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Ninja 250 or 500?

Whatever you get, make sure it runs well, else you'll be paying more than you thought. I got a gs500 as my first bike, but was really looking for either the gs500 or the ninja 500. They're similar enough. Buy the one that looks good to you.
 
well i prefer the 2008+ ninjas, but theyre pricey. more than im willing to pay for something i might drop. the older GS500's looks a lot nicer :)
 
The EX250 and 500 are liquid cooled. The GS is air cooled, so take that into consideration with your riding style.
 
StevenDavisFoto said:
not quite sure what this means and how it affects my riding. can u explain?
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I think he means that if you often sit at lights or in traffic, the liquid cooled would be a safer bet. I've ridden my gs500 last week in the 100 plus heat in traffic and all seems well. I'll throw this out. Air cooled means simpler design, less to break.
 
EX500 is an excellent motorcycle. I think it is the best starter bike due to it's exellent and flexible engine (much better design than the GS500 museum mill). From idle to about 6500 rpms the EX motor is a big weedy scooter engine. After 7k rpms (and to the 11k redline) the motor springs to life and really pulls hard -- very satisfying. So a newb can tool around all day in the low rpms, learning how to ride. Then, after gaining some experience, that same new guy can start to explore that fun burst of power above 7k rpms.

I've owned six since 1994. Bombed up and down manhattan, drove to florida, raced nhis and everything in-between. I have a 1987 in my garage right now with 60k miles on it -- bought as a junker on eBay for $150. I love these bikes!
 
Just a question StevenDavisFoto. How tall are you? Random, but let me explain. I'm around 5'6" and I fit my '09 Ninja 250 like a glove, some of my taller friends, however, say it's very uncomfortable. I would do like some people have said and go to a dealer and sit on some bikes, see which you like.
 
dvorak said:
Just a question StevenDavisFoto. How tall are you? Random, but let me explain. I'm around 5'6" and I fit my '09 Ninja 250 like a glove, some of my taller friends, however, say it's very uncomfortable. I would do like some people have said and go to a dealer and sit on some bikes, see which you like.
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i'm 5'8, so not that tall for a white guy ;) i'm gonna hit up east bay motorspots and sit on some bikes tomorrow. dont think ill buy there since i've heard bad things, but it's a big store with a lot of selection.
 
I know what you mean about the older stylings of the 250, but since getting mine I actually prefer it to the new look.
 
The classic 250 pre 08 is a great bike and can be had at a much better price than the newer styling. Insurance will be cheaper and parts are very abundant.
 
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