Ninja 250R/500R

[Carl722]

I am not sure on parasitic drivetrain loss on motorcycles but on a car or truck a good rule of thumb is 20% loss from the crank to the wheels. I imagine it is slighlty lower like maybe 15% on a chain driven bike.

[frailimbnursry]

Hi everyone.

I apologize if anything I'm about to say has been repeatedly asked before but going through a 98 page thread is a bit intimidating.

I'm brand new to the world of motorcycles. I've got a 1-hour private class this weekend scheduled as primer for the MSF Basic Rider Course I have scheduled for the 2nd weekend of December.

According to a wide variety of sources I've come across on the web. The majority of them cite the Ninja 250 as one of the best first bikes, especially with the redesign seen with the 2008 model. I plan on owning my first bike for about a year until I can improve my ability to ride and hopefully move up.

My concern is that while it's more than adequate for riding around my area with a body size of 5'10" and 175 lbs. it may prove a bit underpowered for my 25-35 minute commute on the parkway where the average speed of traffic is ~65-75 mph. (10-20 miles over the limit). I was hoping that someone here would be able to give me a bit more information regarding that point. If underpowered would a 500 be a safe enough bike for first-time riders and allow me to improve my riding ability (safely) and eventually push it to it's limits (also safely, if possible). Obviously, the price of the 250 is a much more enticing price compared to the 500.

Also, when would be the best time to purchase it? Right now as winter approaches or sometime in the middle before Spring comes around? The 2008 models would be preferred for their price.

Thanks in advance for any help and my apologies for probably repeating the same old questions.

[nwujames]

my .02...

I rarely think new riders and new bikes are a good combination. The last friend I told that to who ignored me emailed me last month to tell me he dumped his new '08 Ninja 250.

Skip the new 250 and get yourself a used 500. It'll be cheaper, you'll be less upset when you drop it, and while it'll have some decent power, you won't outgrow it nearly as fast. There's plenty of 500's on the Craigslist market because even they get grown out of pretty quickly. Another option, dare I say it on this forum, would be a Suzuki Katana 600 - weighs a little bit less (I think) than the Ninja 500, better seat, and good riding posture. It has power, but I think it's tame enough for a responsible new rider.

I got a great deal on my 500 by buying it end-of-season, rode it for 2 seasons and sold it for more than I bought it by waiting until the spring to sell.

[Oldone]

Originally Posted by frailimbnursry

Hi everyone.

I apologize if anything I'm about to say has been repeatedly asked before but going through a 98 page thread is a bit intimidating.

I'm brand new to the world of motorcycles. I've got a 1-hour private class this weekend scheduled as primer for the MSF Basic Rider Course I have scheduled for the 2nd weekend of December.

According to a wide variety of sources I've come across on the web. The majority of them cite the Ninja 250 as one of the best first bikes, especially with the redesign seen with the 2008 model. I plan on owning my first bike for about a year until I can improve my ability to ride and hopefully move up.

You are heading exactly in the right direction, the Ninja 250 is a bike that is truly phenomenal and exceeds what it should be. I weigh 297 pounds and went on a 1641 mile round-trip with it. I travel a lot on the interstate holding 80 and 85 miles an hour and it was not breathing hard. I will agree the 500 is a good bike also but stay away from the Suzuki Katana 600. I also recommend buying in the wintertime.

Originally Posted by frailimbnursry

My concern is that while it's more than adequate for riding around my area with a body size of 5'10" and 175 lbs. it may prove a bit underpowered for my 25-35 minute commute on the parkway where the average speed of traffic is ~65-75 mph. (10-20 miles over the limit). I was hoping that someone here would be able to give me a bit more information regarding that point. If underpowered would a 500 be a safe enough bike for first-time riders and allow me to improve my riding ability (safely) and eventually push it to it's limits (also safely, if possible). Obviously, the price of the 250 is a much more enticing price compared to the 500.

Also, when would be the best time to purchase it? Right now as winter approaches or sometime in the middle before Spring comes around? The 2008 models would be preferred for their price.

Thanks in advance for any help and my apologies for probably repeating the same old questions.

buying a used bike that is in great shape will save you money in the extra's that is already installed on the bike. I will use my bike as an example. I am geared 15/42 but also have the stock gearing and have already put a new rear tire on and have the new front tire but not installed. I have bar risers, two Brothers exhaust, K&N air filters, full carburetor kit and throttle lock-- double bubble smoked windshield. You will already have yours if I do decide to sale this spring.

[GreenRocket]

I agree with the advice to start with a used 500. Riding the new 250 on the freeway, I find I'm already almost at it's max. There's isn't much power in reserve. I don't cruise the freeway in my car with it revving at max horsepower rpms. I don't think doing the same on a bike is much better. Plus the vibrations above 65 are significant, the tires and suspension aren't up to the task of handling sharp bumps at 70+mph. I think the bike would be perfect for anyone living where you'd never need to go over 65, but for those who do consider a bigger bike.

[Oldone]

Originally Posted by GreenRocket

I agree with the advice to start with a used 500. Riding the new 250 on the freeway, I find I'm already almost at it's max. There's isn't much power in reserve. I don't cruise the freeway in my car with it revving at max horsepower rpms. I don't think doing the same on a bike is much better. Plus the vibrations above 65 are significant, the tires and suspension aren't up to the task of handling sharp bumps at 70+mph. I think the bike would be perfect for anyone living where you'd never need to go over 65, but for those who do consider a bigger bike.

I am doing 8500RPM's at 85 and that is nowhere near max rpm's, in fact you are not even up to where it developes hp yet, much lower and you will have to go to 5th gear. I hit 6th gear at 72mph. Remember I am geared at 15/42 and it loves it. I have progressive springs and valves in my front forks and it handles the interstate great, but no, it will not slap your eyeballs against the back of your skull when you roll it on. I have no idea why everyone thinks a motorcycle has to do this in order to be on the interstate. I have no trouble passing on the interstate. Also I don't have all those vibrations.

[frailimbnursry]

Oldone: Would I have to make similar modifications in order to have it ride well on the freeways or will I be able to do it with stock parts and gearing ratios? Some of what you said sounds alien to a newbie such as myself.

[Oldone]

Originally Posted by frailimbnursry

Oldone: Would I have to make similar modifications in order to have it ride well on the freeways or will I be able to do it with stock parts and gearing ratios? Some of what you said sounds alien to a newbie such as myself.

you will most likely get the newer version, mine is the last year they made that particular body style. The stock gearing on mine was 14/40 and I have no idea what the newer ones have but I would recommend going up one tooth on the front sprocket.

Remember this, you must learn to ride the motorcycle and not expect it to do the work for you. That's why, learning on this motorcycle will make you a better and safer motorcycle rider. If you buy used, odds are, that all of this will most likely be already done for you. just be careful who you buy from.

[House_of_Dexter]

Originally Posted by nwujames

my .02...

I rarely think new riders and new bikes are a good combination. The last friend I told that to who ignored me emailed me last month to tell me he dumped his new '08 Ninja 250.

Skip the new 250 and get yourself a used 500. It'll be cheaper, you'll be less upset when you drop it, and while it'll have some decent power, you won't outgrow it nearly as fast. There's plenty of 500's on the Craigslist market because even they get grown out of pretty quickly. Another option, dare I say it on this forum, would be a Suzuki Katana 600 - weighs a little bit less (I think) than the Ninja 500, better seat, and good riding posture. It has power, but I think it's tame enough for a responsible new rider.

I got a great deal on my 500 by buying it end-of-season, rode it for 2 seasons and sold it for more than I bought it by waiting until the spring to sell.

I also Love the 500...more than enough power...0-60 in Sub 4...enough power to pass at 80+mph...a forgiving bike...Something if you drop it...your not going to cry...Buy a used 500...

[roxynoodle]

I bought a new 500 but I got a good deal on it and wasn't looking for a starter sport bike necessarily. I love the good gas mileage and the fit (I'm only 5'4" and any 600cc bike would have to be lowered for me) and it's comfortable. I plan on keeping it a few years and then probably going with one of the 650s for my second bike. The 500 does everything I need a bike to do and makes a great commuter. Someday I would like fuel injection and maybe more gauges, otherwise I'm fairly happy. I do get tired of cleaning the chain every 400 miles though but it looks like every other bike that interests me is chain drive as well.

[Carl722]

Wel I am 5'4" tall also but I weigh in at 185. I also have the 500R. It is a very capable bike. But if you are looking to only keep a bike for a year maybe before you move up maybe you should consider the Ninja 650 and ride it for a few years then if you are happy with it fine or move up. I bought my 500R for the price was right. I would rather had a larger bike, but don't get me wrong I really like the 500R. I was suprised at the ability of the 500R though. I have had many different bikes and had been without for nearly 10 years so I didn't want to get a big expensive bike and it also wasn't in my budget. If I had the money to get what I wanted I would be on a Councours 14. I can handle the power of most any bike.

The biggest secret to learning to ride any motorcycle is throttle control. You can ride any powerful bike if you don't twist the throttle further than what you can handle. My problem is I take everything I drive to its limit. Which I have had a few wrecks from that. Fortunately though that is not how I wrecked my last bike. I have only wrecked a bike once. I am more cautious where I get crazy on a motorcycle so there are less variables in the equation to cause a mishap.

[roxynoodle]

I'd have to say I'm a more cautious rider than I am a driver. The fastest I've gone so far is only 70mph. I doubt I'll ever exceed 80 unless I take it to the track! I'm perfectly happy with my 500 and don't think a SS will meet my needs nor be comfortable for me anyway.

[frailimbnursry]

Apparently, a lot of the 2008 bikes in the area are being sold for the same as the 2009 MSRP and in some cases, even more. Called a few dealers about the 2009 bikes and one of the guys laughed and said good luck, get on a list.

Edit: Out of curiosity, how much do new fairings cost for a red 2008 250R? Specifically, the upper fairing (and possibly lower right fairing)? I found a decent deal on a bike but it's 1 large crack, 2 minor and a number of scratches. It slid out from the under the rider at 10MPH. I'm going to try to deduct the cost of fairings from the asking price ($3200)

[jaydub77]

Originally Posted by Carl722

Wel I am 5'4" tall also but I weigh in at 185. I also have the 500R. It is a very capable bike. But if you are looking to only keep a bike for a year maybe before you move up maybe you should consider the Ninja 650 and ride it for a few years then if you are happy with it fine or move up. I bought my 500R for the price was right. I would rather had a larger bike, but don't get me wrong I really like the 500R. I was suprised at the ability of the 500R though. I have had many different bikes and had been without for nearly 10 years so I didn't want to get a big expensive bike and it also wasn't in my budget. If I had the money to get what I wanted I would be on a Councours 14. I can handle the power of most any bike.

The biggest secret to learning to ride any motorcycle is throttle control. You can ride any powerful bike if you don't twist the throttle further than what you can handle. My problem is I take everything I drive to its limit. Which I have had a few wrecks from that. Fortunately though that is not how I wrecked my last bike. I have only wrecked a bike once. I am more cautious where I get crazy on a motorcycle so there are less variables in the equation to cause a mishap.

+1 throttle control is key....also if you're looking for something in the 650r's performance range but you want an i-4 yami's making the fz6r....i'm gunna test ride one of those as soon as I can next year..I love my 500 too but I just have an itchy throttle hand sometimes....and I would like to have something that is a little more stable at high speeds...If i had the money i'd probly get a vfr800...though i've heard bad things about the v-tec kicking in

[jaydub77]

Originally Posted by roxynoodle

I'd have to say I'm a more cautious rider than I am a driver. The fastest I've gone so far is only 70mph. I doubt I'll ever exceed 80 unless I take it to the track! I'm perfectly happy with my 500 and don't think a SS will meet my needs nor be comfortable for me anyway.

I've takin it higher than that...I won't say how much...but in either case, comparing it to a newer bike, it is way less stable than a new SS, but my 500 doesn't have a steering damper either, though can't say i'd get one for it anyway...i've yet to decide the fate of my 500....all I know is i'm not going to part with it...i'm gunna keep it and turn it into a beast or something

[keyda81]

I've got a question. I've put my bike away for the winter, stabil in the fuel, changed the oil, removed the battery all the good stuff. I put it on the center stand and covered it as well, now my question is when I put it on the center stand the front tire is still in contact with the ground, it is difficult to move the wheel, should I be worried about a flat spot in the tire come spring?

[jaydub77]

Originally Posted by keyda81

I've got a question. I've put my bike away for the winter, stabil in the fuel, changed the oil, removed the battery all the good stuff. I put it on the center stand and covered it as well, now my question is when I put it on the center stand the front tire is still in contact with the ground, it is difficult to move the wheel, should I be worried about a flat spot in the tire come spring?

I wouldn't worry about it, most of the weight is on the center stand...with only a little bit on the front tire...if you consider how much weight would be on the front tire when the bike is on the side stand, it shouldn't be enough to cause a flat spot

[keyda81]

Originally Posted by jaydub77

I wouldn't worry about it, most of the weight is on the center stand...with only a little bit on the front tire...if you consider how much weight would be on the front tire when the bike is on the side stand, it shouldn't be enough to cause a flat spot

Thanks, first time I've had to store a bike so I wasn't quite sure.

[roxynoodle]

Originally Posted by keyda81

Thanks, first time I've had to store a bike so I wasn't quite sure.

Some recommend putting a wood board under the front tire. I plan to do that once I put it up.

[Iamjustifyd]

Anyone have problems with their tail bone hurting them? It kills me at times. I had bought a beaded seat and that helped some but now it a little colder and my butt is catching alot of cold wind Do ya'll know of some gel seats somewhere? Thanks
Sherry