First bike options?

[kanez]

Same years? Of the older ones, the Ninja (and every other 250 at the time) has a few more ponies than the Suzukis, but more importantly, I think parts are easier to get for the Ninjas.

The 2008 shape seems reasonably priced 2nd hand. Sounds like a decent bike to learn on too from reviews I have been watching

[FJRider]

Did you Google the LAMS list yet? Learners no longer have to buy a 250. The range is far wider than what you're looking at.

Available range ... with less than 95,000 km's traveled ... is getting smaller by the day though ...

[Akzle]

If I had the money the 300Ninja looks like an awesome first bike

a long learning, ahead of you yet is, kane san.

[Oakie]

How do you guys think the gsx250s compare to the ninja 250s?
If I had the money the 300Ninja looks like an awesome first bike

Not the 300 if you're going to be doing long weekend trips. Guy I know got one recently and says the seat is very hard on the arse. It is a nice looking bike for sure but after an hour in the saddle, you realise that comfort is more important than looks. (Bit like women really ) Just be happy with a middle aged 250 with a thick seat.

[nelubian]

My 4,5 cents:

for the first bike take something that looks cool and that makes you feel like cool. That gives maximum satisfaction.

[kanez]

How would you guys compare the Honda CBR205R 2011 shape vs the Kawasaki Ninja250R 2008 shape?

[Tazz]

How would you guys compare the Honda CBR205R 2011 shape vs the Kawasaki Ninja250R 2008 shape?

Probably from the same shape alphabet and side by side

Looks are a personal thing man. I would consider specs over looks and go from there.

That Honda is a single banger punching low 20's HP figures at approx 150kg, more if ABS version.

Kawak is a twin punching high 20's at 170kg and I think ABS is standard.

If price is irrelevant I'd be gunning for the Kawasaki from those three things alone, well 2 out of 3, and then add to it the fact it has really decent fuel range (although I don't know the CBR's tbh).

One other thing to consider if your a frugal dick like me is resale. Are the CBR's holding their value better than the Ninjas? Much of a muchness? This IS a bike you will be selling to fund another one so if you don't have a great disposable income it's worth taking into account now.
But without all that shit in the equation, I would def be going the Ninja out of those two.

[5ive]

Nothing wrong with the Ninja 300, but may be out of your price range (unless you're upping it?).

You'll get the same few grumpy old cunts whinging about it online though

I started on one last May, and still ride it daily. Commuted to work daily (3km) in Central Auckland, and took 100Km-500Km rides on weekends. Even a couple of 1000+Km trips.

Recently have started riding it 200km daily for work, holds it's own on the road (especially the twisties), and never skips a beat.

If you're tall I'd give it a miss though, may not be big enough to comfortably ride (that probably applies to the 250s of other brands as well).

[ryanstev]

Yeah I did have a look there's a lot there. Any sport models you could recommend in my price range? Don't know if would want to go any higher than 400 for first bike.

I bought my first bike last October, which was a 250, I traded it in on my CB400 2 months later.

The 250 was simply too slow.

Find yourself on the motorway at 90kph, behind someone slow? Have fun passing.

[kanez]

I bought my first bike last October, which was a 250, I traded it in on my CB400 2 months later.

The 250 was simply too slow.

Find yourself on the motorway at 90kph, behind someone slow? Have fun passing.

what was your first bike?