- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 2 months ago by CBBaron.
Joined 2 Years Ago, First Post Today….
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January 3, 2010 at 11:06 am #3632JoeSTLParticipant
So I’ve been lurking around here for a long time, but this is my official first post. I’ve posted on other motorcycle sites for years, though it looks like I may actually be able to buy my first bike this year. Woo hoo!!! A little about myself… I’m 33, with my own house, an more importantly my own 2 car garage. I used to live in apartments, so I never really got serious about having a bike. I’m planning on taking the Rider’s Edge MSF course in a few months, once I know that I’ll be able to afford the first bike. I’m 6’3” and about 230lbs so I’m very undecided about the type of bike that would be best for me as a beginner. At first, like most newbies I was looking at the 600cc sportbikes and above mostly because of how they looked. I’m still more into the sportbike look more than the cruiser, but lately I’ve been thinking about dual sports. I’d want something used and under 2k, so when I drop it in my garage (or at a stoplight…lol) I won’t mind as much. I’ve heard that the 650 dual sports are still a little top heavy for a beginner, so how about the 250’s? Mostly concerned about the size of them. I love the look of the dr-z400sm, because I’m probably not going to do much dirt riding. In St. Louis, I think you have to go a couple hours away to get a decent trail to ride anyway. How do the 250/400 dual sports compare to their big brothers? Any recommendations? I’m sure there are people out there that will say to get a 600 because of my size, but honestly I want something smaller that I can really learn to ride on and not worry about going too fast. So any advice about bigger riders on the 250 dual sports? Also looking for other alternatives, such as the 250r, 500r, or gs500. Thanks in advance!
Joe
January 22, 2010 at 12:49 pm #24140CBBaronParticipantFeeling comfortable on some of the smaller bikes can be difficult at our size but the bikes can handle it no problem. When I was trying out bikes for size I found the pre-08 Ninja 250r, all the super-motos and nearly all of the dual-sports fit without a problem.
For a newbie large rider the super-motos and dual-sports have alot of advantages. They are light, can be dropped with little or no damage and most have modest easily controlled power. The one disadvantage of these bikes for most people is high seat heights but at 6’3″ that won’t be an issue. However super-motos are usually hard to find under $2k. The most SM models have not been around long and they have higher starting prices than other 250s. The highway capable dual-sports are similar except older models are available. The 200 and air-cooled 250s will struggle with freeway speeds. The SM bikes are designed for street use and not really intended for off-road trails though they are more capable off-road then other road bikes.
In sports bikes I found that the new gen Ninja 250r and the Ninja 500r have fairing cutouts that interfere with my knees. They are still rideable bt it seems like the crease near my knee would be uncomfortable very quickly. The pre-08 Ninja 250r does not have this problem and the GS-500F seemed like a great fit.
I ended up with a `06 Ninja 250r. The 250rs are very common and readily available on the used market. You can find nearly new bikes for under $2k. Plus the ninja has plenty of power for road use. Considerably more than most of the other 250s. The riding position is comfortable for new riders also with an upright sitting position.
Craig
January 23, 2010 at 1:49 am #24139eternal05ParticipantGreat advice from CBBaron.
Stay the hell away from a 600cc sportbike…at least until you can make a beginner bike your B#$% Good reasoning there, though I feel you on the good looks thing. It’s hard to turn away from that, to be sure.
So of all the other bikes that you listed, I have ownership experience with two and riding experience with another two. I started on a 250R myself way back when (still own that), then got a 600, and most recently picked up a DR-Z400sm. I think both the 250R and the DR-Z are fantastic beginner bikes. With your height and weight, and especially if you’re into dual-sports, the DR-Z might be the way to go. It has more pep (though the same top speed thanks to low gearing) and will be less cramped than the 250R. I’m 6’4″, so I needed to get lowered footpegs to even be able to ride the 250. You may have the same problem. Note that the size issue won’t exist if you get a pre-’08 250R, since they didn’t have the same gas tank shape.
I’ve also ridden the GS500 and the Ninja 500R and believe them to be solid beginner bikes as well. The only thing that differentiates them from the other two bikes is a bit more power, and I think both are in need of serious updates to their appearance. That damn 500R looks like it’s from 1987…oh wait, it is!
The money issue is legit, though if you want a new generation (’08+) 250R, you’re probably going to pay about the same as for a used DR-Z400sm. Honestly, go sit on all the bikes, think about the kind of riding you’re going to do, and based on what’s comfortable and fits your needs, make your decision.
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