New Rider/Member in San Diego

[eyeheartny]

Hi all! I'm a new rider and a new member here on the board.

Basics on me:

• I'm 31, male, teach high school history
• Took my MSF course in December
• Native to San Diego

Riding Plans:

• I'll be commuting to work by bike starting in mid-August (this will be a 31-mile mostly-highway route, leaving at 6:15am and returning around 3:30pm)
• Planning to buy an Aerostich Roadcrafter and some great boots (already have helmet/gloves)
• Thinking a Ninja 250 or 300 will be a great starter bike

Why I'm here:
I'd love thoughts on boots for maximum protection as well as any thoughts on the Ninja 250/300 as suitable for a 6'2", 205lb male. I'm excited as can be about riding and am also (if I'm honest) pretty nervous about safety.
I'd also be open to meeting people from here to ride with. I know I'll need a lot of mentoring. I'm planning on buying a bike in about a month or so. Looking at Craigslist in San Diego every day, but any tips on used Ninjas that aren't necessarily on CL would be awesome as well! Looking to spend around $3000-3500.

Thanks!

[csmith12]

Welcome and thanks for being a teacher!

You should have no major issues with your height and weight on the 250 or 300. May need some clipons or rearsets to make some extra room. Ride it stock for a bit and adjust as needed, you will know what you need.

Good luck with your bike search.

[Motofool]

Welcome to the site, N !!!

A pre-owned low cost 250 will suit your learning time much better than a new bike.

[eyeheartny]

Originally Posted by Motofool

Welcome to the site, N !!!

A pre-owned low cost 250 will suit your learning time much better than a new bike.

Thanks! Did you mean a 250 vs a 300? I saw one on CL in my area for $4800, which makes me think of stretching my budget a bit to try to get that one for $4400. I'm sure more will pop up from time to time. What made you recommend the 250 over a used 300 (if I can find one)?

[ajcadoo]

Dont spend more than MSRP for a used bike. In socal, you will probably be spending near MSRP for a used bike due to the demand. A brand new bike is usually $1000+ more than MSRP. I purchased mine used at a dealership with 600 miles for $3900 in Feb 2012. You are also searching right around the time EVERYONE wants to buy a bike (beg. of summer) which means higher prices.

I am 6'2" and the 250 is fine. Highways are a little annoying because this bike will buzz at a relatively high RPM at highway speeds and the wind is relentless. Tucking is necessary for a less windy ride, which isn't impossible, but is uncomfortable for longer than 5 miles. Do not go for the 300. It is too expensive and a 250 is all you need.

Good luck!

[KJohnson21]

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by eyeheartny

Thanks! Did you mean a 250 vs a 300? I saw one on CL in my area for $4800, which makes me think of stretching my budget a bit to try to get that one for $4400. I'm sure more will pop up from time to time. What made you recommend the 250 over a used 300 (if I can find one)?

I meant a 250, pre-gen or new-gen, because the low cost and abundance of parts.

I believe that both things are not easily available for a used 300.

Maybe you will be a gifted rider and will be able to go through your first six months or riding without damaging your bike, either by falls or for improper maintenance.

For a regular person, the first bike is the guinea pig that suffers all the bad consequences of an ignorant rider (no offense intended, we all are and still learning), which will reduce the reselling value substantially for a new or expensive bike.

Regarding power for the highway, 250s' have been capable of performing for many years.

[Snake]

Hello and welcome.