hey new to bikes

eclipser2001 · 05-07-2006, 04:09 PM

two questions...

1) What are all of the different models of the Ninja?

and maybe a broad question...2) What's better, an older model or a newer model of the 250?

knox 000 · 05-07-2006, 06:19 PM

go to motorcyclespecs.co.za scroll down the left column till you see kawi click on it. theres practically ever bike listed there and its' specs.

eclipser2001 · 05-07-2006, 08:06 PM

k thanks.

i know you guys here this all the time... "what bike should a beginner get"?, right. i thought a ninja 250 would be best. but i read in here, beginners getting these 550-600's. i though those are too much for a beginner.

i am so f#@&ing confused.

I am looking for a sport bike that can beat these Honda's and Acura's I encounter on the street. But not one that will give me whip-lash. I'm just looking for one that I won't get bored with. And one that fits me I'm about 6'. Note, I have no driving experience what-so-ever ( I am planning on taking that driving class in the near future), my dad and I went Bike Week in SC on his Harley several times, but that's it as far a experience goes. One that's reliable also. A newer model preferably, not brand new though.

And is 45 hp good for a bike. sounds kinda low to me. ( referring to the Ninja 250, as far as hp is concerned)

thanks- Andrew

speediva · 05-07-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eclipser2001

k thanks.

i know you guys here this all the time... "what bike should a beginner get"?, right. i thought a ninja 250 would be best. but i read in here, beginners getting these 550-600's. i though thoes are too much for a beginner.

I personally think it's a good idea to start small... but some people are either too tall/big to ride a 250, and others think they'll lose tons of money if they buy a small bike and sell it the next year. Truth is, if you buy a used bike (regardless of if it's a 250 or 1000), someone else has already taken the big value drop for you, so you are going to save. Also, by buying a 250, you are almost guaranteed to find a buyer whenever you are ready to sell it back off b/c someone is ALWAYS trying to learn how to ride.

Some people don't see any need for starting small so they say to buy an older 600, which are considerably more tame than their modern counterparts. "I have self control" or "I am level headed" usually follows that comment. Personally, I think I'm a better rider having started on a 500, but that's just my opinion.

Regardless, take a local MSF course and the ultimate decision is yours.

aussieidiot · 05-08-2006, 01:23 AM

down here in the land of OZ we have to learn on 250's or less.

i'm 6'4 and had only minor issues with the 250 size. sure you will outgrow it but its certainly fast enough (if not to fast) for someone with zero riding/driving experience.

bottom line is, its your ass on the line. bikes are dangerous not matter what capacity. its just the bigger ones need a quicker reflex and more experience due to the quicker speeds that are attainable. my apprentice has a ZX2R ninja and he is in 3rd gear before i get out of 1st on my 954

eclipser2001 · 05-08-2006, 04:30 PM

would it matter weather i get a ex or a gxp or any other 500 sport bikes i didn't mention.

Heep · 05-08-2006, 05:10 PM

The choice of bike (EX, GSX-R, CBR, etc etc) is all down to personal preference - whichever you like the best. As far as size is concerned though, you're usually best off starting small. I wouldn't recommend street racing those Hondas/Acuras at all, but especially not right after getting your first bike - you will die.

I know lots of people who have started on older 600s and been just fine with them, but also a lot of people are glad they chose to start with a 250.

Finally, 45hp may not seem like a lot - only 1/4 the power of, say, an Acura RSX, but you have to remember that the bike is only 1/8th the weight of the same RSX. Though it won't provide you with the insane F1-car speed that a modern sports litre bike will, 45hp is most certainly plenty.

eclipser2001 · 05-08-2006, 05:34 PM

finally (i hope), yamaha vs. kawasaki. sry, it's a gay question.

Heep · 05-08-2006, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eclipser2001

finally (i hope), yamaha vs. kawasaki. sry, it's a gay question.

All depends what you find most important about a bike - horsepower, torque, revs, styling, etc. Despite what some people say, you won't find a lot of difference between the Japanese brands in reliability/parts/etc. Just go for whichever one you like the best.

BP2K2Max · 05-09-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eclipser2001

finally (i hope), yamaha vs. kawasaki. sry, it's a gay question.

different bikes, different companies, different strengths and weaknesses. like heep said it's not gonna be a world of difference between comparable bikes. go with whichever one feels more comfortable and whichever one you like best, don't worry so much about who makes it.

eclipser2001 · 05-09-2006, 02:44 PM

there is a 1988 Katana 600 where i like for $2400. it's a good price but is it too much bike for me.

Heep · 05-09-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eclipser2001

there is a 1988 Katana 600 where i like for $2400. it's a good price but is it too much bike for me.

Nah, shouldn't be too much. Older 600s are somewhat comparable to newer 250s anyways. Just be smart on the thing and you'd be fine

eclipser2001 · 05-09-2006, 06:15 PM

are you talking about power-wise. i thought the gsx has 40+ more hp.

also, how do you convert km/h to m/h?

Heep · 05-09-2006, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eclipser2001

are you talking about power-wise. i thought the gsx has 40+ more hp.

also, how do you convert km/h to m/h?

True, but it also has 150+ more lb to haul around. The 600 would be quicker, but not by a huge margin. You could handle it, I'm sure.

1 km/h = 0.621 mph (100 km/h = 62 miles per hour, 161 km/h = 100 miles per hour). Use this handy tool for more conversions: http://www.onlineconversion.com/speed_common.htm

eclipser2001 · 05-09-2006, 07:15 PM

well fortunately i have time to look around the classifieds. i'll probably shoot for a 500 or 600, then take it easy for a while till i get used to it.

i just came back from the store, picked up a news paper, turned to the classifieds and found a 2000 ninja zx6r for $3000 with 15000 miles. i know i can't give you more than what the seller gives out but from your experience and knowledge, is this a good deal.

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