yo, i'm new to KF. been looking around it for a couple days and signed up today

I've been looking to get a 250 because its a beginner bike and i'm still in my permit stages but im wondering if i'd would suite me or not. so im thinking of getting a 500 for a little more power. I'm 6-6'1 and 250-260 pounds. and my main concern is that with the 250 i'm going to outgrow it way too quick.. but i dont want something id be afraid to ride :\ My cousin was teaching me a little bit on his CBR600 and a little flick sent the rpms really high and it was kinda intimidating o.o
So. my question.. 250 or 500? and Why? please post in detail =) i like to read peoples opinions. and i'd love to see some Pros and Cons for both bikes ^^

sry if this question has been asked before ; ;

Thank you
~Qbert~

 

the 250 is a great starter bike. Thats what I have and started on. You may be a bit big for the 250 though. But then again there is a guy local who is about the same height and weight that has a 250 and he loves it. What kind of riding do you plan on doing w/ it, commuting ( hi way or city) or just riding for fun?

 

exactly, if you do a lot of freeway (so-cal freeways where cars cruise at 90mph) then get a 500. if its just for mostly 70mph or less, go with 250.

 

Thanks for the replies
hmm i guess city riding.. but if i get on the highway i dont want to get killed by fast drivers :P
and isnt it in new 250s i cant go passed 4k rpms for a while? i'll try to get to a dealer today to get a feel for both bikes and see whats more comfortable. how is the maintenance on the 250? and 500 if you know? whats the top speed of the 500?




Thanks!
~Qbert~

 

i took my 250 on the freeway for the first time and i had no problem keeping up with the 75-80mph that us socal people cruise at (when there isnt traffic jams). i weigh about 230lbs and the 250 had no problem shooting me up to 95mph in 6th gear, probably faster if i would have downshifted. the 500 would be a better choice for freeway action though.

 

I frequently travel the hiway, granted, I'm not 230, but the bike will definately keep up w/ traffic. Actually, I'm usually passing them.

 

dude, youre way to big for a 250....not saying it in a bad way, im 6 foot 2 hundo pounds, and i first got a 250 for the same reason you are talking about, lets just say 3 months later i got an 06 zx6r, once you get the hang of riding its great for about a month, (the 250 i mean) but then it gets kinda old, and any guy can tell you that yes fast is an issue, a 500 would be a great starter bike something you wont outgrow for a while ya know, something thats got some *****, NOT SAYING THE 250 DOESNT HAVE *****, it does, but with anyone 200+ it doesnt really have the go....you wont regret getting a larger bike i guarantee it

 

i wish i can upgrade to a bigger bike. even though the 250 might be small and slow, its cheap to have. i dont think i can afford a newer bike right now and i really dont want to buy a used 600cc sport bike.

 

good point, a 250 is not a bad choice if cost is an issue. a 250 is almost like a gs500(factor in the weight) so freeway riding is ok.

 

OK... I'm 59-years-old and back on a bike. I'm 6' and weigh a bit over 210 fully dressed... FOR RIDING! I chose the 250 because I wanted to "re-learn" all that I had forgotten (I still have my MC endorsement but it's been a while). I LOVE this thing and she's been good to me! She is sweet when cruising the boulevard but can be fast when needed or I jump on the freeway. She's happiest on the highways (and the twisties) and humming along at 60 or so. I have entertained the idea of taking those backroads from Spokane to Bellingham to visit my son, and I may yet do that. I spent a day and about 200 miles riding over to and around Lake Coeur d'Alene and that was F-U-N! If you like leaning into corners and scootin' around 30mph turns at 50 or 60, she will do you well. The 250 is a GREAT value... she SIPS gas... stops quick... insurance is cheap... all-in-all a fine "city" or commuter bike. BUT, while she handles the freeway fine, if that's where you're going to spend most of your time then get a bigger/heavier bike. And that's all I have to say about that.