[Tyger'']

Im completely new to bikes, and am looking for a good beginners sport bike. Im not particulary interested in something that goes ten billion miles an hour either, since im one of those do the speed limit and be safe type's.
Im wondering since im 6'1" if i can get by on a ninja 250, and whether the 250 cc thing has anything to do with the overall size of the bike?

 

[kmcbee1414]

You should run down to your local Kawi dealer and test fit some bikes. You should also take the MSF riders course( www.msf-usa.org). you should also visit beginnerbikes.com they have some great info on just that, beginner bikes.

 

[Tyger'']

Actually I will be signing up for a cycle safety course before I ever ride the bike.
What is a good way to tell if the bike fits or not...ie... should my legs be flat on the floor, bent at all?
One more thing, since the 250 has all the speed I really need, if it is a bit short, can it accept larger wheels to compensate?

 

[tlwisner]

Actually I will be signing up for a cycle safety course before I ever ride the bike.
What is a good way to tell if the bike fits or not...ie... should my legs be flat on the floor, bent at all?
One more thing, since the 250 has all the speed I really need, if it is a bit short, can it accept larger wheels to compensate?

If you need more legroom, your best bet is to lower the pegs. The way to tell if a bike fits is if you are comfortable both in the riding position and the stopped, two feet down position. On my little bike, I am flatfooted with bent knees stopped. On my big bike, I can flatfoot it if I really stretch. Both bikes are comfortable and fun for me to ride. You're the only one that can say if a bike fits you, but most bikes will fit most people.

 

[1Adam12]

Size and comfort on a bike is paramount to enjoying the ride. Most modern sportbikes will have some adjustments available. There are many aftermarket companies that offer a lot of adjustment variables beyond stock capabilities. Check out your local dealer first and have the salesperson show you the rearset adjustments. Since you are taller, the angle in which your wrists grab the clutch and brake will also need to be moved - again, it is a simple adjustment. Some bikes will have adjustable shocks and again will need to be adjusted to your specific weight. These are things a good dealer should do when setting up your bike upon purchase as part of the set up fee.

Others can chime in specifically on what the Ninja 250 can do stock, but keep in mind there are many aftermarket parts to make the ride more comfortable and handle even better than stock.

 

[tlwisner]

These are things a good dealer should do when setting up your bike upon purchase as part of the set up fee.

Good dealers don't charge "set up" fees! 8)

 

[Curt]

Good dealers don't charge "set up" fees! 8)

They do for the Ninja 250, probably because the dealer profit is so low on that bike, that dealers don't have much incentive to sell them. From what I've heard, it's very, very rare for someone to get a new one under $3500. Closer to $4000 is a lot more common. So you can save a bundle by buying used.

It sounds like you're doing things right. Talk to people all you want, and get all the opinions you want, but don't commit to any bike until after you take the MSF course.

. . . most bikes will fit most people.

Yep. I think so, too. Some people don't fit a Ninja 250. It sounds like you will fit it fine. It matters a little bit how long your legs are or how much you weigh. What matters a lot is how big one certain part of your anatomy is. If you need a bike so that part looks bigger, then you need at least a ZX-6R (maybe more) as your first bike.
Curt

 

[1Adam12]

There is not one dealer here in Los Angeles that does not charge a prep fee! The three main markets of motorcycles is Texas, Florida and Ca.

Hey, Let's face it, they have to put that bike together and pay their people too!

I would think if you are not paying prep fees than that is market driven. Supply and demand. On the west coast demand is high and the supply is slow. Yamaha could not keep up with the demand for their 04 intro of the R-1 out here and subsequently had dealers allocations for the rest of the country re-routed to meet the demand.

 

[Tyger'']

What matters a lot is how big one certain part of your anatomy is. If you need a bike so that part looks bigger, then you need at least a ZX-6R (maybe more) as your first bike

Not too worried in that dept. besides im in a ltr, so it isn't an issue.
Dont suppose anyone knows of a reputable kawasaki dealer in Tucson? All iv'e seen so far is Sparks....just wondered if anyone has dealt with them or knows of another shop?