Suitable bike for returning rider

[SPP]

...think it's best I go for a 250cc for a while...

If you already have your full then seriously consider a 600 over a 250.
I had the pleasure of riding a VTR250 for a day recently. I found that WAAAY scarier than my bike because on a 250 you're at the mercy of every frustrated driver and wanna-be.

Drivers had very little respect for my road space and I suspect some were even trying to get close! On a larger bike this is less of a problem. Having no power to speak of meant I couldn’t do much about it either.

A girl at work gets around on a Kawasaki 650 Ninja (the relaxed sport one not the ZX6R) after riding around on a GN250. She found it easier to ride than the GN! And yeah, she’s not tall either, maybe 5’4’’ and a lightweight.

[bikerboy011]

Try the ninga 250 they are nice bikes..

[CookMySock]

You are wise staying with a 250 until you get your biker sense back.

Any of the 250 vtwins are really easy to ride, plus they have a great rumble to them - very gratifying.

Test ride the Honda VTR250, Hyosung Comet GT250. These both have nice upright bars and have enough power to do anything you want, yet they are not intimidating at all.

Add a noisy exhaust, and they are lots and lots of fun.


Steve

[mattian]

If you already have your full then seriously consider a 600 over a 250.
I had the pleasure of riding a VTR250 for a day recently. I found that WAAAY scarier than my bike because on a 250 you're at the mercy of every frustrated driver and wanna-be.

Drivers had very little respect for my road space and I suspect some were even trying to get close! On a larger bike this is less of a problem. Having no power to speak of meant I couldn’t do much about it either.

A girl at work gets around on a Kawasaki 650 Ninja (the relaxed sport one not the ZX6R) after riding around on a GN250. She found it easier to ride than the GN! And yeah, she’s not tall either, maybe 5’4’’ and a lightweight.

This is so true !!! I have only recently upgraded from my 250 to a 650 and its extraordinary how differently car drivers treat you on a bigger bike. On my 250 I was bullied relentlessly ! and, thats not an exaggeration! on the 650, I know I have the power to get out of any dodgy situation and that knowledge alone is all the confidence I need. 250's are perfect for people learning about riding on the road for the first time but, I wouldn't want to go back to a small displacement bike. only maybe on the track or offroad for fun but, not in that nasty Auckland traffic.

[The Stranger:Me]

I could look at a slightly older Ninja 250.

If you are much over 50kg I wouldn't. Quite possibly the worst front suspension of any bike ever made.

[sil3nt]

If you are much over 50kg I wouldn't. Quite possibly the worst front suspension of any bike ever made.

Indeed it is pretty crap but adding more fork oil is a quick fix that works nicely I say go for the old school ninja if you want a 250 but i reckon you should find something bigger. Couple of months on a 250 and you will be bored.

Maybe a zzr400? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-223648321.htm

They are meant to be one of the slowest 400's around yet i would say its still a lot faster than a 250!

[fletcher]

Yes after looking around Auckland bike shops a bit more today, I reckon the Honda GBs are what grab me the most. Haven't seen a GB400 or 500 yet though.

[fletcher]

Try the ninga 250 they are nice bikes..

Hey I hadn't seen the posts on this page when I did my last reply :-/

Thanks everyone. I know I might get bored fast with a 250 but will feel way less nervous if I start smaller then trade up.

Love the Ninja 250s but all that fairing ... does anyone know if I can easily remove most of the fairing for riding and put it back on later when I'm more confident? Should add I'm used to fixing stuff, used to work on my own classic cars.

[CookMySock]

Love the Ninja 250s but all that fairing ... does anyone know if I can easily remove most of the fairing for riding and put it back on later when I'm more confident?

I don't know about the ninjas, but they hyos are a 10-15 minute job to whip the fairings off.

Steve

[short-circuit]

Test ride the Hyosung Comet GT250


Steve

Change the record

[ducatilover]

I haven't gotten bored after 3 and a half years on mine.

[BMWST?]

350 400 500 arent that much hewavier bigger than 250 s and a much more relaxing ride esp on the open road with traffic,wind,hills and luggage etc.The throttle works both ways,and the bigger bikes often have much better brakes ansd suspension.A lot of 250s will have always owned operated by learners/newbies= hard life,perhaps not too much care....

[sil3nt]

Hey I hadn't seen the posts on this page when I did my last reply :-/

Thanks everyone. I know I might get bored fast with a 250 but will feel way less nervous if I start smaller then trade up.

Love the Ninja 250s but all that fairing ... does anyone know if I can easily remove most of the fairing for riding and put it back on later when I'm more confident? Should add I'm used to fixing stuff, used to work on my own classic cars.

The front fairing needs to stay on otherwise you loose the indicators. You can remove the side fairings and lower fairing although its the front fairing that gets damaged when it drops.

You could even try a buell blast. Have a read of this it is rather similar to the little ninja even though its 500cc.

[thumpameat]

hi, can i just add that i found some 250cc singles dont have enough grunt for hills or ranges etc, and as was mentioned previously you will have some impaitent motorist on your tail , being an idiot .
i can say that a honda cb250rs is one of those .

i too am trying to get back onto a bike(on a real budget), and it seems the gs500 as said, is a good ride, and im looking for one, or something like it, what about a sv650 or honda bros 650.......it could save you having to upgrade later.

[fletcher]

Interesting reading about the Buell. Haven't seen any around though?

Ok, I'll keep an open mind about more than 250cc subject to weight and how the bike feels. Some bikes just don't feel right in terms of stretch to bars and so on, no matter how low the seat is. I'm happy to trade up to bigger in a year though - the bike I buy now doesn't have to be what I ride for the next five years.

Saw a verrrrry nice Honda CB400. And a Triumph Bonneville. SO many nice bikes out there!