I have been looking everywhere for a honda nsr 250. there was only one on ebay it would be my first bike and heard it was a good beginner bike. Id rather have the nsr over the ninja 250r. can some one help me out, im looking to get one this summer.

thanx

 

NVM, just read the other nsr thread. i have seen a few cbr 400's on ebay tho....

 

wouldnt you rather get a RVF400 than a CBR400?? V-4, inverted suspension. It is literally the BEST 400cc motorcycle out there.

 

I'm not a big fan of 2-stroke sport bikes as beginner bike. I actually think a CBR600 is safer for a beginner than a NSR250. The power curve is more predictable.

Edit: If you want a 400, the FZR 400 is a nice bike, not TOO hard to find, and pretty cheap if you do.



[Modified by project_mercy, 9:03 PM 1/15/2003]

 

true, NSR250 is just too much for a beginner. The power just pops out from 7000rpm. but tahts what i loooove about 2-strokes i only own 2-stroke motorcycles so. hehehe.

 

Yea i want to learn form a small bike then work my way up to a sv650s could i just get a dirt bike and make it into an enduro? like a honda 125 or something?

 

As someone pointed out, dirt bikes are a way to learn about certain principles on a bike that you can do on a dirtbike at lower speeds (because of the torque, suspension, and terrain differences), such as "what happens when I bottom out my suspension", "What happens when I loose traction on my front wheel in a turn", etc.

BUT. Riding a dirtbike on the street (assuming you switched to street tires), and riding a sport bike on the street are two different beasts all together. If you're just wanting to improve your streetbike skills, then I wouldn't suggest it.

The best way to learn to ride a streetbikes (as safe as riding a bike can be) IMO:

1.) Go buy gear. If you have a friend who has a lot of experience (not 1 season, or "I rode a ninja once!"), take him/her along to help you size it. Or find someone at the store who seems to know his sh**t and is helpful (you may have to try a few stores). Buying gear at your local store helps them, but if you're really strapped for cash, make sure you at least try it on there, before you order it online. Some shops will match the cost of the gear & shipping if you ask and provide proof.

Buy a helmet, jacket, and gloves at the least. I also recommend boots. If price is an issue, then I love the joe rocket $80 boots ( http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...115&division=1 ). Good, sturdy boots not only protect in a crash, but also help when you put your foot down at an intersection and find some retard was leaking slippery-a$$ coolant on the road. Sneakers and sketchers mean you're going to slip, and the bike's going to fall. Doc Martens (preferably without steel toes) work for me as an alternative. The "oil resistant" soles allow for good adhesion. Primary concerns for gear should be fit.

Textile jackets are fine, and about as safe as leather on the first fall (you just need to replace them every fall, unlike some leather). They're a low-cost alternative to leather, and I think it's the best way to "save money" when you're first buying gear. As someone else bought, the Meteor is a nice jacket, and pretty inexpensive.

Primary helmet concerns, are fit, then cooling/ventilation (if your helmet fogs up a lot, it's going to be frustrating and potentially dangersou), and finally noise (more aerodynamic helmets are also generally quieter). If you get over 40mph, your primary noise is the wind whipping past your helmet, on a quiet bike you won't even hear it anymore.

Gloves.. Your hands are your connection to the bike. If you're not wearing them, and you hit a junebug at 80mph, it hurts, and you're apt to jerk, which sometimes makes things dicey. At the very least, try to get gloves with external seams. That way they don't cut into your fingernails.

2.) Sign up for the MSF. ( http://www.msf-usa.org/ ). The class ranges anywhere from free to $100 depending on what state you live in. In many states, succesful completion of this class will wave the road test to get your license. Some insurance companies also give you breaks. It'll probably be the best money spent on safety you drop down.

3.) Buy a used, small bike. If you're strapped for cash, find a Nighthawk. Get one of the smaller ones (not the 750). They're dirt cheap and easy to ride. If you can spend a little more, buy an EX250 or EX500. If your above 5'6", I'd suggest the 500 if you got the cash. If you're set on owning a honda, then try to find an old VTR 250 (the lil'est interceptor). Or if you're extremely lucky, an imported CBR 250 or 400. Another option is the FZR 400 (one that still has the 400 engine in it).

probably more than you were looking for, but I'm procrastinating.


[Modified by project_mercy, 4:52 PM 1/16/2003]

 

I wouldn't get the NSR as a beginner's bike. 2 strokes are literally a bitch to take care of sometimes and as others have said, the power curve will surprise you. The RVF400 is much better...gosh I love that bike. My friend has one!