marmaladedad

If you plan on canyon scratching, the YZF is a more able dancing partner than the GS500, but the learning curve is a bit steeper.

Both bikes get the job done, but they go about it differently. FWIW, buying used gets you essentially a discounted-new bike. Neither of these bikes has changed that much.

Elrusodan

Hello everyone! I am also looking for a beginner's 250 cc bike, and from the info I found is that Ninja is the most powerful 250 sold in the states (38hp vs others' 18-25 hp).

It does 14.6 @ 88 mph in a quarter, which is, IMHO, more than just enough for the freeways...

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_250

Elrusodan

WOW! This topic is 3 years old! I didnt even notice!

But after reading the posts above concerning the winds and light bikes... Can anyone tell me what is a good weight for the bike so its not thrown around by the winds? Also it is a beginners bike, so I guess I dont want it too heavy. I myself barely weigh 120 lbs, does it mean I should get a heavier bike?

Mr.Luder

I had to 07 Ninja 250 for 1.5 years and it was great to me. I don't regret getting it to learn at all. I used it to commute and to go ride the twisties, and i recently upgraded to a 07 Ninja ZX6R. You can out grow the 250 but it is still well worth it to start with. I've learned a lot and i think that thanks to the little 250, I can be alot safer on a bigger bike! The gas milage was a plus!!!!

P.s. Have you seen the all new 2008 ninja 250?

Elrusodan

Yes, I saw it on their website, it looks a bit different, but on the inside I think it is still same mechanical features... I like the fuel gauge, though, I think thats quite useful... But, IMHO, just the new looks and instrument clauster dont justify the additional $500 for the MSRP (which is still good price, dont get me wrong, its still one of the cheapest new bikes)

From the pinned topic above I read that insurance is cheaper for the older (90's) bikes. What insurance prices should i be expecting for the 2-year old 250 ninja? (I found a couple of those ads on cycletrader)
Just curious. I could find out from my insurance agent, but not tonight. Maybe later in the week...

PS> I am just researching right now. With traffic growing and gas prices rising, more and more I want a bike... Or should I just get a metrolink train pass and forget the traffic? Thats another option, lol

bad-monkey

not that i don't support your decision to experience life on 2 wheels, but you'll have to log a LOT of miles before you start saving money on gas by commuting on a bike.

that being said, if you want an older 250 you can get one for so cheap these days. the new ones (which i think are awesome) may not be worth the 2000-3000 premium if all you need is a commuter and a starter bike.

insurance depends on your record and which company you go with, but i paid 600/yr for a brand new 07 supersport, with a spotty record. with a clean record and a 250, you should be paying 300/yr or less?

Elrusodan

600/yr? I pay double that for my DX hatchback! But that is a full coverage, though...
Clean record, no tickets, been rear-ended a couple times (wasnt not my fault, I was just sitting in traffic) but that didnt raise my premiums.
BUT only 5 years driving experience and 0 years of motorcycle.
If I could get some old 250 for under $2000 and get insurance for no more than $600/yr, then I still will be saving money:
With my hatchback I spend little over $200 a month on gas. That is about $2500/yr on gas alone. 250 cc bike will probably get double the gas mileage, so it will pay for itself in about couple years...

Etylorcen

If you're getting a 250 there's not reason to get full coverage. Just get the minimums so that its legal, if you crash it or it gets stolen (very unlikely) you're not out that much.

HATCHBACK GORILLA!

I started off with a 2001 cbr 600 f4i and it ended up being to much for me to handle for my first ( im 6'0" 160 lbs.) so I will be getting the 250r soon.....believe it or not my best friends mom has one and she says its the easiest to ride, most fun bike she has had ( I believe the 250r is her 3rd or 4th bike)

Coke in a Can

iTrader: (1)

i have a ninja 650 and it gets 55 mpg. good seating position. and just enough power for all around riding.

All-Out Motorsports

I've got a YZF600r and commute 60miles round trip a day. I drive it every day and love it. No problem keepin up with other 600's, handles great, good on gas, looks great, and is comfortable. It is my first sportbike so it was a big change from riding cruiser bikes. When I was first looking to get a bike I tryed the 250 but being 5'10 and 230 it didnt work out to well. you can also look at the GSX (Katana) you can find them cheap and they are right up there with my yzf. My buddy has one and I've ridden it a few times, its way better on gas then my bike plus having a fuel gauge is great.

cleanEG

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by All-Out Motorsports &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've got a YZF600r and commute 60miles round trip a day. I drive it every day and love it. No problem keepin up with other 600's, handles great, good on gas, looks great, and is comfortable. It is my first sportbike so it was a big change from riding cruiser bikes. When I was first looking to get a bike I tryed the 250 but being 5'10 and 230 it didnt work out to well. you can also look at the GSX (Katana) you can find them cheap and they are right up there with my yzf. My buddy has one and I've ridden it a few times, its way better on gas then my bike plus having a fuel gauge is great.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have the same bike...and have put 22,000 miles on her in the past 2 years (mostly commuting). Very reliable, comfortable, 50mpg all day, less forgiving than the 250 or 500. Keep in mind though, with the steel frame she's a heavy bike ~500lbs wet.

97-08 only cosmetic changes...otherwise same bike and dont worry, people wont steal it because 99% of people into sportbikes cant get over the banana seat!

ucb

dang thats a lot, my ninja650r is very sport bikish looking, but comfy, 55mpg as coke in a can said, but its only 400lbs so its still very manageable.