Can I get some opinions on beginner Bikes

[airboss]

My just turned 30 something daughter has decided she wants to be a rider. She just got her class reserved for the middle of July, and dear ole Dad has been elected to help her pick out her graduation present. She grew up pretty independent and head strong(totally stubborn), she's already said no cruisers and NO scooters.

I'm thinking about the Ninja 250 or 500, but I need more choices, and an opportunity to spread the blame. <_<

 

[vandy]

You just picked 2 of the best choices.. what size is your daughter?

 

[airboss]

She's 5"2" 110lbs.

 

[HaulinAshe]

I understand the whole image thing, but she really needs to consider the drop factor. I just bought a 2003 Honda Rebel 250 that will undoubtedly bring nearly, if not all that I paid for it in another year, AFTER the GF is done dropping it. There's a lot to be said for dropping a bike that you don't intend to keep, versus dropping the bike you always wanted.

Maybe that concept would influence her decision? Besides, it's a well-documented fact that you rarely wreck the bike that's just plain ugly and well insured.

 

[SkooterG]

IMHO, avoid the 250. Too small and will be outgrown VERY quickly.

As much as I am not a cruiser fan, frankly, they make a lot of great beginner bikes. There are just not alot of the old 'standard' type bikes out there that are good for beginners.

A ninja 500 is not a bad choice. Depending on her height, inseam, and most importanly skill/comfort level, an FZ-6 is a possibility. Then there are the BMW F650GS, or F800ST as possibilities.

And I'll 2nd what monsieur Ashe said. She WILL drop her first bike. Probably several times. A used bike for the first one will hurt a lot less when that eventuality happens.

My g/f Jane is getting ready to replace her first bike after MSF, a 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan 500. It had several dings when we bought it (but still looked quite nice), and now has a few new dings after multiple drops. Will sell it for not much less than we paid for it 8 months ago.

Not sure what to get next. Having trouble narrowing down options.

 

[SkooterG]

At 5'2" that is really going to limit her choices. Frankly, a cruiser with a low seat height is going to be the best option while she is still un-experienced and learning. As a new rider, she will need that added confidence/security that a low seat height and being able to flatfoot both feet will provide.

Besides a cruiser, check out used BMW F650GSs. Neat bikes. One lady completed the last IBR on one!

I still would avoid a 250. Just too small.

 

[FJRay]

My daughter started on the EX500 Ninja and ended up riding it for a long time. They are a hell of a good little bike. A good friends wife is a small lady and she loves her 500 Ninja.

 

[SockMonkey]

My daughter started on the EX500 Ninja and ended up riding it for a long time. They are a hell of a good little bike. A good friends wife is a small lady and she loves her 500 Ninja.

My wife (5'4" / 112lbs) has a '06 Ninja 500R and really likes it, though she's jonesing for the new Ninja 250 because of the sportier styling like its larger siblings. I'll admit it: I test rode the new 250 and had a blast! While it could use a few more ponies to lug my 180lbs around, it sure is fun (and very forgiving) in the tight twisties. Perfect in-town commuter bike, though I'd be hesitant to take it out on a major highway. The 500 on the other hand has plenty of get-up-and-go, and is quite happy at 70 - 80 mph on the highway (oh yeah, and it gets ~48 mpg too).

 

[vandy]

I would say she is right on the borderline. allmost big for a 250 and almost small for a 500.

If your buying a used one the 250 could even be replaced the same year without much of a loss.

And the 500 could could be dropped many times without hurting it too bad..

I just wouldnt replace any fairings on the first drop.

 

[Neil San Diego]

The three most common in the sport bike catagory are Ninja 250 and 500, and the Suzuki GS500.

And since you're still getting suggestions for cruisers (even though you said no cruisers ), don't overlook the Yamaha Virago 250. That's what my wife learned on. Neat little bike for what it is.

 

[SkooterG]

Here ya go. Located in your backyard. Worth a look and to see if she fits on it and likes it.

2002 F650GS on ebay

 

[airboss]

The three most common in the sport bike catagory are Ninja 250 and 500, and the Suzuki GS500.
And since you're still getting suggestions for cruisers (even though you said no cruisers ), don't overlook the Yamaha Virago 250. That's what my wife learned on. Neat little bike for what it is.

Thanks Neil, She said no cruisers, My first choice would have been a Vulcan 750, since I have had a couple of them.

We will be looking for used bikes to start on, I don't want her to drop a brand new shinny, get all bummed out and quit. You know women, emotional and all that. (ducking---running.)

 

[airboss]

Here ya go. Located in your backyard. Worth a look and to see if she fits on it and likes it.
2002 F650GS on ebay

Thanks Scooter, I put a watch on that one, and we have a BMW dealer only 90 mile away.

Seriously we never discussed BMW, I kinda like it (ABS). I'll see what she says. even though I'm sure we're getting into the price range that will require Dad to make a contribution.

 

[chrisflock]

I'd say go for the ninja 250. The original ninja 250 is a perfectly decent bike (my wife just rode hers all the way across the state this weekend for the races at Elkhart lake, and despite the horrid weather, including extremely high winds, she and the bike did fine. A lot of people complain about the suspension, and the suspension will be too soft for the average man, but for a 110lber, I think it will be sufficient for her for at least as long as she'd keep any 'beginner' bike.

And the new ninja 250 really appears to be better in every way than the old model, with nicer looks and slightly better suspension, if it's possible to find one in your price range.

A also think the new ninja 650 is great, but it's extra seat height and weight may make it not an option...

Does she have prior experience on a dirtbike?

 

[DE OPPRESSO LIBER]

Definitely agree with Mr. Ashe and skooterG. My wife learned to ride on a Suzuki GS 450 before she took her MSF class. It was in good shape, but I didn't care if she dropped it, which she did many times until she got the hang of it. When she passed her class, she had a nice Ninja 500 sitting in the driveway waiting for her when she got home as her "graduation present". I then sold the Suzuki for the same price I had bought it for.

My wife is 5'6", 140#, Italian, green eyes, tanned, OH! Sorry, wrong forum! Where was I? Ah, yes. Well, anyway, she loves to ride it. So do I! She is nearly flat foot, which to her is a big deal since she feels it is important to her as far as her comfort level at stops. I agree that the 250 Ninja would be outgrown very quickly.

I would also strongly suggest the BMW F650GS due to it's lower seat height and riding comfort while still maintaining a nice, sportier look than the cruiser styled bikes. I'd like to get one for my commuter bike.

My best suggestion is to set aside a day or two and just go sit on/test drive different bikes. Good luck to her and keep training, no matter what bike she gets!

 

[Docholiday]

You might want to consider a Buell Blast. Good beginner bike and cheap. Should be some used ones around. I like the Ninja 500 also. The Ninja is a bike you can grow with. Very docile at low rpms but has some get up and go at higher rpms. Have her sit on a bunch at the dealers and then scout the ads. She should take the MSF course where they use either the Ninjas or the Buells to see how she likes them before buying.

 

[MojaveFJR]

My GF just bought herself a DR 650. Sweet bike. Doesn't wheelie just yet but it will.

BUT, you daughter is 5'2". Not the bike for her.

As some have said, woudl stay away from the 250. People out grow that bike real fast. Try the rebel line or if that isn't right, let her try out a SV 650S. As long as she show restraint, she will be fine.

 

[weekend rider]

If it were me I would get her a dirt bike and learn to ride it first and take her spills in the woods first . Alot can be learned for riding the woods first than the road.

 

[MotownJJG]

+1 on a Honda Rebel, Nighthawk or similar.

You want to foster confidence, even if she outgrows it in a year or two. Better that than too big a bike and she gets intimidated and never rides again.

I started with a 250 Nighthawk, sold it in a year for what I paid for it, and moved on up. Best new bike for me...