250 or 650??

crazybitch · 07-31-2007, 10:45 AM

I love riding with friends and have been wanting my own bike. I'm small (5'2"/110lbs) and I think I should start with a 250 (ninja or rebel). I've been told that just because a bike has more power, you don't necessarily have to use it and I'd be fine with say a SV650 (which I think is sweet as hell) but being a new rider, what makes more sense? I know you hear this from guys all the time, but do the same rules apply for girls?

richtazz · 07-31-2007, 11:43 AM

As we've stated before, you can kill yourself just as dead with a .22 pistol as you can with a .44 Mag, you just have to try harder. The same goes for motorcycles. A cruiser bike may be more suitable for you for this reason. As far as power, a Ninja 250 can get you in almost as much trouble as an SV650 can, but it would be a little more forgiving since it has so much less power. The most important thing for you at 5'2" is seat height. An SV650 may be too tall for you to sit comfortably on. Unless you ride strictly around town, skip the Honda Rebel 250, as any speed above 50 and it will vibrate you to death. Cruiser style bikes to consider (unless you want new) are the Honda Magna V-30 and Shadow 500/750, Suzuki Savage, Kawi Vulcan 600. Standard bikes to also look at are the Honda Nighthawk 450-650, Suzuki GS 450/550, and Kawasaki 440/550 LTD's. Any one of these bikes would make you an excellent starter bike that you won't outgrow in a couple months.

BP2K2Max · 07-31-2007, 08:46 PM

i have a friend who just bought a 250 sportbike to start on and less than 6 months later she's already talking about how she wished she'd gotten the 650. i'm all for starting small but you may wanna look into a sv650 or a 500 or 650r ninja. and richtazz is right about the height thing. she's about 5'5" and she had to have lowering links put on so she could sit comfortably on the bike.

speediva · 08-01-2007, 05:33 AM

A Ninja 500 or GS500 may be a better choice if you are worried about "needing" more power, but at your size, I can't imagine a 250 being too little any time soon. Heck, with 4 years under my belt at the time, I took a friend's Ninja 250 out for a spin and had an ABSOLUTE blast! If you think a 250 is a good idea, go with your instinct... worry less about what others suggest. I have NO regret for starting on a 500, but I'm also 8" taller than you... and we'll leave out how much heavier I am!

-The Stig- · 08-01-2007, 01:26 PM

We've got a Ninja 250 in our stable of motorcycles (1 of 7) here at the house. Nice little bike. Crazy revs for such a little thing.

aussieidiot · 08-01-2007, 02:26 PM

i started on a 250 and i'm 6'4 and 100kg (220lb) and yes, i had too for our licencing restrictions. it was certainly quick enough for me to shit my pants. my main reason for upgrading was size.

at track days, there are always smaller guys and girls on 125's, 250's and 400's who kick butt on the guys on 600's and 1000's in the corners. (pity about the straight though)

psych0hans · 08-01-2007, 03:38 PM

Hey guys, I'm 5'8" and about 145lbs. I was thinking of buying a used Honda VFR 400 as a first bike. Good idea or not? I've also seen some good (and really old) 600cc machines go for very cheap on ebay, would it be a good idea to go in for one of those?
I asked this in the sticky post earlier but didnt get a responce.

caddydaddy · 08-01-2007, 10:00 PM

I agree with the others about the height of the SV650. I rode one, and it's quite a bit taller than the Ninja 250 or 650.
I enjoy my Ninja 250, it's not boring to me. There's times I wish it had a little more power, or was a little more comfortable, but it's a blast to ride hard into the corners with the little engine screaming!

Ninja 250 "Faster than most cars....slower than most bikes"

aussieidiot · 08-02-2007, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Hey guys, I'm 5'8" and about 145lbs. I was thinking of buying a used Honda VFR 400 as a first bike. Good idea or not? I've also seen some good (and really old) 600cc machines go for very cheap on ebay, would it be a good idea to go in for one of those?
I asked this in the sticky post earlier but didnt get a responce.

sorry dude, the stickies don't get visited by regulars as much as they should. sorry we missed your post.

i like the VFR 400, if its in good condition then go for it. assuming its the same as we had down her, i loved the single swing arm.

steer clear of ebay unless you can go and see the bike.

psych0hans · 08-02-2007, 04:54 AM

Thanks M8Y, I'l definately keep that in mind. I should be buying one within the next two months, I'll keep you guys updated. Cheers!!!

richtazz · 08-02-2007, 05:50 AM

I agree with Aussie, the VFR400 is a nice bike. It's big brother (the VFR750/800) had won most motorcycle magazines best all-around bike for how many years straight? Go for it and ride!

motorcycle_psycho · 08-02-2007, 12:00 PM

honda rebels are rediculous....I don't know how you could have any fun on them. You can't cruise for the sake of cruising and you can't tear up corners with it either. I don't understand why anyone would buy a brand new one anyways.

aussieidiot · 08-03-2007, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorcycle_psycho

honda rebels are rediculous....I don't know how you could have any fun on them. You can't cruise for the sake of cruising and you can't tear up corners with it either. I don't understand why anyone would buy a brand new one anyways.

the same reason some-one joins the navy...... they like the motion of the ocean. all sloppy and unpredictable.

and the attraction of men in toight shorts.....

-The Stig- · 08-03-2007, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussieidiot

th
and the attraction of men in toight shorts.....runaround

You've got a toight body... toight like a toiger!

psych0hans · 08-03-2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -The Stig-

You've got a toight body... toight like a toiger!

As the saying goes... "This thread is doomed!!!"

opcorn:

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