Anyone know a thing or two about motorcycles?

[Rambo241]

I'm trying to decide what I want for my first bike and am stuck between two decisions. At first I was thinking about getting the new Honda CBR250R but after looking over the specs and reading some reviews I am now leaning with the Kawasaki Ninja250R. The things I like about the Honda are: fuel injection, newer design, less weight, better fit and finish. The things I don't like: uses standard bearings instead of roller, lower power, single piston, looks kinda weird, has restrictive exhaust. The things I like about the Kawasaki: proven design, twin piston, better power output, bigger tank, better looks. Things I don't like: older design, slightly lower quality, analog instrumentation, and that it's carbureted. Both bikes come with the same tires. This will be my first on road bike, but I have ridden dirt bikes for a while now. I am usually biased to Honda, but truly just want the better bike to get started on. I appreciate all advice and thanks in advance! :cool:

[Popsickle]

go with the honda you wont be sorry. you can always fix customize things you dont like

[tacticooledc]

I have a couple of co-workers that ride CBR600's. They say they're a pain to work on if you want to fix it up yourself.

Personally, I'm pretty set to get a CBR600 as my first bike- the 250's are cool and all but honestly I don't want to have to upgrade bikes too soon.

If you can take a motorcycle class, should be one at your college. That's how I got my license, the motorcycle course taught me how to ride a bike, with the aide of instructors, and got me ready to take the written portion- no driving in the dmv needed all at the cost of 100-200 bucks.

[JabFynger]

While I've heard good things about both, you can't question the longevity of Honda products- from their cars and bikes to their lawnmowers etc. My first bike was a 1986 Honda XR100, which starts in one kick to this day, after years and years of hard riding. I generally steer people toward Honda if they want something they won't have to replace until they want to. That being said, I have seen some old Ninja's riding around.

[jimnolimit]

my brother has a ninja 250 and he beat the piss out of that bike for many years, it still runs good. Kawasaki has been using that engine for about 28 years, that should tell you something. most people who get 250's will eventually upgrade, so you can always buy a ninja 250 used from someone who's upgrading.

[Nonprophet]

All I can say is I have an uncle who has been a bike dealer for 40 years and bought and sold bikes other than new all of that time and he always said, "If you want twice the bike and half the money of a harley buy a honda! If you want more of everything for less money than anything else, buy a Honda" he knew his stuff, I don't, so I'm gonna go with "what he said!"

[monsterdog]

Honda is proven quality, I believe they make some of the best bikes out there.

Consider something larger than a 250cc that runs at fewer rpms, less trouble - more torque, and you will want something bigger after a few months of riding a 250cc.

[araneae]

Definitely look at something used for a first bike. You will likely want something bigger after you get comfortable, so keep your eyes peeled for a deal and go for it. You'll be kicking yourself if you drop the cash for a new bike and lose half of it next year when you want to trade up. There are deals out there, check Craig's list and the classified ads.

[Piet.S]

Definitely look at something used for a first bike. You will likely want something bigger after you get comfortable, so keep your eyes peeled for a deal and go for it. You'll be kicking yourself if you drop the cash for a new bike and lose half of it next year when you want to trade up. There are deals out there, check Craig's list and the classified ads.

Sound advice, you will need money for your gear too.

[gac]

Take the MSF beginner course and then buy a bigger bike than a 250. You'll quickly outgrow the 250 and want more power. My first bike was a 1980 CB750 and I adjusted fine to the size and weight. There are plenty of bikes in the 600 CC range.

If you buy a used bike get a newer one and don't buy a bike with modifications like exhaust or jet work on the carbs. There is no telling if the work was done correctly and the bike ridden too hard.

Also avoid any bikes with new body panels or a paint job since it's a red flag for possible crash damage.

[jimbo@stn24]

Three things to remember as mentioned to myself from an old biker (Mick);

1) If you can't drive a car there, don't ride there either, think of the bike as any other motor vehicle,

2) Never trust anyone other than another motorcycle, people in cars will look in your eyes, and then pull out in front of you (not on purpose - they just don't seem to "see" you),

3) You'll scare the **** outta yourself, twice, once because you don't know what yer doing, the next time will be because you thought you knew what you were doing.

Hope this helps, I know it did for me, and yes, all three were definetly true.

[JT]

Honda is proven quality, I believe they make some of the best bikes out there.

Consider something larger than a 250cc that runs at fewer rpms, less trouble - more torque, and you will want something bigger after a few months of riding a 250cc.

+1

Had a small 440cc Kawa custom, now ride a 600cc Honda. If you dig dirt bikes, get a dual sport. Mine is a Honda Transalp.. :cool:

Also check out http://www.advrider.com/forums/ lotsa info and cool stuff :D

[LDB]

There are a lot of good lightly used bikes for sale by people who didn't like riding and are disposing or people who love riding and are upgrading. You should be able to get your local mechanic to check a used bike for you for a nominal amount. You can probably save 1/3 to 1/2 that way and be in a better position to upgrade if you really like it. Good luck.

[Menace]

Don't necessarily view the carburetor as a con. Yes, they are confusing as **** when you start working on them but once you tear it down a couple of times it will "click" and you'll be able to tune it in your sleep. There's plenty of info out there regarding them. Also, a carburetor will provide a little more get up and go in the lower power band.

I ride a Honda VLX600 which is carbureted and I have a buddy who rides a Kawasaki Vulcan 883, which is fuel injected, and to be completely honest with you, rather lackluster and a little boring, like riding a couch. The fuel injection makes things very smooth, but when you roll on the throttle it feels like nothing's there, it'll catch up with your wrist eventually but the acceleration is so smooth it feels rather lacking.

Now my 600 carbureted bike can be cruising at 75 mph and when I roll on the throttle it'll take off. Despite the rather small engine size for a cruiser, that carburetor lends itself to a very punchy torque band.

And I also second, third and fourth the suggestion of taking the motorcycle safety class, you'll learn things you thought you knew, but were actually wrong about.