Middle weight upgrade, best value and performance...

[mikbusa]

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I get what you are saying. No you haven't outgrown the cornering capability of your 250, realistically you probably can't legally on the street. Riding a small displacement bike is not that satisfying for everybody, some people don't mind weighing as much as their bike lol. You might have outgrown the excitement of finally being on any bike, and it's not so satisfying. Might want to look into non SS bikes, like a SV650, ninja 650/500/400. They might be better for your use.

 

[IXFe]

I'd be pleased to show you why you haven't outgrown your 250. (I see your 250, and raise you a 125.) Even better, take the Racer5 track school www.racer5.ca and see for yourself why you haven't outgrown that bike.

None of the CBR/GSXR/R6/ZX6R group are designed for comfort on longer trips. In the city commuting usage that you describe, they are just going to kill your wrists and cook you in the summer while testing the duty cycle of the cooling fan - and you DON'T need the power of a 600 sport bike for that usage pattern - and premium 600's parked downtown are theft magnets. Have you priced out the insurance ... ? ? ?

Stay on the 250 for at least a full year AND take the track course.

Best / most fun urban commuter bikes are scooters, small light bikes (like the 250 you already have ...), 250 - 400cc motard-style bikes, etc. - not supersports. If you insist on something bigger then at least the naked bikes have a more comfortable riding position and they generally aren't subject to the "supersport" insurance classification.

I have commuted on my ninja 500, gsxr 750s and 1000 but I don't buy my bikes for commuting. For me the primary reason for riding is recreational. Sportbikes are comfortable only when you're riding them for what they were built for: acceleration and cornering; maintaining a constant speed while going straight for over 15-20 minutes kills your wrists, legs and back. For downtown riding the 500 was the most maneuverable and the engine is good in the low & mid rpms in stop and go traffic. I have ridden your bike and I thought it was a great comfortable commuter bike in the city.

Sportbikes have a twitchy throttle response, they want to either accelerate or decelerate, holding a constant speed is uncomfortable. And for commuting in the city they're the worst, since in the low range it feels like they don't have any power. Then when you get above 5000 rpm feels like the bike wants to get away from you, and now you need to stop for the next red light... Of course with good throttle control you make the transitions smoother. Sportbikes don't forgive when you make mistakes, I'm just saying on the 250 or 500 you don't have to worry about this stuff.

Like Brian mentioned do a track course or take an advanced riding course like ProRider at Humber College to see what your bike is capable of. I did ProRider on my 500 years ago at the end of my 1st season and it was a lot of fun. When I moved from a 500 to a 750 I didn't feel like I outgrew the 500, I just wanted a sportbike but I started on a 500 to be on the safe side.

^
two well_written non-judgmental, non-sarcastic responses.

OP, if I were you, keep the 250 for daily riding and your soon-to-acquire Gixxer as your track weapon... the Gixxer is in its element on the track.

 

[REDBALLS]

Definitely time for an upgrade. If I were in your shoes I'd be looking into a Triumph 675r.

 

[Brian P]

Awesome replies all! Shows this forum has local riders with good feedback and more importantly concern for fellow riders safety.

My opinion why I've outgrown my 250:
- High revving therefore more vibration than I care for when riding at highway speeds. I find my right hand generally gets numb after about 30min ride. Regardless of gloves or grip strength.
- Noticed runs fairly hot on warmer days. Also seems to smell like something is burning after riding at 10000rpm, 120km+ for 10min stretch going with flow of traffic on 427. (Coolant level is fine, and just changed the oil, no components touching any metal)
- Power, Power, Power or lack thereof in low, mid, esp top end. My opinion only. I want more throttle response for all conditions in any gear.
- Choke vs. Fuel injection
- Skinny tires

Vibration through the grips isn't entirely related to engine size - inline-fours that are not counterbalanced have an inherent buzzy vibration at twice the frequency of engine revs. But usually only engines 1000cc and above are counterbalanced, and even at that, not all of them are. Three-cylinder engines don't have the secondary-imbalance issue and that kinda tilts things towards the Triumph. BUT and it's a big but. Handgrips are really easy and cheap to change. Get a different set - with gel or cushioning in them or something - it can help a fair bit.

If you think your 250 runs hot in traffic, you've got something coming when you try any larger-displacement bike ... bigger engine means more heat.

The "smells like something is burning" is a non-issue if the engine isn't burning oil and stuff isn't resting against the exhaust. That's not an "I'm outgrowing the bike", that's a "check if something is wrong and fix it if there is". Keep in mind that when you lubricate the chain, some of that flings off, and in many cases depending on the exhaust routing, some of that can get on the exhaust, and it will stink when it heats up. Same true of EVERY bike with a chain drive (includes everything on your proposed list).

I hear you on the lack of power but for your apparent usage pattern (urban commuting with occasional short highway jaunts), the bike has enough. Very common mistake that newer riders make is simply not revving the engine out enough. The Ninja 250 doesn't really do much below 10,000 rpm. Some newer riders don't want to rev it that high because they think they will hurt it. You won't. Rev the pants off it. The bike will more than keep up with traffic if you are in the right gear.

The carb instead of fuel injection isn't an "outgrowing the bike" issue ... and neither are skinny tires.

You haven't "outgrown" it. You just want something different. That's fair enough, but make sure you're ready for what you want to replace it with, and I think you are jumping the gun. Put a year on the 250 and THEN decide.

 

[jc100]

I outgrew my first bike in 5 minutes, within the hour I was on a busa and was signed to a moto gp team.

 

[LoneRonin]

So in 2 months you've outgrown your ride?

Do i have that right?

thats what I'm thinking...are you just really big and physically outgrew the bike?
I have ridden my 09 250r for 45k km, I thought I outgrew it too til she put me on my *** a few weeks back...

ps: If you're really serious, PM me and I'll take you for a ride and you show you how its done on a 250...

 

[ROGO]

I hear you on the lack of power but for your apparent usage pattern (urban commuting with occasional short highway jaunts), the bike has enough. Very common mistake that newer riders make is simply not revving the engine out enough. The Ninja 250 doesn't really do much below 10,000 rpm. Some newer riders don't want to rev it that high because they think they will hurt it. You won't. Rev the pants off it. The bike will more than keep up with traffic if you are in the right gear.

The carb instead of fuel injection isn't an "outgrowing the bike" issue ... and neither are skinny tires.

You haven't "outgrown" it. You just want something different. That's fair enough, but make sure you're ready for what you want to replace it with, and I think you are jumping the gun. Put a year on the 250 and THEN decide.

First of all Brian I really like your responses. And for the most part the reasons I posted for "Outgrowing" my 250 are more excuses really to convince my wife why I will NEED to spend more money for a new bike. Truth be told I almost sold my 250 on Kijiji 2 weeks ago to buy a CBR600RR, then told the buyer I changed my mind until next year.

So that said folks, my mind is already made up and I will be buying a new bike next season.

Background on me...
1. I grew up watching Gilligan's Island, Three's Company, 6 million dollar man etc... so I'm no spring chicken that will take things lightly without thinking about it first.(Most of the time.) Hence the reason I bought the 250 and now realize I want a different bike. Similar concept of buying a Honda Civic then wanting to buy an Acura TL.
2. Physically I have not "Outgrown" the bike. I'm 5'8" and 195lbs. So most bikes fit me ok and can certainly pull my weight around easily enough.
3. I'm athletic, have operated many types of motorized and non-motorized vehicles and most importantly I played all the racing video games to show me how to corner and brake properly! :lmao:

So my final point on this guys is please share your experiences and knowledge of middle weight bikes because I will be buying one next season.

I'm leaning toward naked or street fighter bikes with 100hp cuz they appeal to me and seem to be the most well rounded. However I have read and some of you have posted that bikes like the GSXR750 and CBR600RR can be good bikes for the street as well.

 

[ROGO]

Definitely time for an upgrade. If I were in your shoes I'd be looking into a Triumph 675r.

I sat on this bike as I was considering it. It's really uncomfortable in my opinion but seems like it would be a lot of fun to own! More of a track bike for sure.

 

[ROGO]

I get what you are saying. No you haven't outgrown the cornering capability of your 250, realistically you probably can't legally on the street. Riding a small displacement bike is not that satisfying for everybody, some people don't mind weighing as much as their bike lol. You might have outgrown the excitement of finally being on any bike, and it's not so satisfying. Might want to look into non SS bikes, like a SV650, ninja 650/500/400. They might be better for your use.

Thank you. I did ride the Yamaha equivalent and felt it was a good bike. I did feel the seating posture was a little upright for my taste. I plan to test the Ninja 650 and see what that's like.

 

[ROGO]

That's a beautiful bike OP, what's the price on it brand new? I would be VERY wary of how much it costs to fix and how available are the spare parts on it, I would go japanese.

$9,999 MSRP

http://www.ridemotorcyclestoronto.c...&ModelYear=2012&Manufacturer=8&DispType=10978

 

[jc100]

First of all Brian I really like your responses. And for the most part the reasons I posted for "Outgrowing" my 250 are more excuses really to convince my wife why I will NEED to spend more money for a new bike. Truth be told I almost sold my 250 on Kijiji 2 weeks ago to buy a CBR600RR, then told the buyer I changed my mind until next year.

So that said folks, my mind is already made up and I will be buying a new bike next season.

Background on me...
1. I grew up watching Gilligan's Island, Three's Company, 6 million dollar man etc... so I'm no spring chicken that will take things lightly without thinking about it first.(Most of the time.) Hence the reason I bought the 250 and now realize I want a different bike. Similar concept of buying a Honda Civic then wanting to buy an Acura TL.
2. Physically I have not "Outgrown" the bike. I'm 5'8" and 195lbs. So most bikes fit me ok and can certainly pull my weight around easily enough.
3. I'm athletic, have operated many types of motorized and non-motorized vehicles and most importantly I played all the racing video games to show me how to corner and brake properly! :lmao:

So my final point on this guys is please share your experiences and knowledge of middle weight bikes because I will be buying one next season.

I'm leaning toward naked or street fighter bikes with 100hp cuz they appeal to me and seem to be the most well rounded. However I have read and some of you have posted that bikes like the GSXR750 and CBR600RR can be good bikes for the street as well.

Dunno about well rounded....I'm about your vintage and I just traded in my 109 hp sportyish bike for a comfortable capable triumph tiger. Now this is a bike I call well rounded.........plus it has another 4 horses anyway. Riding this compared to my 750 is a pure joy so far even though the Z750S was a great bike.

 

[stnd]

I think the Street Triple is a great choice. As others have mentioned the SV650 is great as well. 600 sport tourers are great and I recommend them for new riders.

Sure a 125 or 250 can be fun, but having the power to use is even greater in my opinion whether on highway or trying to get past a bunch of cars on the road.

In the end this is a hobby for most, we are not all trying to be the best most efficient riders and if a 250 is not doing it for you try something stronger. A sport touring bike will save your wrist and back compared to a super sport.

 

[ROGO]

Dunno about well rounded....I'm about your vintage and I just traded in my 109 hp sportyish bike for a comfortable capable triumph tiger. Now this is a bike I call well rounded.........plus it has another 4 horses anyway. Riding this compared to my 750 is a pure joy so far even though the Z750S was a great bike.

I haven't really taken a look at the Z750S. It looks like a nice bike. After explaining what I wanted to the Triumph sales guy he did point me to the Tiger as well. I did not sit on it as the ride height for that bike is a little taller and the bike is physically bigger than the others I'm looking at. I probably should have at least sat on it to see for sure. If I'm not mistaken they can go off-road and therefore are truly well rounded bikes. Has a similar look to the FZ8 which I like but have not tested yet.

 

[FriendlyFoe]

OP i think you'd be better off saying you've gotten bored of your 250. Take that 250 out to one of the racer 5 schools, they have a 250 instructor bike that they would be happy to tow you around with and show you how much you can still learn from the bike you have.

I can understand why you'd want more for the street but TBH if you're driving through the worst area's of torontos traffic the 250 is going to be WAY more efficient and easy to get around on when traffic gets backed up. You're going to have to take that 675 out to back highway roads just to open it up in third gear.

 

[mmmnaked]

Don't feel pressured to keep your 250 for a minute longer.

Outgrown is perhaps the wrong word... you've simply grown bored of the bike. It's buzzy, slow, cheap, and small. Don't let people talk you out of wanting to ugprade.

The Triumph and Ducati are the best choices in your list. Both have lots of character and interesting power delivery. They're really well built and are 'something different' from the masses of Japanese bikes.

 

[mongol777]

Wait till fall, go to states and pick up mint FZ8 with all the farkles (pipe, PC, levers, hard bags, etc) for around 5 or so.

 

[250R-ICE]

I can give you my experience from a fellow Ninja 250R owner with regards to my recent upgrade to a Ninja 650r. I have approx 3 years exp. (15,000 km's approx) on the 250r and I can honestly say that I don't consider myself having the skills to ride the 250r to it's limits. I definitely didn't out grow the bike. In fact I found myself improving as I became more aware of the limits of the bike. So for this reason I decided to keep both bikes until I was satisfied or comfortable with my upgrade. As far as I'm concerned the 250r is an excellent all around bike. But I wanted something that was a little more comfortable on the highway. So I purchased a slightly used 650r (had only 150 km) and saved over $2,000 from new cost.

Please note that I still consider myself a novice rider. I don't have anywhere near the experience of some of the posters above.

The differences that I have noticed between the two are as as follows:
- 250R a lot lighter, easier to handle (can take corners faster when required) , better mileage (over 100 km more distance per tank of gas), cheaper on insurance.
- 650R great power and torque (very forgiveable for a novice type rider) , excellent passing power on the highway, don't have to change gears as much in the city. On the 250r I had to change gears so much that my clutch hand would start to get tired easy. With the 650r I am probably changing gears half the amount that I was on the 250R. I personally can't handle the 650R as well as I could the 250R. I am sure it will improve over time. I have installed the sport bars so that my riding position is similar to the 250R. Heavier bike = more stable on the highway and more protection from high winds. I don't get blown around as much as I did on the 250R.

Bottom line - 650r better on the highway, faster acceleration - top speed. Less gear changing required.
- 250R amazing all around bike , easier to handle, lighter bike (75 lbs), better mileage, cheaper to insure. But not as comfortable on the highway.

So for now I am keeping both.

 

[kiwi]

Awesome replies all! Shows this forum has local riders with good feedback and more importantly concern for fellow riders safety.

My opinion why I've outgrown my 250:
:
- Skinny tires

lol!!

 

[ROGO]

lol!!

Hahahahaha! Like I said my excuse for WANTING a new bike.

For final clarification I have not outgrown the 250 skills wise, I simply want a bigger bike.

 

[ROGO]

I can give you my experience from a fellow Ninja 250R owner with regards to my recent upgrade to a Ninja 650r. I have approx 3 years exp. (15,000 km's approx) on the 250r and I can honestly say that I don't consider myself having the skills to ride the 250r to it's limits. I definitely didn't out grow the bike. In fact I found myself improving as I became more aware of the limits of the bike. So for this reason I decided to keep both bikes until I was satisfied or comfortable with my upgrade. As far as I'm concerned the 250r is an excellent all around bike. But I wanted something that was a little more comfortable on the highway. So I purchased a slightly used 650r (had only 150 km) and saved over $2,000 from new cost.

Please note that I still consider myself a novice rider. I don't have anywhere near the experience of some of the posters above.

The differences that I have noticed between the two are as as follows:
- 250R a lot lighter, easier to handle (can take corners faster when required) , better mileage (over 100 km more distance per tank of gas), cheaper on insurance.
- 650R great power and torque (very forgiveable for a novice type rider) , excellent passing power on the highway, don't have to change gears as much in the city. On the 250r I had to change gears so much that my clutch hand would start to get tired easy. With the 650r I am probably changing gears half the amount that I was on the 250R. I personally can't handle the 650R as well as I could the 250R. I am sure it will improve over time. I have installed the sport bars so that my riding position is similar to the 250R. Heavier bike = more stable on the highway and more protection from high winds. I don't get blown around as much as I did on the 250R.

Bottom line - 650r better on the highway, faster acceleration - top speed. Less gear changing required.
- 250R amazing all around bike , easier to handle, lighter bike (75 lbs), better mileage, cheaper to insure. But not as comfortable on the highway.

So for now I am keeping both.

Thank You! This is the kind of reply I was looking for.

My first choice was to look at the 650r and possibly insure both bikes. I did not consider adjusting the bars to get the same stance as the 250. I'll have to check with the bikes I'm interested in if they can do that.

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