Is this a good first bike?

Question

I'm looking into buying a 07' kawasaki ninja 250, is that a good first bike?

i'm 5'10 and am 180 lbs guy is this bike too small for me?

Answer 1

That is a very good first bike if the power is enough for you. If not check out the 500. As far as the physical size of the bike, here are some comparison numbers between the Ninja 250, 500 and 650. You can see that the actual size of the three bikes is pretty close.

250 - seat height 29.3" wheel base 55.1"
500 - seat height 30.5" wheel base 56.5"
650 - seat height 31.1" wheel base 55.5"

Answer 2

It's a great bike to learn on. I'm 6'2" and can fit on one of them easily, so you are not too large for it (in fact, it will be more comfortable than many of the larger engined sportbikes, because Kawasaki designed it for everyday riding and not all out racing). It'll keep up with highway traffic - though they're a bit uncomfortable for long trips - and be a real hoot to ride on twisty back roads. It's easier to ride than a bigger bike, and you'll pick up a lot of good habits riding it. And if you decide a year later you want something bigger (or for that matter, decide you're a cruiser guy - that sometimes happens), you can sell it for only a couple hundred less than what you bought it for. It's a great first bike. The only thing better is a used one that's already been broken in and had someone else pay for the depreciation.

Answer 3

My suggestion to you would be not to buy a "new" bike that small. Rent one or buy a used bike around that size and weight. You'll be surprised how fast you will get tired of a 250cc engine, once you learn the basics. Take a riding safety program, which should be available at most dealerships, regardless of what bike you intend on getting. Some places charge a price, then credit your account, provided you purchase the same name brand that you took the course with. Anyway, the biggest deciding factor should be how you sit on it. If you are on your tippy-toes when the bike is standing still or your knees are bent to the point where you are constantly trying to steady the bike, then it's too big or too small. It should feel comfortable with the knees slightly bent. Once you are out on the road, and you learn the right riding habits, you'll be upset that you are left behind when climbing a hill, carrying a passenger, etc. You'd be even more upset, if you spend the money on a brand new bike, get tired of it in 3 - 6 months, and then try to sell it, only to find out that you just lost half it's value.

Answer 4

if you like the Ninja's seating position, it would make a very good first bike. Very reliable engine and economical. Its a nice light bike and has enough power to go on the interstate if desired.
Engine is strong enough that they are used in "Ironbutt" endurance rides. Rides to acculmulate the most mileage in a given period of time.

Model has been around a long time, so parts are easily available. Also there are lots of used ones around, so one could be gotten inexpensively - which would be great for a beginning rider, as it won't be as devastating when the eventual parking lot tip-over happens. I know you said a new one.
I'd buy used at first.

And last but not least there is a great internet community for the 250 Ninja, so you'd always have a place to get help w/your bike or share your experiences/ideas with other 250 Ninja owners.

Answer 5

For a guy your size that bike is probably too small. You can give it a shot, but I'm betting you'll be uncomfortable riding on it for any more than 15-20 minutes and it probably won't have the power you would want. I think Kawasaki makes a 500cc Ninja, and that would be better. It would be considerably more heavy, but it would have a lot more power and is a bigger bike. The most important thing about a motorcycle is you want to be comfortable on it or else you won't use it for anything other than running your errands, and that's kind of useless, isn't it?

P.S.: To give you an idea, I'm 6'4" and 200 pounds, my first bike was an old Honda CB650 Custom and that was a PERFECT starter bike for me.

Answer 6

The best way that I have ever been able to tell if the bike was too big or small is to sit on the bike and stand with both feet on the ground, take you hand and see if you can put it under you between the seat and your crotch, if you can with an inch to spare then its just right for you, if you can with several inches to spare then you are too big. And of course if you can't then the bike is too big for you.

Answer 7

You will get bored real quick with the 250. Take the motorcycle safety course, then buy a good used bike with a 600 to 750 cc displacement. Make sure you practive alot in an empty parking lot.

Answer 8

It will be small compaired to the 750cc. Due to your weight and Height. It's a great bike for women or guys who are 5'2"-5'6" and weigh around 110-150lbs.

The bike only has 25 HP. the good news is it red lines at 16,000 RPM.

Answer 9

It depends on how big you are, and if you have ever ridden a bike before. That is a pretty small bike. My first bike was a 05' 600RR Honda, its perfect for me. Its not to much or too littl. Im only 140 lbs and I can handle it with ease. Im also selling it if your interested! I dont have time to ride it anymore, I work too much :(

Answer 10

Yah - you'll be selling it real quick - around town it'll be ok, but you'll get spooked on the freeway=not enough roll-on power. Get the 500. Or a Suzuki GS500 - my first bike was a Suzuki GS550 and it was great - plenty fast enough for a few years of fun