help with test and which bike to get

[Whatsername]

Hi everyone

I have posted something similar before so sorry to repeat (sort of).

I passed my theory test whoohooo! So now I'm thinking next year I am going to do my test. I'm 32 so none of the age restrictions apply so I am trying to decide whether to do my test on our CBR125 and have a restricted license for 2 years with a view to getting a Ninja 250. I know many people on here will think this is a bad idea but I really like this bike. OR take my test on a big bike and go fora GSXR600 or a Ninja (600).

I was so nervous on CBT I had to go out on the road on the scooter and I just felt so stressed the whole time, I am thinking it would be good to do my test on the 125 I have because I am used to it and I can practice and I will get less stressed on my test. However I also think I could get fed up with the 250 Ninja and wish I had done my test on a bigger bike. I guess I am worried about not being able to control a bigger bike. I'm only 5'4 and we used to have an Aprilia RS125 which I dropped once!

Obviously the other thing to take into consideration is 2013 when the rules change and then there won't be a market for a 250. Last option would be to get a 600 and have it restricted.

Those are my thoughts anyway but I am going round in circles wondering what to do. I wish I could try out the Ninja 250 before I pass my test just to see.

Also can anyone tell me more about the GSXR 600 and the Ninja 600. Which one is best? I kinda like the Ninja looks more. My budget would be around £3500 ish

Thanks guys

[Rogerborg]

Did you have a good birthday?

Same answer as last time. The Ninja 250 is a nice bike, but you may have a hard time selling it on in 2 years time.

If you like plastic, how about (just for example) a GS500F? It's not the lowest, lightest 500, but it is the cheapest, and £3500 will buy you training, test, licence and the very last one off of the production line. It can also be lowered fairly easily, and restricted if you go the A2 route. When you drop it and smash up the plastics, just take them off and you've yourself got a GS500E.

First step is to see what bikes the local training school use for DAS training, and have a sit or ride on them. It won't be the first time they've been asked, and they'll doubtless assure you that you'll be fine, but only you can decide. With any luck they'll have a lowered bike that'll fit well. If you can pass a DAS test on it, then you can get yourself something similar. If not, then just sit A2 ASAP and get the clock running on your 2 year restriction. 25kW is way more fun.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Whatsername]

[Rogerborg]

Eh, you'll probably love the Ninja, and there's no point in getting a bike that you don't want. Bikes aren't really "sensible" things.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Tenantry13]

To the OP, You sound a lot like me. I was 32 was nervous as hell on my CBT and scraped through that. Then got myself a cbr 125 to learn on. Had plans to do get my full license as soon as I felt more confident. Five months down the line I went to see a training school near me with the view to do it on my 125 and then potter about on that for 2 years.

When I got to the training school to have a look at the bikes and talked to them they said that I should go for full license. Which I'm very happy now that I did. Tbh I found riding there bigger bike more easy then my 125 which felt more twitchy then there 500's I felt I had more control when doing slow speed stuff like U turns.

It's up to you at the end of the day. Good luck with it

[hedgehugger]

I've had a ninja 250r, it got sold this year.
I also had a bigger bike at the same time (restricted)
If I was out on the ninja on my own it was fine, it is a nippy little thing. If I was out riding with my hubby (he wouldn't ride the ninja, just used the other bike) I would get 'big bike' envy and feel life was unfair!!

It also whistled like a kettle, which was f**kin' annoying.

I tried to convince myself that it was better fuel economy, but in the end we waved bye-bye to it.

It was an 'ok' bike, but just ok.

https://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/ferretmonsters/zebra%20ninja%20seat/ninjaa2.jpg

[Rogerborg]

[pits]

I almost went the Ninja250 route, but then decided against it as I could buy a better bike cheaper, as the Ninja 250 isn't that fast or that good looking and the two I saw for sale had been sitting for close to a year.

Also I believe, could be internet hearsay, that they aren't screwed together as well as a proper Ninja/Kawasaki as they are made in Malaysia or somewhere like that using cheaper parts.

Have to agree about the big bike envy, on my RS125 I was happy, when I was out with mates I could keep up providing we didn't have to do any over taking, so went for something with roll on power instead, just because it is a bigger bike doesn't mean you have to use all the power, all the time.


Also found this, got about 2 minutes or so in before I noticed the kettle noise, then I lasted about 30 seconds before turning it off as that kettle noise would drive me insane.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMez8BATCMI
____________________
Stinkwheel: You have no right to free speech
00:32:08 Blau Zedong: yes, i am a massive CB400 fan and collector
00:33:00 Blau Zedong: the CB400 is my favourite road bike

[P.addy]

[Whatsername]

Thanks for all the replies, after reading all of this and looking at some of the 600s I am now thinking I should just be brave and go for my test on a bigger bike. I really like the GSXR 600.

Just another question as an aside-

Is a newer bike always better and how old does a bike have to be to be be considered too old. I'm no mechanic so I guess I am instinctively wanting to buy the newest bike I can get for my budget. Also would it be better to buy from a garage given I will get a short warranty on it, but is it worth paying extra just for that.

I don't want to end up buying something that will break down on me after 2 months. I hope all of this doesn't sound silly. I have been driving a car for years but never had a bike until 3 months ago so it is all new to me.

Also the poster that mentioned about "big bike envy" I think that would happen to me as my partner is going to get a ER6F and I would probably get annoyed not being able to keep up when we went out together.

Thanks guys you are really helpful

[Rogerborg]

Have you considered the ER-6f for yourself? It's designed as a "first big bike", with a friendlier riding position and power delivery. Bear in mind that "entry level" bikes have been getting steadily bigger and faster, and even the lowest spec Big Girl Bike will offer performance that will leave most 4-wheel vehicles standing up to and beyond the legal limit.

Just on the raw numbers:

2008 GSX-R600 = insurance group 15, 165mph, 46 torques, 810mm seat height, 165kg

2008 ER-6f = insurance group 10, 130mph, 49 torques, 785mm seat height, 178kg

The GSXR offers more performance than most riders[1] will be able to use on a track, let alone a UK road, but note that the ER-6 actually has more torque (and will deliver it lower down).

Given that the Ninja 250 is on your list, I'd assume that you don't really have a need to do 130mph, let alone 165. If your heart is set on a fully faired bike, then I'd again suggest starting with something like a GS500F, ER-6f or an SV650S with the optional lower fairings.

Your bike, your call though, it's only going to go as fast as you cane it.

[1] Obviously not the BCF Massive cuz we is well wicked riders innit.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[P.addy]

Agree with what Rogerborg has posted.

Although, the ER may have more torque, it wont pull from a GSXR..if it does, you are riding the GSXR wrong

Insurance groups can mean stuff all. A KTM 990 SuperDuke is around group 15, yet can insure one for around £300, looking at £1600 for a GSXR1000 (group 16 bike.)

Usual suspects to look at Bandit 650, Hornet 600, Fazer 600...could even look towards Kawasaki Z750/Triumph Street Triple 675s

[pits]

I looked at GSXR SRAD for a first bike, so heavy and like most Suzuki's I know it has that "where is it and is it going to fall over side stand" I almost dropped the GSXR in the showroom as it was so cumbersome, and it sat at a 45 degrees angle on the stand.

ER6-F is a good choice for a first big bike, a nice VFR400 is a good starter bike but decent ones are getting harder and harder to find and they could cost

SV650 another good choice but pig ugly and they have the above Suzuki side stand

I would be going for something like these two, as for the first few weeks on your own big bike it will scare the pants off you with how quick they are.

I originally wanted a Ducati 748 as my first big bike, I ended up with a Ducati 750SSIE and I am honestly glad I did, it has 64bhp at the rear wheel and it scared the shit out of me for the first weeks, if I had gone for a really fast first bike I think I would have honestly hated it.


There is loads to choose from, no need to rush into buying something just because it is pretty, sensible head on when buying what you want and what is best for you
____________________
Stinkwheel: You have no right to free speech
00:32:08 Blau Zedong: yes, i am a massive CB400 fan and collector
00:33:00 Blau Zedong: the CB400 is my favourite road bike