Another 2 wheeler...

madmax

I'm thinking of putting in an order for one of these to ride around on the side roads. I could ride on some sideroads to work every day too. What do you think? http://www.kawasaki.com/products/detail.aspx?id=263
I would probably get the black one. Would I live long enough to enjoy my next birthday? Looks like $30 a month for insurance and a one time purchase price of $3500. I've had a few friends killed on bikes so that weighs greatly.
madmax

Ricardo

I don't think you'll fit in that.

madmax

I've heard that is a matter of opinion however I've looked at the 500 and 650 and they scare me a little. Just trying to get a feel here. Lets say I picked the 650, would that extra weight make me too afraid to ride it? This is absolutely my first try at a motorcycle. Should I just say what the hell an get something I currently feel might be too big? I just don't want to kill myself immediately.
madmax

dorokusai

I would suggest a safety course but other than that, its a risk you take. I just picked up my license for MD since my buddy is trying to get rid of his Honda CBR600 F3 for a songbird and a reacharound. A deal is a deal man.

madmax

So long as you get the reacharound I understand. What I've read is that the smaller cubic inch bikes have the advantage for inexperienced riders of not leaving them in the middle of the road with a semi heading towards them simply because they didn't get thrown off because of grabbing the throttle at the wrong time. People are saying the 250 won't cause this scenerio if you happen to make the mistake. Let me again say I've had a few friends who took safety to the limit who expired because they made a small mistake in reaction or judgement. Once your off, you are at the mercy of your circumstances.
madmax

It could be I'm too much of a **** to ride a bike.

Ricardo

Mid life crisis??
600 cc in a street bike is a lot of power. Very easy to lose control of it if you have no experience. I think the 250 cc is going to be too small, not because of the engine size, but because it will be a very uncomfortable ride.
Then there's the risk piece. After 20 years without riding, two years ago I bought an 800 cc cruiser; loved it. Got in a riding group and went out on weekends on nice long rides, rode it to work frequently, etc. While I was out of town the group went on their normal Sunday ride and a car lost control and took three bikes; one died and two lost a leg. I sold the bike.
Oh, and during the year I had the motorcycle I NEVER rode the bicycle...so you might think about your recent purchase.

madmax

No mid life crisis here. I'm looking for more fun, not to prove anything. As far as I can tell choosing a small bike like the 250 should increase the chance of a midlife crisis, not feed it. I really just want to ride. I take your meaning here. My best friend expired because of a stupid **** judgement mistake. It wasn't even anything significant. (Except for him). Feel free to talk me out of it.
madmax

dorokusai

madmax wrote: »

So long as you get the reacharound I understand. What I've read is that the smaller cubic inch bikes have the advantage for inexperienced riders of not leaving them in the middle of the road with a semi heading towards them simply because they didn't get thrown off because of grabbing the throttle at the wrong time. People are saying the 250 won't cause this scenerio if you happen to make the mistake. Let me again say I've had a few friends who took safety to the limit who expired because they made a small mistake in reaction or judgement. Once your off, you are at the mercy of your circumstances.
madmax

It could be I'm too much of a **** to ride a bike.

I would encourage you to join a rider safety course if that's possible out there in CO.

Maryland provides the motorcycles for said course, if you don't own one, and if you're uncomfortable on a stock Honda 250 Rebel....maybe you should leave it alone. It's still not anywhere natural to me and I have some issues with comfort but you have to ride to get the bugs out.

Just FYI, most people could care less about you and riding a motorcycle isn't cool since they are busy talking on the cellphone or masturbating. It's a very defensive choice of transportation.

madmax

I always keep an eye out for people masturbating.
madmax

Ricardo

You can take a safety course as Mark says and start from there. They usually use 250 cc bikes so you can get a feel of it, and also see if riding a motorcycle is really something you like.
When I did the course there was this guy, mid 50's. He just couldn't get it; his brain could not coordinate the clutch/shift thing. He was pissed but walked away saying he tried. Some people were not born for it.

madmax

A plus I have here is 15 miles to work where I could possibly see maybe 5 other vehicles on the road. There is one major road where I have to wait on a busy street at a stop light. (And it is busy). Overall, nothing at all like MD as far as congestion. I wanted a bike in MD but gave up the thought because of the traffic. Still, one car or truck could mess up your day.

dkg999

The 250 Ninja's are a great little bike. The performance is going to amaze you. Cruising at 70 mph is no problem. Handling is outstanding. It's probably one of the most fun bikes around.

Buy a helmet, a good one. Invest in a good Joe Rocket (or similar quality) jacket with armor in the back, sleeves, shoulders. Get some good gloves, because if you go down your hands will take a beating. And if you don't have any previous experience on a motorcycle, take a MSF course.

The most important part ......... don't be a stuck up a$$hole and not give the biker wave when you meet other bikers on the road. The peace symbol pointed towards the pavement - two wheels on the road, go in peace.

madmax

dkg999 wrote: »

, take a MSF course.

The most important part ......... don't be a stuck up a$$hole and not give the biker wave when you meet other bikers on the road. The peace symbol pointed towards the pavement - two wheels on the road, go in peace.

Don't worry, I would plan to give everyone the finger whether they deserve it or not.
madmax

madmax

One thing I've heard is if I find riding is for me, if I have the 250 I will outgrow it very quickly. Not the case with the larger bikes. Im really most afraid of those first few miles.
madmax

dkg999

Check out the Kawasaki 650 Versys. One of the best new bikes to be introduced to the US market. I rode one a few weeks ago, and it was a blast to ride, comfortable, and had plenty of power.

Ricardo

Good point on the protection gear; you've probably heard the saying, "It's not a matter of IF you'll fall, but WHEN you'll fall".

bobman1235

I'm just curious - i f you just want to be comfortable, ride, and have something with not too much power, why not just find yourself a little cruiser? They won't have all the torque of a sportbike that you're worried about, not to mention that, at least for me, they're a lot more comfortable.

Best of luck whatever you choose.

Ricardo

madmax wrote: »

One thing I've heard is if I find riding is for me, if I have the 250 I will outgrow it very quickly. Not the case with the larger bikes. Im really most afraid of those first few miles.
madmax

True, but it's also true that if you have never been on a bike, it's better to learn in a smaller one. You can always buy a used bike, and once you outgrow it, you won't lose much. Same as with audio gear.

ben62670

Don't do it those little puny forks on the small ricers are deadly. They are prone to head shake, and if you grab too much brake, or have any problems in a corner you will crash, and burn. This is even more magnified by anyone over 160lbs. Go used cruiser like a NightHawk650 shaft drive, overdrive, and cheap!
Ben

dorokusai

What factual data is that based on exactly?

dkg999

I could be on a Goldwing and crash because I grabbed too much brake or had problems in a corner. Head shake is caused by a number of factors, least of which would be the "puny little forks on ricers". I've ridden a 250 Ninja for a few hours on twisty roads, and head shake was never an issue. I'm about 190 lbs, and the little 250 performed admirably. It might be just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on :eek:

ben62670

dorokusai wrote: »

What factual data is that based on exactly?

37mm forks, and my friends and I have used, and abused nearly every ricer out there. I suggest staying away from any sport bike for any beginner. They are too short of a rake, and get newbies in trouble.

Poee7R

Honestly, a 250 is too small in my opinion. Even for new/novice riders. The thing to keep in mind, is any bike can hurt you. Of course that doesnt mean go grab a CBR/YZFR/Gixxer/ZX etc, but you want something with a little bit of balls to it.

Ive been riding for 15 or so years and have heard this question often. I usually suggest a standard, or sport tour type as a first. Something like a Suzuki SV 650. And to buy used, as chances are you will drop it in the parking lot or driveway somewhere at the least.

That Zuk handles well, low initial cost, pretty quick, and definetly more comfortable than most including that 250 you are thinking about. Also very "tweakable", exhaust, sprockets, frontclips, rearsets etc and all at a decent cost as its not a superbike.

The MSF courses are great for any rider, and i would highly suggest enrolling if one is local. Not to mention finding groups in your area that ride, they will be able to guide you best on a consistent basis. Not to mention they will know all the great places in your area to ride.

I remember something someone told me when i was young riding dirtbikes, "If you have a ten dollar head, get a ten dollar helmet". Now thats not to say you must spend 1k on a custom lid, but do buy a quality piece of gear. Gloves and jackets are life and money savers, some people gawk at the price of good leather, but go get a qoute on a skin graph and do the numbers.


Dave

ben62670

dkg999 wrote: »

I could be on a Goldwing and crash because I grabbed too much brake or had problems in a corner....

Very heavy bike also not good for a beginner. Any bike in a corner with too much brake is bad. Some worse than others;) A good bump in a corner with flexy forks not good. Say what you will, but I have many miles under my belt on all sorts of bikes. They are not to be taken lightly. Get a used cruiser, and if biking is your thing sell it for what you paid for it, and get better/faster.

edit: what Dave said...

Poee7R

Haha if you hit the front brake on ANY bike in a corner you will cause the bike to straighten up, not something you want in a lean on any machine.

And headshake is there for any bike with forks, rockets are notorious for alot of shake because of the rake of the forks. I dont believe their size plays a big factor. But headshake is easy to combat with a steering stabilizing.


Dave

ben62670

I used my front brake on my FZR1000 all the time in corners. The unloaded back wheel is also one to look out for in a corner;) Sometimes you have to brake hard in a corner. Stuff you learn as you go along. I personally like to work my way up so if something does happen you are prepared. Empty parking lot. Practice fairly hard stops. The front brake is 90% of your stopping power.

Poee7R

Ive absolutely had to also, it comes with riding. But the general rule of thumb is enter slow, exit fast. As i said before when you hit your brake in a lean it will stand the bike up straight, and if your counter-steering at that time it can be a bit fun.

But really bikes are great. Nothing is better after a hard day of hell than to get home, throw the helmet on and hit the pavement. Hope you get into MadMax, im thinking you'll dig it.


Dave

exalted512

madmax wrote: »

I'm thinking of putting in an order for one of these to ride around on the side roads. I could ride on some sideroads to work every day too. What do you think? http://www.kawasaki.com/products/detail.aspx?id=263
I would probably get the black one. Would I live long enough to enjoy my next birthday? Looks like $30 a month for insurance and a one time purchase price of $3500. I've had a few friends killed on bikes so that weighs greatly.
madmax

My recommendation:

Don't get a 250, get a 500. I really think you will outgrow the 250 in a week. The 500, IMO, is a much better choice.

I have the Ninja 500R. I got it last year for $3500 with 2k miles on it, its an 05. Absolutely no problems. Fun bike that will almost keep up with a new corvette, but get twice the mileage.

Unless you don't plan to get above 50 mph on a regular basis, I wouldn't get the 250. It'll do about 80, but its struggling. If you ever want to just go out for a ride, the 500 will do you a lot better.

The 500 will not do a wheelie unless you pop the clutch, so you don't have to worry about that. Also, with the 500, you have a lot more power to get out of the way...and you will use that from time to time...so IMO, the 500 is actually safer.

But most of all, you have got to watch out for all the stupid cagers out there...they are everywhere. Do not ever assume they see you, even if they look directly at you.

Also, get all the essentials...jacket (snell and dot approved), jacket, and gloves. I do not ride without my helmet and gloves. I only use the jacket when its cold or I'm on a road that is 60 mph +
-Cody

WilliamM2

I think you will outgrow the 250 very quickly, and little bikes like that have no re-sale value.

Almost every new rider I've known dumps their bike once or twice, not necessarily a crash, but minor tip over's, parking errors, etc. I'd reccommend a used bike to learn on, maybe something without a lot of bodywork, etc. The plastics are very expensive to replace.

And as noted above, do not skimp on protective wear.

I've had a few friends killed on bikes so that weighs greatly.

Why do people always think this way when it comes to bikes? I've known several people who have died in car accidents, I don't let that stop me from driving a car. Just use your head and you will be fine.

VSchneider

madmax, Another great (USED) option is a 2002 or older Suzuki GS500 (before they got the bodywork). I loved every minute I spent on mine. It's only a little larger than the 250 Nighthawk they use in MSF training but much more comfortable than a smallish, in my 175lb-5'-9" opinion, Ninja 250.

No bodywork = very little chance of damage in an accidental tip over.

Take the safety class, use protective gear 100% of the time, and enjoy.

- Val

p.s. Do not even think about your helmet, jacket, gloves, etc. as your "crash gear", but rather protection against any elements. Flying road debris, insects, sun, rain, etc. Think about all the stuff people toss out their windows while driving. Fat mean bugs are especially distracting; I've had a cicada crash and spill its guts at 60 MPH right between my eyes into the visor of my full-face helmet (I am very happy it was a full-face, BTW).

bobman1235

I got a June bug off the forehead once when riding around town without a helmet (I don't do it often, but once in a while it's nice). That f---ker hurt.