What's a rough estimate insurance quote for a 650? Right now I'm paying $11 a month for my 250 with a little extra medical coverage. I feel like that must be a good deal. How much more are we looking at for 650's?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm 5'5" and mine is lowered. It's a matter of inseam...
I also prefer not to hop along on one foot in stop and go traffic up and down our hills and mountains...
Last edited by ninja500hs; 12-04-2012 at 01:49 PM.
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.
No offense taken. It must have something to do with the inseam, as mentioned in the post above, because I REALLY have to 'shimmy' over to get a full foot on the ground. I'm not sure if the bike weight is also a contributing factor, but I just don't feel 100% comfortable/confident with the height that it's at. I especially notice the problem with the height when I am trying to maneouvre the bike around in my horribly paved driveway, it's very very difficult to get it over 'lumps' in the pavement. I'm going to try shaving the seat first and see how much of a difference it makes.
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.
I'm 5'5". I ride a 2009 zx6r and a 2011 cbr 1000rr. both are stock height. can't flatfoot either one, but don't care anymore. if it's only street riding, I'd just resole your boots, and add an inch (two soles together). before you shave the seat or add a lowering link.
nothing wrong with lowering it an inch for the street. it won't affect your cornering, despite what you read on the forums. no one should be dragging a knee on the street.
for both my bikes, I just walk them, my hip near the side of the seat, hands on the handle bars of course. much safer than trying to walk them while on the bike.
Tall guys don't understand, one guy told me to lower the bikes, so I can seat on them and walk them while sitting on them.... not.
I do have Corbin seats for both my bikes. slightly narrower than OEM. but I can only get 1/2 foot down on one side. tippy toe on both.
I'm 5'5". I ride a 2009 zx6r and a 2011 cbr 1000rr. both are stock height. can't flatfoot either one, but don't care anymore. if it's only street riding, I'd just resole your boots, and add an inch (two soles together). before you shave the seat or add a lowering link.
nothing wrong with lowering it an inch for the street. it won't affect your cornering, despite what you read on the forums. no one should be dragging a knee on the street.
for both my bikes, I just walk them, my hip near the side of the seat, hands on the handle bars of course. much safer than trying to walk them while on the bike.
Tall guys don't understand, one guy told me to lower the bikes, so I can seat on them and walk them while sitting on them.... not.
I do have Corbin seats for both my bikes. slightly narrower than OEM. but I can only get 1/2 foot down on one side. tippy toe on both.
The idea with the boots is not bad, however, remember to check first if the redone boots still fit in between the pegs and shift lever...
Hahaha...right...walking beside a bike across a bumpy driveway is not THAT easy.... Mine is all gravel and up and down. I would want you watch push almost 400 lbs along... I suggest you show me on your bike, because I'd be afraid you'd dump mine....lol
Backing out of my storage shed onto the gravel is also better done with the bike straight, and with both feet to help balance it...I can understand TorontoKawiGirl .
To each her/his own....IMO..
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!
Well, I shaved the seat down probably about 3/4" and it made a considerable difference. Unfortunately I won't know how it really affects riding until spring because my bike is currently in my dining room . Side question....how on earth do you go about modding your riding boots?? Hot glue and some old tire rubber??? I'm just picturing some god awful disco looking boots.....
. Side question....how on earth do you go about modding your riding boots?? Hot glue and some old tire rubber??? I'm just picturing some god awful disco looking boots.....
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