yeah this is the car section, but there isnt one for bikes. delete if im breaking some kind of rule...

though most of the people here are more cars then bikes, are there any bikers out here?
sports, cruisers, moto, w.e.

im considering getting a bike, and was curious wat u guys on this forum thought about them. pros and cons wise.

thinking of either some sort of entry level sports bike(like a ninja 250R), or the honda rebel.


ninja 250R


rebel

share! if there r ne.

EDIT:
thnx for all the replies guys. i have one more question.
i know i was set on a 250, but after talking to some long time bikers, most say a 600cc wouldnt be TOO much to start on.
some even said that still pretty small. then again, he did ride harley's...

anyway i found one of the most amazing looking bikes, that practical, that i have ever seen.
its a Daytona 675 by a company called Triumph. i didnt know much about them before, but i did some research and im in love

here is a picture:


ignore the guy. im droolin over the bike. hahah actually, im not positive if that is the EXACT bike, since it says triple on it. butit pretty much looks like it. more pics on the link.

anyway here is some info and a vid review on it:
http://www.pure-triumph.com/products/29
here are some figures from that site:

Highlights Lap times at Circuit Pau Arnos France:

1st: Daytona 675

2nd: R6

3rd: GSX-R

4th: CBR

5th: ZX-6R



Daytona 675 was:

*
Quickest 0-60 (3.32 secs)
*
Quickest standing quarter (11.09)
*
Quickest top gear 40-120 mph
*
Most torque (49.5 lb.ft)
*
Lightest (weighed wet 417lb)

lemme know what you guys think

damn! the new ninja 250 looks VERY nice.

ur lucky. when i started riding, i didn't have such nice entry level bikes to choose from...
ex500 and gs500 were the popular starter sportbikes.

anyway, those look good. im sure you've looked at the sv650 and ninja 650r?
i've heard they seem to be quite forgiving as well.

ok so from my 3 years of riding experience id have to say...

pros:
awesome gas mileage
fun
very quick (more bang for your buck)

cons:
it sux putting on gear everytime
riding in bad weather is stressful
obviously less safer than a car

overall, id recommend it as long as this isn't your primary mode of transportation.
if ur looking for an expensive yet rewarding hobby, go for it!
remember to leave some money for gear... ride safe!

edit: watch out for cagers!

Used to..too poor to get another ride, but once I graduate I'll get one def.. My roommate, however, is mr. baller. He just recently wrecked his GSXR-600 '08 and 2 months later picked up an '08 Ducati 848. WTF man >.> (not to mention he bought himself an '08 Toyota Tacoma, 55" Plasma TV, and an Xbox 360 in a span of 3 months). !!

A 250cc bike would be a good start for new riders. If you can handle a 600cc, I'd recommend getting the Honda CBR.

I got a second job so I'm on my way to save up some money and get the Ninja 250, but most likely an older model since I can't afford the new one.

Personally I wouldn't ride a bike, but my friends and colleagues who I've talked to all recommend a "starter bike" and after you get the hang of it buy the bike you want.

One buddy of mine dropped his... I believe it was a Yamaha R6 a few months after he bought it brand spankin new. Another buddy did the same, but he was smart and bought a older used bike that wasn't so powerful (I think it was a 250cc engine).

you're gonna die.

lol j/k...

seriously tho....i've seen way to many of my friends friends go....

Hes a new rider so obviously shouldn't be getting a cbr. Maybe an older F3 but definitely not a F4i or RR.

yeah i looked at those 2 as well, but wasnt sure if they were as forgiving.
ive heard way to many horror stories about some young idiots wanting the fastest most powerful bike out there, and just getting jacked up.
id like to avoid that. hahaha but ill do some more research on those two.



o dayum. i feel you though. i have a couple of friends like that.
ace ballers man.

thnx for the productive responses everyone. so far. haha

Yeah, I tend to be more on the squidly side of riding. haha.
Its good to see that you are being rational about this.
Anyway, my final rec would be the 250R. Looks amazing.
And if it is anything like the previous 250s... performs well.

Wow that ninja 250R looks foooiiinnee!!!

i hate cruisers with a passion

I know most guys started with a 600cc, so it all depends on how well you can handle the bike.



Another recommendation I have is the Buell Blast for starter's bike. It has a little more power than the Ninja 250 (the Blast is about 500cc). It has the lowest seat height for a sports bike and it's not that heavy for a small bike.

It's a shame how the US doesn't have a lot of options for starter bikes compare to Europe or other continents. I'm a girl and I'm not very tall so when it comes to finding the right bike with the right size, it is very difficult. There are the small standard bikes (Rebel & Virago), but I feel that they don't have enough power for me to ride on the freeway since I use the freeway to commute everyday.

Um..I've sat on the new Ninja 250 and comparing it with the older Ninja 250, the new one definitely weighs a little more and the seat is slightly higher, but I don't think it matters that much to guys who are at least 5'4 since they should have no problem with the seat height issues. It can get up or go more than 60mph on the freeway, but then it just feels kind of scary going at that speed.

As for the Rebel, I wouldn't recommend riding that on the freeway since you're going to possibly get run over. The bike is really light and it feels like a moped, but in a shape of a cruiser. The thing that bothers me the most about the bike is the tank below the seat. It bothers my thighs.

Then the Yamaha Virago. The bike isn't very heavy, but it does weigh more than the Rebel. When I try to balance the bike, it was a bit difficult since there are more weight to the front of the bike.



How come? I think cruisers are really comfortable to ride and I'll most likely buy one when I get older.

oohh nice thnx for the info.

yeah i mean cruisers arent really my thing, but i think there ok.
the only reason why im kind of hesitant about the 250R is that:

1) its not a fuel injection. and i heard once you leave it unused for a while, like winter time or something, it'll never run the same again.
2) it is one of the most popular bikes, and the best selling bike of kawasaki. meaning its a more common bike. i hate having what others have. kinda stupid i guess

but thanks for your input. much appreciated

Not trying to argue. I'm just saying new riders can't "handle" a 600 supersport. Its a fact.
Most guys start with a 600 supersport for the wrong reasons and they are squids that may or may not eventually learn to ride well.
Sure there are some ppl who are gifted and learn quick. These are exceptions.
And everyone nowadays seems to believe they are so special.



Can't help you with number 2 but for number 1...
I've owned an '02 R6 which was carbed as well. Had no problems with storing it over winter.
I live in Oregon and winters suck. Heavy rain and it gets cold.
As long as you store your bike properly (removal of battery etc.),
you shouldn't have problems. Thats not something to worry about.
Hope you get your bike soon!

Yeah, the problem with Kawasaki is that if you leave it garage kept for too long, it sometimes won't start or run the same like before. I don't have to worry about this much because where I live, it's warm weather all year around. Give the Buell Blast a try though. I've only seen one person riding it around my school out of a bunch of motorcyclists (my school is located in downtown, so having a motorcycle helps out with parking and getting around). If you're thinking about getting a used Blast, don't buy models that are older than 2003.



Yeah, I'm not trying to argue you either and I respect your opinion. It bothers me that there isn't a good selection of bike size in the American market. There will always be a lot of bikes that are 600cc and up, but not a lot in between 250-500cc to fill in for the new riders. I envy people in the UK who gets to ride sporty 250cc bikes. Ahhh...if only they have it here. Hahah and it's funny how you call the guys who start out on 600cc, squids. They get a bit cocky at times. Just last summer, one of my guy friends crashed his R6 and scraped both his knees because he was trying to show off by doing wheelies.

I know what you mean. I'd like to see some nicer starter bikes here as well.
Some Aprilias come to mind...
Seems like Kawasaki delivered with the 250 though. Thats a good start.

Haha well theres a little bit of squidliness in all riders I guess.
As for your friend, I bet hes glad the only injuries he sustained were scrapes!
Must have been low speed clutch wheelies?
I can't lie I'm no angel on the street either.
Although its good to be safe and not put others in danger.
BUT the whole point of getting a bike to me in the first place is to have fun.
so you gotta have fun!

Ninja 250 is a great bike
it started on a used one 3 years ago.. ..
i rode it to school and home and it saved me lots on gas $$..
the only thing i didnt like about it was the seating other than that it was fine..
but dangg.. the new ninjas look nice..
stopped riding bikes after i got into an accident ..
its been a year so im going to start riding again.. spring summer soon..
there really addicting i guess..
it was like a drug to me haha..
my dad rides too.. haha
we use to go for some trips and stuff which was pretty cool..

I'm also looking to get a 250r in April! You better hurry up and put a deposit down...those bikes are going fast now days.

if you have self control i would start off at a 600 or something, cause 2-3 weeks later into the 250, you're going to want to buy a 600 + because you will be sick of the 250.... (trust me i know and seen many friends go through this phrase.) so save your self the money and buy a 600 if you are a defensive type driver.

but the ninja 250r the new one, is a very very nice bike, i rode my friends for couple rides and it's very fun bike to ride, very different then the older 250.

start off with a f4i or sv650 or something.

if you need any help or tips or questions, or woundering pro and con's about certain model, purchasing new bike vs used bike, maintaince..etc hit me up. i been riding for 9 years now, 1 year msf field trainer, i retired from the street and only ride trackdays now.

good luck!!

seems like every guys go through this phrase, you will either be a rider for life or this phase will just fade after couple years.

My friend did a wheelie on 2nd gear and he lost his balance which resulted in the crash. This was also during a really heavy traffic location so he was lucky that he got off the road before someone hit him. Riding is all about fun to me as well, but if only I can convince my mom that it can be safe if you wear gears and not being reckless like my friend. And since gas is so expensive nowadays, riding a motorcycle won't hurt your gas money so much.

Ugh, I wanna cry right now because there's a 2004 Ninja 250 that is selling for 1k in OC.

yeah 250r is nice...
eh i donno im still going to think about it for a little bit.

i really appreciate the help guys.

check this out:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1IoFtOuZHVw


also, how is the seating position on the 250? ne one know?

i don't know about the new ninja250's but the old ones are kind of low and uncomfortable to me but you get passed it very quickly.

get' a ninja 250, you can't go wrong with that as an entry bike.

I'm still new at the riding thing but the seating position is fairly straight up. Its not like the gixxers or the zx6 where u lean forward a lot...doesn't really hurt ur back and I guess its built more for comfort.

ah.
yeah the pictures of people riding it kind of looked like that, but i wasnt sure if its cuz of the ppl or the seat.
im about 5'7. it think it should be good.

thnx

i dont know about your areas.. but where im from.. i see many new drivers riding 600cc, 750cc, and even 1000cc+. a lot of posers here.



i just dont like the looks and especially how they sound.

fixed

try not to die.

i see a lot of idiots on bikes on the highway weaving in and out of heavy traffic on the freeways...without any protective gear. pisses me off.

i had to read that over about 5x before i realized what i typed wrong

i was thinking... wtf did you fix

hmm if i was gonna buy a bike, i would definitely buy 1000cc (suzuki gsx-r 1000)..But whenever i think about ninja (zx-14), i think of it's competitor suzuki hayabusa maybe it's because i saw a clip of them racing on youtube =]

hehe i should have bolded it but didn't want to seem like a jerk

kangjoon, did u pick one up yet?

if not, heres a vid to motivate you to hurry up.
Clicky
features some of oregon's roads and track
and a local rider known here as Dr. Sardonicus.

Yup like the ones riding with a helmet and beaters, jeans, sneakers, and no gloves. Even if that fool were to drop from 10mph he'd look pretty messed up. Imagine 400lbs of metal falling onto your body while u skid on concrete. Have fun taking a shower for a few weeks.

naw i think i might wait a little longer. haha
nice vid though. cant wait

the main post has been edited

You should be good. Are you on the kawiforums? They have ppl from 5'2 all the way up to 6'2 riding the 250r. Can't imagine what it'll look like when someone 6'2 is riding... Anyways I'm 5'9 and I can have both of my feet flat on the ground. Did you buy all your gears yet? I should be getting my ninja within the next 3 weeks, I'll post pictures when I get it.

I liked your previous choices better for a starter.
The only 600s you should consider are the older ones with less power (fzr, f2, f3) or sv650/ninja 650r.

Seriously, the last person you want to take advice from is a Harley fan.
They're riding severely overpriced out of date technology for image reasons.
Unless that is your main goal, I'd suggest to stick with the 250r.

At this point, you don't need to be considering track times/performance differences of supersports.
You won't have the skills to notice any difference for at least another 2+ years of consistent riding anyway.
I have about 30,000 miles of experience including track days and I still consider myself a noob.

Save your money, get a 250, beat the crap out of it for a year or 2, and hone your skills.
If you do this you will
a ) actually LEARN to ride instead of being careful/riding to not crash
b ) not pick up bad habits
c ) eventually be faster than squids on liters in the twisties/track
d ) not be a poser

As you can see, the list goes on.
After a full year of dedicated riding, then you should upgrade to the Daytona and
you will own an awesome bike and deserve it because you will have the skill set to handle it.

Anyway, thats enough of my rant.
If after all this, you still decide to get a 600 ss, then good luck to you.

TKY - good choice! I'd like to see the pics once you get it!

i might be called stupid for this,
but i always wanted to make a custom Fenrir bike from FF7 AC lol
like make the actual bike without the swords of course, but maybe the sword slots, hhaa

I've heard my friends talk about lowering kits for lower profile and for shorter drivers. Any input on this? How much do they cost? If it isn't too pricey maybe KangJoon can consider it if the bike you want is a bit tall.

^ haha that would be a good thought.

yeah yib, your right. i should just do that.

thanks for your input

The ninja not only sounds cool but it looks cool. Has this dangerous look on it though.

fixed again

Anyway...
I dunno. I don't like lowering kits but then again I'm around 511-6 so I may be biased.

Honestly, I think anyone should be able to hold up a bike on 1 foot.
All riders I know (including me) don't use both feet anyway when stopped at a light.

The main reason I'm against lowering kits is because I think it affects max lean angle.
At most what I would do is shave the seat padding or just get a thinner seat.

Ah ic. I didn't know that. Well I know people deal with it just like one of my excoworkers. He was about 5'6" and tiptoed on his bike. However I think having such a tall bike or being a bit on the shorter side contributed to him dropping it. Just a thought.

i second this
my uncle used to ride a lot of bikes (4+?) and crashed them all
amazingly, however, he walked away from all of them with only scratches

Yep...can't wait! Dealer just called me yesterday saying a they got a black one in stock now but I think I'll go with a different color. Read that black isn't for beginners cause your invisible at night.

I want one but the parents won't let me get one. When I move out, I am SO getting one.

the daytona looks HOT.

Question for the gents or ladies who know their stuff: I am really thinking of getting one, despite my parents disapproval. What should I start on. I'm on the lighter side of the scale. What would u recommend for a chick like moi?

Yeah I guess it kinda sux for ppl who aren't so tall but like u said most just learn to deal with it.
I do know that ducati seems to make their seat heights a little lower than avg.

simply_m3 - take an msf course first and see if you really like it.
then a starter bike that have been recommended in this thread would be good.

TKY - RED! I'm so jealous too... I've been bikeless for 2 months now and am itching to ride again.
especially cuz the weather is getting nice again.
Hopefully once I start my new job, I can get back into it.

Yep...red or kawi green or the candy blue...lol, whichever color the dealer has is what I'll go with. By the way what kinda bike did you have, and what happened to it?

wow for a 250 doesnt look half bad..but its too small for me.

i'll be picking up an sv-650 real soon. love the no ferring look. :]
im into cruisers also..should check out honda shadows.

I've beat the crap out of a '90 FZR 600 for about a year and a half.
My second bike was a blue 2002 Yamaha R6 which I've owned for 2 years.

I never once laid down the FZR but crashed my R6 once (what great luck I have).
It was a highside in which I ended up snapping the fibula on my left ankle so I've been out in a cast for 6 weeks.

Its ok though, during that time, I had fun fixing up the minor damage on the bike.
I sold the R6 recently to pay for my last term of college.
Now when I start my new job I hope to get a new bike.

2008 R1, 2008 R6, 848 Ducati, are the ones I am considering...

I'm jealous as well, I so want the red one. *drools*

me and most of my buddies started on 600cc but a 250 is a good starter bike. the only thing is you might get bored of it pretty quick. since you are interested in a daytona 675 my friend has a white gold pearl 675 for sale.