to Kawasaki Ninja 250R or not?

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catalystskater

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Hi, I'm 5'10 and 150 lbs. and am looking to get my first sport bike this spring. I'm looking at the Kawasaki 250R seeing as how i am a complete beginner but don't know if i should upgrade or not. I was thinking this way because a) i'm a beginner b) it's pretty inexpensive c) some people say it'll still do everything i need it to do and d) it's a small enough engine for me not to be scared of killing myself on it (i'm a pretty big adrenaline junkie and know if i have lots of extra power i'll use lots of extra power). my friends are telling me no because it's nothing more than a scooter and i'll be wasting my money when i trade it in in a month. they are saying i shouldn't go anything less than a 500 but should be looking at the 650... what do some of you others say. is the 250 a good idea for me or should i just get the 500 and try to keep myself under control?

btw i have ridden my friends 80s 650 (twice) and it's was pretty quick, but have never ridden a 250. i plan on going to a dealer once the weather starts to break but don't really trust dealers to give honest opinions.
 
A 250 Ninja works great in congested cities, but doesnt have power to safely operate on the hiway. It runs 15s, and wont go 100mph. Also at 5'10" it will feel cramped.

Look at the Kawasaki EX500R Ninja and Suzuki GS500F. If you have dirt experiance (that you safely rode your friends suggest to me you do) and you want to spend a little more money, you may want to look into the Yamaha YZF-6R, Kawasaki EX650R Ninja, Suzuki GSX650F, Suzuki SV650, or Hyosung GT650R.

DONOT buy a 600cc Super Sport Race Replica (R6,ZX-6R, GSX-R 600, CBR600RR)
 
The 250 will do everything you want to do until you develop sufficient skills to go bigger. Do NOT go 500 or 650 for a first bike. The very first thing you want to do before buying a bike is to take the MSF Motorcycle Safety Course, it will be the best money you ever spend if you are planning to ride. They furnish bikes for the course and teach you everything you need to know to ride safely. In Texas, and other states I think, graduating from the course counts as taking the driver's part of the test for a license too. The bikes they use are 250s so that will give you an idea as to their ability. One good reason to start out on one is they are light enough for you to maneuver easily and you can practice good skills easily plus they retain their value very well when you decide to upgrade, if you ever do.
 
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