I am trying to decide whether I should start out with the Ninja 250 or go for something in a 600cc class. I have heard a lot of advice about forgoing the 250cc and go for the 600cc . I do not want to get a bike I will out grow quickly. I am at a lost. i will be buying this weekend and need help choosing.

 

Why don't you try the middle - go for a 500. They are great (not that I am biased ). I have heard that a lot of experienced riders are quite impressed with the capabilities of the 500 and they are quite forgiving of some errors that new riders make. Personally, I love mine! I have been riding it for one season so far (put on just about 2000 kms) and I have no intention of moving up to a bigger bike anytime soon.

Plus another thing to consider is insurance costs if you haven't already.

Also, welcome to the forums and keep us posted on what you get!

 

if you don't want a bike that you won't grow out quickly.... then go for a 600.... a good 600 to start out with is the kawassaki ZZR600, honda 600F4I, suzuki GS500, i'm not too sure if yamaha has anything under the "R" class. but you can't go wrong with any of these bikes... if this is your first bike make sure you take the MSF class... and also gear up.... soo ride safe let us know what you end up getting and stick around the forum... it's a great place to hang out....

 

You may even want to look into an SV650 or sv650s. the S has full fairing and looks really sharp.(sorry for suggesting a suzuki) They would be much more forgiving than a new 600. But im no hippocrite(if thats even spelled right) My first bike was a brand spanking new 05 zx-r. But i will say that if you go with a new 600 you need to take it VERY seriously. I read up on riding technique for over a year and a half and took the MSF course B4 buying my bike and took it EASY for the better part of the summer till i knew i was comfortable enough to ride harder. no matter what you get ride safe!

 

Id say go with a 600 also, I had a couple of them in my younger days now I have a 250 and already long for the days of more power

 

There's no problem with going with a 600, but personally I would find one a little older, say like a mid to late 90's. There is a few reasons I have for this. First, the power is not like today's bikes. Hell, the new R6 is like 140HP. I think that's too much power for a new rider. Second, when it gets dropped, trust me it will, you won't feel so bad as when a brand new one goes down. Third, they can be picked up relatively cheap. This coincides with reason 2. Won't hurt so much when it falls over.

Just my .02

Kevin

 

Well I picked up a 2005 Ninja 250 Demo Model with 194 miles on it. Paid $2400.00 I think I got a pretty good deal. There was one problem the right side metal braket that the brake cylinder and foot peg bolt on to , busted when I got about 2 miles from the dealer. Had to take it back and now I have to wait for the new part to get here Tuesday before I can ride again. I also picked up a good helmet set of gloves and a riding mesh jacket. The bike is blue not my first choice but my second....

 

congratulations on your new ride sucks about that breaking though.

 

I highly recommend going for something in the 600 class. A good friend of mine bought a 250 last year....he ended up getting a 600 not even three months later. Take a look at the 05 636 Ninja. I think this would be a good bike to learn on that you wouldn't outgrow too quick.

Let's hear what some others think....

 

Congrats on your new bike... Welcome to your new addiction!

-Greg