What bike should I get?

What bike should I get?

by Elisabeth
(Spurger, TX)

I'm a beginner with lots of highway travel to and from work. I want a sports bike and I have heard that a Ninja 250 is the best starting bike. I have a 45 minute commute on the highway in Texas (speed limit 70 but everyone goes 80). I live in the country and I don't have the option to stay on side streets until I'm comfortable. I don't want something with too much power to start off with, but I'm not sure a 250cc will do well. All advice is appreciated.

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What bike should I get?

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Apr 11, 2011

Go Bigger Than a 250
by: nylcaj

I had a Ninja 250 for my first bike. It was great on gas and insurance, but after about 3 months it wasn't enough power or speed. I am partial to the SV650s. Had one for seven years. Plenty of power and speed, good insurance rates, awesome mileage, looks great with the lower fairings, and more comfortable than my supersports....not that I'd give up my R1 ;).

Apr 11, 2011

Bike?
by: Lynn - Florida

If you're planning on commuting, I agree with Wanda on bike selection. I don't think you will be happy with the 250 for long stretches at 70 mph. Shop around for something with a bigger engine that you are comfortable on.

Apr 10, 2011

BMW F800ST
by: Wanda

I recommend the BMW F800ST sport touring bike.

Apr 10, 2011

Ninja 500
by: Anonymous

I have a Ninja 500 and love it. I'm 5'3 but all my height is from the waist up, in other words I have very short legs. It has been a real pain for me to find a bike I like that I can still touch the ground with confidence. The Ninja is just that, I ride it to work I have taken it to Deals Gap NC (Tail of the Dragon). I ride in traffic and on the back roads. I think this bike is just fine for any riding. My husband and I are taking a trip the end of this month and I will be riding it, I expect to put about 1500 miles on it in 3 days. I find it is so much more comfortable for me than a cruiser style, I used one during MSF course and had a backache for a week. Was glad when it was over and could get back on my bike. Also remember if you want to ride sport, buy a sport bike don't let anyone talk you into something you don't want because they think it's better for you.

Apr 10, 2011

Ninja 250
by: Anonymous

I also learned to ride on a Ninja 250 about 4 years ago. I absolutely loved it!! I kept the bike about a year, but very rarely did I put it on the interstate. The bike was so light, I felt like I was blowing all over the road when trucks would pass and I did not like feeling out of control. I eventually bought a HD Sportster.

Yes, I miss my little sport bike, but my goal was to take cross country trips riding my own with my hubby, and you just can't do that on a 250. However, if any bike manufacturer ever makes a sport touring model that my 5'2" frame can get a leg over....SOLD!

Apr 10, 2011

250 Ninja
by: Susan

I bought a 250 Ninja for my first sport bike 2 years ago and I love it. I ride mine to work very frequently (as much as I can) and I ride on a dangerous highway to get there. It has never failed me. It goes as fast as I need it to. I also ride mine on the interstate in the same conditions you described. I can hang with the traffic around me with no problem. I have had it up to 100 in surrounding traffic with some to spare on speed to go faster and it was as stable at that speed as it is at 55. I think its a great first sport bike, but I will eventually go bigger if I can find one I can get to touch on. I'm only 5'2" so its hard to find one short enough.

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