Is the 250R the right bike for me?!

Chris33777 · August 23rd, 2011, 12:06 PM

Hello all, i am a potential new rider in the making... I have always wanted to learn to ride but for a lot of years just been putting it off. Now that i'm getting older i figure it's now or never... Anyways, i'm a big guy no... not tall; big the other way!

5'10 270lbs

Do you think a 250 would be too small for me or should i just go straight to a bigger cc bike like the 500/650R?

I have not signed up for a MSF class yet but won't be till a month or so from now till i will have time to go. I would like to go ahead and pick up a bike now just to practice the friction zone and all that. Thanks.

Chris

Linuss · August 23rd, 2011, 12:11 PM

Take the MSF and after you complete the class, ask the teacher what bike they'd recommend for you.

In the MSF, you'll most likely be riding 250's anyhow, so you'll get the general feel of size and acceleration.

Then go to a dealership and sit on the 250 and see if it feels.

outcast · August 23rd, 2011, 12:12 PM

I had the same worries before I got my bike. I'm 6ft 260lbs and the bike has no issues pullin me 85 down the road with room to spare. Only thing is may need to down shift to 5th to pass someone quickly which you probably do not need to do with a bigger bike.

alex.s · August 23rd, 2011, 12:38 PM

get a zx14.

the msf (here at least) fills up quickly so you may want to sign up now for a class in a month or two when you will have time, otherwise you'll find yourself waiting to get into a class.

GreenNinja · August 23rd, 2011, 12:52 PM

I agree with the others: take the MSF course first so you will see how it feels. The dealership won't let you take their bikes around for a spin unless you have a motorcycle license. If you take the MSF course and don't like the 250 then you can go up without having to go thru the hassle of selling the 250(lets not forget all the paperwork associated with buying/tagging too) and then buying another bike.

Amezcua · August 23rd, 2011, 12:52 PM

Well I weight 250 and I ride a 250 now been bigger doesn't mean you can handle a bigger bike but as far as getting you around I have no problem but if you are worry about how you look than maybe a 600 would be better but if you just wanna ride and have fun with it there's nothing wrong with a 250

MotoED · August 23rd, 2011, 01:38 PM

Hi Chris and welcome!

I personally think the 250R is GREAT beginners bike. I'm also a noob to riding, and am finding myself really enjoying the 250. I am 5'6, 170.

I recommend starting off with the 250 to get the feel for riding, if you haven't been on a bike before. 600cc+ bikes are awesome but dangerous to us noobs lol

just my

Whichever bike you decide to get, always ride safe and ATGATT

EsrTek · August 23rd, 2011, 04:11 PM

I think a 250 will do great for you too.
My buddy who's 6'0 275lb however got a ninja 500. It's practically the same bike and handles pulling him around better. On my 250 he does like max 80 wot, where on his 500 he can get 90-95.
I kinda wish he would trade me, I get to 120'ish on his 95-100 on mine.

ducducgooseit · August 23rd, 2011, 04:16 PM

Welcome to the 250 party

Chris33777 · August 23rd, 2011, 04:51 PM

Thanks for all the replies and welcomes!

I will sign up for the class, just have to pick one a few months out as work has taken up most of my time right now.

I went to a Kawi dealer here and sat on a 250, i thought i fit fine on it, i mean the rear end didn't bottom out on me or anything so i guess that's a good sign!

I was just concerned about the actual riding as i wasn't sure if it would be the little engine that could hauling my butt around! lol

I don't plan on needing to go over 80mph for awhile since most of my commute and travels is all city street driving, I hardly ever need to get on the interstate...

EsrTek · August 23rd, 2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris33777

I don't plan on needing to go over 80mph for awhile since most of my commute and travels is all city street driving, I hardly ever need to get on the interstate...

Heheheh you sound like I did just a month ago or so when I got mine.
I'll just say that wore off fast

TheMojoRider · August 23rd, 2011, 11:05 PM

You are asking a biased crowd for the opinion. Do not expect an unbiased response. With that said, get the 250 and sell it if it doesn't meet your needs. Better to start slow and move up then start fast and die crashing.

Well, not that dramatic but you get the idea.. lol

KJohnson21 · August 23rd, 2011, 11:06 PM

cerberusrex25 · August 24th, 2011, 08:37 AM

Im about your height and weight, and the 250 carries me ok. have ridden both new and pregen and both haul my big butt ok.

TL;DR: BUY A 250 NAAAAAAAOOOOOOO!!!!!

PS: Welcome to the forum.

Chris33777 · August 24th, 2011, 09:11 AM

Thanks!!

Mr.E · August 24th, 2011, 10:02 AM

The bike is made to handle more weight then that, so you should be fine. As for the MSF, take it. You wont regret it. It's really fun. I took mine at the Harley store. Pretty sure if you take your MSF at a Harley they use 400cc Buell bikes. But as stated above take the msf. You wont be ready to go out and ride right away after that (I'll be practicing in my neighborhood for a bit once I pick my baby up) but you will know exactly how to start it off. Plus florida, its required.

Also, there's a local Central florida 250cc riding group. We have a few members up in the Tampa area as well.

Click here for our thread on this forum

anndddd

Click here for the actual Meet up. The tampa people are pretty cool from what I see on the forums. Check the pages out, they're friendly and what not. I dont have my bike yet and I've been chatting with the group for a while now lol.

And welcome to the forums. What ever bike you decide to get, just ride safe. x-)

azimmer11 · August 24th, 2011, 10:08 AM

im 6'1" 150 lbs and i think the 250 is too small for me

Live2ride · August 24th, 2011, 10:38 AM

I was debating this same question before buying my bike; mainly because I was about 260lbs and at 6'2". This thing pulls me around very well, I have even held 90mph on the freeway with my gf (135lbs) on the back seat and it still had a few mph to go; that's nearly 400lbs! I now way 20lbs less but my bike has never let me down. Once I get to 55-60mph the acceleration drops down a bit but its still fun as hell to wring that thing out in wot and still stay within the speed limit

. If your looking for a bike that can handle all speedlimits in the U.S. and one that you can push very hard but still ride without fear of popping a 60mph wheelie by accident then the 250 should work very well for you.

kaiserz · August 24th, 2011, 11:02 AM

I'm 6'1" 190lbs And I think the 250 is an awesome bike. (: sign-up for the MSF and makesureyou have gear, ride safe :thumup:

caps · August 24th, 2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.E

The bike is made to handle more weight then that, so you should be fine. As for the MSF, take it. You wont regret it. It's really fun. I took mine at the Harley store. Pretty sure if you take your MSF at a Harley they use 400cc Buell bikes. But as stated above take the msf. You wont be ready to go out and ride right away after that (I'll be practicing in my neighborhood for a bit once I pick my baby up) but you will know exactly how to start it off. Plus florida, its required.

Also, there's a local Central florida 250cc riding group. We have a few members up in the Tampa area as well.

Click here for our thread on this forum

anndddd

Click here for the actual Meet up. The tampa people are pretty cool from what I see on the forums. Check the pages out, they're friendly and what not. I dont have my bike yet and I've been chatting with the group for a while now lol.

And welcome to the forums. What ever bike you decide to get, just ride safe. x-)

Tampa guys > Whorlando guys

we have our own chat for just the Tampa guys as well;

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...ght=tampa+ride

vnranger · August 24th, 2011, 11:25 PM

Green Streak · August 25th, 2011, 04:08 AM

Welcome

Snake · August 28th, 2011, 03:37 PM

The only way for you to know for sure is to test ride one.

August 23rd, 2011, 12:06 PM	#1
Chris33777 ninjette.org newbie Name: Chris Location: Tampa Bay FL Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): N/A Posts: 3	Is the 250R the right bike for me?! Hello all, i am a potential new rider in the making... I have always wanted to learn to ride but for a lot of years just been putting it off. Now that i'm getting older i figure it's now or never... Anyways, i'm a big guy no... not tall; big the other way! 5'10 270lbs Do you think a 250 would be too small for me or should i just go straight to a bigger cc bike like the 500/650R? I have not signed up for a MSF class yet but won't be till a month or so from now till i will have time to go. I would like to go ahead and pick up a bike now just to practice the friction zone and all that. Thanks. Chris

August 23rd, 2011, 12:38 PM	#4
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	get a zx14. the msf (here at least) fills up quickly so you may want to sign up now for a class in a month or two when you will have time, otherwise you'll find yourself waiting to get into a class. __________________________________________________

August 23rd, 2011, 12:52 PM	#6
Amezcua ninjette.org member Name: joe Location: Los Angeles Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): zx10r (2011 ninja250r sold) Posts: 43	Well I weight 250 and I ride a 250 now been bigger doesn't mean you can handle a bigger bike but as far as getting you around I have no problem but if you are worry about how you look than maybe a 600 would be better but if you just wanna ride and have fun with it there's nothing wrong with a 250 __________________________________________________ My monster decals actually add HP to my ninja

August 23rd, 2011, 11:06 PM	#13
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	__________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

August 24th, 2011, 10:38 AM	#18
Live2ride ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cody Location: NoVa Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 yzf r6r previously: 09 ninja 250r, black 07 zx6r Posts: A lot.	I was debating this same question before buying my bike; mainly because I was about 260lbs and at 6'2". This thing pulls me around very well, I have even held 90mph on the freeway with my gf (135lbs) on the back seat and it still had a few mph to go; that's nearly 400lbs! I now way 20lbs less but my bike has never let me down. Once I get to 55-60mph the acceleration drops down a bit but its still fun as hell to wring that thing out in wot and still stay within the speed limit . If your looking for a bike that can handle all speedlimits in the U.S. and one that you can push very hard but still ride without fear of popping a 60mph wheelie by accident then the 250 should work very well for you. __________________________________________________ Last futzed with by Live2ride; August 25th, 2011 at 07:46 AM.

August 23rd, 2011, 12:11 PM	#2
Linuss ninjette.org guru Name: Steve Location: DFW Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 294	Take the MSF and after you complete the class, ask the teacher what bike they'd recommend for you. In the MSF, you'll most likely be riding 250's anyhow, so you'll get the general feel of size and acceleration. Then go to a dealership and sit on the 250 and see if it feels.

August 23rd, 2011, 12:12 PM	#3
outcast ninjette.org newbie Name: Charlie Location: Azle Tx Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 8	I had the same worries before I got my bike. I'm 6ft 260lbs and the bike has no issues pullin me 85 down the road with room to spare. Only thing is may need to down shift to 5th to pass someone quickly which you probably do not need to do with a bigger bike.

August 23rd, 2011, 12:52 PM	#5
GreenNinja ninjette.org guru Name: I'm a ninja! Location: Stone Mtn Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 453	I agree with the others: take the MSF course first so you will see how it feels. The dealership won't let you take their bikes around for a spin unless you have a motorcycle license. If you take the MSF course and don't like the 250 then you can go up without having to go thru the hassle of selling the 250(lets not forget all the paperwork associated with buying/tagging too) and then buying another bike.

August 23rd, 2011, 01:38 PM	#7
MotoED ninjette.org guru Name: Edd Location: Los Angeles-CALI Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 SE Pearl/Ebony Ninja 250R Posts: 376	Hi Chris and welcome! I personally think the 250R is GREAT beginners bike. I'm also a noob to riding, and am finding myself really enjoying the 250. I am 5'6, 170. I recommend starting off with the 250 to get the feel for riding, if you haven't been on a bike before. 600cc+ bikes are awesome but dangerous to us noobs lol just my Whichever bike you decide to get, always ride safe and ATGATT

August 23rd, 2011, 04:11 PM	#8
EsrTek ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Murfreesboro, TN Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.	I think a 250 will do great for you too. My buddy who's 6'0 275lb however got a ninja 500. It's practically the same bike and handles pulling him around better. On my 250 he does like max 80 wot, where on his 500 he can get 90-95. I kinda wish he would trade me, I get to 120'ish on his 95-100 on mine.

August 23rd, 2011, 04:16 PM	#9
ducducgooseit Name: ... Location: ... Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): ... Posts: 999	Welcome to the 250 party

August 23rd, 2011, 04:51 PM	#10
Chris33777 ninjette.org newbie Name: Chris Location: Tampa Bay FL Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): N/A Posts: 3	Thanks for all the replies and welcomes! I will sign up for the class, just have to pick one a few months out as work has taken up most of my time right now. I went to a Kawi dealer here and sat on a 250, i thought i fit fine on it, i mean the rear end didn't bottom out on me or anything so i guess that's a good sign! I was just concerned about the actual riding as i wasn't sure if it would be the little engine that could hauling my butt around! lol I don't plan on needing to go over 80mph for awhile since most of my commute and travels is all city street driving, I hardly ever need to get on the interstate...

August 23rd, 2011, 11:05 PM	#12
TheMojoRider ninjette.org member Name: Ninja Location: CA Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja! Posts: 77	You are asking a biased crowd for the opinion. Do not expect an unbiased response. With that said, get the 250 and sell it if it doesn't meet your needs. Better to start slow and move up then start fast and die crashing. Well, not that dramatic but you get the idea.. lol

August 24th, 2011, 08:37 AM	#14
cerberusrex25 Accesories Guru Name: Dave Location: Centreville, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): '99 EX250(Cafe/fighter project) Posts: 537	Im about your height and weight, and the 250 carries me ok. have ridden both new and pregen and both haul my big butt ok. TL;DR: BUY A 250 NAAAAAAAOOOOOOO!!!!! PS: Welcome to the forum.

August 24th, 2011, 09:11 AM	#15
Chris33777 ninjette.org newbie Name: Chris Location: Tampa Bay FL Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): N/A Posts: 3	Thanks!!

August 24th, 2011, 10:02 AM	#16
Mr.E That rider dude. Name: Eric Location: Orlando, Fl. Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 White Ninja 250 SE. Posts: A lot.	The bike is made to handle more weight then that, so you should be fine. As for the MSF, take it. You wont regret it. It's really fun. I took mine at the Harley store. Pretty sure if you take your MSF at a Harley they use 400cc Buell bikes. But as stated above take the msf. You wont be ready to go out and ride right away after that (I'll be practicing in my neighborhood for a bit once I pick my baby up) but you will know exactly how to start it off. Plus florida, its required. Also, there's a local Central florida 250cc riding group. We have a few members up in the Tampa area as well. Click here for our thread on this forum anndddd Click here for the actual Meet up. The tampa people are pretty cool from what I see on the forums. Check the pages out, they're friendly and what not. I dont have my bike yet and I've been chatting with the group for a while now lol. And welcome to the forums. What ever bike you decide to get, just ride safe. x-)

August 24th, 2011, 10:08 AM	#17
azimmer11 ninjette.org sage Name: Alex Location: michigan Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 784	im 6'1" 150 lbs and i think the 250 is too small for me

August 24th, 2011, 11:02 AM	#19
kaiserz There's a limit to s2pdty Name: A.D. Location: NoVa the burg Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250r ninja (sold) Posts: A lot.	I'm 6'1" 190lbs And I think the 250 is an awesome bike. (: sign-up for the MSF and makesureyou have gear, ride safe :thumup:

August 24th, 2011, 11:25 PM	#21
vnranger ninjette.org sage Name: Jonathan Location: Beaverton OR Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Candy Thunder blue 2009 kawasaki 250r, 2010 Dark Stealth Ducati Monster 696. Posts: 891

August 25th, 2011, 04:08 AM	#22
Green Streak Ninjette Owner Name: Rick Location: Aiken County, SC Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, a puddle of Ninja ZX6 Posts: 520	Welcome __________________________________________________

August 28th, 2011, 03:37 PM	#23
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	The only way for you to know for sure is to test ride one.

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