The 500 has more power than the 250 and only drops the MPG's by about 15-20 depending on how you ride. If you plan on spending alot of your time on the freeway, going back home for the weekends etc. then the 500 may be better for you than the 250. If you want an good cheap commuter, the 250 may be better. Both bikes are pretty well rounded they just have a different focus. But you shouldnt make your decision just on stats alone, I dont think there is anyone here that considers their bike as simply transportation, but more an extention of themselves and their personality. Noone here can tell you which bike is for you. Your best option is to go to the dealer and sit on all three and see which one fits you. Then you will know where to start looking for a used bike. Good luck and gear up.

 

I don't even have my permit. I went to the dealership a couple of day ago, but I was too scared to even ask a question. I'm planning on taking the permit during spring break (so it won't interupt my studies/finals). I'm planning on taking the MSF class as soon as I make up my friggin' mind on what kind of bike I want and have the money for it (probally be late May). I was scared to sit on the bikes, b/c they were kinda cramped in there. They were asking $3500 for a 250. Wasn't that just a little too pricey for a 250 when the msrp is $2999? Oh, and they had some really cheap helmets? Fulmer brand? I know of more popular brands that were 4 and 5 times more. Is Fulmer a good brand as well? I'm a little guy (5'10/150lbs wet). I was hoping I could fit my scrawny head in a juvy helmet though.

 

thank you captain obvious! for a lot of us on here the 250 is just a starter bike to build up our skills so we are less likely to do something stupid on a nicer more 'styling' bike that has more power.

 

are you serious? damn...i had my throttle opened up all the way and was only cruising 105....as i watched my friends get smaller and smaller [:'(]

 

I've had mine up to 120 with no problem....and then I stopped accelerating.

 

does it seem to take a while to get from 0-70? 70-100? I want the 250 for the mpg and for the crusing around town, but then I want the 500 for the interstate. it gets pretty windy here in conway. DG will confess to that!

 

I've never had a problem getting from 0-70 or 70-100+ I rode from Jacksonville up 40 to Fayetteville and back in Sept. Wind gusts were up to 35mph. The bikes with me were getting blown just like I was. You just have to adapt. All bikes get pushed around by the wind unless you got a 700lb cruiser....and we had one of those with us and she was getting pushed around too.

 

Yup, 250 is sounding better and better. I think I am just going to tell my dad that he can ride, and I will fly. That, or deal with the interstate riding and make the best of it. They are going to have a lot of fun on their bikes. I'd hate to sit it all out and watch tv knowing that I wussied out of taking a bike down there.

 

Wuss!

Trev, get your manhood on here. Take your ride and play safe.

 

Are you saying get and take a 250 then, or a 500? Other than this trip, I just something fun to get me around town and occasionally on the interstate.