What to expect?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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What to expect?
All men in my family own motorcycles and after thinking about it for a while, I've decided, I'm the only guy w/o a bike, and I need to fix this. Please excuse the terrible questions I am sure to post here for a little while. I'm reading all I can, so I don't have to ask all the questions that I can. But, I can't seem to find a few answers. So, here it goes:
*I know that 250s are great bikes for beginners, and they get awesome mpg. It just makes sense to get this kind of bike as a college student. But, I'm just curious about a few things. 250s are great driving around town, but what about on the interstate? Will it keep up with 70+ mph diesel trucks and cars on the highway? I saw the speedometer on a bike here on campus and it got up to 130 (Ninja). Could I potentialy go that fast on a Ninja without doing damage to the bike? What is safe speed on one of these on the Interstate. Is it terrible uncomfortable on a Ninja for a 1 hour commute to go home? My dad is talking about going on a 16 hour ride from Arkansas to Florida in the summer. We'll make it in 2 days, but he has a luxury bmw bike (heated seats and all). Do I have anything to worry about? Also, do most dealerships accept payment plans on bikes? Should I just talk to one of these guys for that? I know the startup cost for a Ninja with the jacket and helmet etc. is quite expensive (for a college student).
That's all the questions I have for right now. If someone could help it would be GREATLY appreciated. Oh, I don't know anyone personally who owns a sport bike. I know that classes are offered at the dealership. Is there a average price for one of these classes? My dad recomended finding someone who owned a standard transmission car, learn how to drive that, then convert to a standard transmission bike. Does this make sense, or is there a more logical way to learn how to drive a bike? Thanks!
*I know that 250s are great bikes for beginners, and they get awesome mpg. It just makes sense to get this kind of bike as a college student. But, I'm just curious about a few things. 250s are great driving around town, but what about on the interstate? Will it keep up with 70+ mph diesel trucks and cars on the highway? I saw the speedometer on a bike here on campus and it got up to 130 (Ninja). Could I potentialy go that fast on a Ninja without doing damage to the bike? What is safe speed on one of these on the Interstate. Is it terrible uncomfortable on a Ninja for a 1 hour commute to go home? My dad is talking about going on a 16 hour ride from Arkansas to Florida in the summer. We'll make it in 2 days, but he has a luxury bmw bike (heated seats and all). Do I have anything to worry about? Also, do most dealerships accept payment plans on bikes? Should I just talk to one of these guys for that? I know the startup cost for a Ninja with the jacket and helmet etc. is quite expensive (for a college student).
That's all the questions I have for right now. If someone could help it would be GREATLY appreciated. Oh, I don't know anyone personally who owns a sport bike. I know that classes are offered at the dealership. Is there a average price for one of these classes? My dad recomended finding someone who owned a standard transmission car, learn how to drive that, then convert to a standard transmission bike. Does this make sense, or is there a more logical way to learn how to drive a bike? Thanks!
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 54
From:
RE: What to expect?
Take a motorcycle safety course, you'll learn the controls there. Do not bother to learn to drive a manual transmission/clutch car first. A bike and car require different coordination.
Do a forum search re: highway riding but a Ninja will cruise all day at 70 mph. Comfort depends on you, I find the seat tolerable for a half hour commute but have not gone long distances.
Try to find a used one with low mileage, they're unchanged for many years and have few (no?) mechanical problems, most owners think that they're worth more used than they are. Kelly Blue Book lists price, don't pay any more than KBB..
Gear can be found cheaply at on-line at stores that sell discontinued equipment.
Do a forum search re: highway riding but a Ninja will cruise all day at 70 mph. Comfort depends on you, I find the seat tolerable for a half hour commute but have not gone long distances.
Try to find a used one with low mileage, they're unchanged for many years and have few (no?) mechanical problems, most owners think that they're worth more used than they are. Kelly Blue Book lists price, don't pay any more than KBB..
Gear can be found cheaply at on-line at stores that sell discontinued equipment.
Senior Member
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,281
From: Arkansas
RE: What to expect?
You from Arkansas? Sweet that is where I am from ...or was until about 3 months ago. Now I'm in Northern California.
I have a Ninja 250. I love it. I've been from Little Rock to Fayetteville without pain in my butt. Really seriously easy on the @$$. I've been 120 on my ninja and she still had some get up and go. It will definitely keep up with the diesels trucks and cars. Its a bike and as long as you are out of the "break-in" period (which I'm not so sure about but hey mine was broken in (barely) when I got it). The trip to Florida will be no problem especially since its summer and you won't need a heated seat but just for info I've ridden mine in 35 degree weather and it was cold but not horrible. The number one thing to watch out for is people in cars. People in cars (cages) don't look out for people on bikes.Take a Motorcycle Safety Course which will exclude you from having to take the driving part of the Motorcycle Endorsement test. If you pass the course that is good enough for the state of Arkansas for the driving part (I'm a cop btw...5 years at Jacksonville PD). The written test consists of 10 questions. Its all pretty much common sense questions with the exception ofa couple which you can findin a book that you can pick up fromArkansas State Police Headquarters on Geyer Springs Road in Little Rock. If you decide not to do the motorcycle safety course..which I strongly advise you to take....the driving part is a peice of cake. You have 6 months from the time you take the written testuntil you have to take the driving part...that is 6months worth of practice but MSF course is an awesome foundation to start on.Check Ebay for helmets and Jackets....BUT go to a local bike shop and try on different styles and brands of jackets FIRST, see which one fits you best. Remember those sizes for what brand cause they all fit different...that goes for helmets too. Try Kawasaki Sports Center. 5922 S University Ave Little Rock AR (501) 562-9448. MetricBikes.com which is located off of Arcade Drive in Little Rock. Brand new bikes run anywhere from 3000 to 3500...depending on dealership. I bought mine used and got a great deal ...'04 Ninja 250 with 4000 miles for 2000. So check the newspaper. However a dealership will let you make payments. Take the class they will teach you how to use a clutch
GOOD LUCK MAN and welcome to KF!
I have a Ninja 250. I love it. I've been from Little Rock to Fayetteville without pain in my butt. Really seriously easy on the @$$. I've been 120 on my ninja and she still had some get up and go. It will definitely keep up with the diesels trucks and cars. Its a bike and as long as you are out of the "break-in" period (which I'm not so sure about but hey mine was broken in (barely) when I got it). The trip to Florida will be no problem especially since its summer and you won't need a heated seat but just for info I've ridden mine in 35 degree weather and it was cold but not horrible. The number one thing to watch out for is people in cars. People in cars (cages) don't look out for people on bikes.Take a Motorcycle Safety Course which will exclude you from having to take the driving part of the Motorcycle Endorsement test. If you pass the course that is good enough for the state of Arkansas for the driving part (I'm a cop btw...5 years at Jacksonville PD). The written test consists of 10 questions. Its all pretty much common sense questions with the exception ofa couple which you can findin a book that you can pick up fromArkansas State Police Headquarters on Geyer Springs Road in Little Rock. If you decide not to do the motorcycle safety course..which I strongly advise you to take....the driving part is a peice of cake. You have 6 months from the time you take the written testuntil you have to take the driving part...that is 6months worth of practice but MSF course is an awesome foundation to start on.Check Ebay for helmets and Jackets....BUT go to a local bike shop and try on different styles and brands of jackets FIRST, see which one fits you best. Remember those sizes for what brand cause they all fit different...that goes for helmets too. Try Kawasaki Sports Center. 5922 S University Ave Little Rock AR (501) 562-9448. MetricBikes.com which is located off of Arcade Drive in Little Rock. Brand new bikes run anywhere from 3000 to 3500...depending on dealership. I bought mine used and got a great deal ...'04 Ninja 250 with 4000 miles for 2000. So check the newspaper. However a dealership will let you make payments. Take the class they will teach you how to use a clutch
GOOD LUCK MAN and welcome to KF!
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 38
From:
RE: What to expect?
I've had my 250 for a couple of months. I take it up and down the intersate here in Tampa. It is a little hairy at first, but I ride like they are all out to get me. I cruise at around 80-85 no problem. I'm getting 200 mile per tank of gas. It will get to 100mph with little to no problems. I have found it handles and acceleratesa lot better if you are laying on it and not sitting up, however it is a 250 and is a small bike so laying down for extended time becomes uncomfortable. I have riden it around the bay twice, which is 94 miles interstate driving and my rear end was fine. I will be taking it to Daytona for bike week with some friends with Harleys. I plan on riding the bike there and even going down to the space coast.There has been a few times I was glad I was on a 250 and not on something stronger. The bike is very forgiving when it comes to the throttle and I've been thankful for it. I've only had it for three months and I already want a 600.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1
From: NW IN
RE: What to expect?
a few things
1. MSF
2. ninja250.com(?) or .org , tons of info specific to teh ninja 250
3. great bike, it really is a motorcycle , I bought one to run errands around town
because the kids 50cc scooter is too slow with me on it. they will do over 100 mph
I've seen 110 ( gps)
it will run 70 mph all day long ( @ 10,000 rpm?) redline on my '05 is 13.5k
and the rev limiter hits @ 14.2k
it's the real deal with a tiny motor, it won't beat bigger cc ninja type bikes
but will keep up with if not blow away most all cruiser type v-twins
gas mileage my best tank was over 75 mpg
worst was mid 60s
I bought it from a 60+ yo man that used it to go to the grocery store from the
campground, he sold his boat and then this camper , and had no need for the bike
( thanks to him for the gret job of breaking in the motor as it had 1100 miles on it.)
good luck , great choice
Midskier
1. MSF
2. ninja250.com(?) or .org , tons of info specific to teh ninja 250
3. great bike, it really is a motorcycle , I bought one to run errands around town
because the kids 50cc scooter is too slow with me on it. they will do over 100 mph
I've seen 110 ( gps)
it will run 70 mph all day long ( @ 10,000 rpm?) redline on my '05 is 13.5k
and the rev limiter hits @ 14.2k
it's the real deal with a tiny motor, it won't beat bigger cc ninja type bikes
but will keep up with if not blow away most all cruiser type v-twins
gas mileage my best tank was over 75 mpg
worst was mid 60s
I bought it from a 60+ yo man that used it to go to the grocery store from the
campground, he sold his boat and then this camper , and had no need for the bike
( thanks to him for the gret job of breaking in the motor as it had 1100 miles on it.)
good luck , great choice
Midskier
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 38
From:
RE: What to expect?
ORIGINAL: Midskier
it's the real deal with a tiny motor, it won't beat bigger cc ninja type bikes
but will keep up with if not blow away most all cruiser type v-twins
Midskier
it's the real deal with a tiny motor, it won't beat bigger cc ninja type bikes
but will keep up with if not blow away most all cruiser type v-twins
Midskier
After I read my above post again, I really didn't want to end it with that sentence. I have truly enjoyed my 250 and love riding it every chance I get. My truck doesn't move for days sometimes. If the 250 is going to be your first bike, then it will not disappoint you. I haven't been for one instant.
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