Ideas on a bike

[CTemple]

I'm looking for ideas on what bike I should purchase as a beginner bike. Been looking at a couple different bikes : Ninja 250r, Ninja 300, and the Honda CBR250R. I want a sports bike, but I am open to other suggestions.

Since I'm a new rider, I've heard its best to get a used bike. The 300 is a new 2013 model from Kawasaki thus I couldn't get a used one. I've read different things where a beginner rider should get something around the size I'm looking at. I've also heard others tell me I could get a larger size bike for around the same price, as long as I am careful.

Any advice from any riders would be great!

[jackthemachinist]

I think all those bikes are very good. Any of them would probably work well for you.

My experience, however, is that new riders "out-grow" quarter-liter bikes fairly early on. I would also look at the Kawasaki 500 twin (Ninja 500, EX 500) as well. It's about 50 pounds heavier than the smaller bikes, but has more torque and a broader torque curve for easier cruising and commuting. It's a very "mild mannered" sport bike, still easy for a beginner to ride but one you may keep riding for years if, like me when I started out, money to trade up gets scarce. You might find a nice used one for not much more than one of the quarter-liter bikes.

JMO

[CTemple]

I've heard the same with outgrowing these bikes quickly. Friend suggested a 600/650 as a starting bike. Same price and I would probably keep it longer.

Want to use the bike to help with gas mileage and for some fun during the summer. Drive almost 60 miles round trip to work as of right now. Threw the Ninja 500 into craigslist and saw close to the same prices I saw for the smaller bikes. Thanks for the post! Gets me thinking a little more long term while not having something that will kill me.

[THEREALTRIKKY]

Have you also potentially considered more of the "naked style" street/sport bikes? I have an 04 Kawi Z1000. It uses a steel frame with an overbored 900 engine, great power, but amazingly civilized manners... I can peg the throttle in second gear and she just jumps forward, no wheelie action.. Very neutral handling and a very short wheel base makes it a breeze to handle. It "feels" like a small bike as well. You can also look into a Suzuki SV 650, mid size CBR's, the Kawi 650R, or the Yamaha 600 series as well... These would all be great starter bikes that would allow you to build your skill on a progressive level. They all handle and respond well.. The BIGGEST factor and danger in motorcycling is rarely the rider himself (short of "bulletproof" rookies deciding to split lanes doing wheelies on busy roadways), but the surrounding traffic and issues resulting from drivers on the road. When I lived and worked in town, I had to dodge vehicles swerving, coming into my lane, tail gating to the point of nearly hitting me MULTIPLE times a day...

Before you actually decide to buy anything, take the MSF course. Many states have begun requiring this to even get your m/c license now days also.

[CTemple]

No, I haven't looked at any of the larger bikes. Only one bike had caught my eye, the Hayabusa. I know that is a way more than I need.

Most of my commute is highway, so I do need something that will move just in case some semi driver misses me in his mirrors.

I definitely need to do some homework on some different bikes. Seems like people are pushing me towards a larger bike anyway, due to price and how much I will get out of it.

Indiana doesn't require the MSF course, but recommends it. Depending on how things are, I may take it. I do know a few friends who ride that would help me out if I asked.

[msocko3]

First thing is have you ever ridden a sports bike? Night and day from what I would call sit up straight type bikes. If you don't have a license and the state requires you to take a skills test your going to have a tough time on a Sports bike. I watched guys on sports bikes bomb the skills test left and right because the low speed maneuverability is terrible unless your highly skilled to over come it.

If your determined to get a sports bike stay away from the 1,000+ calls, they'll hurt you quick if your not experienced. The Hayabusa is a neat bike with gobs of power, will scare you silly in a hart beat. a guy who used to work for me bought one, he was intimidated by it for quite a long time. He found it just plain scary to deal with it in the rain, it would spin the back tire with very little throttle on wet roads.

Another guy who works for me used to ride a 1,000 cc GXSR, he sold it to an inexperienced rider, the guy didn't make it past his house without wrecking. He gave it way more throttle than he should have and didn't get the bike leaned over to make the turn out of the drive way and on to the road, he went across the road and into the mail box across the road.

[CTemple]

Never have to be honest. Was planning on getting together with a friend and getting a feel for his bike to see if it was the kind of bike I wanted. The sports bike happens to appeal to me. I won't know until I get back from my mission trip.

I've gotten that impression that I don't need to get a bike that size starting out. Just has bad news written all over it. I've reconsidered such a large bike due to weather implications. I live in the Ohio Valley region, which has some crazy weather changes at times. Would not be in a good position to be caught out in the rain while on a larger bike, especially if I'm not that experienced.

I do really appreciate all the feedback guys! Helping me think this thing through.

[Rsw]

If your not planning on riding acrossed the country, get something in the 550-650 range. The sport bikes are cool looking, but does that really fit your personality. I went with a VW trike because it says more about me then a Harley or a GW does. Don't jump into anything as a knee jerk reaction or because you think thats what you want. Take time and go to dealerships and sit on several differnt styles and you might just change your mind. This might be something you keep for a long time if you get the right one from the start.

[CTemple]

Wasn't planning on any cross country trips, but I could get a wild hair and just take off. I will definitely check out the different bikes and styles. Made a knee jerk reaction on my current car, and though it runs great and I love it, I could have gotten it cheaper if I had checked it out closer to see some of the issues it had.

[Rsw]

Wasn't planning on any cross country trips, but I could get a wild hair and just take off. I will definitely check out the different bikes and styles. Made a knee jerk reaction on my current car, and though it runs great and I love it, I could have gotten it cheaper if I had checked it out closer to see some of the issues it had.

How old are you?

[CTemple]

22

[John Luciano]

I am riding a 300 cc Johnny Pag. If you do not plan on over 60MPH it is a ball. I would not recommend it for long highway riding. I ride it on 100 mile back roads at 55 60. I too would recommend a 500 cc. When you talk Sport bikes they are more capable of doing 70 MPH highway. Have a a friend with a 250 Suzuki katana and She rides everywhere .

[Rsw]

I am riding a 300 cc Johnny Pag. If you do not plan on over 60MPH it is a ball. I would not recommend it for long highway riding. I ride it on 100 mile back roads at 55 60. I too would recommend a 500 cc. When you talk Sport bikes they are more capable of doing 70 MPH highway. Have a a friend with a 250 Suzuki katana and She rides everywhere .
What are we discussing 2 wheelers on a Trike forum?
Here is where I would go to have a discussion.
Tell them I sent you
Alternative Cruisers

I don't mind talking about 2 wheels to a young person asking experienced riders their opinion. He's more likely to get a straight forward, unbiased answer here then anywhere else. I don’t think he is trying to turn triketalk into a bike forum, just asking the best people in the bike/trike world a question. A lot of trike riders have a 2 wheeler and still ride. I think he also just got a job at a trike shop.

[CTemple]

I joined the forum since I got a job at a trike shop. I'm the internet guy and know something about engines, but not much about trikes. I will be going through trike forums to learn what I can from the posts on here and hopefully I will get to be involved with some trike building in the near future.

I posted up the bike question because I found the forum post and thought I would post up the question I've had for awhile, but don't have many people to talk to about it. Looking through here and seeing the posts on this thread has helped me tremendously with what I should be looking at when it comes to purchasing a bike.

To go off what you said John, I drive 30 miles to work each day, mostly highway driving (70mph), so something with more beef will be needed. When it came to the 250CC bikes, I thought a Ninja would suit me, since it has I think a top speed of 104. However, I keep hearing from others that I should get a larger bike, one I could learn on and keep for awhile.

[skuuter]

You won't/can't "outgrow" a Ninja 250 unless You're Valentino Rossi...I've owned one...the Green one was Mitzie's, the Red One mine.....



Great, Dependable Bikes, and capable of going extremely fast in twisties as Your Skill Level increases (should You so desire)...

Scooters are a Great Option also, such as a 600 Honda Silver Wing...100+ MPH, Locking Storage, Comfortable...Here's Mitzie and I on one of Ours.....



...and Our present Scooter Rides, Honda PCX150s.....



The 150s will run 70 MPH...cruise all day at 65 MPH, and get 85 - 95 MPG....also, much less of a $$$ investment than some Larger Bikes....the Ninja 250 You're interested in makes a Great Commuter too...I used mine a lot in that capacity while I owned it...Good Luck on Your Decision...I've owned literally hundreds of Bikes......

[John Luciano]

Just joking. , of course we can talk 2 wheelers I have 3. The 650 Burgman makes a GREAT scooter. I just think at your age you may get ribbed on it . There are other 250cc out there although the Ninja is king. I suggested that forum as another place to get great info.

[THEREALTRIKKY]

22

Ok, here's the big question then.. What sort of person are you overall? Are you more of a conservative who just relaxes and goes with it, or are you a more "go getter type" who doesn't "sit and wait"... These are actually very important questions to ask yourself because they will play a HUGE factor in your decision. I understand the "sport bike obsession", I DEFINITELY fall into that category.. I've had everything from a gsxr 750 race bike, hayabusa running nitrous, to my Kawi Z1000, Suzuki B-King, Honda CB900 Custom, etc etc etc...

Over the years, although i still crave the handling, and power of the sport styled bikes, I've become more concerned about my overall comfort. Riding about any sport bike, except the "big boys" (hayabusa, zx14, etc), anything other than a nice little day ride will leave you sore, and aching due to the riding position. These bikes are built for speed, racing stances and position, these are things that ARE NOT attributed for "touring type comfort". I speak from vast experience on this note! This is one reason I've moved over to the "sport touring" and "naked" style bikes. They are a bit heavier by nature, de-tuned more for useable power ranges on the street, and offer a much more upright riding position that allows for far greater comfort if you plan to be in the saddle for a while.

Now I DO NOT recommend jumping into something like a new Z 1000 or a bike like my B-King (powered by a hayabusa 1340 drivetrain), as they are NOT for the inexperienced and will throw you with an accidental twist of the wrist. BUT, every major manufacturer offers this style of motorcycle in the "mid class" engine size.

If you're all about a full on sport bike, stick to the 600 engine size, it's a bike that can grow with you, be upgraded and made scary fast for less than you could sell it and buy another for.

I know it's a long reply, but felt like it's important information for someone younger and new to the motorcycle "family".. This information was given to me before I bought my first, and probably saved my life more than once.. Feel it's only right to pass on what I was taught and learned.

[msocko3]

Scooters are a Great Option also, such as a 600 Honda Silver Wing...100+ MPH, Locking Storage, Comfortable...Here's Mitzie and I on one of Ours.....

I'm impressed, you have that bad boy leaned right over.

[skuuter]

I'm impressed, you have that bad boy leaned right over.

"Maxxed Out".....Centerstand fell off at the Motel back in Townsend. I had ground the Centerstand Mounting Tabs off, scrubbed "flats" on both frame rails, and rubbed a tiny hole in the lower leading edge of the muffler.....had to do some welding repairs/tab fabricating when I got Home.....

[CTemple]

Ok, here's the big question then.. What sort of person are you overall? Are you more of a conservative who just relaxes and goes with it, or are you a more "go getter type" who doesn't "sit and wait"... These are actually very important questions to ask yourself because they will play a HUGE factor in your decision. I understand the "sport bike obsession", I DEFINITELY fall into that category.. I've had everything from a gsxr 750 race bike, hayabusa running nitrous, to my Kawi Z1000, Suzuki B-King, Honda CB900 Custom, etc etc etc...

Over the years, although i still crave the handling, and power of the sport styled bikes, I've become more concerned about my overall comfort. Riding about any sport bike, except the "big boys" (hayabusa, zx14, etc), anything other than a nice little day ride will leave you sore, and aching due to the riding position. These bikes are built for speed, racing stances and position, these are things that ARE NOT attributed for "touring type comfort". I speak from vast experience on this note! This is one reason I've moved over to the "sport touring" and "naked" style bikes. They are a bit heavier by nature, de-tuned more for useable power ranges on the street, and offer a much more upright riding position that allows for far greater comfort if you plan to be in the saddle for a while.

Now I DO NOT recommend jumping into something like a new Z 1000 or a bike like my B-King (powered by a hayabusa 1340 drivetrain), as they are NOT for the inexperienced and will throw you with an accidental twist of the wrist. BUT, every major manufacturer offers this style of motorcycle in the "mid class" engine size.

If you're all about a full on sport bike, stick to the 600 engine size, it's a bike that can grow with you, be upgraded and made scary fast for less than you could sell it and buy another for.

I know it's a long reply, but felt like it's important information for someone younger and new to the motorcycle "family".. This information was given to me before I bought my first, and probably saved my life more than once.. Feel it's only right to pass on what I was taught and learned.

I'm a go getter kind of guy. Probably a good thing I own a 4 cylinder car, or I may be in some trouble with speeding.

I don't plan on taking any really long rides on the bike. Most of my commuting will be to work and around the area I live in.

I had ideas of getting a wreck/salvaged Hyabusa, but those went away when I started to realize what kind of power those have and how I have no experience on a motorcycle as of right now. I don't feel like killing myself on a bike.

Seems like I may be sticking with a 600 bike. Lots of people are guiding me towards those. I can learn on it, as long as I'm careful, and will grow into as I ride it more.

I appreciate the post. Getting loads of experience that helps tremendously.