is the ninja250r good? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

imahustla · 04-08-2006, 12:10 AM

im a new rider soon and i wanted to know if a ninja250r used/new is a good bike to start with

im about 6'0 and 17 years old

lol.

**Freakinout** · 04-08-2006, 12:14 AM

Its a great bike. Its been in production with few to no changes for 17 or 18 years now. Its reliable and still has pretty good pep (its only like 300lbs wet).

The bike is basically bulletproof. Its also the best bike in the world to start on. If you get good at riding the 250r, you'll be able to rail with a 600cc supersport bike later on.

imahustla · 04-08-2006, 12:26 AM

thx alot

Edward_Teach · 04-08-2006, 04:05 AM

my wife has one for her first bike. It is totally sweet.

+1 on the comment about learning on it will translate to better skills later.

RampageRider · 04-08-2006, 11:44 PM

A good bike to start out on for a first time rider.

MagnumForce · 04-09-2006, 01:56 AM

The Ninja 250R is an excellent bike IMO. My sister had her's for almost three years and plans on passing the bike on to her oldest son when he gets old enough to ride. At 6ft 220lbs, the little Ninja certainly has enough power to haul my big butt around. Good luck and ride safely.

tlwisner · 04-10-2006, 03:52 PM

It's a way-cool bike, and new ones are just $2999. Used 250Rs are awesome deals.

92Notch · 04-11-2006, 06:20 PM

looks like a great bike to me

.... 250cc's, 4.8Gal tank!, discs front and rear ... liquid cooled ... I just don't see how you could go worng with it.

Photic · 07-26-2006, 06:13 PM

Here is a resurrection to an old thread.

Why say what's already been said so eloquently by someone before me

I'm also going to get into riding soon, and I've been considering a 250R because they are so highly recommended. Right now learning is what I'm focused on, not speed/power/looks. My size is a bit of a concern though, I'm 6'5" 190lbs. From what I've read around on the forums is that it might be too small for me (because of height), so I'm also looking into a 500, if it's more form fitting.

I've been listening to all the advice about staying away from anything with 600+ cc's as a first bike, so you wont hear me making excuses about how responsible I am etc.

I suppose I can only really find out if I go to a dealer and check them out, but I thought I would fish for some opinions from some of the vertically gifted members about the 250, or if the 500 is a suitable bike for a taller person and if it would be too much to handle for a newbie.

I would also probably be looking for a used bike to learn on instead of buying new.

I was also hoping someone might be able to point me to a good riding school in San Diego. I had a friend recommend one a couple months ago that's located in Miramar. I found their website at the time, but now I forget what the name was, and I can't seem to find them with a simple business/Google search.

robertc729 · 07-26-2006, 06:20 PM

I'd say defenetely go sit on the 500 see how it feels to you (as well as the 250). Try searching for MSF classes in your area.

Welcome to the forum.

Photic · 07-26-2006, 06:35 PM

Thanks for the advice

hezekiah · 08-02-2006, 12:57 AM

ill say this and im not tring to talk anyone into or out of a 250. i went to the local dealer and sat on one and it felt nice and safe..... But just putting around in the parking lot i could tell it would be only a month and id be tired of it easily! im 5' 7" 168lbs...... ive riden dirtbikes for around 7 1/2 years. which really doesnt mean much street wise but was difently a help in balance and overall bike control..IMO!

next i sat on a 500R (ninja) much nicer a lil bigger with just a lil bit more power but i felt it would last alot longer in the long run. but i wasnt totally satisfied...so i test drove a GS500F which is a bit bigger and aklot more intimadtaing for a first time rider IMO! But in my overall opinion id go with a NINJA 500R or even a GS500F...i just think a bike any smaller is to lil. (body wise) but this is just me......

Now if you have the chance sit on each of those bikes and you wont even have to drive them youll be able to tell the difference just standing there holding it, by your posture, balance, and overall feeling! And if you think thopse are bad.......sit on a beast like a ZX11 by Kawasaki! I DO NOT RECOMMEND RIDING IT, just sit on it! Youll be able to tell, trust me......

*plus that bike is not first time riders bike at all*

BUT i would recoomend the Ninja 500 overall........its a well rounded bike for its size and weight! but thast just me......

Photic · 08-03-2006, 07:08 PM

Cool. Those were pretty much my thoughts after hearing how small it is. I was perfectly fine with not having "enough" power as some have argued, but it was the size that has concerned me. I'll just have to make it to a dealer sometime soon.

4W4K3 · 08-03-2006, 08:50 PM

The only reason I did not want a GS500F, was because it was air cooled versus the 500R's liquid cooling. I think they both look great, and specs wise are good first bikes.

GooseRider · 08-15-2006, 07:34 PM

I just bought a 2006 Ninja 250R for my first bike. I'm 5'10 175-180 and fit on the bike fine. I can tell within a year or so I will want some more power but A) MY riding skills are not good enough to warrant more power B) 3K for a brand new bike is great

C) It is really a blast to ride...you can corner real low on it and it goes wherever the heck you want it to.

I will fight the urge for more power until I am satisfied that I can handle it...jmo

Goose

robertc729 · 08-15-2006, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GooseRider

I just bought a 2006 Ninja 250R for my first bike. I'm 5'10 175-180 and fit on the bike fine. I can tell within a year or so I will want some more power but A) MY riding skills are not good enough to warrant more power B) 3K for a brand new bike is great

C) It is really a blast to ride...you can corner real low on it and it goes wherever the heck you want it to.

I will fight the urge for more power until I am satisfied that I can handle it...jmo

Goose

Good choice for a starter bike, Welcome to the forum.

jalaan1 · 08-31-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GooseRider

I just bought a 2006 Ninja 250R for my first bike. I'm 5'10 175-180 and fit on the bike fine. I can tell within a year or so I will want some more power but A) MY riding skills are not good enough to warrant more power B) 3K for a brand new bike is great

C) It is really a blast to ride...you can corner real low on it and it goes wherever the heck you want it to.

I will fight the urge for more power until I am satisfied that I can handle it...jmo

Goose

you know, i'm in the same boat as you.
a friend of mine was trying to talk me into getting a used SV650, but till get
much better @ riding (below beginner) i'm gonna go the same route you did
with a new or fairly new Ninja 250.

geoffsimpson · 08-31-2006, 10:43 PM

Great bike, buy 2

fivepointnine · 08-13-2007, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hezekiah

ill say this and im not tring to talk anyone into or out of a 250. i went to the local dealer and sat on one and it felt nice and safe..... But just putting around in the parking lot i could tell it would be only a month and id be tired of it easily! im 5' 7" 168lbs...... ive riden dirtbikes for around 7 1/2 years. which really doesnt mean much street wise but was difently a help in balance and overall bike control..IMO!

next i sat on a 500R (ninja) much nicer a lil bigger with just a lil bit more power but i felt it would last alot longer in the long run. but i wasnt totally satisfied...so i test drove a GS500F which is a bit bigger and aklot more intimadtaing for a first time rider IMO! But in my overall opinion id go with a NINJA 500R or even a GS500F...i just think a bike any smaller is to lil. (body wise) but this is just me......

Now if you have the chance sit on each of those bikes and you wont even have to drive them youll be able to tell the difference just standing there holding it, by your posture, balance, and overall feeling! And if you think thopse are bad.......sit on a beast like a ZX11 by Kawasaki! I DO NOT RECOMMEND RIDING IT, just sit on it! Youll be able to tell, trust me......

*plus that bike is not first time riders bike at all*

BUT i would recoomend the Ninja 500 overall........its a well rounded bike for its size and weight! but thast just me......

of course a ninja 250 is going to feel like a dog when putting around a parking lot, you need to get it above 9k to feel the rush of power....through town and in the twisties it will keep up with any 600 supersport because its so light and nimble, if you remove the centerstand and put some spotbike pegs without the feelers on its capable of INCREDIBLE lean angles, drag knee all you want.....

its THE best beginners track bike money can buy, if you have plans on racing or doing track days on bigger bikes in the future you cant go wrong with the 250.....

all it takes is one run up to redline and you are hooked.

here is a pic of my '90 future track bike (after I install my sport demons and airtech lower fairing)

Blue250 · 09-07-2007, 12:43 PM

I'm also a beginner and plan on buying a bike within the next month. i'm 6'1 and about 168lbs. Do you think the 500r is too big?

04-08-2006, 12:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
imahustla Newbie Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: ninja250r Location: FL Posts: 6	is the ninja250r good? im a new rider soon and i wanted to know if a ninja250r used/new is a good bike to start with im about 6'0 and 17 years old lol.

04-08-2006, 12:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
Freakinout Tire Eating Moderator Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: 2001 Suzuki TL1000S Location: Texas Posts: 2,617	Its a great bike. Its been in production with few to no changes for 17 or 18 years now. Its reliable and still has pretty good pep (its only like 300lbs wet). The bike is basically bulletproof. Its also the best bike in the world to start on. If you get good at riding the 250r, you'll be able to rail with a 600cc supersport bike later on. __________________ Freakinout

04-08-2006, 11:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
RampageRider Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: 05 Red M50 Location: Iowa, riding in the Rain! Posts: 782	A good bike to start out on for a first time rider. __________________ . "Grow up, what a waste of a good time, if Peter Pan can do it so can we............... " 05 Red M50 (mine) 97 Yellow Honda Rebel (her's)

04-09-2006, 01:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	The Ninja 250R is an excellent bike IMO. My sister had her's for almost three years and plans on passing the bike on to her oldest son when he gets old enough to ride. At 6ft 220lbs, the little Ninja certainly has enough power to haul my big butt around. Good luck and ride safely. __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

04-10-2006, 03:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	It's a way-cool bike, and new ones are just $2999. Used 250Rs are awesome deals. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

04-08-2006, 12:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
imahustla Newbie Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: ninja250r Location: FL Posts: 6	thx alot

04-08-2006, 04:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
Edward_Teach Where Am I ? Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2006 Suzuki SV650s Location: Jackson, TN Posts: 37	my wife has one for her first bike. It is totally sweet. +1 on the comment about learning on it will translate to better skills later.

04-11-2006, 06:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
92Notch Birthday Boy Joined: Aug 2005 Bike: '05½ C50 Limited Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 860	looks like a great bike to me .... 250cc's, 4.8Gal tank!, discs front and rear ... liquid cooled ... I just don't see how you could go worng with it. __________________

07-26-2006, 06:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
Photic Where Am I ? Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: Pending. Location: San Diego Posts: 44	Here is a resurrection to an old thread. Why say what's already been said so eloquently by someone before me I'm also going to get into riding soon, and I've been considering a 250R because they are so highly recommended. Right now learning is what I'm focused on, not speed/power/looks. My size is a bit of a concern though, I'm 6'5" 190lbs. From what I've read around on the forums is that it might be too small for me (because of height), so I'm also looking into a 500, if it's more form fitting. I've been listening to all the advice about staying away from anything with 600+ cc's as a first bike, so you wont hear me making excuses about how responsible I am etc. I suppose I can only really find out if I go to a dealer and check them out, but I thought I would fish for some opinions from some of the vertically gifted members about the 250, or if the 500 is a suitable bike for a taller person and if it would be too much to handle for a newbie. I would also probably be looking for a used bike to learn on instead of buying new. I was also hoping someone might be able to point me to a good riding school in San Diego. I had a friend recommend one a couple months ago that's located in Miramar. I found their website at the time, but now I forget what the name was, and I can't seem to find them with a simple business/Google search.

07-26-2006, 06:20 PM	#10 (permalink)
robertc729 Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 4,086	I'd say defenetely go sit on the 500 see how it feels to you (as well as the 250). Try searching for MSF classes in your area. Welcome to the forum. Last edited by robertc729; 07-26-2006 at 09:12 PM.

07-26-2006, 06:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
Photic Where Am I ? Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: Pending. Location: San Diego Posts: 44	Thanks for the advice

08-02-2006, 12:57 AM	#12 (permalink)
hezekiah Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 51	ill say this and im not tring to talk anyone into or out of a 250. i went to the local dealer and sat on one and it felt nice and safe..... But just putting around in the parking lot i could tell it would be only a month and id be tired of it easily! im 5' 7" 168lbs...... ive riden dirtbikes for around 7 1/2 years. which really doesnt mean much street wise but was difently a help in balance and overall bike control..IMO! next i sat on a 500R (ninja) much nicer a lil bigger with just a lil bit more power but i felt it would last alot longer in the long run. but i wasnt totally satisfied...so i test drove a GS500F which is a bit bigger and aklot more intimadtaing for a first time rider IMO! But in my overall opinion id go with a NINJA 500R or even a GS500F...i just think a bike any smaller is to lil. (body wise) but this is just me...... Now if you have the chance sit on each of those bikes and you wont even have to drive them youll be able to tell the difference just standing there holding it, by your posture, balance, and overall feeling! And if you think thopse are bad.......sit on a beast like a ZX11 by Kawasaki! I DO NOT RECOMMEND RIDING IT, just sit on it! Youll be able to tell, trust me...... plus that bike is not first time riders bike at all BUT i would recoomend the Ninja 500 overall........its a well rounded bike for its size and weight! but thast just me......

08-03-2006, 07:08 PM	#13 (permalink)
Photic Where Am I ? Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: Pending. Location: San Diego Posts: 44	Cool. Those were pretty much my thoughts after hearing how small it is. I was perfectly fine with not having "enough" power as some have argued, but it was the size that has concerned me. I'll just have to make it to a dealer sometime soon.

08-03-2006, 08:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
4W4K3 In Training Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: a car :( Location: Frisco, Texas Posts: 149	The only reason I did not want a GS500F, was because it was air cooled versus the 500R's liquid cooling. I think they both look great, and specs wise are good first bikes. __________________ MSF class Get a bike (Vulcan 500) Get licensed Can't wait! Save, save, save... Can I eat your brain?

08-31-2006, 10:43 PM	#18 (permalink)
geoffsimpson Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: Grey, not silver, GREY 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 * 1983 GS750E Cafe Racer project Location: Prince George BC Posts: 3,126	Great bike, buy 2 __________________ Please Note: All opinions contained herein are worth exactly what you paid for them. It's true that every time you hear a bell ring, an angel gets its wings... But what they don't tell you is that every time you hear a mouse trap "snap", and Angel gets set on fire... Grey * De-badged * V & H Straightshots w/ Thunder-Monster Baffles and Billet Hot-Tips * POWAH COMMANDAH!! * Kury Wide Style Levers * Kury Zombie Pegs (what's left of them) * Johnskit Forward Controls * Johnskit 2.5" Lowering Kit * Carbon Fibre-esque Trim kit * your mom * Memphis Shades HellCat windshield * Passenger Backrest * Baddass MO-FO behind the bars * Metz 880's w/ lettering * Flamed Thunder MFG Teardrop Intake *

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

09-07-2007, 12:43 PM	#20 (permalink)
Blue250 Where Am I ? Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: CBR600 Location: Roanoke Rapids, NC Posts: 26	I'm also a beginner and plan on buying a bike within the next month. i'm 6'1 and about 168lbs. Do you think the 500r is too big?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Be Good!!!!!!!	Hunter	The Paddock	2	07-17-2005 12:24 PM
are there any good sites with some good info on getting you M/C permit?	KAOS	The Paddock	10	04-03-2005 12:18 PM
Is the VOL gone for good?	tlwisner	Volusia/C50 Getaway	5	01-26-2005 09:27 AM
someone is good or four are bad...	Anonymous	Motorcycles Videos	3	10-01-2004 11:19 AM
good day everyone	kaylarmai	The Paddock	13	09-13-2004 10:44 PM