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2004 Ninja 250R- First bike for girl...???

3K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  gorillahandz 
#1 ·
I am getting my motorcycle license very soon and looking for a bike. I like ninja's but aren't sure what size I need. I'm average height/weight...well 5'6 so i need a low bike. I have looked at all the ninjas available but really need to know if it would be enough power for a first bike. If not, would the next one up be too much? If you've rode them or know about them, please let me know! Thanks!
 
#3 ·
STARTING BIKE

When you go through your Training class (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) you will be riding a street bike...a set up bike that has higher handlebars and will allow you to set straight up in the saddle. It will prpbably be a 125 or a 250CC bike. IF you g to the NINJA (EX) 250 bike or even an ex500 (NINJA500R) you will be setting leaning forward over the gas tank. I gues the best way to describe it is the air causes your body to float like a kite in the wind, unless you really "tuck" down. setting forward, closer to teh tank in town and at slow speeds takes a lot of pressure off of yor hands arms and shoulders and at higher speeds you will find that you will automatically set further back to let your body naturally "Float" on the cushion of air. hmmm...The 250 is a great bike but you won't have the power that a 500 does until you reach about 9,000 RPM an dit peaks out at about 13,000RPM and redlines at 14,000 RPM...this sounds rather high, but it is how the bike is made and it will take it. The main difference is that the power just isn't there unless you really crank/twist the throttle into the power zone. Maintenance should be cheaper, tires are cheaper, gas is way cheaper (about half) and insurance is cheaper as well. hmm...all this leaves you with more money to spend on other gear. IF you can get some friends to let you ride one of their bikes AFTER you get your license then that is what you should do. It's not much fun to be left behind, or to be waiting for everyone else depending upon the bike you get. IF you have a group of friends that you will be riding with ask them all kinds of questions and don't be embarrased to get back on line and ask any question that you want. Nothing is dumb! Kickstand lockout switches, air pressure, even what brand of tires... welcome to the KAWASAKI FORUM! Stay in touch and keep us informed!
 
#8 ·
The right bike

The right bike is "what Uncle Bob said." You get the wrong bike now and you may never get the chance to GROW into a larger bike. No one has the ability to tell you just what bike you will be comfortable on. It is better to start out on something that YOU fel comfortable on and not what someone else says...PERIOD! IF you are an excelent bicycle rider, if you go for a ride on the back of some friends bikes and feel the power of the bikes with two up riding then imagine the amount of power that you have available to you with just you, one rider, it will help...get you own permit then borrow several bikes before you commit to a bike. A 250R has lots of power in te upper RPM ranges, where the 500 has much more power in the lower ranges yet thy both have lots of power in the upper RPM ranges. I think that it is VERY important that you test ride ANY bike that you are interested in. Eithere from friends or from the Dealers lot. YOu wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, so don't buy a bike without one either.
 
#9 ·
Both are good beginner bikes

the 250 and the 500 are both good beginner bikes, and as many have said, which one suits you better? As ljangell said, I'd test ride them both and see which one you like, and are most comfortable on. Good luck with your test!
 
#10 ·
Check out this site if you haven't already: www.beginnerbikes.com
It is a great site with plenty of information on various beginner bike choices. The Ninja 250 is typically thought of as being the best first bike for nearly anyone at this site. It'll move you down the road when you need it to, capable of 100+ mph, cheap to maintain and insure, and the engines are bulletproof. The only thing beyond this I can suggest is taking the MSF Beginner Rider Course and then buying a used Ninja 250 and ride it for a year. Remember, this is your first bike, not your last. You can always sell the Ninja 250 close to what you bought it for later down the road and then move up after you have learned proper technique and good riding habits.
 
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