[anuj]

500, and amazing.

If you're larger than 6ft, get the 500. When you want that extra power, you'll get it. But when you're learning, it won't make you fall off the back when you give it a little throttle.

[BCspeed34]

Cool, I am going to head down to my local cycle shop (its an emptied out Home Depot for size comparison) and check some out/test ride one. I have a few extra dirt bikes, and they always like trade-ins over there

[anuj]

Man, it's f*cking sad that it took me over 6 months to find a replacement upper fairing for my crashed EX500. To list all the sh*t f*cked up in that crash:

- Broken upper fairing ($200)
- Broken turn signal ($20 for pair)
- Scratched up exhaust on right side (not being replaced)
- f*cked up mirror ($40 for a pair)

Thank god I found an aftermarket replacement for the fairing so I don't have to drop $700 to get one from Kawasaki.

[BCspeed34]

Damn, what happened?

[anuj]

Lost traction going over a puddle disguised as a pile of leaves. Went to turn and lowsided it.

[BCspeed34]

Damn, the worst I have done is bend the shifter on my 250 doing pretty much the same thing (but on dirt with a dirtbike). I bent the rear brake pedal too when I hit one of those damn ATV paths (with the huge mound of dirt in the center).

[shaboobala]

bump

Yea, I didn't want to make a new topic about this. Anyway, I've made the decision that I'm going to buy a bike. I want a sports bike and I've been told that getting anything above 500 off the bat is dumb. After talking to some people about it I've decided that I want either the ninja 250/500.

I just want some general feedback/advice on the issue. I'm leaning towards the 500 but is there really a significant difference between the 250 and 500 for anyone who knows?

Also again, anuj, if you're reading this; Did you start on your 500 & what was it like learning on the bike? And if you don't mind, where/how much did you get your bike for?

[anuj]

I started on a 500 and it was pretty f*cking easy once I learned how to use the clutch properly. I'm 6'4", 180, so the bike is right about perfect size for me. I tried sitting on a 250 and looked like a f*cking idiot. Not to mention that it was sluggish as hell and about as attractive as Plan C at a bar.

Trust me, if you're even slightly capable you should be fine on a 500 to start. If you're a smaller dude or a girl, then try out the 250 to start. Ninjas tend to retain their value decently so you should be able to trade up without too much loss. If you're anything like me though, after about a year and 5000 miles under your belt you might want a little more bike.

[shaboobala]

QUOTE (anuj @ Aug 26 2007, 14:46)

I started on a 500 and it was pretty f*cking easy once I learned how to use the clutch properly. I'm 6'4", 180, so the bike is right about perfect size for me. I tried sitting on a 250 and looked like a f*cking idiot. Not to mention that it was sluggish as hell and about as attractive as Plan C at a bar. Trust me, if you're even slightly capable you should be fine on a 500 to start. If you're a smaller dude or a girl, then try out the 250 to start. Ninjas tend to retain their value decently so you should be able to trade up without too much loss. If you're anything like me though, after about a year and 5000 miles under your belt you might want a little more bike.

Well I sat on a 250 today, and I've come to the same conclusion as you, there just isn't enough bike there. I'm mostly settled on the 500, I've heard enough good things. Now comes the shopping around. How did you get your bike, a private owner or dealership?

[BCspeed34]

Hey has anyone seen this yet? The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. The biggest change is that it now has the look and fairing style of the more powerful superbikes, yet is suitable for most experience levels. I think I may have to pick up one of these when they come out (MSRP $3500, and cash talks!). After I have had my fun, I'll probably move on to a ZX6R or some other 600-class bike.

[CyberAngel]

How about Triumph Daytona 675?

[Beez]

I'll have been riding for 25 years this year, I guess that makes me old. Good thing is bikes keep you young. I've owned many and ridden many more. Even done a few races, off-road and supermoto. Currently I have two bikes, a 1997 KTM 620 RXC and a 2005 BMW R1200GS.



I am a stong advocate for ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time). I've had my share of crashes but thanks to wearing moto gear the injuries have been minor (with one exception). Better to live to ride another day.

Any of you who are new to bikes have questions, I will be happy to answer them.

[Primer43]

Do you like the BMW? I'd like to get a bike one of these days and that looks very nice.

[Beez]

QUOTE (Primer43 @ Jun 4 2008, 18:50)

Do you like the BMW? I'd like to get a bike one of these days and that looks very nice.

I love it. It's the best bike I've ever owned. Suspension, brakes, torque, comfort handling are brilliant. Horse power could be better. Aftermarket for these bikes is very good. It will eat up highway miles with ease, when the road turns twisty it handles very well and has tons of ground clearance. And if I find a dirt road or trail this bike will handle that as well. I'm not saying it is as good as a sportbike or a dirtbike in those two regards though. Besides it's always 90% rider - 10% bike.

Biggest downsides to the BMW are the price and that I think the engine lacks character. It sounds kinda like a tractor when I take off but it's very quiet once at normal rpm. That's with the stock exhaust. I've heard BMWs with aftermarket exhausts and they just sound louder. I had a Honda SuperHawk and a Ducati Monster and those sounded good, they had character! Triumph triples and Moto Guzzi twins have character. I'm not saying the BMW motor is bad, it is a great motor, it's just utilitarian. It lacks that esoteric character that Harley, Ducati and other motorcycle engines have.

[fuckindumass]

Sold. Had it for 10 years, crashed it once. 82 Yamaha XS650. Doesn't look like what google shows, I customized it. Getting rid of my musclecars too.

[chris cambo]

on topic - sad to see it go?
off topic- which muscle cars are you selling and for how much.

[fuckindumass]

Yeah, sad to see it go. Selling 67 Dart GT with Dual Quad 440, and 73 Dart Swinger with 360 4 speed.
How much, whatever I can get.

[Azazel]

Winner of "MC-Basen Super Challenge":



I don't know much about crotch rockets, just supplying a picture I snapped. Maybe you can have a guess at what kind of bike it is?

[Desmosedici]

could be an r1, cbr, ninja, or gsxr.too hard to tell.

[Fido_SanAndreas]

I am thinking about purchasing a bike, and I am definitley looking at the Yamaha YZF-R1



http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products.../6/0/specs.aspx