[Zarvik]

I have a DR200SE, and it does the job pretty well but I am moving from Alaska to California in September, and I am going to purchase a new bike when I arrive in Cali. I am heavily leaning towards a kawasaki ninja 250r. Now for a while I wanted a Honda 250 nighthawk, but then I took the MSF class and we rode those and I didn't really like them all that much. Now I am 6'2" and 250lbs so I am a big boy. What I wanted to know form you guys is your opinion on the new revamped Ninja 250, if there are any other bikes I should consider. Now price is a big deal breaker, so anything 5000+ would hurt my wallet a little to much.

ok thanks

 

[JmalB]

Ninja 500 or a used 2nd tier 600. Like yzf600r, bandit 650, CBR600f4i, sv650, 599

 

[jgreth]

I'd say Ninja 500 / Suzuki GS500 / SV650 if you want to stay in that price range.

The 650 is a bit more bike but CAN be manageable as long as you respect it.

 

[bigE]

I'd say Ninja 500 / Suzuki GS500 / SV650 if you want to stay in that price range.

The 650 is a bit more bike but CAN be manageable as long as you respect it.

+1. You are too big for a 250 IMO (no offense BTW, I used to weigh 287 and ride a 300ex ). DO NOT get a CBR/ZX/GSXR repli-racer. Like Jmal said, the Honda 599 would be a good choice as well.

I'm 6'3" 205lbs and started out on a Ninja 500 and now ride a SV650.

 

[jgreth]

I'm 6'3" and 235'ish and my GS500 pulls plenty for me. Granted, I am upgrading within the next year or so to my dream bike ( Busa ) but that's because of the style difference not the power.... if they made a busa style bike ( I-4, looks, frame size etc ) in a 500 I would buy it in a heart beat ( better fuel efficiency + less insurance ).

I will agree that a 250 may be a bit small for someone MY size but a 500 is more than enough.

 

[Zarvik]

Ok, cool!

Thanks for the fast replies. I think I am going with the kawasaki ninja 500. A lot of people in California are selling them. Anything i should pay attention for as far as problems with these bikes?

 

[JmalB]

everything? Just to be safe.

 

[bigE]

I dont know of any model specific issues with the bike. They have stayed virtually the same since they came out in the late 80's....

Heres a good link for what to look for when buying a used bike:
Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide