Motorcycle.com

Admiral_Nub · 06-01-2009, 09:23 PM

I was dead set on a Kawasaki EX250. Went to a dealer, sat on it, and my knees hit the tank ridge... they don't fit under the tank when feet are on pegs. See pic.

Blue is more or less the corerect height
red is where my knees touch.

Can't hug the tank with my knees. i don't know if this is normal or not.

Tried the 500 and it was slightly better but still not amazing. I have compiled a list of bikes that (as far as i know) aren't real sportbikes and aren't liable to get me killed. Please see the excel pic.

I really don't know what to do. What should I judge? HP/TQ? Weight? What makes one bike good for a beginner and another one bad? Safety is a big issue for me as I have zero experience. (Am signed up for courses though)

HELP!

Dr_Sprocket · 06-02-2009, 03:06 PM

I have an easy solution, look at the 2007 and prior model year Ninja 250s. The don't have that distinct tank ridgeline. I have ridden one myself and my long legs (36" inseam) fit in the tank relief grooves just fine. Besides, the pre-2008 Ninja 250's will be cheaper and lest costly to insure.

MadScientistMatt · 06-02-2009, 06:36 PM

Agree with the Doc here; older Ninja 250s fit us tall guys better. On your list, I'd also consider the GS500; it's what I ride. The saddle isn't quite as comfortable though.

06-01-2009, 09:23 PM	#1
Admiral_Nub Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	First bike ever. Help me choose. I was dead set on a Kawasaki EX250. Went to a dealer, sat on it, and my knees hit the tank ridge... they don't fit under the tank when feet are on pegs. See pic. Blue is more or less the corerect height red is where my knees touch. Can't hug the tank with my knees. i don't know if this is normal or not. Tried the 500 and it was slightly better but still not amazing. I have compiled a list of bikes that (as far as i know) aren't real sportbikes and aren't liable to get me killed. Please see the excel pic. I really don't know what to do. What should I judge? HP/TQ? Weight? What makes one bike good for a beginner and another one bad? Safety is a big issue for me as I have zero experience. (Am signed up for courses though) HELP!

06-02-2009, 03:06 PM	#2
Dr_Sprocket Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Delmarva Peninsula Posts: 2,331	Easy solution... I have an easy solution, look at the 2007 and prior model year Ninja 250s. The don't have that distinct tank ridgeline. I have ridden one myself and my long legs (36" inseam) fit in the tank relief grooves just fine. Besides, the pre-2008 Ninja 250's will be cheaper and lest costly to insure. __________________ "Aid to the helpless indigent is civilized. Aid to the irresponsible is socially corrosive." ----- Schizuki (c. 2011)

06-02-2009, 06:36 PM	#3
MadScientistMatt Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 130	Agree with the Doc here; older Ninja 250s fit us tall guys better. On your list, I'd also consider the GS500; it's what I ride. The saddle isn't quite as comfortable though. __________________ Mad Scientist Matt 2005 GS500F http://madscientistmatt.blogspot.com

Sponsored Links	Remove Advertisements
Motorcycle Forum Advertisement