Is a 650cc bike a reasonable first bike?

Question

So I'm new to riding motorcycle and just looking at my options. I first looked at the ninja 250r, then the ninja 300, then the CBR 500R, and finally I looked at the ninja 650. I was set on wanting the ninja 300 because I love the look and the price was in my budget and I felt like it was a good beginners bike. Then I saw the CBR 500R, which is a little bit more money but I don't think I would get tired of it as fast as I think I would with a ninja 300. Then my buddy told me that after you take all of the motorcycle training and safety class, you would be well trained to skip the 'small' beginner bike like the 250, 300 or 500 and just go straight for the 650. Do you think a 650 is ok for a first bike, or a bad idea and why?
If this matters or not, I want to use the bike as a daily commuter.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

>I don't think I would get tired of it as fast



If you get tired of a 250 or 300 in a short time you are not doing it right.



How far are you commuting?



Training and safety classes are basic stuff, they do not/cannot give you experience and that is what you need. Do yourself a favour start slow with a secondhand, small capacity bike and then move up. It needn't cost that much if you keep your bike in good condition. And if the worst should happen (which is most likely for a novice), it would not cost so much to repair.

Answer 2

The Ninja 650 is made to be a beginner's bike that you can keep for a number of years. So, yes, I would recommend that bike to most beginners.



The Ninja 650 has a larger engine than the Ninja 600, but the 650 has only about half the horsepower of the smaller Ninja. The 650 is also well mannered and has an upright seating position.



The 650 would work well as a daily commuter.

Answer 3

No stick with a smaller bike to learn on! Newbies always crash so do not buy a new bike right off, get a used 250 to learn on and if ya don't mess it up you can resell it after you get a couple thousand miles of experience for most of what it cost you to start with and then go out and buy a new 650 or what ever! Doing it this way you will be out very little to learn how to ride and you will be a lot safer both physically and financially, since even a small wreck on a new 650 Ninja could cost you thousands in damage repair!

Answer 4

First off your buddy is not doing you any favors. Start small ride longer. As far as the 650 goes it is not a terrible first bike, but its also not the best. What I would do is get a used ninja 250 ride it then sell it after a season or two then move up to the 650.

Answer 5

I think you should avoid learning on big r sports bikes and learn on something like a drz 400 you get alot of good practise from sm and enduro bikes I understand were your coming from as I wouldent want a small sports bike as there gutless but I wouldent go straight to a big one

Answer 6

Check out your local driving/riding regulations with Mr Plod (Police Officer) who will advise, as will a training centre. Regs vary around the world so you need to ask the question b 4 u get to riding.

Answer 7

My first bike is a 2005 Ninja zx6r (636) and i love it. I took the motorcycle course and it helped a lot. If you take the course then yeah go with a 600. anything less isnt fun.

Answer 8

No it isn't - it is far too powerful for you. You will soon be dead. Try something with a single cylinder and up to 150 cc.

Answer 9

ii started on a yamaha r6...so yea the 650 is good