Beginner Sport Motorcycle?

Question

What is a good beginner sport motorcycle for a 6 foot 170 pound 16 year old? not to expensive around 2000-4000. I was looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 250, what is your opinion on that bike?

Answer 1

My opinion of the EX250 is Very high. I'm 6'4", 280lbs, have 15 years (and about 150~160k miles of seat-time), and bought it for my wife to learn on so she could ride next to me instead of behind me (which was her idea). At that point in time, I'd ridden all sorts of motorcycles, with engine sizes from 50 to 1250cc's and HP ranging from 8 to 150. the 250 turned out to be the single most fun street legal motorcycle I've ever had the pleasure of riding.

I'm sure you've heard the saying "It's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow" ~ and it applies directly to motorcycles too. You can really hammer on the 250 and not be WAY past any legal limits, or a newer riders abilities.

It's also Much more comfortable than any True sportbikes (the EX250 is a Standard in geometry/seating, with fairings to give it a sporty look) when it comes to leg-room, and weight on your hands/wrists. Though it's also great for Shorter riders too, with a lower seat height and weight.

It's very much designed with new riders in mind, as it has a heavy flywheel which aids in keeping the engine running while a newer rider learns how to properly take off from a standstill. It's basically an 'anti-stall' system (though you can still stall the bike, it's just much more difficult than with the larger sportbikes out there). And finally, it's Very forgiving to a riders inputs. Where a 600+cc sportbike will do Exactly what the riders inputs says, even if that'll lead to a crash, the 250 will temper those inputs and give you a chance to recover from a bad input before you get tossed on the ground.

Above and beyond all of that, if you're into online communities and learning to work on the bike yourself, you'll be hard pressed to find a better community than the Ninja 250 Riders Club, And the FAQ. both can be found here:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://forums.ninja250.org

Hard to go wrong with this bike. It's great for new riders, and experienced alike. It's great for in-town riding, can more than handle all Legal freeway speeds in the country, and there are several who've done lots of touring on them (including 2 who've competated in, and finished, the Iron Butt Rally - which is 11,000 miles in 11 days). There are even a group of production 250 roadracers out in California.

Cheers.

Answer 2

the ninja would be in the price range ur looking for, especially for used bikes of this class. if he really wants a sport bike, i would highly agree with brian, and what softail says is very true. if u were to give this 16 yr old a hayabussa, he'll kill himself before the season is done. high powered sport bikes are lethal to someone who has no experience with sport bike riding.
if i were to switch from a cruiser to a sport bike, i belive i would look at this bike. the ninja 250 only weighs in at about 304 pounds....a featherweight when it comes to bikes. i have a neighbor that has a ninja 600, and he can hit 100+ in the quarter....a bike like that is suicide to let a rookie drive it.
for at least the first 2 years, i would keep him on the 250. skills build up quicker if the rider has the confidence to slowly push it to a higher level. a bike that's forgiving will make this process much easier and safer for the rider.

the riders edge mc safety course that harley davidson has uses the buell blast bike. it would also be in the 250cc range, is a sport bike, but is easier for beginner's to handle.

Answer 3

No such thing as a sport cycle safe for beginners, unless you are talking about a trail bike.

Look at a small standard/cruiser like the Honda Rebel 250. You seem to have enough money even to buy an old restored Triumph or BSA 650 or 500 cc machine. One of these would be a good investment and are not quite as insane as the newer bikes. If your main interest is staying alive, learn to ride and survive on the road first. Then go for the sport machine.

Answer 4

i think the ninja 250 is a good starter bike. i would not any bigger for right now you dont want to give him too much speed just yet let him get comfy and confident before moving to a bigger engine size and increasing power. of course i am speaking mearly out of opinion i ride only Harleys but i am a lover of all motorcycles whether it be american, japanese, italian or bavarian (BMW). Not to repeat myself, but i think that the ninja 250 is ideal for someone that big at 16 any bigger or more powerfull may be dangerous to his health until he gets the feel for riding a motorcycle on the streets and highways. once he gets a the feel for it and confidence i would recommend a buell x1 or maybe suzuki gsxr but still only increase power as he matures to the bike and the road. Please remember the a motorcycle of any kind can be dangerous if ridden irresponsibly and without care. you may want to consider a riders training course too. i hope this helps.

Answer 5

I observed 114 mph indicated on my friends ninja 250. Any bike can be a good beginner bike get the one your most comfortable on. Best of luck!

Answer 6

What Brian M said +1

Answer 7

It's a great bike, I have a gf who has one, but it's too small for you. It's made for people who are shorter than you and lighter weight.

You can get a used 650cc Suzuki or Honda, and some Kawasaki's for under 4k. Just keep a watch on Craiglist.org.