250cc vs. 600-650cc? (Sportbike)

[Mikeru]

So I received my M-class license recently (errr technically only the certificate to get my M-class once I get around to going to the MVA and forking over $30 for an updated license >_<)... but I have no bike.

Seeing as how the first time I ever rode a motorcycle was a couple weeks ago for the CSM motorcycle safety course... I'm not sure if I'd be making more of a mistake buying a 600-650cc or 250cc sportbike.

I know that in terms of power, I've been told I won't grow out of a 600-650cc sportbike nearly as quickly as a 250cc... but other than being told this, I'm not sure exactly what this means in practical terms or translates to down the road.

I'm not a big guy (5'7" @ ~140-150lbs), so purely off of numbers I'm sure something like a Ninja 250R could get me up to 100+ MPH in the event I ever need to go on the highway (not that I'd be going 100+ on the highway ).

Currently my lack of insight and inexperience are letting the price tag overshadow the pros of getting a 600-650cc sportbike over a 250cc sportbike.

Any thoughts?


Also, being automotively ignorant, what's performance difference between a 249cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine vs. a 249cc 4-stroke dual-cylinder engine, if any?

On a new bike... Google seems to give a lot of results with people giving the advice not to follow the owner's manual for breaking in a new bike's engine... I didn't realize how important breaking in the engine is...

 

[GWguy]

Also, being automotively ignorant, what's performance difference between a 249cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine vs. a 249cc 4-stroke dual-cylinder engine, if any?

Just as it says.... one cylinder vs 2 cylinders. Not unlike a car with 4 cylinders vs 8. The more cylinders, the smoother a motor can run, based on design.

As far as stepping up in bike size, I can't really answer to that. I started riding bicycles with motors when I was 10 y/o, then mini-bikes, then 50cc bikes, 125, 250, 360, 1100, and now 1500. I simply grew into the next bigger and better thing. All I know is that recently I tried to ride a Harley 993 and it felt like a tricycle to me.

 

[glhs837]

With equal displacement, the single will have more torque down low in the RPM band, but not as much response up top.

 

[stew77]

get the 600-650 cc bike. The 250 is a great "learner" beginners bike, but the larger one is the better choice. Keep in mind, that most sport bikes are extremely fast, manuver quickly, and are fun, except when you get "out of control". For distance, a "cruiser type" bike is the kind to get. Comfortable, gas mpg is decent (most of them.! LOL) then handle well, and you can put many miles on them. Good luck on your choice and welcome to the world of motorcycling! Always watch out for the "cagers" and keep your head on a swivel, as there are many people who "can't see you"! (First words out of their mouth AFTER the wreck!)

 

[itsbob]

Go to the local bookstore and get this months issue of Pop Mechanics (or maybe it was last months)

Guide to 250cc Motorcycles - Motorcycle Beginners Guide - Popular Mechanics

They do a review on 6 different 250cc bikes.

One was less than $4,000.

There's a reason single cylinder bikes are called "thumpers".

 

[itsbob]

Lastly.. Nobody can tell you which bike is best for you.

You need to test ride as many as you can until you find the perfect fit for you.

There are a LOT of 'sub-liter" bikes to choose from from 250cc to 900cc.. in every configuration imaginable.

Sport, Touring, Cruising, Dual Sport, Enduro..

Figure out what is important to you. Perfomance? Engineering? Mileage? Long Distance comfort? Noise? Price?

There are even sub-liter bikes out with ABS and traction control.

 

[aps45819]

Currently my lack of insight and inexperience are letting the price tag overshadow the pros of getting a 600-650cc sportbike over a 250cc sportbike.

Any thoughts?


Also, being automotively ignorant, what's performance difference between a 249cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine vs. a 249cc 4-stroke dual-cylinder engine, if any?

On a new bike... Google seems to give a lot of results with people giving the advice not to follow the owner's manual for breaking in a new bike's engine... I didn't realize how important breaking in the engine is...

Here's the Rider Magazine comparison of the 250cc Honda (single) and the Kawasaki (twin)

I wouldn't recommend a new 600cc sport bike as a first ride for anybody. Check out the 650 Kawasaki Verseys or Suzuki V Strom. They will be a LOT easier to ride and are a lot more versatile bikes.

 

[aps45819]

... and I still have a couple of men's size large mesh jackets for sale

 

[MrZ06]

Don;t get a 250. You will grow out of it extremely quickly. 600cc is a good size starter bike.

 

[rich70]

I have a 2007 Ninja 500 I'm looking to get rid of. It is a perfect starter bike. It's light, easy to handle and has good power but not too much.

 

[dustin]

I have a 2007 Ninja 500 I'm looking to get rid of. It is a perfect starter bike. It's light, easy to handle and has good power but not too much.

it will take you a while to outgrow a 500cc twin... if ever... this is a good choice

back in the day i started on a KLR 250 dual sport, quickly outgrew that and went up to an SV650, which i kept until it was stolen... never outgrew it either. plenty of power and i never had trouble keeping up with others in a group ride. only time it suffered was 2up riding

i could barely squeeze 70mph out of the KLR but then again it was a dual sport so the gearing was different than a pure street bike.

another plus to the smaller displacement bikes is that they are A LOT cheaper on insurance than the 600cc sportbikes (if you are young).

dont forget about the 400cc supermoto style bikes like the DRZ400SM.

i had more fun wringing out the KLR250 than the SV650 to tell you the truth. to know that i had that bike maxed out and i was in full control was an awesome feeling. you wont get that with a 600cc sportbike. and if any street rider tells you otherwise they are either lying or dont know how capable these bikes are. to put it in perspective, the last track day that i did on the SV, i was passed by a guy on a 125cc 2 stroke derbi style bike...

you could still get a nice used 600cc bike and never grow out of it... but be respectful of its capabilities... its easy to get carried away and be out of control on these... especially on the street.

 

[glhs837]

Actually, if your going bigger than 250, the Ninja 500 is a great starter, with enough power to keep you happy for a while. Had a 91 back when, twist the wick it it will go pretty good.

 

[Mikeru]

... and I still have a couple of men's size large mesh jackets for sale

Yeah, unfortunately large is too big .

 

[Mikeru]

I have a 2007 Ninja 500 I'm looking to get rid of. It is a perfect starter bike. It's light, easy to handle and has good power but not too much.

I'm not too fond of the styling of the pre-2008 Ninjas =\, thanks for the offer though.

Here's the Rider Magazine comparison of the 250cc Honda (single) and the Kawasaki (twin)

I wouldn't recommend a new 600cc sport bike as a first ride for anybody. Check out the 650 Kawasaki Verseys or Suzuki V Strom. They will be a LOT easier to ride and are a lot more versatile bikes.

Go to the local bookstore and get this months issue of Pop Mechanics (or maybe it was last months)

Guide to 250cc Motorcycles - Motorcycle Beginners Guide - Popular Mechanics

They do a review on 6 different 250cc bikes.

One was less than $4,000.

There's a reason single cylinder bikes are called "thumpers".

Thanks for the links, very informative. I've decided to go with a 250cc so although I'm reading these a little bit late having already put a deposit down on 2011 Honda CBR250R, they've given me some peace of mind in terms of my decision.

 

[itsbob]

I'm not too fond of the styling of the pre-2008 Ninjas =\, thanks for the offer though.





Thanks for the links, very informative. I've decided to go with a 250cc so although I'm reading these a little bit late having already put a deposit down on 2011 Honda CBR250R, they've given me some peace of mind in terms of my decision.

Well, ride safe...

And don't wave until you feel comfortable enough to do it!!