Motorcycle help

[KOPBET]

I'm considering buying one and I would like some advice on some things. I haven't ridden one since I was stationed in Biloxi in the mid 70's.

Since I haven't ridden in a long time I would consider myself back to near beginner stage. And, I have somewhat short legs (5'7").

So ...

I would probably want to look at something with a seat height of maybe around 30-31 inches so I can keep my feet flat on the ground without full extension of the legs. On the lighter side.

Considering something like a Kawasaki Ninja 250. I'd probably buy used but I don't particulary know how to evaluate one mechanically. Maybe new would be wiser?

I want to take the MSF course before any purchase, so I would need to purchase a helmet and some gear but I don't know what to buy or look for. Something DOT of course, but not a $500 CF helmet.

Any thoughts on the above are appreciated. Or you can tell me I'm too old to learn new tricks, quit wasting my time and forget it.

 

[flatwins]

Those Ninja 250s are great machines. As far as gear, I would avoid motorcycle dealers like the Black Plague and go to someplace like Cycle Gear.

Motorcycle dealers are what happens if Jim Jones were to copulate with a cobra snake.

 

[Maverick7340]

My co-worker has a ninja 250. Says its a pain to change the oil since you have to take some of the plastic covers off. Are you really wanting a sport bike?

I own a suzuki C50T. It's a nice looking cruiser, 800cc. I'm 5'8 and the seat is low enough to flat foot it. Check it out and you'll find lots of good reviews. There is even a forum you can join that can answer any question you have.

http://www.volusiariders.com

 

[Preacherman]

I am not sure of your age but that usually determines the style of bike you want. I have bought several helmets from Motorcycle-superstore.com. They always have several on clearance and will save you many $$$$'s.

 

[KOPBET]

Are you really wanting a sport bike?

Not necessarily. Just part of the consideration process.

 

[KOPBET]

I am not sure of your age but that usually determines the style of bike you want.

Having been stationed in Biloxi in the mid seventies, should give you a ball park idea. :-)

I would love to have a 100 hp Monster S4, but I don't think that's in my best interest!

 

[Rez Exelon]

I wound up getting a basic DOT approved helmet basically like this one and was in a pretty nasty wreck where my head bounced off the car. I didn't suffer from whiplash or really any injuries of the head/neck so I suppose it did it's job fine. (Individual results may vary --- I highly discourage having 78 year old ladies pull out in front of you because they didn't look both ways).

As far as bikes go, I'm not a huge sportbike person myself. I've considered a few but never got anything. If you are looking specifically at one, I'd recommend no less than 500cc...it'll be decent power and still give you the mileage that you might be craving. If you are looking at a cruiser, I'd recommend the one I used to have, which was a Honda Shadow 750. You can pick them up reasonable...I think someone has one over in the non-gun classifieds even... and they have solid power and good mpg. I am 5'9" and around 200 and it'd do 90 on the turnpike with no issues.... I don't recommend STAYING at that speed, but I tested to make sure it'd get there.

One last note: I am probably alive because of my helmet, but if I had to do it all over again, I don't think for a second that I would have gone without my riding jacket that day. It was the 31st of July and hot so I didn't wear it, and my elbow is permanently screwed up and I only have about half the normal range of motion in my left arm. So in addition to the helmet, I'd spend the 150 on a good modular riding jacket and some money on gloves, boots etc. I got my jacket at Cyclegear. Especially on something like that I think you have to go to the store to make sure it fits in a way that you like.

Hope that helps!

Oh, and definitely do the MSF....much cheaper and easier than the other options like the Harley store's classes. Plus, they have the bikes, so no bike, insurance trailering the bike over, any of that kind of stuff.

 

[338Shooter]

I have an HJC CL-16 helmet. DOT/Snell M2010 certified. It was under $150 shipped on Ebay. I would get a bigger bike than a 250 ninja. You'll outgrow it pretty quick I think. Not bad bikes, but there are other options. The 500 Ninja is very tame like the 250, but is a little bigger all around. For a sport bike I'd probably consider it. Metric cruiser in the 650 range would also be good. I have a DRZ-400 super moto that I think would make a great beginner bike. It is a little tall though and my wife has trouble reaching the ground. It will go pretty much anywhere and has quite a bit of power but isn't out of control.

 

[IndVet]

Was talking to a guy just yesterday that was riding a Honda CBR250. He said it gets 70 mpg.

If you're looking strictly for commuting and gas mileage, a 250 is a fine bike.

If you think you may like "motorcycling", you'll probably wish you had a bigger motor pretty soon.

You need to decide which it is before buying. I made a slow climb in my 36 years of riding. Started with a 250, then went 550, 600, 750, 900, and now ride a GSXR-1000.

 

[KOPBET]

If you're looking strictly for commuting and gas mileage, a 250 is a fine bike.

If you think you may like "motorcycling", you'll probably wish you had a bigger motor pretty soon.

You need to decide which it is before buying. I made a slow climb in my 36 years of riding. Started with a 250, then went 550, 600, 750, 900, and now ride a GSXR-1000.

Not sure where I want to start. Biggest I've ridden is a 550, but that was 30 something years ago. I kind of have a bug right now and don't now exactly how to squash it. Just looking for opinions, and like you say I would probably wish for a bigger motor real quick.