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Ninja 650r

F

filamklo

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Joined
Jul 3, 2008
Location
San Jose
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I'm a new rider and a new barfer who just finished their MSF course last weekend.

I was wondering if a 2006 Ninja 650r would be a good, or an okay, choice for a first bike? I'm asking this because I've been reading many forums and many say that starting on a 650r would be a good choice. Also, I've read many articles that say this too. I'm 5'7 140lbs (if that even matters)
 
The search feature is your friend. I've searched and I've seen many threads that are similar, not exactly the same, as this one.
 
filamklo said:
I'm a new rider and a new barfer who just finished their MSF course last weekend.

I was wondering if a 2006 Ninja 650r would be a good, or an okay, choice for a first bike? I'm asking this because I've been reading many forums and many say that starting on a 650r would be a good choice. Also, I've read many articles that say this too. I'm 5'7 140lbs (if that even matters)
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start in 250..if you are absolute new..see the crash analysis post of a guy crashed near dumbarton .. if you are not familiar with what you are doing..it could be disastrous..moreover a 650 to start with is heavy for your size.. i guess its around 360-370lbs..
 
The 650R Ninja is super sweet in every respect that will be important to a high percentage of Newbies and... with what can be sweet for as long as you like.

There is no guarantee that every newbie (or anyone) will have grief free bike experience, but.... if there is grief, it's doubtful if it will be because of the bike, or specific to choosing that bike, instead of some other.

your lucky that this bike is on the market, just when you are entering the sport :)
 
filamklo said:
I'm a new rider and a new barfer who just finished their MSF course last weekend.

I was wondering if a 2006 Ninja 650r would be a good, or an okay, choice for a first bike? I'm asking this because I've been reading many forums and many say that starting on a 650r would be a good choice. Also, I've read many articles that say this too. I'm 5'7 140lbs (if that even matters)
Click to expand...

If you don't mind changing bikes after a couple months, get a used ninja 250 for less than 1500 bucks. Learn on it and sell it for no loss. If you're content on sticking with your first bike for a year or more, the 650R is a good choice. They are both good bikes to learn on, the 650 is better in fact. The 250 is just better to crash, and almost everyone crashes in the beginning. You're on the right track by staying away from the supersports.

Also remember that the 650R is pretty quick. It runs the quarter mile in about 12 seconds flat, this is the same speed supersport 600s were 12 years ago. So just remember that it is still a fast bike but it's not violent and hard to ride.
 
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+1 for 250

Been one a 250 for less than 2 months and I have had my fair share of goof-ups/learning curve.

Had I been on anything heavier/bigger, I would have to pay for errors but on a 250, its been manageable so far. Very forgiving moto.
 
The 650 is a great bike. I would second the thought of a 250 though as well. If you are new to cycles a smaller and light bike would be a better learning platform. Especially if you are planning to ride much in congested area. Learn to ride it well, not just be able to ride it, then with the price of gas and so many new riders I wouldn't be surprised if you sold it for more than you paid for it :cool Then get a 650.
 
The 650R is a great bike, but I like seeing new riders start on something a little older and cheaper. Like an old SV650 you can pick up for $3k or less. If you drop it in the parking lot, who cares? After all, it's an older SV you picked up for $3k or less.
 
The 250 recommendations are excellent as well, because of easing the early moves and I hear there is no loss of $$$ because of the demand for real starter bikes, and, the 250 Ninja is way cool :)

The Newbie dropping theory has merit, but in reality.... when does dropping stop?

I don't know, that's kinda a crap shoot, there :laughing and how soon does freeway travel come in? Frankly, I would choose a 650 from the get-go over a 250, if I entered a freeway.
 
I started my riding experience on a 650R. I was tossing the idea between the 250 and the 650 for the longest time. Many of my co-workers ride and strongly suggested either the 250 or 650R. What made me decide to go with the 650R?!

1. I bought it used, so either way, I would be able to sell it later for close to what I paid for it.

2. I like the idea of fuel injection vs. carburation.

3. Half of my 26 mile commute is on the freeway (this is what pretty much made my decision for me) and I wanted to have some room with the throttle for those "just in case" scenario's when coming onto the freeway. I didn't want to be limited because from what I understood you're pretty much pegging the throttle on the 250 getting onto a swift moving freeway.

4. Yup your gonna drop it, so best to buy used first. I dropped mine the first time I rode because I was so excited to show it to a friend that I totally forgot that I had to put the kick stand down. Just got off of the bike and started towards the door and kaplunk.

650r for me was a very forgiving bike and very comfortable to ride. Stuck in the turns and a real joy to ride.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Everyone's different but here's my .02 :

I am a brand new rider < 2000 miles Finished MSF couple months ago

Bought a brand new 08 650R

I love it, make love to it, and it returns the favor.

I couldnt ask for anything slower/faster FOR ME.

Im 6'4 and I'd be a fat kid on a pogo stick humping a Ninja 250.

My vote - 650R is :thumbup
 
I too started on the 650R, had no issues with it :)
 
Ride a used 250 for a year or so.
Learn to ride before you risk messing up a brand new bike.
MSF is a drop in the bucket of how much you will learn in the next year.
:ride
 
ninja 250 :blah :blah :blah dont listen to it. get a ninja 650!

its the only bike you can get that comes with a stretched swingarm from the factory. :thumbup
 
Well, I have an SV650S. I just started riding just over 5 weeks ago, no prior experience at all. I''m 5'5" and 150 lbs. I am actually fairly comfortable with my bike; however, I have not taken my bike to the twisties yet (hopefully I will this weekend) and with only 700 miles of riding, my opinion does not really count. Just telling you of my experience with a 650.
 
I was also reading that you could put some sort of screw somewhere near the throttle to lower the 650r's power. Is this true and where exactly does this screw go?
 
I was reading about that on another forum. I forgot where it was though. Can anyone on BARF elaborate?
 
jeebus cripes, the bike isnt exactly powerful. there's no need to play with the throttle unless you're a pussy or you have no self control in which case you probably shouldnt even be riding a bicycle.
 
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