Which one would you get?

So my buddy just passed the msf course and he's looking to get a super cheap bike. Around $1400. We're looking into a old gen ninja 250 but I also found some other sweet bikes.

Suzuki vx800 1992 miles unknown right now (v twin with 60 hp) $1300 asking


buell blast 2002 2500 miles (would look way better after windshield removal) (32 some odd hp) $1700 asking

Heres a pic i found without the ugly windshield

What do you guys think of the buell and the suzuki? I know the suzuki was only made from like 92 to 97 but from what i've read they're very reliable bikes. And I do not know a whole lot about the buells. If the suzuki had reasonable miles, which one would you guys go for? I really like both of them, and depending on the condition i could go for either one, however, the suzuki has much more usable power and I personally would go for that because of that. I don't think the power of the suzuki puts if out of a beginners reach. It does 0-60 in 5.2 seconds which is fast, but much slower then a ninja 650 which can do 0-60 in 3.5. A lot of low end torque, but he is a very smart kid and I think he could handle it. He's already geared up and ready to go.

Edit: also, in this price range, its either one of these bikes or an 80's cruiser and I'd rather have him get something 10-20 years old that is a little powerful then a 30+ year old bike
OPINIONS AWAYYYYYY!!!!
2nd edit: seems like everyone hates the buell... im sticking with the idea of a pre-gen ninja 250 or the suzuki

[Motofool]

I wouldn't change the Ninja 250 for any other bike (well, may be a BMW for inter-state trips).

For a smart young rider, the Ninja wins in my opinion for several things:

-Less power, but more than enough for any street riding
-Less weight (Better handling and fuel economy)
-Less discomfort form engine heat (water cooled)
-Less engine noise (water cooled)
-Better rear suspension (than the Suzuki)
-Available and economic spare parts (more bikes have been produced)
-Better aerodynamics
-More sport ergonomics

..........Besides, the Ninjette has nonparallel web support, like this site

Originally Posted by Motofool

I wouldn't change the Ninja 250 for any other bike (well, may be a BMW for inter-state trips).

For a smart young rider, the Ninja wins in my opinion for several things:

-Less power, but more than enough for any street riding
-Less weight (Better handling and fuel economy)
-Less discomfort form engine heat (water cooled)
-Less engine noise (water cooled)
-Better rear suspension (than the Suzuki)
-Available and economic spare parts (more bikes have been produced)
-Better aerodynamics
-More sport ergonomics

I'm definately looking at the ninjas too but he is really turned off by the looks of the bike... I also get that the ninja is far better in most aspects but how much will the kid ride the bike he thinks is ugly as sin?
and i also offered up the idea of turning it into a streetfigher, but the looks of the vx800 already offer that

[MarcoPolo]

That Buell Blast is beautiful! And with only 2500 miles its practically new. Which can be either bad or good I suppose. But if I had the money I'd buy that Buell just because it looks awesome. Plus I think street fighters are hideously ugly. Clearly just my opinion.

[Countersteer]

If these were my two choices, the Suzuki wins hands down. The Blast is...well, I'll refrain from expressing my opinion here.

As always, Hernan has brought good points to the fore, however, logic does not always prevail in such situations.

Originally Posted by MarcoPolo

That Buell Blast is beautiful! And with only 2500 miles its practically new. Which can be either bad or good I suppose. But if I had the money I'd buy that Buell just because it looks awesome. Plus I think street fighters are hideously ugly. Clearly just my opinion.

Originally Posted by Countersteer

If these were my two choices, the Suzuki wins hands down. The Blast is...well, I'll refrain from expressing my opinion here.

As always, Hernan has brought good points to the fore, however, logic does not always prevail in such situations.

I love the suzuki, and from my research it is an extremely well running/reliable bike... especially compared to the lack luster performance and reliability from the buell. I'm pushing the suzuki well simply because I'm a suzuki guy the facts back up the bike.

[alex.s]

what ever you do, do not buy a buell blast.

the suzuki is kinda cool i guess. ugly but thats part of the charm. but neither of those bikes are as good as a ninja 250...

why not get a nice old cb750 and make a cafe racer

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by alex.s

........... but neither of those bikes are as good as a ninja 250...

But they are both better looking to the eyes of the OP's friend.

Three pluses for the Suzuki: water cooling, 17" and 18" wheels and shaft transmission (no chain).

I still believe that less HPs' are desirable for a newbie.

Additional info on both choices:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_VX_800

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buell_Blast

http://www.suzukicycles.org/VX-serie...rochures.shtml

[JustRidin]

Yea, I had looked at the Buell Blasts, but something about them. They just don't seem like a bike you'd ever be able to fall in love with. A motorcycle is something you gotta love, and the Buell just doesn't evoke that kind of feeling. Though, for what it's worth the Buells are known to be extremely easy to maintain which may be a boon for a new rider.

(My vote is the pre-gen ninja 250 though, large availability of parts and you're sure to be able to find a buyer pretty easy if he wants to sell again later.)

[Mountain Dew]

The blast is absolute garbage. DO NOT even consider it.

[nautica]

Tell him to spend a little more and get a new-gen ninja.

[Monkeytofu]

What? The Classic ninja 250 is ugly? Hurfulfurfulfurful.

[choneofakind]

They have a face only a mother could love.
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[lgk]

that suzuki is ugly but i would pick it out of those two.

[edxmon]

consider a GS500 or a GSF400?