# Novice Bike: Ninja 250R - input/comments **URL:** \ **Category:** Shift518 Automotive\ **Created:** [February 14, 2009, 12:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115 "2009-02-14T12:24:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/141 "2009-02-16T19:58:33Z")
> [@Polish Falcons Cruise Night Every Thursday Night](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/polish-falcons-cruise-night-every-thursday-night/13606/38): > > Google “Ricky Gadsen R6” > > 9.93 Sec E/T. > > It seems to me that something that you have to worry about balancing all the time and goes in the 1/4 mile then any production car ever made including the multi-million dollar machines is something that a person should learn on. > > So you’re still saying you would NEVER break the traction in the 800whp Corvette? Not even once if you tried hard enough? > > One time is all it takes on a bike for you to end your life. > > One time, one mistake, one loss of traction. > > I rode for 3 years on my SV and put 30K miles on it, rode the 636 for less then 1000 miles and came within a centimeter of losing my life. > > Not saying it’s true for everybody by any means, but it’s supporting my point. No im not saying you cant break traction, i just dont see how its relevant here. All it takes is 1 good crash racing a car and your dead as well. ---
**Author:** ![Oleg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/oleg/32/6276_2.png) [@Oleg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Oleg)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/142 "2009-02-16T19:58:39Z")
> [@TW or WTT: 2000 LS Integra](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tw-or-wtt-2000-ls-integra/13233/19): > > Thats a bit subjective… And stories like “I rode a 600 for a while and not crashed” arent’? :lol We’re all subjective here. ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/143 "2009-02-16T19:58:49Z")
> [@TW or WTT: 2000 LS Integra](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tw-or-wtt-2000-ls-integra/13233/19): > > Thats a bit subjective… So is every other opinion here :hug ---
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 7:59pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/144 "2009-02-16T19:59:23Z")
Theres guy that will jump on a Busa and never wreck. But theres also guys that will jump on a scooter and eat shit. All on the rider ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/145 "2009-02-16T20:00:02Z")
> [@FS: 1989 240sx w/ SR swap](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-1989-240sx-w-sr-swap/14158/9): > > No im not saying you cant break traction, i just dont see how its relevant here. All it takes is 1 good crash racing a car and your dead as well. You’re catching on. And it’s much easier to crash a bike then a car. And the bigger bike you start out on, the more likely you are to crash. Doesn’t mean you WILL, just means you’re at a _higher risk_. Period. ---
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/146 "2009-02-16T20:00:09Z")
> [@Oleg"](#): > > And stories like “I rode a 600 for a while and not crashed” arent’? :lol > We’re all subjective here. Yes, its objective. Its a factual statement backed up by proof of me not falling off a 600cc bike…and being a beginner. ---
**Author:** ![Oleg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/oleg/32/6276_2.png) [@Oleg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Oleg)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/147 "2009-02-16T20:02:45Z")
> [@94Gt5.0"](#): > > Its a factual statement backed up by proof of me not falling off a 600cc bike…and being a beginner. **Yet** Plenty of other people did crash. Your experience is no more objective than theirs. ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/148 "2009-02-16T20:03:22Z")
> [@Slopoke \> Slow84TA](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/slopoke-slow84ta/14235/7): > > Theres guy that will jump on a Busa and never wreck. > > But theres also guys that will jump on a scooter and eat shit. > > All on the rider Nope, not the rider. Risk management and the good ol’ probability. Starting on a smaller bike makes you more likely to survive. [http://shift518.gom-host.com/showthread.php?t=11](http://shift518.gom-host.com/showthread.php?t=11) > [@On another topic](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/41/6): > > **Now for the sane crowd. I’m not going to tell you what bike you should start on, and what bike you should avoid. I’m not even going to tell you that 600’s are off limits as a first bike. You can start on them, but they are not good starter bikes. Can you get away with it? Yes. Will you? Maybe. See after years of seeing this argument and listening to both sides, I came to one conclusion. It’s all about the odds. Now let me elaborate on that. A brand new rider can start out on an R1 (horrible starter bike) and get away with it. Does that mean you can to? Probably not because there is probably 9 other guys that crashed or injured themselves on the same bike doing the same thing. So your odds are not good for that bike. Then there is always the guy that starts out on what many consider the ultimate beginner bike – the infamous Ninja 250, and crashes. Does that mean that it’s just as dangerous as an R1? No because for every guy that injured himself on a 250 there is a dozen guys flicking them around on the streets, and having no problems. So your odds are good. It is as simple as that. You can start out on any bike. Whether your odds are going to be good or not, that’s up to you.** ---
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/149 "2009-02-16T20:10:48Z")
Hypothetical: I buy 2 bikes, an R1 and a 250R. I use the bikes for nothing but law obiding reasons. Cruise around and drive like a sane person. How is it any different on either bike if i have the same intentions for both? ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:13pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/150 "2009-02-16T20:13:47Z")
R1 is less nimble, less forgiving. People make mistakes, especially under pressure and machines malfunction and throttles get stuck. Full throttle on 250 give you a giggle. Full throttle on R1 gets you in trouble. Grabbing first full of brake on 250 in a panic, just like the panic in a car situation when somebody pulls out in front of you… you slam your breaks… On a 250 you slowdown or possibly lock up the front. R1 you lock up the front. If you’re going to be cruising around town… 250 has a much more comfortable position and better mileage. Why on earth would you buy an R1 again for that purpose? So you can be “seen” on an R1? ---
**Author:** ![Oleg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/oleg/32/6276_2.png) [@Oleg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Oleg)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/151 "2009-02-16T20:14:46Z")
[http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why\_sportbikes\_are\_NOT\_beginner\_bikes\_1](http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why_sportbikes_are_NOT_beginner_bikes_1) [http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why\_sportbikes\_are\_NOT\_beginner\_bikes\_2](http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why_sportbikes_are_NOT_beginner_bikes_2) More or less summary of all the stuff we talked about here so far (too small, I’ll grow into it, etc) ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/152 "2009-02-16T20:14:50Z")
You guys want me to bring up the same argument we were having with Travis, and how he was saying that he started on a 600 and got away fine, and then posted about the accident next week when he locked up the front? ---
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/153 "2009-02-16T20:16:02Z")
Some people prefer and like different bikes as others have said on here. Not about what other people like. I personally love the orange/black 1000 GSXRs. ---
**Author:** ![99FRC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/99frc/32/6335_2.png) [@99FRC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/99FRC)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/154 "2009-02-16T20:16:50Z")
Let me put it this way. On the 250R you have to almost TRY to get in trouble, figuratively speaking. On a 600, you have to TRY to NOT get in trouble. ---
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:18pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/155 "2009-02-16T20:18:17Z")
Well thats Travis…LOL ---
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/156 "2009-02-16T20:19:33Z")
> [@FS:53 gallon? Hexagon fish tank $50](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-53-gallon-hexagon-fish-tank-50/14225/10): > > Let me put it this way. On the 250R you have to almost TRY to get in trouble, figuratively speaking. On a 600, you have to TRY to NOT get in trouble. I just dont get that mindset. I would get in more trouble with the 250R thinking im “invincable” and nothing can happen b/c its a 250. I would less likely get in trouble on the 600 b/c i respect it and know what its capable of. Again, my opinion ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/157 "2009-02-16T20:21:04Z")
> [@FS: 1989 240sx w/ SR swap](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-1989-240sx-w-sr-swap/14158/14): > > Some people prefer and like different bikes as others have said on here. Not about what other people like. I personally love the orange/black 1000 GSXRs. Yes PREFERENCE is completely irrelevant when the OP asks about what’s a good bike to learn on. I’d prefer to fly on an F22 raptor over a Cessna as well as the next guy, unfortunately logically it’s not smart. Oh and for the record, keep in mind that in Europe you are mandated to start on a small CC and move up through the classes. I’m sure there is some slight logic behind that. Nobody LIKES to start out on an ugly, old, dated, carbed 250. It’s just the smarter way of doing it. ---
**Author:** ![99FRC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/99frc/32/6335_2.png) [@99FRC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/99FRC)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/158 "2009-02-16T20:21:32Z")
> [@Best out-of-the-box computer](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/best-out-of-the-box-computer/14203/73): > > I just dont get that mindset. I would get in more trouble with the 250R thinking im “invincable” and nothing can happen b/c its a 250. I would less likely get in trouble on the 600 b/c i respect it and know what its capable of. > > Again, my opinion If you had the mindset of thinking you were invincible you would have bought a Busa, not the 250R. And how do you know what a 600cc bike is capable of as a begginer rider? ---
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:23pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/159 "2009-02-16T20:23:56Z")
> [@Big Question for the 300ZX Guys](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/big-question-for-the-300zx-guys/14263/3): > > If you had the mindset of thinking you were invincible you would have bought a Busa, not the 250R. > > And how do you know what a 600cc bike is capable of as a begginer rider? Ive dipped into it a quite few times and know what the bike is capable of. Im not saying im a pro by any means. ---
**Author:** ![94Gt5.0](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/94gt5.0/32/6377_2.png) [@94Gt5.0](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/94Gt5.0)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 8:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115/160 "2009-02-16T20:25:25Z")
I just see myself as someone who learns quickly and respects the machine im driving. I started with a V8 “muscle” car and was told by everyone, its too much for a 16yr old kid and your gonna crash it. Well 8 years later, and still NO crash in a vehicle ever, i say that i have proved the nay sayers wrong. [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115.md?page=7) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/novice-bike-ninja-250r-input-comments/242115.md?page=9)