As much as I want to pick up a Monster as soon as I get back stateside, I think I've reconsidered... but only for a little bit. I don't have very much riding experience, but took the MSF course over three years ago. I plan on taking it again as a refresher course in a few months, and would probably be just fine but I want to increase my riding skill a bit more before I sink the cash to purchase my dream bike.
I'm looking at picking up one of the 250cc Ninjas, to tool around on for a while, to get used to riding again. I haven't decided how long I'll wait before picking up the new Monster (if I don't buy it first anyways ;D ). I've heard they're pretty fun to ride, and great to learn on.
I would love to get the Monster first, but being in the Army is dangerous enough, and I have a wife and a newborn to worry about, so it might be better if I get the Ninja to train on first. Besides, if I crash a Ninja, who cares? [laugh] On the flipside, broken Monsters look really sad. :'(
Any thoughts or advice (insults are welcome too)?
Yes, you are being a pussy. Just buy the bike you want.
No, it will not. Thank you for your service.
Quote from: Travman on July 14, 2008, 09:34:23 PM
Yes, you are being a pussy. Just buy the bike you want.
I disagree. You sounds rather smart actually. Ninja are great bikes and don't let the size of the bike determine how big your balls are.
There are a few local people where I live that tear up much bigger bikes on smaller Ninja's
Thank you for serving so the rest of us can be free ! I think buying the smaller bike 1st is a good idea. Good luck Adam. Dolph
If U can find a good used 250,,, then yes,,, why not ? ?. U wont loose alot of cash(if any)when U feel like U have outgrown it & want to sell it.
If not,,, buy the Monster,, & take your time getting comfortable with it. Ya,, U R going to be nervous riding it for the few hundred miles. U will be fine,, I am sure.
I was faced with the same dilemma. I didn't wanna kill my monster being a new rider but I also wanted to get my hands on a Monster ASAP. My decision was to buy both a Ninja 250 and a Monster, tide the Ninja for a couple months and then switch to the Monster. I bought the Monster first. It's the only motorcycle I've bought. I believe it was an emotional decision.
I've only dropped the bike twice with no real damage. The drops were very slow from a standstill and I was able to lower it down slowly. The first drop was due to inexperience with managing the weight on my first day and my relative small size (120lbs). The second drop was me pulling into an oil/gas laden parking lot with the fatigue of having been riding the previous 9 or more hours - boot slips with the monster leaning on the thigh and down she goes (second week of ownership). I've had it for three months and those were the only two silly drops. I don't think they'll happen again.
Take from this what you will but keep this in mind: When you switch from riding the Ninja to the Monster, you'll probably be nervous about damaging it all over again. Might as well cut the chase. Just take the MSF again. [thumbsup]
Buy the Ninja first and ride it for a year or so until most every move is second nature. See how a motorcycle fits you and your lifestyle. Then get whatever larger motorcycle you want, Ducati or not.
You are not being a pussy. YOU ARE BEING SMART!
Nah, it does not. It's a good move and a very economical one.
IMO, consider a 250cc-400cc enduro bike.
They're great to learn on, and you can ride 'em almost anywhere, jeep trails, fireroads, etc.
They hold up very well to being dropped.
And riding in the dirt is a really good way to learn, mistakes tend to be a lot less painful.
You may even decide to keep it...
i've thought about the same thing myself, however, i want a M620. the new 250s are selling better than hotcakes, i spoke to someone at my local dealership and they had already taken deposits on 5. Many dealerships are even charging more than MSRP.
old 250...meh. (maybe for sub 2k)
vtwin is very sedate and m620s can be had for reasonable prices.
Clever boy [thumbsup]
No it makes you sound like a you're Pitifully Underestimating Simply Stupid Youth
ok just kidding you sound like you know your limits and you have a plan! Good luck
I started on a Kawasaki KLR250 road/trail bike, it could ride the dirt roads, but it was happy doing anything I needed, but it was cheap to run and to service, didn't mind being dropped (did that a few times) but it helped me to learn how to control a bike if it has a slip or slide, I have had occasions when the bike (the Monster and other road bikes i've owned) have slid in the wet or on oil/diesel and instead of having a panic and doing something silly I have able to control it and keep going. (Luck also helped on occasions ;D) and I put that down to riding something simple like the KLR to begin with, I crashed a few times in the dirt, broke some levers, handle bars, foot pegs and replaced some plastic covers and parts, but it was a great learning experience.
I always say to anyone starting out new to motorbikes, or returning after a decent time away, start off on something basic, learn the basics without having to worry about having to much power to fight with, also something that you are not going to be worried about if you drop it or scratch it.
Then move onto the big toys after that! [thumbsup]
Nothing wrong with a 250 starter bike, but consider that you might want more before long. About the same time I bought my Monster, my friend bought a 450 Supermoto because he wanted to start out with a little less power to learn on. He is already wanting a bigger bike but can't sell his Moto for enough to recover. He is kind of stuck. My S2R 800 was a great starter bike and it is still fast enough and handles well enough to keep me smiling 10,000 miles and 9 months later.
Do what is more comfortable to you. If the bigger bike makes you nervous, then by all means, buy the 250. They look good and get crazy gas mileage. If you go straight for the Monster, just remember that they can only go as fast as you make it go. With that being said, I have pictures of both my daughters centered on my gauges to remind me of what I need to come home to. Believe it or not, it helps take some of the Hooligan out of you!
Side Note: Thank you for your military service. Get back safe!
+1^^^^
I'd get the 250 - sounds like fun.
<drill sergeant> Holy s---! You'd better be working in g.d. army intelligence! That's the smartest f'in thing I've heard come from the military in a long damn time! Get comfortable on a cheap ride before diving in head first?! That's some genius s---! We need more smart sons of b's like you, Adamm!
First- Thanks for the service to our country [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
Next, buy the Ninja 250 and ride the piss out of it. I rode the 89 250 (picked it up for $500 put 2k miles on it and sold it for $450, insurance was only $125 for a whole season) I learned on for a year and I am so glad I did. Now I feel much much more comfortable with my Monster which equates to more fun and less dropage. [moto]
Quote from: Speeddog on July 14, 2008, 11:55:24 PM
IMO, consider a 250cc-400cc enduro bike.
They're great to learn on, and you can ride 'em almost anywhere, jeep trails, fireroads, etc.
They hold up very well to being dropped.
And riding in the dirt is a really good way to learn, mistakes tend to be a lot less painful.
You may even decide to keep it...
+1 !!!
a used DR350 (or 400) would be an excellent learning bike. tons of fun
Thank you for serving, I myself started on the 250. The only thing I rode was a little mini bike growing up. I knew I could do it but it was not going to be pretty. I wanted to go for a bigger bike but my gut told me to start small.( So did my husband) The 250 was great, I rode it for almost three years and learned allot. Of course I took the riding course first. Go by what you feel is right for you, do not think of yourself being a pussy because you are being smart not stupid. Good luck and again thank you for serving.
the ninja is irrelevant.
asking is what makes you a pussy
Little Ninjas are fun!
First thank you for your service its much appreciated from the bottom of my heart. Second, if you on a 250 125 scooter whatever you can kill yourself. Learning how not to crack the throttle wide open and self control is key. With that said I tend to believe get the bike you feel most comfortable with and ride the piss out of it then upgrade if you feel a need to. I am 6'0" about 235 lbs so getting a 250 for the most part was out of the question for me my first ride was s2r800 which I shortly upgraded to the 1000. If I had to do it all over again I probably would have kept the 800 prior to my most recent upgrade of the the 14t made a world of difference on the 1000. I was very scared at first because I thought the 800 was more bike then I can handle after about 4000 miles in 2 months I felt comfortable and felt that maybe it might be time for an upgrade not because of the engine but because of what the 1000 had to offer. Things like better brakes better front suspension and of course that sweet dry clutch. Test ride the 250 and test ride a monster and see which bike you feel the most comfortable with then decide.
-panthro
Get the 250 first. I think it is a wise decision that you will be happy with in the long run. Thanks for your service.
At age 45, I bought my first bike 3 months ago, an S4RS, after taking the MSF course. I am thoroughly enjoying it, but using my head to stay out of trouble (so far). That being said, the bottom line, is, do what you feel comfortable doing. And last of all, thank you for your service. Anyone who fights for our country could never be called a pussy.
as a veteran myself, thank you. i'm not going to tell you to grow a set, as you already have, but you can always grow a woolly tuft of hair on them, that onced shaved, you could make a cargo net or 2 indian blankets .somehow, i hope this helps your desicion. [moto]
Find out which shop supplies the bikes for the MSF courses in your area.
They will rotate the bikes every year. They usually only have a couple hundred miles on them. They have been dropped, so there are already a couple dents in them, but you can save a chunk of change - sell it in a year when you are ready for you Monster, and only be out a couple hundred - a lot less than repairs when you drop a Monster.
But to answer your question, No, being smart and getting a smaller bike to learn on is not what makes you a pussy. ;D
Good luck out there.
if you have to ask if you are being a pussy, then you are in fact, already a pussy. I did not read your question, the thread title alone gave the question and answer.
I read back, and would also like to say thanks for the service, and I whole heartedly (sp?) recommend the 250. I think its the best for damn near everybody.
As a newbie, I'll throw in my .02.
I did the MSF class last week having never been on a bike. Picked up a M696 this past weekend. I don't feel that it is too much bike for me as a new rider whatsoever. In fact, I've been pleasently suprised how forgiving and easy to ride it is. I'm taking it easy, of course, and staying well within my limits as I go, but the bike is more than happy to do that. I've yet to feel that I was behind the bike or that it was getting away from me at all. At the same time, I can tell there is a lot more machine in there than I am taking advantage of, so its nice to know that the bike can grow with me as I continue learning...
If you know you want the Monster - I say go with the Monster.
-Russ
under 6000, the 696 is incredibly well behaved.
above 6k, the front wheel gets light quickly.
fortunately, if you follow the breakin, you'll be comfortable by the time you feel that; i.e., the breakin is for the rider as much as the bike.
yes you are being a wuss [laugh]
but with that being said, who cares what any of us think? you are an adult you can make your own informed decision and take into account your family's needs and such and your own riding safety that is what counts. nothing we say about monsters/ninjas motorcycles really should factor in.
but seriously it sounds like you have a good plan, get a beater bike just to get back into it, and do the msf to brush up, get the skills back to 100%. and probably keep that ninja as a beater or wet weather bike and get a used monster in a couple of months when they are cheaper at the end of the riding season.
good luck and remember its not about getting riding on a monster asap or for this season, its about you getting back into riding as a lifetime hobby and somethign you can enjoy for years to come. that is way more important so take the steps necessary to ride safely and get your skills back to where you know you are comfortable.
Sounds like a smart move. [thumbsup] You will learn a lot, have fun, and save lots of money on your insurance (and possibly repairs too).
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2613.0
Without reading any posts or replies, if you had to create a thread asking if you're a pussy, then you most likely are.
.....ouch
anywho, I'd say you sould like a level headed guy to me. Just go with whatever makes you the most comfortable and confident on the street.
Dude! Forget the 2fiftee and forgit the Duck. Pick up a used GSXR 7fiftee and let it rip [moto]. Oh, and don't forget a $100 Helmet that matches your shorts and sneakers.
Whoaaa.
You sound like exceptional young person. You are doing this thing the right way. I say get the little ninja and have a ball.
Nuthin wrong with starting on a smaller bike. THat said you seem to have a good head on your shoulders so you'd prolly do just fine on the 696 you've been talking about. I will say it'll be cheaper to fix the 250 if the unthinkable happens. I don't personally know you but from what I've inferred you'll be fine. [beer]
It's a toughie, this pickle you've produced. I bought my first bike in May and was going through pretty much the same thing you are. On one hand, I've wanted a bike for as long as i can remember. My parents had them. My friends had them, and I'd ridden one or two enough to be totally and instantaneously hooked. On the other hand, just as panthro said though, I'm 6'3 220lbs and a little baby ninja wasn't going to be enough (having grown up around harleys and gsxr's and the like). The difference is all in your wrist. It took me a good month or two to build up the confidence to peg the throttle and go, and that was only on a straight, totally empty highway. I've not ridden a ninja, or any other smaller displacement bike, but maybe someone can comment on the quality of parts?? I knew Ducati was known for making an exquisite bike that would probably be a lot more accepting to my burbles and errors than maybe some other bike.
I looked at the order of things this way. Shopping, buying, riding (for however long), selling (big pain in the ass imho), shopping, buying, riding. There are four steps in there you could easily eliminate. I have an 05 S2R 800 and it pains me to think about owning anything else. In the defense of the ninja, it does get a heap better gas mileage (I didn't buy for mileage) and when (not if) you pick up your monster, you can have it as more of a bright and shiny day rider and keep it clean or mod the hell out of it while you still ride the ninja around town. If your'e really nervous about owning such a nice bike and potentially damaging it, you may want to get something used. I've found having enough confidence to ride (second of course to overall mileage and experience) makes a big difference in how you fair on the road, at least as far as crashing, dropping it etc...
I can't tell you not to buy the little bike because it sounds like a great idea. Just giving you the perspective of someone who went the opposite way and never EVER regretted it.
Quote from: Adamm3406 on July 14, 2008, 09:22:29 PM
As much as I want to pick up a Monster as soon as I get back stateside, I think I've reconsidered... but only for a little bit. I don't have very much riding experience, but took the MSF course over three years ago. I plan on taking it again as a refresher course in a few months, and would probably be just fine but I want to increase my riding skill a bit more before I sink the cash to purchase my dream bike.
I'm looking at picking up one of the 250cc Ninjas, to tool around on for a while, to get used to riding again. I haven't decided how long I'll wait before picking up the new Monster (if I don't buy it first anyways ;D ). I've heard they're pretty fun to ride, and great to learn on.
I would love to get the Monster first, but being in the Army is dangerous enough, and I have a wife and a newborn to worry about, so it might be better if I get the Ninja to train on first. Besides, if I crash a Ninja, who cares? [laugh] On the flipside, broken Monsters look really sad. :'(
Any thoughts or advice (insults are welcome too)?
I just bought an S4R about a month or so ago. My first bike. i really never even rode a street bike till I got on the Monster. It is an easy bike to ride and should not be a big deal for you. Just get what you want. Its only going to go as fast as you twist the throttle. I grandma mine around still and still have a great time riding.
Get your monster
For those guys saying the 250 is too small for someone of your size.
I am 6' and 235 (with full gear). It moved me just fine. It was actually more fun on quite a few of the goat trails than my S4R. I would love to buy one.
It's a great starter bike-I can't say enough good things about it. Get the 250-learn to ride well. It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow :)
Quote from: someguy on July 15, 2008, 05:15:43 PM
I am 6' and 235 (with full gear). It moved me just fine. It was actually more fun on quite a few of the goat trails than my S4R. I would love to buy one.
Touche honkey. Touche
buy a couple year old ninja 250 or suzuk gs500, you can ride it for six months or a year and get basically what you paid for it. Cheaper by far then having to fix damage from dropping a monster.
Chris
Consider a Hyosung GT250 Comet. It's a naked that's a little more Monster-like than the Ninja and cheaper to boot. They sell like hotcakes so the resale market should be decent if you go new, and you should be able to find a used one if you look around. I'd rather drop that a few times while getting comfortable and confident on the street then get the Monster.
One of the smartest new riders ever.
Get a smaller bike, and beat the snot out of it. Honestly I am thinking of picking up a 250 or similar just for that purpose, and I ride a CBR 1000 RR.
Big bikes are for big rides, if you are on a base, or local that little bike will be a blast.
Learn how to get the rear out, how to trail brake into a corner, get real good at it, then move up - you will outride anyone on a liter bike with that kind of experience, and you will be safer.
Also please wear your gear.
Quote from: Adamm3406 on July 14, 2008, 09:22:29 PMI've heard they're pretty fun to ride,
You've not been misled.
Besides, imagine dropping an immaculate new Monster, and getting a repair bill the size of a nice used 250 Ninja.
Quote from: ODrides on July 15, 2008, 05:13:32 AM
<drill sergeant> Holy s---! You'd better be working in g.d. army intelligence! That's the smartest f'in thing I've heard come from the military in a long damn time! Get comfortable on a cheap ride before diving in head first?! That's some genius s---! We need more smart sons of b's like you, Adamm!
Actually, I am in the MI field. [laugh] For those of you with insults, I used the title "Does this make me a pussy..?" not to gauge public opinion, but as a hook to get more people to read this post. I understand the logic behind getting a smaller bike to learn on, and in no way think that riding a 250cc motorcycle around a military installation (though I will probably get a few laughs and jeers) means I'm a pussy. And yes, I know I put out that insults were welcome, and I am not offended in the least.
The recommendation to test ride both of them was something that I didn't consider and is great advice. I plan on taking the MSF course again before I purchase either bike. If I do buy the Ninja, I was looking at the new 2008 model, just because I might decide to keep it around for various reasons (i.e. wet weather bike, something to ride while the Monster is being modded, etc...).
A further question that I have, is whether or not I could trade in the new Ninja when purchasing the Monster, or would I be losing money?
My next door neighbor signed up for the MSF course and he has a used 250 he just bought sitting in the garage.
Not a a bad decision for a kid right out of High School. He did his research and didn't let his friends who have much bigger bikes talk him into a R1
This also makes me really happy since I have a 250 to ride now ;D [thumbsup]
you will always lose money when you trade any vehicle ever
Quote from: x136 on July 15, 2008, 07:22:20 PM
Besides, imagine dropping an immaculate new Monster, and getting a repair bill the size of a nice used 250 Ninja.
I dropped my Monster and got a repair bill that would have bought a NEW Ninja and left some change.
Quote from: Adamm3406 on July 15, 2008, 07:37:45 PM
A further question that I have, is whether or not I could trade in the new Ninja when purchasing the Monster, or would I be losing money?
They are such a hot item right now, you should go the ebay or CL route.
I would consider buying the Suzuki 500F instead of the ninja 250. That was my choice for my first bike and I loved it. Never dropped it, very nimble and will not get you in trouble.... and it is a good looking bike too... sort of like a GXR600's little brother. You will outgrow the 250 after 1 month guaranteed. You will want to keep the Suzuki for about a year before you want more juice or are skilled enough to squeeze more out of it. If you decide to go that route... DO NOT TEST RIDE A MONSTER UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO BUY ONE... otherwise.. you will want to immediately get rid of whatever bike you have to get the Duc. That's what happened to me.. the torque and riding experience of these bikes is an addiction.. I think I need my daily dose right now.. [thumbsup]
I had this dilemma and ended up saying "eff you" to the Ninja and buying a S2R 800. Best decision ever.
If you can control your right wrist, well then you are fine my friend.
Quote from: zvezdah1 on July 15, 2008, 05:59:05 PM
buy a couple year old ninja 250 or suzuk gs500, you can ride it for six months or a year and get basically what you paid for it. Cheaper by far then having to fix damage from dropping a monster.
Chris
I've ridden a gs500 as well and that bike is a ton of fun, also took my Motorcycle Safety course on one and it manuevers a lot like a monster, solid and plenty of go and a lot cheaper if you drop it too. I've actually considered buying one and using it as a commuter. Another one I'd consider is a bandit 400, even has a trellis frame.
I am hearing a common thread here...Get the 250 to learn, as it will be safer? Just remember...it is not the bike that is safe, it is the rider. I understand the concept, but don't underestimate the power of a 250...going down @ 45mph on a 250 feels the same as going down @ 45mph on a bigger bike. It is up to the rider to be safe...
Having said this, it is lighter and more forgiving. Just don't ever think it is not as serious as being on a bigger bike.
Thanks for your service, and get home safely!
If money is not a problem then get the 696
...but...being that you are just starting a family and have a new born.. I would really give it a second thought.. I mean, considering the fact that riding is a dangerous sport and god forbid something happens to you and you leave your baby behind.. Not that being in the army is any safer, but when you come back in one piece, which we all hope will be the case, you have an opportunity to play the safe card ...
The first time you drop that 250 in the garage because you thought the steering wheel lock wasn't on, or you thought the kickstand was down, you'll thank god you didn't just dent the $1600 Ducati tank
You should probably not be such a twat and get a real bike. A Hayabusa and a matching helmet for the side of the bike.
Rode the 250 a whole bunch for a year, never dropped it. Rode Monster 3 months dropped it. :P. Get a used cheap 250 or get the Monster and take it easy. Most importantly get the gear. Meh, its possible for the bike to get wrecked no matter how bad ass you are or aren't and no matter how easy you take it.
That being said, if the 250 wasn't so ugly I would have never gotten a different bike. I had a lot of fun riding it. Riding a small bike fast is way better than a big bike slow. Kind of what makes the MINI fun as well.
Quote from: julianista on July 15, 2008, 11:18:46 PM
I would consider buying the Suzuki 500F instead of the ninja 250. That was my choice for my first bike and I loved it. Never dropped it, very nimble and will not get you in trouble.... and it is a good looking bike too... sort of like a GXR600's little brother. You will outgrow the 250 after 1 month guaranteed.
So....have you actually ridden one?
The money isn't really an issue. I'm in the process of changing jobs which when complete, should throw 15 to 18k my way. I plan on using the money to pay off the car I just bought, as well as whichever motorcycle I plan on purchasing (car is a 2008 Ford Focus for my wife). That way I won't have any car or bike payments. Since the military pays for housing, the only monthly bills I'll have then are gas, insurance, and groceries.
For general information, I already have boots, gloves, and a two-piece textile set from a few years ago when I rode. I plan on picking up a new helmet and possibly a set of leathers. ATGATT. 8)
I really appreciate all of the advice. I'll keep you guys posted of how everything turns out.
There are several factors you should be looking at
1) Bike cost (ok so no issue for you since you're getting the bonus)
2) Insurance cost (this will be a monthly cost, depending on your rank could be an issue)
3) Skill (whether a 250 or Hayabusa, if you don't ride well you'll have a tough time)
4) Long term desire (will you wake up 6 months from now and wish you had bought something else?)
My advice, get a 696. The breakin period is a good learning curve for you too. The cost isn't unreasonable and the insurance is low (USAA through Progressive). It's light, easy to handle and I expect will grow with you better than the 250 and won't be off the learning curve in the beginning like the bigger Monster.
Honestly, I had a 99 M900 and it was the wrong bike for my first street bike. I originally wanted a SS750 but was 'convinced' into buying the M900 for the 'deal' and told i wouldn't outgrow it. Well I always felt like I was along for the ride, wondering if I could keep the front end planted and eventually had a tank slapper at 70. The new 696, feels SOOO much better planted, lighter, smoother, and has enough power still.
Either way, always wear the gear. In OK, there's no helmet law and I see these guys all the time riding without one. Well I didn't expect my fall and without the helmet, my head would have been split open as I ended up on my head and elbow.
Be safe and enjoy which ever bike you purchase.
I'm curious, how many of you advising against the Ninja 250 have actually had one?
Quote from: msincredible on July 16, 2008, 04:30:11 PM
I'm curious, how many of you advising against the Ninja 250 have actually had one?
I for one never had one but I advised him to get the 250. I really like the little Ninja, both the old and new versions. Whenever
I see a used one for sale I'm tempted to buy it. I have even considered buying one for my Daughter. She is in College and lives 4000 miles
away. She could ride it once a year when she comes to visit and I could take it out every other day, just to blow the dust off for her ;)
I'm also thinking my daughter may need a new 1098 which I will also keep dust free for her.
I never owned the 250, but I rode one before I decided to purchase the Suzuki 500f. I was fresh out of MSF when I did.. and it felt too small. The Suzuki although it is bigger, was very polite and easy to handle. Plus it looks a lot better too [thumbsup] The Ninja will be a good choice for shorter legs for sure!
Quote from: julianista on July 15, 2008, 11:18:46 PMYou will outgrow the 250 after 1 month guaranteed.
Is that a money-back guarantee? :)
Quote from: akmnstr on July 16, 2008, 04:41:40 PMI have even considered buying one for my Daughter. She is in College and lives 4000 miles away. She could ride it once a year when she comes to visit and I could take it out every other day, just to blow the dust off for her ;)
Now
there's a plan!
Quote from: julianista on July 16, 2008, 04:45:50 PMI never owned the 250, but I rode one before I decided to purchase the Suzuki 500f. I was fresh out of MSF when I did.. and it felt too small.
Assuming you're talking size-small (not power-small), how tall are you and what's your inseam? At 6'2" with a 35-ish inch inseam, I find the 250 to be pretty comfortable, even on extended trips. (Not saying you're "wrong" or anything, just curious what the limit might be.)
I'm not advising against the 250, i've advising towards a Ducati !!! as we all should ;D
But if you really want a fun city bike that will thrill even at low speeds try an Aprilia RS50. Talk about 5 speed high reving fun and light as hell. Just can't go highway unless you get the bore kit and gear it differently. BUT if i could have fun just for commuting... i'd take it. The key here is it's another Italian. No offense, but what are Ducati riders doing advising a guy to buy a Ninja!
+1 vote for teh 250.
I miss mine. Im 6-3 215 with gear and it ripped pretty good for a first bike.
Get one [thumbsup]
i'm all for the 250 as well as the 696.
i'm just against asking the internet if you're a pussy.
Let's get some numbers out of the way here.
M900:
407.9 pounds
78.00 HP
P/W ratio:0.191
696:
355 lbs
80 hp
P/W ratio:0.225
Ninja 250
304 lbs
36hp
P/W ratio:0.118
2008 Corvette:
Curb Weight: 3217 lbs.
430 hp
P/W ratio:0.133
Anyone notice anything? One of the "slow" bikes has a power to weight ratio that's not far off from a fairly fast car. Let's also notice that while quite a few of us learned on old 900's, 750's etc, the 696 is considerably faster. Bottom line, the ninja should move along quite nicely.
The only consistent statement I really hear about the 250 (from people who have actually ridden them) is that they wish they had never sold theirs. It's a great bike.
BTW, Gary Jaehne, a California racer (AMA, AFM, etc.) who is also an author (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Gary%20S.%20Jaehne), seems to really like his Ninja 250:
Gary's Ride Report 1 (http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236881)
Gary's Ride Report 2 (http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237001)
Gary's Ride Report 3 (http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237209)
Gary's Ride Report 4 (http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237746)
Quote from: msincredible on July 16, 2008, 04:30:11 PM
I'm curious, how many of you advising against the Ninja 250 have actually had one?
The guy asked for opinions (based on their own experience and reasoning proccess)and that's what he's getting. He didn't stipulate that you had to have owned a ninja 250 or any other small bike. Actually, he asked if we thought he was a pussy. He could have set up a poll or just asked for a "yes" or "no" but he left it wide open.
I don't think he's a pussy for considering his options, that makes him smart and ahead of the game, but the people here are right, he is implying that he wants us to make a decision for him without knowing much about him or his personality (will he be cautious, alert, use self control, etc...).
That has me leaning toward pussy. [coffee]
Get opinions that you value and/or trust then make your decision ON YOUR OWN based on what you hear and how it applies to you, not whether we think owning a NINJA 250 makes you a pussy (which it does ;D ).
People look at things with different lenses. I don't need to own a ninja 250 to know that I don't want to (have ridden one several times). Last time we road with a friend that had a ninja 250 it was not fun for him. He is a somewhat experienced rider but thought that the ninja would be a good 1st sportbike, so he bought one new. During the course of our ride in the Napa and surrounding area, he was passed regularly by small trucks and other cars, and was always behind us trying to keep up. He did not have the confidence or power in his bike to pass even when it was safe to do so. IMO, that makes any bike and rider dangerous and unsafe. We had to stop and wait for him OFTEN. Needless to say, the next week he traded the ninja in for a.................cruiser. :-[ He did not have fun and thought that sportbikes weren't for him based on his experience with an less powerful bike. since then he has ridden my S2R and thought it was awesome, and is reconsidering the whole sportbike thing. Thankfully!
The simple fact that he is a member of the board (that we are glad to have, Ducati or not) shows that he likes the ideas, values, lifestyle etc. of ducati owners.
So why get a Ninja?
He should be looking at a smaller italian bike like the Aprilias (cut from the same cloth as ducs) that could be turned into a track bike later to save money and get great experience on. More expensive than a ninja but think about the response he'll get next time he pulls up to ride with ducati owners.[thumbsup] That comradery seems to be something he and many others here cherish. Try doing the same with a ninja of any size. [roll] [puke]
He can get a smaller monster or aprilia for a few thousand more, as has been said, save himself the time spent on a ninja, as well as the humiliation, and then when he gets to be a better rider he can look back with fond memories that he started on an italian bike, not a squidrocket. [laugh]
Whatever he decides to do is cool and we would ride with him anyway, but why do something rash that he'll regret later? [laugh]
Like others have said: get good gear (and use it ALL the time),be smart, cautious, and take it easy on any bike until you're a better rider. Also, ride with good, safe riders, Ducatistas or not, and stay away from idiot, careless riders, Ducatistas or not. You'll ride like the people you're with, that's the way we tend to be, especially as a new rider. That's a fact, count on it...
As we all know, the bikes we ride are'nt bought simply based on their size or our experience, but on many factors. Think it through and get what is right for you, no matter what we say or call you!
Hope all turns out well,and let us know what you decided to do! [beer]
BTW, I think the username PUSSY is still available. You should snap it up while you can. ;D
AND, msinc, thanks for your positive input on the board, it usually is well balanced (if at times a little motherly) and informative. ;)
sounds rather senisble.
Makes a refreshing change.
anyone else remember the knob end for tob who proudly posted that he had just totalled his second s4r in as many months?