ride will probably mean your bike will get scratched up within the first year. Learning on a smaller bike will be faster than on a larger bike.

I recommend all beginners start used and start small. One issue is your height. A Ninja 250 may actually fit you better than either of your choices.

That being said there's not that much real world difference between the 250 and the 500. In terms of weight they'll also be within 50lb difference. If you insist on only these two bikes, which I don't recommend, then go larger. It's not that much larger, but on the highway the Vulcan 500 will easily cruise at 70 all day.

[paul246]

Consider dual-sports, they have a lot to offer both the beginner and the more experienced rider.

[Thumper]

If you take the time to really learn to wind it up, a 250 will do just about anything you want it to, including Interstate riding. For around-town type riding, they're ideal. And you don't really outgrow a 250; at some point you might start to feel like you want a little more power, but the same can be said for the 500. I rode a Rebel for about a year and a half; it felt a bit like a toy after a year or so, but it still did everything I needed a bike to do..I just wanted more power.

So really, if they're a good fit, either of those bikes would be decent starter bikes. If I could get a used Vulcan 500, I'd personally go for that, but the TU250 looks like it'd be a heck of a lot of fun. I doubt you'd regret either one...just be prepared for the urge to go bigger in a year, then squash it and wait at least 6 more months...

[ttty2t1j3]

Well I started on a Suzuki 250. Which was great for learning. Really small and easy to handle. Great for learning leans and sharp turns. Then my dad passes his Vulcan 500 down to me. Had to relearn everything. Not as maneuverable, and I was a little leery because of the extra weight. But after I got over dropping the clutch I was fine. Only 2 wipes lol. But it is a great bike. Can easily do the 75 speed limit here in Arizona on the freeway, can handle the mountainous terrain surrounding me, and gets great mileage. I'm going to be moving up soon though and sell this bike to my friend probably. But It's a great mix of small and efficient, and power. Really no wrong answer to this. Either way get a used bike if you can, costs less and any damage that you may cause to the bike won't hurt your pride as much.

[TinkTime00]

I have a Vulcan 500 as a first bike. I bought it used. I did put it down working on U-turns and stuff, so I added some scratches. But I don't worry b/c that's why I bought used.

In terms of highway speeds, I agree w/ all the thoughts posted. Either bike is a good bike to learn on. But I, of course, am biased towards the Vulcan. The power is more than adequate for hills and passing and definitely cruising down the highway @ 70.

I guess it just depends on what you like best in the test ride, but so far, I don't have any complaints w/ my Kawi. It's a good bike!

[ERC6]

I'm trying to decide between a 2009 Suzuki Tu250X and 2009 Honda Rebel. I'm a super beginner, having taken the Apex class, but very little riding except for that. The Honda Rebel is great because of the seat height and comfort, however the TU250X has gotten great reviews. So, TinkTime00, what did you end up doing? The Vulcan or TU250X? Anyone else have a comment about the Honda Rebel - that's the direction I'm leaning. Thanks!

[TinkTime00]

I went w/ the Vulcan and I couldn't be happier.

I was/am a newbie rider too. I had never even been on a bike before the Apex MSF class. And I rode a Rebel during the class. I liked the seat height of that bike, and it was great to use when I'd never been on anything else before. But, I found that after sitting on it for a few hours, it just wasn't comfortable. And I wouldn't say it had much to do w/ my height (I'm between 5'7 & 5'8). I just felt the seat left much to be desired after several hours of riding. And I knew that I would want to ride more and more and wanted to be on a seat that didn't make my butt go numb. (maybe this is more of a personal problem... )

Anyhow, I'd say go w/ whatever bike you're comfortable on for a few hours, b/c once you get going, you won't want to get off.

BTW: Congrats for getting in to the biking phenomenon.

[ERC6]

Congrats on your new Vulcan - glad you love it! I went ahead and ordered the TU250X this AM, after much thought and deliberation! I loved the seat height of the Rebel, but at the same time, decided that being a little higher isn't a bad idea either. Plus the MPG, fuel injection, and a few other things seemed to be a better option with the Suzuki - although I think I would have been happy with either.

Anyway, I pick mine up tomorrow at 5:00. Whoohoo! Can't wait to ride it and see if I'm feeling the same way a month from now.

[TinkTime00]

Congrats on your new bike! I hope you pick it up @ 5 and don't put it down. (sleep is overrated)