motorcycle related decision

[ninjamonkey_16]

i know this is a dirt bike forum, but i figured thats not all everyone has owned here, because once you got bitten by the motorcycle bug it doesnt just stop at dirt bikes.

im planning on finding a small street bike for daily driving, and i cant decide if i should go with a rebel (i like hondas) or a ninja 250.does anyone have any experience with these two bikes? if so how do they perform in big city driving?
im not really a fan of sport bikes, but i know the 10 hp or so more the ninja has would help a lot here.


i live in phoenix, az, so i rarely go past 70 mph, which is why im just going to get a 250.

opinions are all im really looking for.

[char393]

We just sold a Ninja 250. My hubby is 6 ft tall and probably 220 or so, he rode it almost every day to work 70 miles RT. That bike got 68 mpg on a regular basis. We bought it used for $1100, it had 19,000 mikes on it. Regular oil changes and check/adjust tge valves as needed. It was no rocketship, but would travel at freeway speeds no problem. It was light and he liked riding it and it was only about $12/week in gas. Insurance was very reasonable, I think a $150/yr.

The softer rear tires get about 5,000 miles and harder compound about 7,000 before needing replaced. Sprocket and chain combos can be found reasonably on eBay.

I don't know how much street experience you gave, but you should consider an MSF course.

[Scrap99]

I used to have a 2002 Honda rebel. Mileage is about the same as the ninja, but it was just too small for me. I'm only 5'9 and weigh 145 lbs, and i would be so cramped up on it, i sometimes sat on the passanger seat to stretch out a bit.

[slama4]

$150 a year!!?? the reason i dont ride on the street is; for me, for insurance even on a bike less than 500cc, it would cost me about $2800/yr

[ninjamonkey_16]

well i guess if i could afford the insurance the ninja would be a good choice.

im about 5'7" so the rebel will probably fit me ok.
i was planning on taking a MSF course before i started on the road.


thanks guys.

[slama4]

here in manitoba, you must write a written test just to get a permit to take a MSF course, then you must take a MSF course to get you learners(cant drive at night, no passengers) for 9 months before you can take your road test. i dont know what its like for you guys
but good luck! ride safe

[pjg351]

Ninja! have you considered a dual sport type bike, ride it to work and play on weekends The DRZ 400 SM or a Honda XR or my favourite a DR 650 do the job well and are cheap to buy and maintain.

[ninjamonkey_16]

i have put TONS of thought into a dual sport bike.

its actually the reason why i sold my cr250 and got an xr500. but the reason i dont want to use a dual sport is because im scared to death that my precious dirt bike will be stolen, and i'll have nothing to ride on the weekends.
my 500 seems like it would be an easy bike to steal, since its kick only and has no key switch. i'll get a license plate for short stretches of road between trails, but i dont feel comfortable with it as a daily driver.
thats why i kind of want 2 bikes, and if my street bike gets stolen, i'll still have my 500. also i can insure a road bike for more so if it DOES get stolen, ill be able to get more money for it.
down here its easy to make a vehicle road legal. all it really needs are wheels and a mirror.....and to be able to pass emissions.


maybe when i move out of phoenix i'll get a motard or dr or something along those lines.

i went online and insurance on a 250 ninja will run around 600 a year, whereas on my 500 is about 500 a year.

[Ekholm]

I would go with the Ninja as well. I think you would be disappointed witht the Rebel 250. (lack of horsepower) The Ninja will be a comfortable bike and handle the freeways there a little better.
I would also look into the Safety course. Team Arizona puts on a great course there. I use to live in the Phoenix metro area so I know what the traffic is like there. Just be SUPER vigilant in town, the blue hairs driving their giant motorhomes are not fun to mess with...

[ninjamonkey_16]

thanks for all thie input guys.

i have decided on the ninja, since i would like at least 30 hp for city driving, and ill be sure to take the safety course through team arizona.

the extra power sure will help with some of the crazy drivers out here.

i like the streetfighter look so ill probably scrap the ridiculous fairings and go for a more road warrior-esque look.