I really like the Ninja 650r and really any Suzuki's. I will buy used for sure just let me know what you think is the best choice. I know some people are going to say Ninja 250r but I really don't think that's enough for me. I am 200lbs 6 ft. Thanks, and yes I'm taking the MSF course etc.
Wow, you are so funny. I'm sure you didn't have a 250 either... and I bet you have one of those.
Leston C
Favorite Answer
My suggestion would be the 250 or 500cc ninja or a suzuki gs500. Please hear me out before you shut down my opinion. When you say 'enough for me', what do you mean? Enough horsepower, enough size, fast enough, quick enough? there are plenty of enoughs you could be refering to.
I'm 6'1 190 lbs and I ride a 1975 Honda cb750, it has 74 HP. I've been riding all sorts of motorcycles since i was 5, and i can tell you 74 hp and about 700 lbs of weight(me and motorcycle), my bike will haul plenty of ***, outrun most cars from the stop light, and carve plenty of corners.
If your a beginning rider, your doing the first step right by taking the safety course. However. only time will allow you the skill to know how fast to enter turns, breaking time, how to read traffic, all of the complexities that come with riding a motorcycle.
250 vs 500 vs 650:
250cc runs a 1/4 mile in 14.0 sec,
500cc runs a 1/4 mile in 12.98 sec
650cc runs a 1/4 mile in 12.06 sec
Ultimately, you can see the difference in the performance numbers and you'll make your choice. But i know the first time i got a motorcycle, i gave it too much throttle and it stood right up and flipped me over, luckily i was 5 and on the dirt. I'd hate for you to do that on the street with a $4000+ motorcycle. Make your mistakes minimal and learn easily. I cant tell you how many people i know buy R1,R6, cbr900 and simply do not know how to handle what they've purchased.
Make your choice wisely. You'll be hooked on motorcycles from here on out! its a blast!
Anonymous
... Do people really prefer Kawi over others? I don’t know about that. Everyone has their preferences some go by what they grow up with, some by looks, some go by background. Some people might want Kawasaki over others because of its long time racing history. Kawi dose great in just about every field. Kawasaki may not be the best looker of all the sport bikes but they just perform. I personally don’t think that people prefer them over others. I really can't say that I really see more Kawasaki's over other. I just don’t see it. You also have to remember that Kawasaki is a pure motors company they only make stuff like motorcycles, ATV, Utility vehicles, and RUV's. While Honda has their nose in everything, Yamaha is more audio now. Suzuki's isn’t too bad but they make cars so Kawasaki has just less to focus on. Let others enjoy their bikes. Competition is a good thing it lets us get the best out of every manufacture. So just enjoy the ride.
Law Abiding Citizen
I'm 6'2" (with riding boots) and I fit O.K. on the 250r. But after about 8 months riding I am ready to upgrade to something more spacious. I would suggest the suzuki gs500(or ninja 500r). It's bigger than the 250r in size and engine. And should keep you interested long enough to get the experience you need.
two_wheel_racer
You can ride any motorcycle, so choose what you like. One thing to remember is, you can get killed on any of them 250 650 1000, size is not the issue. If you don't develop the right skills and respect for riding in general. I always suggest learning on the dirt bike, since there are no cars trucks and idiot drivers. Regardless what you decide, make sure you have good riding gear, boots leathers and gloves. Don't ride over your head.
Chris
Well, the best thing to do it test out the bike before you buy it, a Kawasaki 250r will still get you going, but it's no rocket. And I don't care how big you are, a 650 is to big for a beginner. Hope this helped ;)