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Old April 23rd, 2021, 05:07 PM   #1
BallstheCat
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First bike

Hello everyone. I just joined the Forum a few minutes ago and I'm looking forward to the future on this site. I have a question about a first bike. I am 6ft tall and around 300+ pounds but currently trying to lose weight. I keep hearing that a Kawasaki Ninja 250 is usually the default starter/first bike but will something that small be ok for someone my size? As far as price, the most I can spend is $2,000.00.
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Old April 23rd, 2021, 08:15 PM   #2
CaliGrrl
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Hi, James!

The 250 might be a bit underpowered, but then again, it might be fine. Mine kind of bogged down when my hubby and I rode 2-up but she made it home ok. The brakes aren't real happy with more weight. That was probably.... 360 pounds between us.

It is definitely a good learner bike, though. I thought I'd want to step up to something bigger but I have been pleasantly surprised that the Ninja does just fine for me under a lot of riding situations.

Does Duluth still have the train museum? That was my first visit but it was a lot of years ago.
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Old April 23rd, 2021, 08:22 PM   #3
BallstheCat
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Thank you for the reply. Duluth does still have the train museum and the train still runs.
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Old April 24th, 2021, 05:26 AM   #4
Triple Jim
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As far as your height, I'm 6'-2" tall, and find the 250 is quite comfortable.

Welcome to the board!
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Old April 24th, 2021, 06:29 AM   #5
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Old April 24th, 2021, 05:56 PM   #6
SibSerge
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I am 6 feet and it is just fine. Mine is ZZR but I tested regular 250 as well. Weight wise I sometimes put about 40lb of stuff in addition to my 195 and it rides fine. Still can beat Toyota Corollas on the trafic light . What you must absolutely do when you purchase the bike is to change springs in front to match your weight. And possible change the rear shot to the one that allows you to adjust the preload.
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Old April 26th, 2021, 06:13 AM   #7
BallstheCat
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Thank you for the reply. I found really good deal on a 1990 Ninja 500. Would that be a better size for me?
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Old April 26th, 2021, 07:42 AM   #8
ducatiman
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Tread carefully here....1st generation (up to '94) EX500's can be problematic. CCT should be upgraded to 2nd Gen (post '94) , as should the flywheel (with poorly attached magnets which are known to shred) be upgraded.

1st Gen 500 parts are getting rare these days, as well. Its' 16" wheels leave fewer tire choices.

IMHO....too old, outdated.
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Old April 27th, 2021, 01:05 AM   #9
BoBO
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Welcome.

The Ninja 250 is a great all around bike, the engine may not be powerful but it will always get the job done. It's like a Miata in the motorcycle world. The bike should fit you and you could always get aftermarket rear sets or drop pegs for better leg room. For $2k the 250 is the best deal out there, cheap to maintain and plenty of aftermarket support.

Small displacement bikes are always easier to learn on for the obvious reasons which makes it a good first bike, but once you are familiar with riding, all bikes are the same as in you can ride them all. I recommend you take your time when purchasing a bike. Figure out what type of riding you wish to do and what you want out of the bike, once you get that sorted out it will be easier to narrow down your choices. It's easier to buy a bike than to sell it.

Good luck and hopefully you buy a 250 because it's one hell of a ride in the canyons.
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Old May 31st, 2021, 06:07 PM   #10
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I would echo others here and say that the 250 should be fine but no matter what you choose I'd suggest budgeting for some more advanced rider training You want to invest in the bike and the proper riding gear but ALSO some good quality training! (I'm a coach with the California Superbike School) and an avid rider/student of all riding disciplines. Happy to answer any riding skills/technique/school questions you might have.

Ride safe!
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Old June 1st, 2021, 11:50 AM   #11
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Old October 2nd, 2021, 01:54 AM   #12
Bob KellyIII
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LOL I'm 5'10" with a 30" inseam and I found the 2012 250R a bit too tall for me
...so I lowered it ...now it's fine !
even for your weight I think the Ninja would serve you well it has 36hp and if you use the RPM it will go like a bat out'a hell !
it doesn't have a heavy crank or flywheel so it will fall off rather fast if you throttle down but the bike likes 12,000 RPM so use the RPM and you'll be fine
and Loving it !
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Old October 2nd, 2021, 11:35 PM   #13
DannoXYZ
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heh, heh... more like 31hp. It was previous pre-gen model that had 36hp.
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Old October 3rd, 2021, 02:44 AM   #14
Bob KellyIII
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ahh ok thanks for the correction 31hp eh ? I'll try to remember that but no promises ! HAHAHAHA
.... still 30hp for a 250cc motor is really something !
in my hay day it was 25hp for a 250 and they were 2 stroke monsters !
but they did go good !
LOL...
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