vader1

Extremely novice rider here, and I would like to pick up a small sportbike. I was thinking Honda CBR250, but the new ninja looks like the perfect bike for me.


I am only 150 pounds and like SOME power but don't want too much that will tempt me to ride beyond my limits. Looks like a neat package.

I read on a foriegn website that they were also going to bring a Ninja 400r to the states, but have not seen that anywhere else.

Nice looking anyway.

http://www.ridermagazine.com/top-sto...sportbikes.htm

LesterJ

go ahead and get a 600. I started out with a 04 GSXR 600 and it was just fine for my first bike. Im only 5'5" and weighted 150lbs. so i lowered the bike 2in. and everything was good. Now im riding a 05 GSXR 1000. Just ride smart when first learning dont try to keep up with your friends.

Zoomie

Know yourself. If you are the kind of person that is tempted to make the most of whatever you are riding then stay small. The Honda 250 had surprisingly good fit and finish when I got to see one.

If you are a little older or just tempted in different ways than maybe you could handle a bigger bike that would give you more to grow into. Just remember you've got to pay to play and that the risk and expense of a mistake goes way up with Hp.

FXDXI

The new 2013 Ninja 300 looks like a nice upgrade over the 250. The longer stroke will provide more torque which should make it an overall more enjoyable ride. I would also consider a Ninja (or Versys) 650 which has the parallel twin 650, giving even more torque. And if you search around, last years leftovers can be found at nice discounts.

JPD36

If it's your first bike, don't do it.

I recommend buying a cheapish 08+ Ninja 250, learning on it and selling it for just about what you paid for it a few months later.... Then you could decide if you want a new Ninja 300 or pay about the same price for a newer 600 supersport (if that's what you like).

zentrose

That looks pretty nice

javier_acosta70

vader1

Technically it would be my third, although there was a long time in between bikes one and bike two. So I am not really worried about dropping it, although I did bump into my current one with the mower and tip it over in the garage.

I only have about 3000 miles total experience, and am not a crazy rider, but I might be tempted to wind out 600's and that is probably a bad idea. I'd probably unintentionally wheelie myself right off the back. A little accelration is fun, but super fast does not interest me really. I am 42, and it is more to go for a ride once in a while with friends who don't go fast either. I never go on the interstate, but divided, low traffic highways are fine. When I ride, the point is to find a place with no traffic or as little as possible instead of riding with it, or weaving in and out of it.

I like to ride to work about 6 times a year (20 miles round trip) run some around town errands on roads that are limited access, and a couple days a year take a day and ride some twisties with a buddy or two. It would basically be a once in a while toy, but I don't like cruiser style or Harleys because I like small and light. ABS is a HUGE safety plus and I am at a point in my life where $5700 for a new toy with ABS aint that big of a deal. Twin discs up front would have been nice though.

The wife will probably freak out, but that is a whole nother deal.

JPD36

I say go for the 300.

I recommended the used bike route assuming it was your first bike. Buying a new bike and dropping it while learning is the worst. But from the looks of it, you're not looking for speed, you won't be riding much and safety is a big plus.. All of which the 300 has. Plus, insurance will be cheaper. Best of luck!

Luckyaze

I had more fun riding the CBR-250 than I ever did on my R6. I'm 190 lbs. I currently have a '11 FZ8. Still missed the nimble and lightweight of the 250 once in awhile.