2006-09-15 18:31:45 · 15 answers · asked by mypfsman 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
It really depends on the bike. An XL250 is a street legal bike, but struggles to do 65 - 70 for long periods, and it's not a very comfortable ride either (great for dirt roads though!).
The Ninja 250 is smooth and happy purring along at 65, but will begin to feel a little wheezy at 70 and really be pushing it at 75.
There are some older twin cylinder 250's that would be fun at 70, but again, 75 for short bursts is okay, sustained would be tough.
Rider weight and bike weight also makes a difference here - along with a faired vs. un-faired machine. It's hard to believe, but you loose about 1 horsepower for every 7 lbs of additional weight. So, a bike/rider that's 20lbs heavier than the same machine with a 20lb. lighter rider will not go as fast.
There are also a very few older two stroke sport bikes that are not only happy at 75, but would blow past it with ease. Unfortunately, they're not readily available, they're not reliable, and they're not very comfortable for commuting!
My rule of thumb - if traffic speeds are around 60mph, with occasional bursts to 75-80, then a 250cc like the Ninja is fine.
For sustained 75mph with occasional bursts to 90, you'd really need at least a 500cc or larger bike.
2006-09-15 18:56:45 · answer #1 · answered by ducatisti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Ninja 250 would still be 25 mph short of its top speed. Most of the other 250's are about maxed out at 75.
2006-09-16 01:16:53 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Top speed is OK but you won't have enough acceleration. Also, a 250 is probably too lightweight to be comfortable in this sort of traffic for more than half an hour. A larger bike will be more stable in crosswinds and when you pass trucks.
A larger bike has more road presence and will get more respect from the other road users - an important point.
2006-09-16 03:08:35 · answer #3 · answered by XT rider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Ninja 250, be it slow as beans, will be able to take freeway traffic fine. A 155 lb rider should be able to do atleast 95 mph, even if it takes a while. A know there are a lot of variables but my friends 05 250r would do it just fine.
2006-09-15 18:39:54 · answer #4 · answered by xturboexpress 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the state. Each state governs its own motor vehicle laws. In Wisconsin, I believe 250 cc. is the lowest you can use on our highways. I believe interstates are governed by the state rules. After all some are tolls and some are not.
2006-09-15 18:37:15 · answer #5 · answered by art m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it may be able to go faster than 75. like 80 or even 100 mph. but the the power isnt there. it will take awhile to increase your speed at any givin moment if you had too. and will be riding with the thing wound out in rpm's.
2006-09-16 10:42:10 · answer #6 · answered by mxlj 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if it's a four-stroke, it'll vibrate like Tammy Faye Bakker's nightstand drawer. If you're going to be on the thing for more than 30 minutes, I'd go with something a bit larger.
2006-09-15 18:40:55 · answer #7 · answered by Johnny Tezca 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, a very tightly wound mosquitoe comes to mind. A toy out playing with the big boys. Another wanna be.
2006-09-15 18:39:59 · answer #8 · answered by tctrout55 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends, if you are lightweight, say under 150 lbs you will be ok, but forget about passing people or having any power with a passenger. 500cc min.
2006-09-15 18:36:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Naw, you should be good. I've seen smaller bikes than that go over 100
2006-09-15 18:33:27 · answer #10 · answered by purple haze 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋