New guy here...no bike yet though!

[CmichRider]

Hey guys, I came across this forum when I was looking for some information on the Ninja 250, which seems to be a pretty popular bike around here!

I don't currently own a bike, or even have my MC endorsement. I'm taking the MSF course in June, which doubles as my road test, so I'll official be legal then!

I'm super interested in the 250 because of all the praise it gets as a beginner bike, but, like everyone else, I've got my doubts about it.

I feel like it will quickly be something I will want more out of, and become bored of. I do a lot of highway driving, to and from college, my drive is about an hour of straight road, so I need something that can handle it's own on the highway...not sure how the 250 fairs in that area. I'd also like to be able to take my girlfriend on the back of it, but again..not sure with the power of the 250 if it's suitable for that.

Pricing 250's in my area is a little difficult, as I've seen '96 250's in good shape, 14k miles, go for ~1200, and then I've seen '06 250's go for around 2k. I don't need a super new bike, and I like the look of the 250, especially as a "streetfighter", I think it's called.

I'm super stoked to be getting my first bike, so I'd like something that is a little forgiving if I make a mistake. I'm not a bad driver and I do have a clean record, but it doesn't take much to blip the throttle on a gixxer and lose control.

[kkim]

Aloha and welcome, Jacob.

[Alex]

CmichRider! Glad you found us...

[AMMOCAN]

[Yasko]

Welcome...Good luck with your search...

[CmichRider]

Thanks guys...any thoughts on my comments about the 250?

[slolane]

Welcome!!

Good idea on the course, that's a good start for learning.

No matter what bike you get make sure to gear up.

As far as the 250 being a great beginner bike, it is... but based on your own expectations it can be a do it all machine for riders like myself who have been licensed for 20 years this June and have had over 40 street bikes... my 2008 250 is now my one and only bike which for me says a lot, I have had 2-3 street bikes at a time since I was 16.

When shopping for a bike do your research and buy what you need/want. Search around on this forum a bit and read lots of threads in the subjects your concerned about, I will still try to touch on each.

The redesign in 2008 can cost a bit more than a 2007 or older but pricing and how much of a spread really depends on your area. Watch eBay and CL for some deals, also hit the local bike shops to see what they have.

For highway riding the 250 has proven itself to be just fine for hours and hours on end in stock form, some people like myself have regeared the bike up/taller for less rpm's on the highway and longer gearing (less shifts).

I cannot comment on the 2-up riding, never carried a passenger on mine.

The 250 is foregiving, which makes for a great beginner bike... it will not loop you when you twist the throttle but still needs to be respected as all motorcycles.

I hope that helps a little, browse around on here and if you have some questions that haven't been addressed post up in the appropriate catagory rather than here as you will probably receive more hits/traffic. There are many knowledgable guys/gals on here that are friendly and have helped me directly and indirectly in their knowledge sharing through comments, posts, DIY's, pictures and videos.

Last point... insurance. Make sure to obtain a few quotes on the specific bikes you are looking at, many times this is a deal breaker for folks.

Best of luck!!

[bob706]

Welcome to the forum

[phr3ek]

if you do end up getting a 250 and you do feel like you want more
track it first, then make your judgement

[CmichRider]

Originally Posted by phr3ek

if you do end up getting a 250 and you do feel like you want more
track it first, then make your judgement

Yeah...I think I'll try and master road driving before I get to a track. Although it does sound like something awesome to do. I can't imagine these bikes have much power in the straight, but I can see them dominating the turns.

So, here is a question, my budget is ~1k for a motorcycle, that's not including gear or any services I'd do after buying, am I missing out by buying an older 250 instead of the 08-present 250? It seems most people here drive the new gen style, so I wasn't sure.

[Gfortunes]

My two cents.
I had my first ninja 250 in 98 it was a 95' I loved it and it was my first street bike it ran great I gave rides to "many female friends" I never had a problem two up or at highway speeds ran 85-90 mph allday if you ask it to ( I advise not speeding). Last year I bought a new gen ninja 250r SE and I now ride 2 up with my wife and it gives me everything I want. you are not going to be able to go from 80-120 like you can on a gsxr or a liter bike of any kind but I have never wished I had more throttle. I will say that I weigh about 160# and the passengers I have had are all under 140# so not sure what your height and weight are. I think the only thing that would make you buy a new gen over an old gen is looks and milage but if you can find a good condition old gen for $1k-$1.2k I dont think you will be disapointed.

as a side note I used to make about $100 per weekend in the summer by going to the rider testing location and letting the big harley guys pay me $20 each to take the test on my 95' ninja probably made $1400 bucks in 2 summers doing that.

Be safe and good luck. FYI take that Insurance advise to heart!

[Snake]

Hello and welcome.

[vnranger]

[KJohnson21]

[speedgsx98]

OP, for the price you're looking at, you'll be looking at a older(pre 2008) version with some road rash on it, although if it's not bad and has been ridden since the crash and not parked for a year, it'll be fine. Just be sure you know what all needs to be done.

I'm on my 3rd 250 ninja and about my 15th bike...my signature couldn't fit all my bikes ;-) It's great for getting into motorcycling or using as cheap transpo. It can be a riot in the corners with some modifications to the suspension to make it firmer and by getting some better tires. As far as carryiing a passenger, as long as you're both reasonably sized people, it'll be fine. If your passenger lookis like this...you're going to have problems.

http://www.imagepoop.com/image/2034/...otorcycle.html

or this:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...4&page=1&pp=25