First Bike - Advice Needed (CBR250 vs Ninja 250/400)

[Bob_Defly]

Hi,

My wife and I are about to do our bike tests and buy a bike. We only need one to share as we will rarely get to go out together 'cos we have little kids at the moment. We just want something we can go out for a quick blat on, or maybe use to go to work on when we feel like it.

I've been looking at the CBR 250 vs the Ninja 250, and finding it very hard to decide between the two. I don't want a 600CC bike as I'll probably kill myself on it and it will be too much for her as a beginner bike, IMHO.

On reading the reviews I was surprised about two thing with these bikes, firstly the poor 0-60 times, and secondly, that fact that at motorway speeds they might not have much in the way of overtaking power left. So on looking for maybe the next step up the Ninja 400 also comes into play. I'm amazed there aren't more bikes in the 400CC bracket, they used to be so popular!

As I said we don't need something super fast, but when we do commute it's about an hour on the bike at about 80mph, so I want something that can cope with that and also be enjoyable. Can the 250's handle this, am I worrying about nothing?

So should we go for one of the 250's? If so which one?
Or should we go for the Ninja 400? Are there any other 400's you would recommend?

thanks in advance!

(P.S. I live in Canada so I'm referencing what is available here)

[Bob_Defly]

Maruchino said:

stopped reading at the 'i'll probably kill myself on it'

good luck

Well thanks for your valuable input... There are other reasons I don't want a 600, insurance is significantly more expensive for a start.

Anyway, thanks everyone. What the hell is this article on about then?

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/114/9135/Motorcycle-...

article said:

The Honda 250’s best 0-60 mph time is 8.5 seconds, but the Kawasaki trips the lights with a best time of 7.7 seconds.

That seems ridiculously slow..?

[Bob_Defly]

BlackPrince said:

I've never ridden one but looking at the specs (approx 160kph top spd, 0-60 in about 5 and a bit secs) its unlikely you'll have an issue with keeping up with or even outaccelerating other cars on the hwy.

That's why this comment confused me..?

[Bob_Defly]

Thanks BP, your level headedness is much appreciated.

The way I figure it is, it's the wife's bike, I think either of the 250's will suit her very well. I'll ride it when I can, and if I get bored of the speed I'll either get something bigger or the caterham I've been after anyway.

[Bob_Defly]

If you're around TO, you'll have to pop in for a cuppa and some bike talk once I get it!

[Bob_Defly]

Why on earth do you think I'm not listening? Look at the replies, from yes they are great bikes, to they are crap get a ducati monster, to get something 20yrs old and work on it!!

I just think the weight of a bigger bike might be too much for her. Plus it's our first one, so the lower cost of the bike, fuel, insurance, clothing and gear etc. will all need to be taken into the equation.

I'm not asking her as it's a surprise birthday present.

I agree though, in time I doubt it will be enough for me, but I have room in the garage for something else in time.

[Bob_Defly]

I'm currently in Waterloo, but moving at the end of July towards the Grimsby/Stoney Creek area. PM me if you are going to be in the area.