Opinions on Street Bikes?

exalted512

steveinaz wrote: »

My wifes new Honda Rebel 250 as "buzzy" as hell at 60mph. Just sayin. Even she got bored with it (5'6" 140lbs)---as it would literally struggle going up Bisbee hill, and at max throttle could only hold about 50mph up that highway hill.

A Rebel 250 and a ninja 250 are not even close to the same league.

shack wrote: »

Not even close. Maybe more like a Mini Cooper S. Fun to drive, good on the twistys, great gas mileage...can't hang on the straights...but an all-around good drive.

Specs:
07 Ninja 250R (first I could find):
1/4 mi = 14.6 seconds at 88 mph
0-60 = 5.75 seconds

1999 GT:
1/4 mile = 14.0 @ 102 mph
0-60 = 5.4 seconds

http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-ninja-250-review
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/04q4/ford_mustang_gt-road_test/performance_page_2

0.3 second difference to 60, less than a second difference in the 1/4 mile. So yes, like I said earlier, it'll keep up with the older mustang gt's to highway speed. You might not win the race, but just remind them that they're in a 4.6L V-8 and you're in a .25L 2 cylinder and they usually shut up.

billbillw wrote: »

My opinion would be if you are getting your very first bike and you don't know how to ride, then definitely don't by a new bike. Get a cheap used bike! Take the time to learn the mechanicals so you can identify a good used bike. Don't spend more than $1000 or so. That way, when you crash, dump, or otherwise damage the bike, you won't be out much money. You will slide, dump, or drop the bike. Guaranteed.

The problem I have with spending $1000 is its hard to find one thats reliable. I was taking my bike to school and work. Sure I could've bought a $1000 POS that looked like **** and ran good some days, but I'd rather have a bike that wouldn't leave me stranded.
-Cody

steveinaz

Yes, the Ninja is the exception to the rule...but I still don't recommend a 250cc to anyone weighing over 125lbs. *YAWN* Now USED, as a learner bike? OK.

250's can be ok if you simply like to "frollic" along at a liesurely pace, sight see, sip wine. Other than that...blah. It's like recommending a 25 watt receiver to someone. Will it work? well, yeah--but not much else. Friends don't let friends buy 250's.

exalted512

I dunno man. I rode a friends and I LOVED that thing. Yea, the straight line speed isnt there compared to other BIKES, but riding around town, winding through the gears, throwing that thing around...I loved it. My 600 does 84 in first gear...I can be on the highway and never have to switch gears from a dead stop. Now I'm screaming along at 13000 rpms (16.5k redline) at 70, but point still being, I'd love to have a 250 to run around in and get 60 mpg, have cheap tires/insurance...and go through the gears driving around town.

I'm still tossing around the idea of picking up a slightly wrecked 08+ for a commuter. I mean honestly, where else can you get something thats RELIABLE, gets 60mpg, looks pretty damn sweet (as opposed to a sv650 or a ninja 500...no offense to you SV650 guys out there) and runs 14 second 1/4 miles for $3500?
-Cody

steveinaz

Let's do a poll....

bobman1235

Haha, it's funny how some people love those SV's, and the rest of us think they're hideous.

steveinaz

The Suzuki Bandit is another "lots of motor for the money" bike. I also wished I had pulled the trigger on the Kawi ZRX1100 when they still made them. 1100 cc's for $7499, what a steal! That thing had monster torque.

exalted512

If they'd just put a full front fairing on them, they'd look a ton better. I mean, they're good bikes...and I came off a ninja 500r which isnt a great looking bike either, but even that bottom fairing piece just made it look so much better.

The 09+ ninja 650's look freakin sweet too. The only thing keeping me from getting a 250 where I might step up to a 650 if I ever do get a commuter bike is the fuel injection. I ride year-round, even in sub-freezing weather if there's no ice...dont really feel like messing with a carbed bike on those cold mornings...but then I lose the fuel economy and 'lightness' of the 250...decisions decisions.

There was a dude kicking **** in the intermediate level this last weekend in an OLD SCHOOL ducati...evidently he had completely restored it. Its even more awesome that he's using how it should be used!

-Cody

tonyb

shack wrote: »

This was my starter bike...a Honda CL360.



I rode it for several years. At the time I weighed in around 200 lbs (6'4"). Anything more powerful would have probably been "TOO MUCH". Just my personal experience

Man, had the exact bike. Same color too. Was sitting in my neighbors garage for years, said it wouldn't start, gave it to me for one dollar to get it out of his garage. Cleaned out the bowl,fresh gas,new battery, started right up. Had it for years, then sold it.....for one dollar.

billbillw

exalted512 wrote: »

The problem I have with spending $1000 is its hard to find one thats reliable. I was taking my bike to school and work. Sure I could've bought a $1000 POS that looked like **** and ran good some days, but I'd rather have a bike that wouldn't leave me stranded.
-Cody

I don't think the OP was talking about using the bike for a daily commuter. Just wanting to try out riding.

Reliable? I've never really seen a Japanese bike that wasn't reliable, as long as it was taken care of reasonably well.

PerfectCreature

POLL IS ADDED!
As for a daily commuter? Sure why not, in summer time on nice days I would definatly choose that over my grand am. Plus fuel economy would almost pay for itself.
I would only get about 4 months maybe to ride it though....
More or less, I have ALWAYS wanted a street bike, have always loved how they looked and how fun they could be.
So, let the poll begin, so far I am leaning towards the 250, they hold value are not enough for me to bust myself up and after a few years I can sell and get nearly all my money back....
I may go back to the dealer tomorrow and see what other bikes he has and what kind of engine they have.

steveinaz

12 bottles of your favorite beer say you'll sell/trade-in that 250 in under 6 months.

Amherst

I vote THIS.....Real Man's Bike :cool:

exalted512

billbillw wrote: »

I don't think the OP was talking about using the bike for a daily commuter. Just wanting to try out riding.

Reliable? I've never really seen a Japanese bike that wasn't reliable, as long as it was taken care of reasonably well.

Commuter or not, I dont want to be in the middle of nowhere on some back road with no cell phone service in the twisties and have the damn thing die on me. He was also talking about getting into sport bikes. Show me a $1000 sport bike and 99% of the time it's not reliable and been severely wrecked.
-Cody

PerfectCreature

Well, in 6 months it would be winter and it would be parked. So I most likely would be looking at getting a new one. But they do hold value very well, so I would be able to have it a year and upgrade.

bobman1235

Used bike prices in New England spike like you wouldn't believe. You could probably MAKE money on a bike easy if you bought it late in the season and sold it when the weather first turned really nice.

steveinaz

Well, if you're hell-bent on the 250, definitely go with the Kawi Ninja. Your insurance will probably be more than your bike payment....:eek: seriously, Ninjas' insurance rates can be pretty crazy thanks to skill-less squids.

My advice to new riders: Never let anyone push you past your comfort zone. Don't let pride have you suffering from concrete poisoning.

ryanjoachim

I love the "ape-hanger" style handlebars personally, and the style of bike that usually accompanies it.

For myself, I'd probably start out at 500cc, mostly because of my size (I'm a big guy).

My favorites are:
Honda Magna
Honda Rebel
Honda Sadow (see a pattern there?)
Yamaha Virgo (Virago?)
Kawasaki EN450

newrival

steveinaz wrote: »

Don't get a 250cc, it'll bore you to death in about 2 months time.

The older Ninja 250's were a GREAT bike. They have quite a following amongst bike enthusiasts. Super light and had an unusual amout of torque. You could whip em around and were a lot of fun. It may be the exception, but if you see one come up for really cheap, it's worth considering.

steveinaz

ryanjoachim wrote: »

I love the "ape-hanger" style handlebars personally, and the style of bike that usually accompanies it.

For myself, I'd probably start out at 500cc, mostly because of my size (I'm a big guy).

My favorites are:
Honda Magna
Honda Rebel
Honda Sadow (see a pattern there?)
Yamaha Virgo (Virago?)
Kawasaki EN450

I had a '98 and 2004 Magna V-4 750cc. LOADS of fun. Stage 1 muffler mod had it sounding badass. If you look at my showcase, you'll see my Magna and Bev's Rebel (last pic).

newrival

shack wrote: »

This was my starter bike...a Honda CL360.



I rode it for several years. At the time I weighed in around 200 lbs (6'4"). Anything more powerful would have probably been "TOO MUCH". Just my personal experience

Love this bike and the ~70's CB line. I have a CB750 in my uncle's barn that needs an overhaul. I was going to start it, then I found this forum..........

steveinaz

Shack-daddy, do you still have that Honda? That's gorgeous. I love the old standards.

jbooker82

bobman1235 wrote: »

Haha, it's funny how some people love those SV's, and the rest of us think they're hideous.

My brother had a 2003 Suzuki SV1000S. It was burn orange / copper color and had the full farang. It looked good and drove even better. It is a was a more practical "crotch rocket". The 1000cc v twin had a great power delivery for riding around town. You didn't have to rev it up to 13K RPM to get the power out of it. It was his first bike and a great learner as long as you could handle the weight. He had it until he went out and was practicing wheelies. Went over back wards at 40mph.

His current and replacement bike for the SV1000S is a 2006 Yamaha R6. 50 Anniversary Edition. (Retro 80's yellow and black color scheme). I liked the sv better. It was a little longer and more comfortable for me to ride being that I am 6'3".

steveinaz

Sweet, I really liked the TL1000's.

ryanjoachim

steveinaz wrote: »

I had a '98 and 2004 Magna V-4 750cc. LOADS of fun. Stage 1 muffler mod had it sounding badass. If you look at my showcase, you'll see my Magna and Bev's Rebel (last pic).

Those are both beautiful bikes! I was planning on getting a bike with taxes this year, but alas...didn't happen. Maybe in another few years.

jbooker82

My ultimate bike would be a Yamaha V Max. 1200cc V 4 that can keep up with a crotch rocket up to 120 mph. The only reason why it tops out at 120-125 mph is because your in 5th gear against the rev limiter. That is how yamaha keeps the speed down. You can get an aftermarket 6 speed transmission though.

pdxfj

If you have never ridden or owned a bike, stay away from any of the 600cc+ 4-cylinder sport bikes until you get at least a couple of years riding under your belt. People don't realize just how powerful they are. If you want to go a little larger than say a Ninja 250, look at the Ninja 500, SV650 and other offerings in that range.

I am with the others who have said the MSF course. It will help you more than you realize. You can always pick up a Ninja 250 for the summer then sell it later and not really lose anything on it.

As I stated in the Poll someone started I own both a Ninja 250 and a Yamaha FJ1200. Today's 600/650cc 4cyl sport bikes weigh half as much as my FJ1200 and put out more HP at the rear wheel with upwards of 50% less displacement.

The 250 is a blast to ride. Fun to hear the engine wind up to it's 14,000 rpm red-line.

Poee7R

PerfectCreature wrote: »

are not enough for me to bust myself up....

Thats absolutely the wrong way to look at it. A moped at 30mph will kill you, as will any street legal motorcycle, doesnt matter the brand, size, color or day of the week.

Id say do some research, talk to friends that own bikes etc before you even think about buying one.

Dead is dead, the size of the bikes motor does not change that.


Dave

Poee7R

bobman1235 wrote: »

Haha, it's funny how some people love those SV's, and the rest of us think they're hideous.

Im not a huge fan of the look, the ones without the front plastic's look league's better than the others. But its about as perfect of a starter bike as there is. Function over beauty here.


Dave

Sherardp

steveinaz wrote: »

Sweet, I really liked the TL1000's.

My 1st bike was the TL1000R. Then I went to a R1, a GSXR 1000, another R1, then finally the MV Agusta F4.

SV's are great bikes for the beginners, Excellent power on demand but not as quick to get away from you like a Gixxer or the other liter bikes would. The design is not all that but they are great bikes. I say get educated, then go for a 750 or a 1000 off the top. Respect the bike and you will be ok.

Japanese make wonderful bikes, but the Italians do it better.

PerfectCreature

All very great advise, I will look into when the next course offering is and see how much it would cost.
In the mean time I will start to price the bikes and try to get a feel for the looks I want and such.