Ninja 250R/500R

[onx]

I too am considering getting my first bike, and I understand its best to start off with a 250 or a 500r (but I’ve seen a few say a YZF600R is great as well, which appeals to me since I much prefer the looks of that bike...regardless of engine size...though I dont want to kill myself, so if it really isn't a beginners bike...I can pass.). Anyway, I live in southern California and on the freeways here, its typical for people to drive 80mph, seeing as how there’s this discussion of 250r top speed I'm wondering if it has a top speed of 90mph, and I'm going 80, that doesn't leave much room to accelerate to get out of a bad situation, also I cant imagine my gas mileage would be optimal that close to the bike's top speed? For that reason should I forget about a 250r and focus on a 500r?

Also how ridiculous is it to ride a bike on a freeway only a few weeks/months after riding one for the first time (I do plan to take an MSF course)? What about long distance riding? Would it be totally naive of me to expect to be able to, 3 months after the MSF, and getting a bike etc, to be able to make a long distance trip (I'd be driving to school about 1000 miles, from LA to Portland, OR)? Would such a trip be irresponsible (if I got such a bike, for the entire summer it would likely be my only means of transportation...so it wouldn’t be just a weekend thing) especially since for quite a significant portion of the way the speed limit can reach 90mph ?

I don't see a lot of people on bikes on the freeways around where I live...but then again I don't see a lot of bikes period...for cars, driving on a freeway is very safe (safer than surface streets even) is the same true for bikes? This might seem silly...but what about speed wobble? I’ve experienced it in some cars...on a motorcycle I imagine that would be terrifying...please tell me that that is nothing to worry about.

People talk about seasonal riding a lot...is it really that miserable during winter and fall that people dont ride? I'm thinking that staying warm sitting on top of an engine, especially when wearing a bunch of protective clothing, shouldn't be too hard...but then again, I'm a newbie so what do I know.

One more question (sorry for so many heh), what kind of mileage can one expect to get out of a bike? With just about any new car (excluding sports cars anyway) I'd expect to get 100,000miles out of it in its lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. I understand most bikers get a new bike ever 2-3 years so this isn't really an issue for them, but I just want to know anyway. Also why such frequent turnover for bikes? I know they aren't that expensive (compared to cars anyway) but is it an issue of upkeep and maintenace, or just...wanting a newer one?

[2006ninja250r]

I got a 06 250r I ride 50 miles one way to work on the interstate. 80+ mph no problems here.

[onx]

Thanks for the reply, I'm still curious about older model 250rs though, 1999-2005.

[2006ninja250r]

same

[Inflame]

Originally Posted by onx

Thanks for the reply, I'm still curious about older model 250rs though, 1999-2005.

theres really no difference between a 2000 and a 2006

[cpslaughter]

Bikes are awesome to have a school . I ride my bike to school every day unless it's raining too hard . The car bound students have to search for parking anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes , and then have to walk up to another twenty minutes just to get to class . Because I ride a bike , there's always parking right next to the educational buildings . You might wanna consider taking it up there on a U-haul because there's not a lot of room for clothing, computers , PlayStation, or your pet fish.

[Harbinger117]

Can anyone address the second and third parts of onx's post?

[ervins]

Originally Posted by Harbinger117

Can anyone address the second and third parts of onx's post?

THe 250, 500, 600 is all over this forum so read some of the posts.

As far as learning to ride on highways after a few months that is all up to you. It took me about a month to get on but I rode almost everyday at that point to get to it. So it is up to how comfortable you feel. My friend on the other hand has only gone once...I took him last weekend and I am doing it again this weekend. He is taking it slow. As far as long distance riding like 1000 miles...My bike posture would kill me. Though it would be alot of breaks in between. Sportsbikes just don't have the long range seating comfort of cruisers...That is why I want one. Tons of people ride up here on the highways...

Everyday I see people riding to work...A couple of my neighbors do. I do not...To many nut jobs in the morning Bay Area commute and plus my bike is for fun not for commuting...Plus I have one of the most congested traffic intersections in America to deal with.Though as I said, once we go $5 a gallon, I will start commuting with it.

As far as winter...Yes, I rode a bit but when it gets pretty cold, I don't ride at all...Not that it does in NorCal, but it is my preference not to ride in cold weather...Riding in cold, rain, etc, is really up to the rider. I like hot days to ride. Warm is great as well, however, cold is something I do not enjoy. I have gear for every season and situation except rain but as I stated, rain is not my gig.

Most bikes get far superior gas mileage than cars...Unless you have a Prius which is really lame looking. Two people I know sold their's because it was too small...They admitted to getting it because of gas prices but their funtionality was very limited in regards to cargo and carry people. My 03 636 gets wayyyy better gas mileage than my 03 Trailblazer but then again I have to go to demos and such and riding my bike in nice clothing just does not work. Plus I have a laptop and a ton of marketing material to carry...Am not doing that with my bike nor is getting bags to do so an option. If I get a cruiser it will be.

People go through bikes because it is cheaper to buy than a car. When I bought my wife's car cash, it was tough writing out a check for $23k...When I paid $5k cash for my bike it was nothing. However, when I do upgrade to a newer bike down the road, I will probably feel the pinch more and that is ONE reason I went to a 600 from the get go. I did not want to upgrade my bike after only 6 months let alone a year. Plus people want more power, speed, looks, etc. Again really up to the rider. My family has always upgraded our cars every 5 years. I will do my bike after 2 years. This being my second year so next year I will weigh out my options.

Again many of the things you asked really becomes a matter of preference, expectations, and desires. You seem level headed so when you decide on a bike, look at who you are and determine if you are responsible enought to get a 600, 500, or even a bike at all...I see some guys just being wreckless who really have no business getting a bike and endangering others.

One person posted a while back and it was a great line. Any bike will kill you, its up to you to let it.

Good luck.

[cpslaughter]

In response to Harbinger117. In my opinion neither the 250 nor the 500 are good bikes for long trips. Yes, they can both go the distance. yes , they have plenty of power , but these bikes are not designed for that type of use . these bikes are designed primarily for recreational use. I live in an area of the country with four very distinct seasons.
Commuting with a motorcycle is a great way to save money on gas, and it makes the ride to work or school a lot of fun , but for the most part I can't use my bike from late November through March (with the exception of a few rare beautiful days). If I have a choice between my car in my bike , I prefer to drive my bike. If I didn't have a car to back me up, my bike wouldn't be a lot of fun .
I will sell my bike within 2years because I want to keep a new one all the time.

[onewheeldrive]

Hey all, I am new on this fourm and I still don't really understand how it works yet...anyway, I just bought a 2003 ninja 250 with 1600 miles on it for 1200 bucks. It seems like I got a really good deal. It was from a friend who had it for a little while but didn't feel comfortable, so he got rid of it. So I guess I have a few questions...is that a good deal? It got dropped once and there is a small crack under the front right blinker and a few skuff marks in other places. Nothing really bad though...It starts right up, but it takes a while for the engine to warm up and not stall out...is that normal for these engines? I haven't really taken in out yet, but i've been running it a bit. I am also a bit worried that the engine didn't get broken in properly. Any advice or answers anyone can give me would be great...thanks

[Ozsaki]

Hi, im new, of course and have seen a gpx250 03 model with 8000kms on the clock with an asking price of $5000, do you guys think this is the right asking price???

Any advice appreciated, thanks.

[cpslaughter]

I don't know alot about 250's, but if the GPX 250 is the same as the ninja 250, the dealer where I bought my bike is selling the 2006 ninja 250's for $3100.

[Harbinger117]

Thanks guys, I was planing on getting a bike as my main trasport (only have school and a job at local video store) and was wondering about distance to see if it would be good to ride to see my parents (also in califonia, about 300 miles away)
Being in Califorina I am not worring too much about the weather, rain would be an exeption but its not snow or sleet or anything, thanks for your help guys!

[cpslaughter]

Hi All,

I'm about to make a modification on my bike . I think the first place to start would be a new exhaust . I found out that D&D makes a two into one that fits the ex 500 . The problem is no one around here has ever heard a D&D pipe. they seem to have a very good reputation on the Internet . I have heard a lot of people say they're very loud . I like loud ! I'm looking for a deep kind of loud . have you guys ever heard D&D's pipes installed? these pipes sell for $295.00 the kit to re-jet The carbs is another $75.00 . what you guys think? Does this sound like a good plan ? I shook my magic eight ball and it said "try again later . "

[nwujames]

Originally Posted by cpslaughter

Hi All,

I'm about to make a modification on my bike . I think the first place to start would be a new exhaust . I found out that D&D makes a two into one that fits the ex 500 . The problem is no one around here has ever heard a D&D pipe. they seem to have a very good reputation on the Internet . I have heard a lot of people say they're very loud . I like loud ! I'm looking for a deep kind of loud . have you guys ever heard D&D's pipes installed? these pipes sell for $295.00 the kit to re-jet The carbs is another $75.00 . what you guys think? Does this sound like a good plan ? I shook my magic eight ball and it said "try again later . "

Don't know about D&D, but I've got a Muzzy exhaust on my 500 - it's deep, loud, and intimidating. I bought it that way, but would have gladly made the modification even if I hadn't.

[chimera]

My B/F likes the sound of the Muzzy's exhaust...IMO it is too loud for me.... I am looking at a Hindle... I saw a vid of it on a EX500....and I liked what I heard..... but no definite choice yet.... a few months 'till I get an aftermarket exhaust....
Any other sugestion's.... a pipe that sounds good, but is not too loud?

[nwujames]

Originally Posted by chimera

My B/F likes the sound of the Muzzy's exhaust...IMO it is too loud for me.... I am looking at a Hindle... I saw a vid of it on a EX500....and I liked what I heard..... but no definite choice yet.... a few months 'till I get an aftermarket exhaust....
Any other sugestion's.... a pipe that sounds good, but is not too loud?

I like the loud for safety reasons - the stock exhaust is really quiet, and if I'm on the h-way, I want people to hear me. If they don't hear the Muzzy, they won't hear anything.

Let us know how your mod goes. Good luck!

[w1ngzer0]

This time for sure. I am not paranoid about the heat. In fact it IS a problem now. When it come to a stop the temp rises like hell. It was almost to the redline. The electric fans are not comming on at the stops. and the engine is getting so hot, it starts giving me this burning feeling in my legs.

I doubt its anything but the fans because it cools down once i start moving.

My bike is a ninja250r

[New_Guy]

I had the exact same symptoms in a car once. It ended up being a warped head. At idle it would overheat, then once moving it would cool down fast. Hope that's not the case for you... before I figured it out I went through everything (including 2 water pumps). Good luck!

[w1ngzer0]

Originally Posted by New_Guy

I had the exact same symptoms in a car once. It ended up being a warped head. At idle it would overheat, then once moving it would cool down fast. Hope that's not the case for you... before I figured it out I went through everything (including 2 water pumps). Good luck!