hey all! I'm going to be taking my safety course here soon. I was first looking at the new ninja 250, and from what i've been reading, it looks as if I want to go with the 500, as I have read, I will out grow the 250 in no time. I've read that the ninja 500s are really comfortable and a person can sit upright if he or she decides to do so. Is this true? Further more, will I be able to handle the power that the 500 puts out? I'm a firm believer that sport bikes are not beginner bikes; however, I've been told that the 250 is a great way of starting out. I dont want to spend the money on a bike that i'm going to outgrow in a year or so. Your response will be most appreciated. What are the pros and cons of the 250 and the 500?

 

i started out on a 500, it was fine for me, i cant imagine anything smaller but thats just me. on a side note the 250 will average 75-80 mpg vs the 500 50mpg.

 

I consider the EX500 a starter bike. No you will not have a problem "handling the power".

I have not ridden the EX250, but I have ridden a Rebel 250 and I could not even take off from the light as fast as a small car. It was embarassing. I imagine the EX250 is better as it's probably geared differently than the Rebel, but still I'd be real leary of a 250.

I'd say if you are dead set on having a small bike and enjoying better gas mileage, then you Might be happy withthe EX250. But if you already think the 250 will be a temporary bike, then I recommend you definitely go straight to the 500. The EX500 is very easy to handle. And remember, some MSF courses are taught on 499cc bikes.

The 500 does indeed have avery upright riding position. That's wqhy I got one.

I disagree that sportbikes are not beginner bikes simply because they are sport bikes. Smaller bikes are easier to handle, to some extent. But Cruisers don't give a beginner any advantage over a sport bike IMO.

 

i really appreciate your words! What's the difference between the ex and the r? I hear people talk about the ninja 500ex and the 500r? Thanks!

 

the ex500 is 87-93 ther is 94-current
the ex has 16 in wheels the r has 17 in wheels
ex gearin a lil different the r has slightly different gearing
ex old style 1 plug cdi boxthe r has newer 2 plug cdi box

a few other odds n ends

 

cool, thanks for the help

 

Nice comparison iroc.

Since I have my unlimited license, taking the msf or riding course for a cc range is of no concern for me. So are you limited on your license on what cc's you can ride? Both are good rides, but different states it appears require a certain endorsement for cc's.

Personnally, I want to set up a 250 and do some railing! You did mention that you would out grow the 250. So maybe the 500 is a better start for you.

 

Hmm, I guess I have a 2006 500R.

But somewhere in the paperwork it's called an EX500D.

I'm confused.

 

example: kinda related
The'89 zx7 was an H1, my '90 zx7 is an H2

The '05 zx10r is a ZX1000C, while the '06 is called a ZX1000D

 

Paperwork and whats on the side will always differ a little bit. your's is the 500R, but kawasaki may still refer to it as an EX model, theres really no difference.
As for the 250 or 500 question, get the one you want. You should be able to handle the power, get the one you will be comfortable with. There is nothing worse than signing the papers on something while still drooling over the one that got away. They are both great bikes sit on them both and buy the one that makes you happy.