Lost in transition 250 vs 650

[kbash]

Names Keenan my mates call me Tod. I’ve always been drawn to bikes you can say, but growing up the War Department as I call my rents always rule and they said no. I’m now in college and my dad realizes that I’m mature enough for a bike. So here I am, I’ve looked around and I’ve read a lot of review, I mean a lot. I like all the current bikes in production but I’m drawn to the 250r, not because I’m a beginner’s bur because of its redesign and Mile Per Gallon. We all know we like things fast, but with the current rise, I think I can settle with the top speed of 110, I think, which brings me to my questions. I’m a big guy, 6’3 250 give or take, it depends if I go on my jog and swim and what I eat that day. I’ve sat on the older 250, and I liked it. I’ve never rode a bike so I have no Idea what range I should be going at. I don’t need to go Uber Fast, but I would not mien the Y2K bike Jay L. has. Am I to big for the 250r 2008? I’ve read that it loses about 10-10% performance with a passenger on and a total weight of 350 give or take. I’m a solo guy, yay ya I know I say that now, before I meet some nice girl. Will the 250cc bearable to carry me and still have some Zip. I don’t want to take this route but I could go bigger, but bigger is less efficient. The 650 I’ve read gets 60-65ish on average, and its modern technologically fuel injected and all, but its 6 thousands and I’ve got another 6 years of college to go through.

I might be young, but I have experience, I rebuilt a 1977 MGB roadsters, I love engines and I love to maintain them. I just got past my break in phase of 500 miles with my B and I’m ready to do It again with a bike.

So please help my lost Zroom Soul!

[Obsidian16825]

A 250r would be able to carry you. We don't have any roads with speed limits over 70mph, so top speed isn't an issue. Some people don't like the 250r on the interstate. While you're in college, the 250r is fine, and really does show your maturity. When you graduate, if you still want a 650, then have it as a goal for a graduation gift to yourself.

[kbash]

One of my main concerns is that I've heard that the 250r vibrates, and is uncomfortable after 45 minutes of riding, since it has a smaller engine, in about the same frame working harder. What ever bike I get will be created around with me where ever I go to college here in the states and over sea's. I always like to be through in all my purchases no matter the cost, and from owning my car, asking experience owners like your self is always the best solution.

I just want to make sure that I get the best suited bike. I'm going to be taking a weekend 16 hour course on learning how to ride. I'm going to take it slow and learn the right way. I'm not one of the kids that’s going not try to show off in the bike. I've always known that I need to be really careful on the road, other drivers don’t usually see smaller vehicle much less bike's; it's a problem I have in my little MGB. I’ve been almost hit countless time’s. Will the 650 perform better in the long term, I don’t mean go fast but have better engine longevity. Will the 250r vibrate a lot cause of the smaller engine, like I’ve read on later models? Would it be better to start bigger and work with it, or stick with the 250r? The 650 has nice gas mileage compares to the 250 only gets in 15-20 mpg less. These are the question that are going through my mind and my best friends, right before we choose which bike will suit use the best.

[07Ninja250]

I bought a 250 with it's 'smallness' in mind to learn about riding, and after 4 months I'm already wanting something bigger. I like the frame size and the nimbleness it affords the rider, but the lack of hp sucks on the highway. It'll willingly do highway speeds, but it's screaming at 9000 rpms at 70mph...a little nerve racking after just a few minutes. I have no idea how people make long trips on this bike.

If all your travel consists of inner-city errands and commuting, the 250 is the ticket. If you have highway travel in mind, look at a 500 or 650. I like the 500 because it resembles the 250 size-wise, but I have a feeling the 650 is an even better highway bike. The only thing I don't like about the 650 is the handlebars. They're very 'bicycle-ish', if that makes any sense. They seem kinda out of place on an otherwise nice looking bike...a long, curvy silver bar screwed to the top of the forks. But I guess that's a small issue in the scheme of things.

My biggest problem is that dealers around here have NO 500's and have 650's coming out their ears...so I may do some wheelin & dealin' this winter.

[bross]

I bought a 250 with it's 'smallness' in mind to learn about riding, and after 4 months I'm already wanting something bigger. I like the frame size and the nimbleness it affords the rider, but the lack of hp sucks on the highway. It'll willingly do highway speeds, but it's screaming at 9000 rpms at 70mph...a little nerve racking after just a few minutes. I have no idea how people make long trips on this bike.

If all your travel consists of inner-city errands and commuting, the 250 is the ticket. If you have highway travel in mind, look at a 500 or 650. I like the 500 because it resembles the 250 size-wise, but I have a feeling the 650 is an even better highway bike. The only thing I don't like about the 650 is the handlebars. They're very 'bicycle-ish', if that makes any sense. They seem kinda out of place on an otherwise nice looking bike...a long, curvy silver bar screwed to the top of the forks. But I guess that's a small issue in the scheme of things.

My biggest problem is that dealers around here have NO 500's and have 650's coming out their ears...so I may do some wheelin & dealin' this winter.

It's called comfort. The 650R is more "standard" bike than a sport bike. Those bars give you a very comfortable upright seating position.



As for the 250, I'd echo other's comments, if you're mainly riding in town or short trips only go for the 250 for sure. If you do a lot of interstate (ie 70-80mph) highway riding then a bigger bike will be better suited.

Don't be scared of "little" bikes, they are a lot of fun to ride and you can ride across the country easily on one, IF you take back roads and keep the speed down. Stay off major high speed highways and they're fine. Heck Jodie rode her DR200 1300kms on a trip, no issues what so ever.

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...bq-200ccs.html



Don't forget to post pics of your new bike.

[bross]

One of my main concerns is that I've heard that the 250r vibrates, and is uncomfortable after 45 minutes of riding, since it has a smaller engine, in about the same frame working harder. What ever bike I get will be created around with me where ever I go to college here in the states and over sea's. I always like to be through in all my purchases no matter the cost, and from owning my car, asking experience owners like your self is always the best solution.

I just want to make sure that I get the best suited bike. I'm going to be taking a weekend 16 hour course on learning how to ride. I'm going to take it slow and learn the right way. I'm not one of the kids that’s going not try to show off in the bike. I've always known that I need to be really careful on the road, other drivers don’t usually see smaller vehicle much less bike's; it's a problem I have in my little MGB. I’ve been almost hit countless time’s. Will the 650 perform better in the long term, I don’t mean go fast but have better engine longevity. Will the 250r vibrate a lot cause of the smaller engine, like I’ve read on later models? Would it be better to start bigger and work with it, or stick with the 250r? The 650 has nice gas mileage compares to the 250 only gets in 15-20 mpg less. These are the question that are going through my mind and my best friends, right before we choose which bike will suit use the best.

I think this will depend largely on the speeds you travel. Keep it under 65mph (110km/h) and I think the 250 would be fine. Travel regularly over those speeds and a bigger bike will be more comfortable.

PS As another poster said, I commend you on your maturity and approach to your first bike. Well done young man.

[SGVRider]

Neither of them is a particularly "bad" choice. The 250R will, I'm sure, get tiresome if you regularly do a lot of interstate miles however. You might want to consider something other than a 650R or a 250 if you don't want to spend the 6 gs. Maybe a used Vulcan?

[sisooktom]

With your maturity level I'd say the 650 is the way to go; provided you can afford it. If it's a stretch for you to pay for it, you won't enjoy it as much. The new 250 is supposed to be a great bike too.

[Army_of_Ninja]

also have to think of insurance if you are on a "budget" for this purchase.

[stickboy]

I am a big guy at about 300 lbs (don't let the name fool ya!). I am able to get the 250 up to highway speeds and beyond very easily. However I do second other's posts on highway riding. It can be done, and it's not all that bad, but the bike is pretty light, and any wind will cause you problems. The engine does screem at about 9K doing 70, and it takes some getting used to. But remember, the engine has a redline of 14K, so it is made to handle the abuse of running at that speed.

One thing to think about is how the bike feels to you. I would go down to the shop and try sitting on both of them and see which feels more comfortable. You're pretty tall, and I know on my 250 it can be kind of tough scrunching the leg up enough to get my foot on the foot pegs, especially if I have my phone in my pocket or something. The 650 might give you a little better seat height and keep your leg stretched out a little more. Definitely see if a dealer will let you sit on the bike and see which one feels best. Comfort can go a long ways towards making your bike enjoyable.

[kbash]

I've sat on the older 250r, I'm actually going to use a 97 to qualify for my motorcycle license. I think I'm going to go for the 650. I love to drive, and I love to just get out on the open road, its the enjoyment of being one with you machine; at least the MG has taught me that. I;m the kind of mate that will one week decide to take a week off and drive to Boonvile just for a good ride. Burt Monro is my motorcycle hero. I don;t plan on setting records but I plan on living life to the fullest.

[stickboy]

Yeah, you want the 650 then. You might even be able to get a set of bags to put on the back to pack a week's worth of gear and get away.

[kbash]

I was thinking about a nice back pack with a camel pack and the open road. I'm a Iowan boy I'll shoot a deer and eat it lol. I'm goign pretty light, one helmet and the bike maybe a Jacket, I'm goign to be goign to college aboard soon, so this bike will see alot of area. create her up and off we go, i wonder if i could count her as carry on lounges "Smirk" i love the 250r remodel and engine changes, but I'm the kind of guy that likes to look at the whole picture some times, unless theres a pretty girl then I'm pretty one track mind dang college though I have to be focused. You guys are a great help please feel free to keep posting your options, i take every one in to consideration till the minute I sign my life away at the dealer.

[keyda81]

I got a 250 about a month and a half ago, never rode ANYTHING prior to this, so I didn't want to start out on anything bigger. But I'm alreay thinking about my next bike. The biggest draw backs I've found so far are as follows: Wind pushes me quite hard. Takes a little bit to get up to highway speeds(55mph)I haven't really heard the "screaming" of the engine, all I hear is the wind. But it is great for zipping around town. I don't plan on getting another bike this year, but possibly next year. I'm drawn to the 05 ZX6R. Such a pretty bike. Hope I can find one in blue! Goodluck!

[taro]

Tod, if budget is an issue, why not split the difference and go with an ex500. You can find a used one for the price of a new 250r (a friend of mine just bought an 04 with 2k miles on it for $3k). Easy to insure, tried and true technology (or lack thereof), easy to work on, it does not have any highway issues (will get up to 90 and cruise at 90 without breaking a sweat), and will be quicker than any car short of a newer Corvette or 911.

Also, about going abroad, I'm not sure what it'll cost to ship it overseas, but you might be better off buying used where you'll be overseas and then sell it when you graduate. Other countries have lots of neat bikes that we don't get access to.

Keyda81, about the wind...when we're relatively new to riding, most of us are a bit stiff in the arms. If you can focus on using your legs to stabilize yourself on the bike and relax your arms, I think you'll find that the wind won't push you around as much.

Also, on the 250, it's okay, in fact necessary, to make it scream for you to get a decent bit of acceleration. The 250r doesn't make max torque until about 10,000rpm and doesn't redline until 14,000 rpm. If you're not spending time in the upper end of the tachometer, you're not the full potential out of your bike.

PS-if you're not using earplugs or some kind of ear protection, you might want to look into it.

Good luck to all.

[keyda81]

Keyda81, about the wind...when we're relatively new to riding, most of us are a bit stiff in the arms. If you can focus on using your legs to stabilize yourself on the bike and relax your arms, I think you'll find that the wind won't push you around as much.

Also, on the 250, it's okay, in fact necessary, to make it scream for you to get a decent bit of acceleration. The 250r doesn't make max torque until about 10,000rpm and doesn't redline until 14,000 rpm. If you're not spending time in the upper end of the tachometer, you're not the full potential out of your bike.

PS-if you're not using earplugs or some kind of ear protection, you might want to look into it.

Good luck to all.[/QUOTE]

I'm still trying to remember that tip, squeeze a bit with my legs. I've always hated high rpm sound, even in cars, I know once I hit about 6500 the power kicks in. You can feel the difference. Sometimes if I'm not paying attention to the speedo it sneaks past 60mph on me! The speed limit is only 55, and I'm still riding with only a permit, so I'm not trying to ask for trouble! Thanks for the tips!

[bross]

If you do go for the 650R, get it with the tall seat. The stock seat on the 650R is a torture device. Jodie loved her tall seat, plus it will also give you an extra inch or more of leg room.

[kbash]

How much do they run ya?

[bross]

How much do they run ya?

Kawasaki website has all the info...

Item # : K53001-188
Tall Seat
Developed with the Kawasaki rider in mind, this seat is made to OEM specifications and is available with optional heights of plus 1" or minus 1". This replacement seat is light and features an embroidered Kawasaki logo.
MSRP: $429.95

Size/Style/Color:
Plus 1"

http://www.kawasaki.com/KawasakiNew/...CategoryID=162

[kbroderick]

If you want to worry more about riding and less about the bike, a used bike has the advantage of not being picture-perfect...and therefore being less of a worry when you're parked out of sight or if you hang a foot up on your saddlebags while dismounting and drop the bike in your garage. Combine that with the lower replacement cost, and it makes having liability and UMPI/UMPD-only coverage far more palatable..and full coverage for a new rider is unlikely to be cheap. Liability and UMPI/UMPD, however, is running me only $77/year.

You really should consider a full set of gear, though--especially gloves and boots, but a good set of riding pants will be more comfortable on the bike and provide some protection in the event of a crash. I'm rather happy with my leather stuff--it provides good protection, and it's quite comfortable on the bike as long as I'm moving. (Sitting in traffic sucks, but I don't see a way around that.)

On the subject of 250r RPMs, the peak power will depend on where the valve clearances are at...when I bought my '99, the valves may have been adjusted once at 600 miles (and definitely weren't at 6k; the bike had just under 9k on it). I felt like I was lugging the engine any time RPMs dropped below 7 or 8k and I was faced with even the slightest incline. After I adjusted the valves (which were very tight), I felt like I had bit less top-end power, but the bike was suddenly rideable at 6-8k. I still feel like I'm lugging if I try to apply throttle below 5k, and I have very little trouble running at 9-10k on the highway for extended periods of time (I do find my right hand will be tingling after I stop, but that issue decreased once I got my posture sorted a bit better and stopped supporting myself with my arms).