Engine size and performance

Engine size and performance

by LN
(SLC, UT)

I am shopping for a smaller bike and I have discovered that affordable new bikes jump from 250cc to 500 or 600. Whatever happened to sizes between 250 & 500, and is a 250 really not big enough to ride 10 miles each way to work on the highway?

Comments for
Engine size and performance

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Sep 28, 2009

Plenty Fast
by: Bill

I have been riding a 500 Kawasaki Vulcan for at least 2 years now and I can assure you it has more then enough power to keep up with any cruiser on the road or maintaining 75 mph road speed or more depending on your ability, but if you are doubling up on the bike, I can't tell you because I ride myself.

Mar 26, 2008

try frame size for a fit first, not engine size
by: Lauren

On a 2 lane hiway or a freeway ? how much traffic? I wouldnt ride a 250 on a freeway, you dont have power to jump out of the way when some one turns in on you, and they will !! ( the - I didnt see you ! - rule ) If its a 2 lane , not much traffic road, different story.

Lot of people start with a 250 and may use it for a while til they get comfortable and decide if riding is REALLY for them. You ll probably find one cheap. Depends how high Cheap is on your list of proirities.

A Kaw Vulcan 500 is a small bike on a small frame, low to the ground and light. Most will find they will be able to pick it up by yourself when it falls over. You might find one for a comparable price, and will be able to jump out of the way to avoid an accident.

Go to a shop that sells used bikes and sit on a bunch of them, you ll get an idea of what feels right to you. Im not a Kaw salesperson, just have personal experience with that bike.
Welcome Aboard!

Mar 03, 2008

Try a Virago 535
by: Laura

It is a bit larger than the 500, but will give you the power to make it a good commuter, and get excellent gas mileage. I rode mine for over a year, until I fell in love with my Vulcan 800 Classic. Also handles very nicely. Good Luck!

Feb 22, 2008

250 OK, but more horsepower better!
by: Anonymous

I started on a Ninja 250 it was OK riding to work (about 25 miles each way, some highway). But I do think a 500 is better suited if you're not a novice. I did feel like the 250 was pushing it at high speeds. I'm looking forward to more horsepower! Ride what you're most comfortable on.

Feb 20, 2008

What 250 and what road?!!
by: Judy

What kind of road are you trying to ride only 10 miles that makes you think a 250 is too small?
What model of 250 are you referring to, also?

I own several bikes from 55cc to 1000cc (all street legal). Up until last year I owned a '95 Ninja 250 and although it's tuned to have most of its usable power between 5000-10,000 RPM, it had plenty of power to safely and enjoyable run to Seattle on Interstate 5, a distance of 160 miles. This, even with the fact I weigh at least 60-70 pounds more than it's average target rider.

Now, I wouldn't try that on a Rebel or Nighthawk 250, as they are grossly underpowered by comparison, and don't have nearly as good of handling, brakes and overall feel.

Any bike that can do at least 60-70 mph fairly easily, regardless of engine size, should not make you think twice about a simple 10 mile commute on any type of road.

Feb 19, 2008

More power is safer.
by: Joan

I started with a 550 for my first bike. It was not enough power. I traded it in for a Suzuki Intruder 800. The Intruder (now called Boulevard) is a smallish bike (I'm 4'10") with 800 cc. The extra power took very little getting used to and I felt a LOT safer in traffic, knowing I could power out of dangerous situations. I now have a 1000cc sport bike. I wouldn't trade the power for anything less. It allows me to stay away from traffic better. You just need to get used to the throttle on your particular bike.

Feb 19, 2008

Engine Size
by: Cathy G

Hi LN,
I have a Kawasaki Ninja 250 and I drove it on the freeways in Washington DC without any problems at all. With the smaller engine, however, I didn't have much power to quickly accelerate around traffic, so I kept this in the back of my mind when riding. I just bought a Monster 695 and while I'm still getting used to the difference in engine size, I'm feeling very comfortable on the freeways. If you're planning on riding this bike for a long time, I'd lean toward the 500 to 600 because it's always nice to have extra power when you need it. If you're worried about handling a bike with a larger engine because it's heavier or has more power I will tell you my experience has been this:
1. Heavier bike/larger frame- at first, I was a little intimidated by my 695 because it was noticeably bigger. After a few weeks I became very comfortable with its size (I'm 5'2") and weight and now I don't even notice the difference. I didn't do anything special, just spent time on it and after awhile it's size/weight was a non-issue.
2. Extra power- I practiced a lot in parking lots and residential streets to make sure I had a good feel for the throttle and friction zone for my 695. Also, if you haven't taken a safety course, I highly recommend it- you will learn a lot of critical skills.

I hope this helps!

Cathy

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