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Female experiences upgrading to 500 or 600 bikes...

10K views 41 replies 17 participants last post by  ~Mo~ 
#1 ·
Hey girls!
I'm currently riding a 2005 250, and would love some input on your experiences upgrading from a 250 to a 500 or 600 ninja. Most of what I have read has been in the other sections of this forum, and was predominantly written by males.
I love the weight and handling of the 250, and that seems to be people's biggest objection to upgrading (although it still seems to be worth it, because it seems like most people do it eventually!). I want to ride a bike I can control, not a bike that controls me. And every once in a while something happens where I am thankful I don't have a heavier bike, like when I come to a stop and my foot slides on some sand or loose gravel.
What are your experiences? How different/heavier are these larger bikes? I don't necessarily NEED more power, but it would be nice to have a little more oompf for cruising on the highway, and a heartier sound so I don't sound like a go-kart (or nothing at all! lol).
I have also thought about "upgrading" to a new 250 and modding the exhaust, etc. to get a little more noise and power.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks!
 
#2 · (Edited)
Hey girl!
If you're looking for a bit more ooompf, but not give up familiar bike size and handling, then the 500R is the right bike for you. They are almost exactly the same seat height, weight... I started on a 500R, because I knew that I wanted to travel, and I didn't see myself put-putting up the mountains with a pile of luggage on a 250R..

When it comes to the 600-range, you'll have to be more specific about your body size and riding experience.
Body size mentioned first, because most of those babies are just not made for us short girls to get our feet on the ground. If you're worried about slipping on gravel and such...and I think the same way..then you'll have to find a bike that's low and comfy enough for you, or add the expense of lowering to the purchase price.
If you're looking at '600', there is the question of your prefered body position while riding. More upright would be something like 650R, tucked in fast and furious is more like a ZX6R... With one being a sport bike and the other being a super sport, there are, however big differences in insurance rates. Ask your insurance agent before you get the surprise!
There are of course differences in handling, compared to your 250R, but if your training and basic skills are solid, then it's 'just another bike to get used to'. Don't let the guys spook you with the 'waaayy to big bike (meaning engine size)' crap. We're girls are less likely to kill ourselves by opening up, just because our bikes have 120+hp... We're usually not that stupid...
If the bike is to big (meaning dimensions) and you can't reach the controls, then have second thoughts about it.
 
#3 ·
Go to a dealership and sit on a bunch of different bikes. Feel the seat height, the weight, and the ergonomics. See what you like and what you're comfortable with!

You can control any bike, since you're the one giving the inputs. You just need patience and to practice to get your confidence up.

Basically, get what you want and what feels good!
 
#4 ·
what's your height? I'm 5'5", no boots. I have a zx6r 09, and my new bike is a cbr 1000rr.
the 600cc supersports are just as flickable as a 250. only weigh 40lbs more.

this is what I would want to know now that I know better:

1) riding position (upright or a sportbike) - I have no issue with the 1/2 push up sportbike riding position, b/c when my bike goes over 50 mph, I lay on the gas tank, way comfy for slabbing it.

2) suspension: kawi's have a stiffer OEM suspension (aka bumpier street ride), but great for the track. Honda CBR 600 or 1000rr, they are softer and the bike just feels more planted.

if you go for a 650r or something in the 500cc range, nothing wrong with that, just know that most of the 600cc supersports have 110 hp at the wheels, so something like 125 at the engine. much high HP than the 650r and 500cc, and probably a little lighter as well.

If you are considering a cruiser, than that's cool too, just like someone else posted, sit on the bikes look at how gauge cluster is laid out and think about what bells and whistles you want, like ABS or traction control.

Personally I'd get the suzuki gsxr 750, b/c it has a engine output limiter, so you don't kill yourself on your first ride, 3 settings I think, I know the second setting is 600cc and obviously one is wide open. you get the light weight of a 600 but the power more like a 1000cc sport bike. best of both worlds.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the good responses!
I'm 5'5" and approx 165 lbs, and I'm decently strong.
It's really interesting to hear that a 600 is only 40 lbs more than a 250. I sat on a few kawasaki 600's and it felt like much more! Maybe it's the fact that I could hardly touch the ground as-is, lol.
And I was really glad to hear from a 500 rider. That's what I had started to lean towards, although being discontinued, I'm not sure how easy it would be to get my hands on one of those.
Really cool to know about the gsxr.... I had no idea!
If anybody else has any input, keep it coming! I'm sure I'm not the only female with this question about upgrading!
Thanks again girls.
 
#10 ·
Bikes and boots



hey, I am a female rider also. I don't have the height issue tho as I am 5'10", they actually had to adjust the height up for me. But with kawasaki, and most brands, when you get into the 600 range the height is adjustable and since you are an average height the dealer can adjust it for you before you take delivery of the bike. the tank is wider on the 600 and 1000, which leds more to a grip issue when wearing certain jeans (i.e. my stupid AE jeans). Nothing some stomper grips won't cure, and then you feel as if you have more control. I have a 600 and it is the first bike I have owned and I love it. i am actually upgrading sprokets, K&N air filter, and putting a full exhaust to add to my slip on and also a power commander V onto it, which should give it much more power. The 08 ZX6-R that i have, with only a two bros slip on, dynoed at 90 hp range, so don't let those stock numbers scare you because in the real world they aren't actually that high. I would personally say don't waste your time or money with anything lower then a 600, I mean unless it really is a smashing deal. After a few months riding the 600 you may even want to get a 750 or 1000, but the 600 does great on twisties, and in my opion with good riding can beat some 1000s. Also when you get to 600 range you have more upgrade capiblites then you do with the 250 range. I think if you got a 600 with either a two brothers slip-on or full exhaust you will have the sound you are looking for without an over powered bike or sounding like an anger lawn mower. I work at a motorcycle shop and I hear the gammet of bikes and two brothers always sounds the best, its deep and throaty not high pitched and whiney.
As far as the slipping thing on gravel it happens but I have switched to the TCX X-Street shoe and they are amazing. They look like sneakers and feel like sneakers they also make female ones in either waterproof or a suede like material, read this review on them TCX X-Street Waterproof Shoes | Used & Reviewed - Super Streetbike Magazine . They have saved my butt a few times in gravel because they are very grippy. I also love I can go to the mall or casual dining in them with out having a shoe that looks like a bike shoe on, but has the same protection.
I am thinking about starting my own forum just for women and women riders only, not tagged up in a larger forum. What is everyone's take on this? Would you use it or would it be a wash? I also don't know how many female riders there are out there because in tucson it seems like there are none or I just keep riding with dudes. It was refreshing to read that a fellow female rider didn't want unicorns or butterflies on her boots and wanted more options then hot pink in gear. Anyway let me know please and I can get one going!
 
#6 · (Edited)
I'm 5'5"/120lbs and I own and ride an unmodified and unlowered 500R, with both feet firmly on the ground. My ZX6R is lowered about 2.5 inches. Absolutely NO problems whatsoever. Both bikes have about the same weight, the ZX gas tank is a bit wider,and that makes her feel bulky. Each bike handles completely different from the other, but once you know how to position yourself best on the seat, balancing them is easy for a short (weak...hahaha...) woman..
500Rs are still available, in fact the dealership here in town has a brand new one, that for some reason nobody wanted. They are asking about $3000 for it, and it has never left the showroom. Just look around, some stores might have taken one in as trade, and they are just hiding it, because they are making more money on new sales.
Both of my current bikes are fun as hell (so was my Harley, but that money went into the ZX...). I got the 500R about 4 years ago as my beginner bike, and I put 17k miles on it. The ZX6 moved in 15 months ago, and she's been carrying me for 12k miles since then. In fact, I always try out different stuff on each bike,and I never stopped learning.
And for the record: No speeding tickets...and no attempts to 'kill myself', regardless of what the relatives are bitching about.... :)

Take plenty of time, make your choice, always wear your gear, and enjoy your new bike!
 
#8 ·
oh, the triumph daytona 675, has a narrow seat (which means more inseam for us). it's a great bike also.
 
#9 · (Edited)
oh, the triumph daytona 675, has a narrow seat (which means more inseam for us). it's a great bike also.
I totally agree! But...finding service, parts or any dealership within a reasonable (towing) range is a bit of a bitch... I had been interested in a Ducati Monster before, which I can handle, as far as seat height goes, but the closest source was about 200 miles from here... Not an option, because I don't have tools or time to work on bikes....
There is one Suzuki 650 model that is as low as the 250R/500R, but I forgot which year/type..
 
#11 ·
the dealer can swap out the spring, to suit your body weight. a lot of us gals can't compress the OEM spring b/c the makers assume the rider will be a heavier male.

I sat on a friend's gsxr 600 with a spring for a 110 lbs rider (she's 5'2") at the time I was 150lbs, I"m 5'5", dude I totally compressed that spring and the bike sat notably lower lol!
 
#16 ·
gsxr's 600/750/1000 have a cc limiter. basically you have three preset settings and you limit the output of the engine.
 
#17 ·
I just bought a '12 Ninja 650 I upgraded from having a '01 250 for two years. I love the bike so far. It is about 120lbs heavier than the 250 but still manageable for me.

I am about 5'5 155 and just got alittle bored with the 250. I start a new job and wanted the bike to be my commuting bike and the commute would be too much for the 250 to handle daily. I'm super glad I got the 650 as I really don't like the 500 style and 650 is plenty of power for me as to not get bored after a year and have plenty of fun.
 
#18 ·
I never considered buying a 250 for some reason and went striaght to an 09 ER6n, (naked version of the ninja650R).

My sister has a ninja 250R and I rode it before I bought my bike and it just doesn't have that go, though I like lean.

I am 5'3", 115lbs and an athlete, HOWEVER This bike sat a little to high for me at first (I dumped it twice when I first go it womp) so I put in lowering link, dropped it an 1.5" and I feel like I can whip her around like nothing. If you don't like the upright position but love the naked look, sport bars are a fantastic option to install and relatively easy.

The bike has GREAT torque if you're looking for something a little more aggressive than your 250.

I must say going from 0 to 650 was surprising at first but it is such a happy medium, I think once I upgrade to a 1000 I may end up in a casket so I am going to play it safe and make my ER6N my pride and joy for life.
 
#19 ·
Thanks for all the great info! I'm sure this will help out many more ladies in the future.
BTW I would definitely be interested in a women's rider forum. I see female riders here in Fort Wayne all the time, but never know where to find them in an organizational/associational setting!
 
#20 ·
Hey girls, short input by a german/canadian street circuit crazy woman :p

I've started on a cbr125, felt like I was born for riding a sportbike the minute I rolled down the road in 1st gear... though I knew I had a long long way ahead of me to become a good rider.
Upgraded after a whole season of zooming around on the little buzzer (8000km later).

Fell in love with my yellow'01 ZX6R and riding the piss out of it now being in my 2nd season (3rd season riding over all) and almost 40 000km later. Gonna track it very soon. So far I've earned the title fastest girl in Ottawa and surroundings.

I'm 5'4 and 120-130lbs, tippy toes if putting both feet down simultaneously. Bike weighs about 440lbs wet and has a humongous seat height of 32.7inch (wide seat on top of that). It is god damn tall especially after tweaking and stiffening up the suspension for what I do on a hot night ripping through the corners.

I've had numerous close calls dropping my bike cuz of bad footing but never laid it down when I sat on it. So far only 1 serious crash where I had to avoid a car while shooting out of a corner, lowsiding and sliding for a good 150ft (too many details to explain how/what happened).


It doesn't matter how new/old the bike is, only how it's set up and most of all, how you personally handle it.

Next bike is gonna be '06/07 gixxer 600 due to the sheer amount of cheap parts, being able to use almost anything from '06-2010. Love the feeling of the new '2011/12 gixxers tho.

Unless it's for significant performance improvement, I keep my bikes bone stock. I'm not a fan of lowering a bike, I just scoot over on the seat from side to side in order to get a foot planted on the ground.
 
#21 ·
I went big on my first bike I got a zx900... call me crazy or stupid because everyone has already. I learned to ride with in a week, got my liscense and started on the streets. I have had an accident my first day within 15 minutes of owning the bike I crashed but who knew corners were tight and a 900 is a big bike! ;) I've been riding for a few months now and I couldnt be happier with my choice... I dont have to spend money on one bike to just upgrade in a few months. I am 5'7" and my bike came lowered already... just in the rear though I think its a 2 inch drop. I fit both feet flat on the ground and can still stand a little. I have learned its not the size of the bike its the rider... I have seen small 100 pound grils riding 1400 bikes, so it can be done. :) good luck!
 
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#27 ·
or I am not really out there to become a professional track rider. I ride for liesure and my own fun. I have only been riding for about 2 months now and I know I am not going to become a decent rider over night, but neither is anyone else out there. It takes practice and it takes going out there and doing it. Doesnt matter if I start on a 150 cc scooter or a 900cc. I will get there eventually.
 
#28 ·
I ride for pleasure only. same with my car. but I track both bike and car. so I can be a better driver/rider. safer too. gets the yaya's out, and teaches you things about your bike that would only be safe on the track IMHO. I ride a cbr 1000rr, 2011. riding 2 yrs never been down. crossed fingers :)
 
#29 ·
Lots of good feedback from the other riders.

I started on a 2011 Ninja 400R (it's a 650 R with a sleeved engine to reduce the cc's), which had been lowered and I have a lowered seat (I'm 5'2")... It's a full sized bike. I"ve had the bike now for 2 years and would never think of trading it in. Once you get past dropping it a few times (and yes EVERYONE does) - the bike is 460lbs, you'll be fine. I've had this bike at Calabogie, our local race track for an advanced rider training course with bike leaning into corners and on the edges of the tires.... There's never a better feeling than going around track, taking corners quick and under control. And I have had the bike up to 150km/hr...which I don't recommend. I was trying to keep up with someone who had a much bigger bike...and then realized how fast i was going and how quickly I would lose my licence if I kept it up! (Note to the other riders, I do not do this on a regular basis! I am only noting this just to say, this bike can do as much as any other bike.).

It's really up to you as to what your comfort level is. 500cc, 600cc's....all bikes in these classes go fast and are fun. Don't forget too there is also insurance implications with the cc's. I pay very little in insurance for my 400cc bike. It goes fast when i want to, and I have total control of it. And I get off my bike every time with a smile on my face.

As a side note, my husband bought himself a 2009 Ninja 650...the identical bike as mine minus the engine modification. I have no trouble keeping up with him, in fact I gear faster to keep up and usually beat him at the start... :) As much as he can go faster in each gear, I also use 50% less fuel...a great bonus for this bike which I use to commute to work.

All this to say, sit on the various bikes at the dealers. Figure out what you really want... Figure out why you want the bike and what you want to do with it, and go from there. Everyone's different, has different wants and needs, try as many as you can.... I also owned a Honda Shadow Aero (it's a 750cc bike) and realized that Cruisers aren't for me.... I'm a sports bike girl all the way.

Have fun!
 
#32 ·
From an Aussie girl. I started on the 2009 Ninja 250 and LOVED it. I am 5'4 but on the (ahem) larger side and it was a great starter bike, it wasn't too heavy, was a good position and it had enough go for me. Even took my girl on a ride about 1800km each way from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and she was brilliant.

Because I loved the bike I was happy with the looks, the position etc so went for the Ninja 650, she is a star! Didn't take me long to get used to the extra power, but in saying that, it is not THAT much different. Love having the power to overtake cars etc now as the 250, you really needed a long stretch of road to do that.

It is a little heavier and taller and I cannot get both my feet flat on the ground, am on tip toes, this is why I didn't go with the Ninja 1000 ABS. It was too heavy for me to keep upright if I was on a hill etc so the 650 felt more comfortable.
 
#33 ·
I'm 5'6 and started on a Ninja 250 which I loved, but out rode really quickly (didn't even keep it for the full summer). I just picked up an '04 ZX6R which is a lot faster and taller, so I've had to be careful when coming to stops to make sure I don't fall over. I love the power, but I'm going to need to do something to lower the bike...think I might try shaving the seat down a bit first.
 
#34 ·
Don't get this in an offending way, but you're 5'6 and still need to lower the bike?

I'm 5'4 on the low side and my bike has a seat height of 32.7in
I'm on tippy toes if I put both feet down. I just scoot over on the seat to plant a whole foot on the ground. Had a few close calls within the 13 000miles I do each season, but never laid it down when sitting on it.
 
#39 ·
up hill is a whole nother gig, and so is gravel! I walk my bikes out of parking spaces and what not, but it's flat, walking along side the bike, bike's weight on my hip, near the seat (below) and hands on the grips, right hand covering the brake lever. if it's up hill I'd just slip the clutch a little, and stay seated on the bike, but that's me.

I have 1 inch soles on a couple of sets of boots. it clears the levers, no problems, if it's a high top length boot. not so cool on a pair of full length track boots (ask me how I know) lol!

to each her own.
 
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