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V-Star 650 or Ninja 250 Dilemma

by Tina
(PA)

I completed my Motorcycle Safety Course in Oct 2010. That same month, I went out and bought a 2006 V-Star 650. Beautiful bike. I then took it to the parking lot a time or two before the Winter started (knowing I wasn’t ready for the road). Now that Spring is here, I have had the bike out to the parking lot and then around a 3-mile loop in my neighborhood. For those of you that have had a 2006 V-Star, you may be aware that the clutch on the bike is horrible. There is no friction zone. It is all or none. Well, last week I was trying to leave my driveway (which is up hill). I stalled the darn bike 3 times and then, as I thought I was moving, it stalled again and I lost balance. The bike was going to the left and I had no way of stopping it, so I gently laid it down (no damage thankfully). I now have the clutch adjustment kit on order. I will have this part tomorrow.

In the meantime, I have been wondering if I would be better off with a lighter bike. I am 35 years old, 5’2, 115 lbs, and I have arthritis in my hands, so my strength isn’t the greatest. I have had this fear that the V-Star is just going to be too heavy for me to safely handle. My question is, should I look into a Ninja 250 or keep trying to conquer the V-Star 650? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

Comments for V-Star 650 or Ninja 250 Dilemma

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Jun 16, 2011

Ninja 250
by: Angie

Tina: Try the Kawi Ninja 250. I too am 5-4", 120 lbs., 50 years old (in 2 months) & have arthritis as well...not to mention lupus & a few others. Regardless, I LOVE my little Ninja. It is so easy to ride, and the clutch is a piece of cake. I can also tell you that the way it corners will in no way compare to a V-Star. My little 250 has gone everywhere with me. I've ridden it out of state a couple of times, on poker runs, etc., and that little bike just goes & goes. Plus...I get about 65 mpg in the wind even. If you don't know Nebraska, it is always windy!!! Good luck. Whichever bike you choose, it's just good to ride.

Jun 11, 2011

Oil clutch cable to make clutch easier to use.
by: Les S.

Hey Tina,

I think you should go to an empty parking lot and just practice starting out over and over. Keep doing it until you feel comfortable.

Also oiling the clutch cable will probably make the clutch lever a little easier to pull in. Just remove the cable from where it attaches to the clutch lever on the handlebars and about 40 drops of 3-in-1 oil should do it. Then re-oil it every few months.

If you are thinking of a Ninja 250, I think you should test ride one, or at least go sit on one.

May 12, 2011

Kawi 250 Ninja
by: Angie

I am 49 years old, 5ft 3in and about 115 lbs., and I also have arthritis in my hands. I bought my first bike in 2009, and I purchased a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250. My husband put a lowering kit on it so my feet would touch the ground flat, and then he installed handlebar risers to raise the bars about an inch, so it alleviates some of the weight on your wrists. I absolutely LOVE my Ninja. It is such a smooth ride, corners like you wouldn't believe and is the perfect size for me....and it's not so heavy that I can't handle it. I've been on poker runs, vacations out of state, and have absolutely no problems with the bike. I keep right up with the rest of the guys. The get up and go might not be as quick as some of the bigger bikes, but once you hit about 7 grand, this little bike goes! Since it's water cooled, my little bike can go all day on the highway and not have any problems. The Ninja 250 is Kawi's #1 selling bike. While I still consider myself a "newbie" and will keep my bike for a couple more years, I am already looking forward to maybe moving up to the next size for my next purchase. I would recommend the Kawi 250 to anyone who is just beginning to ride!

Apr 28, 2011

I have 2 Vstars
by: vstargirlnc

Hi, I have two 2005 650 Vstars-one is a Custom and the other a Classic. I've had a 1200 Harley Sportster and an 800 Suzuki Intruder in the past.

I have no problems with the Vstars. I am 5'6'' and about 150#. I think you can get used to it with practice. uphills are tough when you are first learning the clutch.

Keep working at it. I love my bikes! good luck!

Apr 18, 2011

Many Thanks
by: Tina

I want to thank all of you for your advice! I have purchased the adjustment kit which has made a world of a difference with the friction zone. Unfortunately, it has been raining and I haven't had a chance to take it out yet, except in my driveway.

In the meantime, my husband is really encouraging me to look at a Vulcan 500 (or something similar) to overcome my fear. He can see my apprehension when I sit on my bike (again, just in the driveway).

Thank you once again! I look forward to being able to ride next to my husband someday and to conquering this mission of mine.

Apr 14, 2011

V Star Clutch Adjustment
by: Liz

Hi There,

I have a 2002 V star 650. I started riding last fall. I too have problems with the clutch and I have thought about trading it in because I keep stalling, which is not exactly a confidence booster, especially as I am new to riding. After an exhaustive search, I found a "clutch kit" which seems to work. It is called The Clevver, specifically developed for V Stars and is available on E-Bay. I just had it installed and I can definitely feel a difference. I have only ridden a couple of times around the neighborhood so far this year but the friction zone is larger and I can actually feather the clutch without straining my hand, helping me to practice tighter turns in the cul-de-sac. You may want to look into The Clevver, if you enjoy riding your V Star before trading it in.

Apr 14, 2011

I agree with Veronica.
by: Wanda

I think Veronica is right, that you should have the bike that you are comfortable with. I don't know anything about the V-Star, but it sounds like it is harder to ride than some other bikes. The Ninja 250 might be right for you right now, but I know you will be able to ride a 600 cc and above in no time. Sounds like the Vulcan might be good for you. Another suggestion is the Triumph Bonneville. You might also consider the BMW lineup. The BMW G650GS and the F800ST are easy to handle bikes. The BMW G650GS is even on the Learner Approved Motorcycles List (for states that have that list), and it has plenty of power for highway riding too.

Apr 13, 2011

OMG!!!
by: veronica

i posted the exact same problem last year when I traded 'up' from my Rebel to a V-Star. I loved the looks of the Vstar...it was HOT; however, there wasn't a friction zone, and the throttle was massive. I kept stalling again and again and again. I did not like the way it turned and I just did not like it. Many people told me to keep trying, that I would adjust but I could not. I traded the Vstar in and got me a Vulcan. I love this bike. I rode it straight home from the dealer...alone...and I love it more and more each day. I am a tall girl and pretty strong so the size of the V tar wasn't the issue...it was just everything else.

You have to do whats best for your comfort. If you are in doubt get the Ninja for now. My gal pal has one and loves it. If you have doubts about the Vstar...don't do it!!! I had a helluva time taking that bike back to the dealer.

Apr 12, 2011

You Can Ride the V-Star
by: Wanda

Tina, with sufficient lean at a dead stop, all bikes (except for dirt bikes maybe)are too heavy for anyone to hold up (man or woman. Keep it straight up, unless you are moving along. If you want to get a Ninja 250 to ride until you gain confidence, I think that would be fine. I wouldn't be so quick to sell the V-star, though. Hang onto it for 2 or 3 months while you practice on the Ninja, and then see which one you want to sell. I have a sneaking suspicion that you will tire of the Ninja 250 pretty quick. The Ninja would probably help you develop your skills more quickly. I was scared when I started riding. You will be scared. It is natural. Let fear guide you, but don't let it stop you. If you will just ride, and keep riding as often as you can, you will improve, and one day you won't be so scared anymore. Some fear is good; for instance, you should never lose the fear that someone will pull out in front of you, because if you ride enough, people are going to pull out in front of you, and you need to be able to maneuver, downshift, and brake in a controlled way to avoid these hazards. I can do it, and you can do it. Sometimes, we have to stop analyzing so much and just give ourselves permission to succeed. I ride a BMW G650GS, my first and only bike, and I dropped mine almost exactly the same way you did with no damage. It's good to get that first drop out of the way. I'm cheering for you. Practice, practice, practice, and ride safe!

Apr 12, 2011

Fear...
by: Sandra

The greatest roadblock to your mastering your V-star would be your own self-doubt. Any time we approach a task that requires us to master a new skill, and all we can think to ourselves is, "I can't; I can't", guess what...we seldom conquer the task.

You are not physically too small to handle your bike, although your hand strength may be a physical hurdle you need to work around w/modifications. If your grips are really tight and the squeezing it takes to engage your clutch or brake are painful, or if your hand fatigues even on short rides holding the throttle controls, a good mechanic may be able to help you adjust your controls for a lighter touch and put on a throttle lock mechanism so you can let go w/your right hand and shake it out once in a while. I am NO mechanic, so I don't know exactly what is possible, but if a car can be modified for physical handicaps, I'm sure bikes can be too! It's just finding someone to work it out with you. Affordability!! A couple of aspirin before your ride may really help the hands, too.

But as for the confidence thing, it's all up to you. Make up your mind, whether you can or whether you can't, and your body will follow your thoughts!

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