motorcycle....

[cannon monkey]

hey guys im leaving some time next summer. I live in Tampa bay FL area and looking to visit my friends in Elizabeth town KY. It about 900 miles, 15 hour drive i want to take it on a motorcycle mom says get the 250 ( ninja 250 ) new around 3000 but i am a big person 220 pounds almost 6 feet tall i want to get the ninja 650 give me any tips advice please can the 250 make the trip? I guess what i am asking is what would be the best bike for me not just for my size but for this trip

[Gippeto]

Do you have any experience on a motorcycle? If not, PLEASE take a rider safety course FIRST!

Generally speaking, the minimum I would consider as being practical for highway use is 500cc.

A 250cc with a guy your size is going to seem kind of...inadequate.

For a first bike, don't let some sales guy talk you into a 600cc sport bike. They're light weight missiles, and tons of fun, but really DO require a more "advanced" rider. Lots of first timers get hurt on these...too often fataly. Some sales guys....

Consider used bikes to keep the cost down. Any "cruiser" type Japanese bike with around 500cc will be entirely adequate for what you describe.

[jrrdw]

For a first bike, don't let some sales guy talk you into a 600cc sport bike. They're light weight missiles, and tons of fun, but really DO require a more "advanced" rider. Lots of first timers get hurt on these...too often fataly. Some sales guys....

Consider used bikes to keep the cost down. Any "cruiser" type Japanese bike with around 500cc will be entirely adequate for what you describe.

I agree entirely! You have plenty of time to hunt down a comfortable ride instead of road racer. Try to find a Honda Magna 750 V45 or similar. They ride really nice and have plenty of power.

900 miles is a long ride so you might as well make it a good one...

[cannon monkey]

i have taken the 4 day rider safety course i want something i can keep a long time and have plenty to learn with i thinking the 650 to start slow stay safe and advance as i get better with out need of a new bike

[Marffy]

Maybe a victory? or if you got the experience get a bigger ninja.

[Technician1002]

500 will have plenty of sport. I'm the same size and 350 is plenty of power. If you have any concerns for fuel costs, a smaller bike may be in order. As others have mentioned, a larger bike is more comfortable on a long trip. In tight situations, they are less maneuverable. Avoid crotch rockets for long trips. You will be beat when you arrive.

I don't ride bikes anymore. In the Pacific NW, the weather is not bike friendly much of the time and as such, many drivers don't look for them. Drive defensively. Road rash is no fun. One of my team at work is off work this week due to a new 2 week old Harley. This is an experienced rider. Wet roads and blind drivers don't mix well with bikes.

[Gippeto]

From a power stand point, you're looking in the right place. I have to ask if you've ever ridden anything like the Ninja 650 for any distance?

Ever heard the expression "Monkey butt"?

900 miles on that thing is going to give you a pretty decent idea of what prison rape might feel like.

C---R---U---I---S---E---R

[Crna Legija]

900 miles is a long ride i would go out and test some bikes get something you find comfortable

i own a 2007 yamaha R1 and will never get one again it is the most unco thing, always get lower back pain when riding even on short trips

my brother has a suzuki k8 gsxr i would reconmend the 600cc it was the smoothest bike i ever ridden but then again only have only gone for 8 hr ride at most


or if you have US$150,000 to spend get a y2k

[cannon monkey]

i only rode the 250 rebel during my 4 day course it was only bout 12 miles all together and the scooter. (http://www.scootersus.com/sitebuilder/i ... 29x312.jpg ) this is a google picture of what I'm basically driving now. i have over 1300 miles on the scooter and 3 hours on a honda twinstar i think it was im making this trip next summer so i kind of want to get the bike before then so i can get use to the size and power.... i do plan to have some one on the back if it was just me i go for the much cheaper 250

[MRR]

I'm wondering, don't you need a special licence for motorcycles in the US? I'm from Germany and here you need an extra licence for them and you are only allowed to drive 350cc bikes within the first two years.

Well, on the other hand there are not that many countries which allow more than 300 km/h (186 mph) on their streets....

[mark.f]

You need a motorcycle endorsement where I live, which is reasonable and available without much hassle from the DMV.

Good luck on your journey, cannon monkey, and for god sakes don't wear shorts and flip flops. Louisiana has some... special... bike riders (especially near campuses).

[vardas]

as in the pm i sent you the other day , the honda rebel is a great beginner bike..i rode the wheels off mine . very comfy, great on gas & very nimble ..if you can get one

[Moonbogg]

Ride careful and take turns slowly and cautiously. I know a guy who just died riding his Harley. Good luck, have fun.

[cannon monkey]

here in FL u do need a motorcycle endorsement but the dmv no longer offer class/test to get them i had to take a motorcycle course it was 4 days long (15 hours just bout) here u can drive any thing under 49.5 cc with normal car licence i have a 160cc scooter right now that's why i think i can skip the 250 and jump into a bike i can keep for a long time


what do you guys thing?
is 1300+ miles on a 160cc scooter enough experience to get the ninja 650r ?

sorry for run-on it 139 am here

( p.s ) im talking to my friend and i think i might go the start of summer break ( when school is out ) of 2011 if anybody is on the way i like stop by see some of the cannons from this sight in person

[Crna Legija]

i think thats plenty, before i got my R1 i had only ridden my mates dirt bike a few times

just take your time get use to it and don't be popn monos