how big is the jump from a ninja 250 to 500? i kno its twice the engine, but which would someone recomend for a newbie (gf) it would also serve double duty as a commuter for me till i get out of college, remeber im 220lbs and 6 foot, so i dont want to get ran over at the on ramp everytime i got to move my fat azz, thanks
ninja 250 vs 500
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I agree on the 500. your a big guy and a 250 might not get you moving out of the way if you needed it to. If you are a Nubee. Dont think 100 more cc's is not that big of a deal and think a 600 is a starter bike. Most of the 600's I have rode are no joke when it comes to raw power and speed. It can be overwhelming. (sp). Go for the 500, you wont be dissapointed. Good luck with wwhat ever you get. :dthumb:
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Ah, you all failed to realize that it is mainly for his girlfriend who is a newbie at riding.
I'd say that it would depend on what you're looking at spending. There are a bunch of Kawi 500s around here for like $3,500 or less but I'm told you can also buy like a brand new Kawi 250 for like $3K? I haven't looked into it though.
I'd say, since it is mainly for your girlfriend and she is just starting, get the 250. It'll still be decent on commuter and you already have a bike for youself. When she outgrows it, then you can always sell it and/or put an ad up at the place that teaches the MSF Course or on the college campus and sell it again. Plus, if you drop it, it isn't that big of an investment.
I'd say that it would depend on what you're looking at spending. There are a bunch of Kawi 500s around here for like $3,500 or less but I'm told you can also buy like a brand new Kawi 250 for like $3K? I haven't looked into it though.
I'd say, since it is mainly for your girlfriend and she is just starting, get the 250. It'll still be decent on commuter and you already have a bike for youself. When she outgrows it, then you can always sell it and/or put an ad up at the place that teaches the MSF Course or on the college campus and sell it again. Plus, if you drop it, it isn't that big of an investment.
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Gas Man said:
Why do you think it's dangerously small? It'll still do a decent speed so that isn't the issue, as far as keeping with the flow of traffic. Could you please explain? I've never rode the 250.
My friend here wants me to go with him to get a bike and I'm looking at the 250 or 500 for him. Not too sure on what I should tell him to get cause he's kinda a really really really horrible driver in a car so I can only imagine with a bike.
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If you put any desent weight on it, it just can't handle the power. I think it only puts out like 35 horse... heck my mower at work has that! :nonod:
Without even knowing your buddy I would suggest the 500 or a 600. Anything smaller would just be a waste of time and money. I wouldn't even buy a 250 for my wife. But that's just my :2cents:
Just look at the bike up close... IT'S FREAKIN SMALL! No power and major weight!
uke:
Without even knowing your buddy I would suggest the 500 or a 600. Anything smaller would just be a waste of time and money. I wouldn't even buy a 250 for my wife. But that's just my :2cents:
Just look at the bike up close... IT'S FREAKIN SMALL! No power and major weight!
uke:I have rode one. The 250 is a waist of money. It is under $3000.00 Brand new. But unless your absolutely going to use it around town it is worthless. The 500 has more power but NO punch. it will not jump out from under you. It is the al around perfect "beginner" sport bike. The 600 IMO has twice the punch of any EX500 I have rode. I would not recomment it as a beginner bike. I have rode a couple 750's that didnt have the punch of the 600's. That is not to assume the 750 is slow. It just handles its weight differently. And could have just been geared higher. Anyhow, I agree the 250 is not for the open roads. This guy says for his GF but he at 220lbs wants to commute on it. The 500 will suit both needs.
i owned 2 250's before moving up to my 636. it suited me just fine. i think it is a great starter for a girl. it had enough power for me, and most importantly, i could touch the ground. that really mattered to me. most women are inseam challenged. i had to put lowering links on my 636 even to gain some confidence in myself. obviously the 250 isn't for guys, but he needs to decide who he wants it to benefit more, him or the gf. if it truly is for her, then he should be concerned about getting her what she can handle, don't ya think? :wink:
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I started on a 500 and loved it, but I can tell you, if you haven't read my Kawasaki trip report, I would highly recommend the 250 to any beginner. A 250 is quick enough and nimble enough for ANY beginner rider.
The issue here is that this gentleman is a big guy and wants to ride the bike, as well. The 250 is not going to suit him the same as it is his girlfriend. For me, at 115 lbs, the 250 was quick, easy to ride, light enough to not feel overwhelming...a perfect beginner bike for any female. For a guy who weighs 220 lbs...it might have trouble getting out of its own way.
Since I started on a 500 and loved it, I have no problem recommending a 500 as a first bike for anyone. I think either one is a great choice, but if you are going to ride it as well, you may want to consider the 500 because it'll be easy for her to ride and have enough power for you to enjoy as well.
Laura
The issue here is that this gentleman is a big guy and wants to ride the bike, as well. The 250 is not going to suit him the same as it is his girlfriend. For me, at 115 lbs, the 250 was quick, easy to ride, light enough to not feel overwhelming...a perfect beginner bike for any female. For a guy who weighs 220 lbs...it might have trouble getting out of its own way.
Since I started on a 500 and loved it, I have no problem recommending a 500 as a first bike for anyone. I think either one is a great choice, but if you are going to ride it as well, you may want to consider the 500 because it'll be easy for her to ride and have enough power for you to enjoy as well.
Laura
and we are goin to the dealership when i get back in OH to see which one fits her the best, that will be a HUGE factor, and i am in the process of signing up for a msf, so its not been over looked
Do you have any riding experience? Dirt or other. And not just the one time on a friends bike, but days of hard dirt riding. If so with your size, a MSF course, and going to dealer. You might want to concider One of each, A 500 and a 250 You could each have your own for under $8000 and or less and have hopefully many years of quality riding together. Now the good part, when you are ready to move up so will she. The good part is if you all take care of your stuff. Use her bike a small trade value for your new one and let her take the 500. Now your both are where you should be for a long time. You can make it expensive or enjoyable. I would go with two bikes and spend some good times together. My wife prefers to ride on back. She isnt into driving at all. But she did pick out our bike as far as what she liked For style. Of course I liked her way of thinking. We enjoy back roads or just running along the river together. I dont mind her as a rider at all. If is going to be a family thing go all the way. Dont force her into somthing she may be scared of and dont wish the whole time you got the bigger one. Bite the bullet, break the bank this once like you were ment to. Dont ride foolish and you too will grow to love this as a sport more than you can imagine. You have no one here to proove your self to as a rider. Be smart, be safe.. :2cents:drewpy said:
Earlzach said:
as for my riding ablility, i raced quads for a couple years in the gncc two stroke class on my 410 long rod banshee and worked at honda of troy as a lot tech for a year till college hit, so im not new to bikes, nor would it be the first time i would be on one, but for being on the street, i still consider myself a newbie, the situation with the bikes is taht we are still in college and have two years left, my plan was to get a 250 or 500 or something that was less likly to break the bank on insurance and gas, and good to learn on(since we are taking the msf class at the same time), both for her and for me, we attend college at a small school set on the sandusky river (OH) that has more then its fair share of twisty's so i want something that i can lean over but at the same time not throw her off the bike and eventually, after the shock of being broke in college has worn off get a second bike for me and let the 250/500 be all hers. as for pushin her into bikes, im afriad any ideas of sharing as soon as she gets on it will be gone, and i will be left trying to street legalize my banshee just to keep up with her
the hardest part is waiting to get back to OH to finally get one, the thought of being able to ride in OH and KY when the leaves are changing color :drool: and sharing that wth the gf...:drool: :drool: ...hell just having a bike to call "ahem" mine :lol: (even if it is about half the size as my quad at least it has two wheels )
(even if it is about half the size as my quad at least it has two wheels )1 - 20 of 26 Posts
