Motorcycle.com

5spoke · 08-30-2010, 11:49 AM

Yes OG members its another one of these threads. The one where I tell you i am new to riding and am in need of bike suggestions.

My experience: I started riding with my fiances dad a few months ago and have been using his 750 nighthawk in the parking lot on 4 or 5 occasions for an hour or two each time. Just recently took and passed the MSF course.

Size: I am 6'4" with a 34-35" inseam and roughly 200lbs.

Current Options being considered: sv650n/s, Ninja 250/650

Question: Ok now the real question. I am a fan of standard and sport bikes and need a bike suitable for my size and experience. Everyone here preaches ninja 250r and I have no opposition to it (if I fit) but my dad and my fiances dad seems to think getting a 250cc is a waste at this point and that I will be bored of it in a short time. I have been looking at sv650's and have pretty much searched through all the craigslist ads and found nothing reasonable. My budget is roughly $3k. So what do I do? Pickup a ninja 250 (after I sit on one) and risk the "getting bored" phenomenon the Dad's speak of or keep searching for a sv650 or perhaps there is another bike you all want to recommend? I am ready to get a bike and start riding, I have all the gear paid for and in my apartment I just need that final piece.

Thanks a lot for the help and sorry for the repetitive tall guy/small bike/new guy/what bike thread.

pushrod · 08-30-2010, 12:52 PM

First, Welcome to the Site!

Now then, a 34+ inseam is going to be a problem. Sport bikes, as a group, will have your heels hitting your back pockets. Standards less so, but still not a lot of room.

You might want to look at some of the smaller Dual Purpose bikes, as they have a more relaxed ergo, and for you, somewhere to put your legs.

You need to consider how you are going to ride. If you're just going to putz around town, a (relatively) cramped bike will suit you fine. However, if you want to hit the road, comfort will be a BIG issue.

Remember that engine size does not necessarily translate to 'usable power.' You can have a lot of fun bopping around on a DP 400cc bike, whereas a 600 I-4 screamer is just uncomfortable, and boggy around town unless you wring the wee out of it.

Lastly, a gift: motorcycles and powersports : craigslist eBay kijiji mash : United States

Tally-ho!

trenttheuncatchable · 08-31-2010, 06:21 AM

Try the Ninja 500R, too. Bigger than the little 250, and still a standard.

seruzawa · 08-31-2010, 06:23 AM

You've already been riding a good choice. Pick up a Nighthawk.

mscuddy · 08-31-2010, 06:39 PM

NO, Don't listen to them! Get a dual-sport with a high saddle position.

Or an old City-X, that had a sky-high seat too. You can always sit on a phone-book like I did with my old Pontiac in the 6th grade...

trenttheuncatchable · 09-01-2010, 08:02 AM

Yeah, lots worse choices than that Nighthawk 750. And it's within your budget.

5spoke · 09-03-2010, 09:23 AM

Ended up with a 2001 sv650s with 3900 miles. I paid $2500 and it had been dropped once by the previous owner so the turn signal on the right side is off until I buy a new one. Not too much damage to the plastic though. It runs really smooth and I am happy with it. The power is manageable and I fit pretty well.

The_AirHawk · 09-03-2010, 09:27 AM

Looks Great!

Although that generation has "less power", I like them better than the later, "square-tube frame" SVs.

Excellent choice, it gets The_AirHawk stamp of approval.

5spoke · 09-03-2010, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_AirHawk

Looks Great!

Although that generation has "less power", I like them better than the later, "square-tube frame" SVs.

Excellent choice, it gets The_AirHawk stamp of approval.

COnsidering I am still learning and trying to gain confidence "less power" was just what I was after

Thanks I am pumped about it!

12er · 09-03-2010, 10:14 AM

I second, something about the fluid lines of the round tubes look much better than the stamped look of the later frame. Good choice and looks to be a great deal. Ride safe and enjoy.

08-30-2010, 11:49 AM	#1
5spoke Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3	Passed MSF Class, Looking for bike. Yes OG members its another one of these threads. The one where I tell you i am new to riding and am in need of bike suggestions. My experience: I started riding with my fiances dad a few months ago and have been using his 750 nighthawk in the parking lot on 4 or 5 occasions for an hour or two each time. Just recently took and passed the MSF course. Size: I am 6'4" with a 34-35" inseam and roughly 200lbs. Current Options being considered: sv650n/s, Ninja 250/650 Question: Ok now the real question. I am a fan of standard and sport bikes and need a bike suitable for my size and experience. Everyone here preaches ninja 250r and I have no opposition to it (if I fit) but my dad and my fiances dad seems to think getting a 250cc is a waste at this point and that I will be bored of it in a short time. I have been looking at sv650's and have pretty much searched through all the craigslist ads and found nothing reasonable. My budget is roughly $3k. So what do I do? Pickup a ninja 250 (after I sit on one) and risk the "getting bored" phenomenon the Dad's speak of or keep searching for a sv650 or perhaps there is another bike you all want to recommend? I am ready to get a bike and start riding, I have all the gear paid for and in my apartment I just need that final piece. Thanks a lot for the help and sorry for the repetitive tall guy/small bike/new guy/what bike thread.

08-30-2010, 12:52 PM	#2
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,424	First, Welcome to the Site! Now then, a 34+ inseam is going to be a problem. Sport bikes, as a group, will have your heels hitting your back pockets. Standards less so, but still not a lot of room. You might want to look at some of the smaller Dual Purpose bikes, as they have a more relaxed ergo, and for you, somewhere to put your legs. You need to consider how you are going to ride. If you're just going to putz around town, a (relatively) cramped bike will suit you fine. However, if you want to hit the road, comfort will be a BIG issue. Remember that engine size does not necessarily translate to 'usable power.' You can have a lot of fun bopping around on a DP 400cc bike, whereas a 600 I-4 screamer is just uncomfortable, and boggy around town unless you wring the wee out of it. Lastly, a gift: motorcycles and powersports : craigslist eBay kijiji mash : United States Tally-ho! __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

08-31-2010, 06:23 AM	#4
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,660	You've already been riding a good choice. Pick up a Nighthawk. __________________ "If you think healthcare is expensive now, just wait until it's free."

08-31-2010, 06:39 PM	#5
mscuddy MODERATOR X Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Next to my still checkin the temp. Posts: 5,439	NO, Don't listen to them! Get a dual-sport with a high saddle position. Or an old City-X, that had a sky-high seat too. You can always sit on a phone-book like I did with my old Pontiac in the 6th grade... __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.

09-03-2010, 09:27 AM	#8
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Livin' in a Van: down by the Mariana Trench Posts: 10,649	Looks Great! Although that generation has "less power", I like them better than the later, "square-tube frame" SVs. Excellent choice, it gets The_AirHawk stamp of approval. __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

Sponsored Links	Remove Advertisements
Motorcycle Forum Advertisement

08-31-2010, 06:21 AM	#3
trenttheuncatchable Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 825	Try the Ninja 500R, too. Bigger than the little 250, and still a standard.

09-01-2010, 08:02 AM	#6
trenttheuncatchable Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 825	Yeah, lots worse choices than that Nighthawk 750. And it's within your budget.

09-03-2010, 09:23 AM	#7
5spoke Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3	Ended up with a 2001 sv650s with 3900 miles. I paid $2500 and it had been dropped once by the previous owner so the turn signal on the right side is off until I buy a new one. Not too much damage to the plastic though. It runs really smooth and I am happy with it. The power is manageable and I fit pretty well.

09-03-2010, 10:14 AM	#10
12er Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SF Posts: 2,671	I second, something about the fluid lines of the round tubes look much better than the stamped look of the later frame. Good choice and looks to be a great deal. Ride safe and enjoy.