Ninja 250 to GSX-R 600

A

andrewff66

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I have been riding for about 8 months total now on my 2011 ninja 250, and was considering upgrading to a 600cc bike. I have narrowed my options down to the 2008 GSX-R 600 mainly because of the A-B-C drive selector, and I think it would help my transition to a more powerful bike as opposed to an R6, CBR, etc..

In your opinions, how much of a difference am i looking at between the 250 and drive mode C on the GSX-R?

Also, any suggestions for the transition? Do's, don't, lessons learned..

Thanks!
 
Why not try out a SV650, GS500, Fz6? maybe get on to a gsxr600 at a demo day or ask a friend to try it out, compared to a 250 it'll be a lot more power than you expect, even on the C setting...
 
I did this transition about a month ago, but I ride an L1 gsx-r 600 (2011) now. The lower power mode on it is still no joke compared to the ninja 250r, practicing precise throttle control is definitely a must for these 600s since on the 250 you could go WOT and barely move lol.
 
There isn't a way where a 250 even remotely compares to a 600. If you're ready for it then have at it. If you have any doubts then do not. Drive mode selector resets every time the bike is turned off and restarted. That said my 2012 has it but just a and b modes. I would say after 8 months you're not ready but there are a few people who are exceptions. Only you know. Good luck :thumbup:

p.s. I'd look into insurance first
 
Thats the thing. I'll never know if Im ready unless im actually on one. Its hard for me to understand that it is THAT powerful, which im sure it is, just not something I can understand by reading. That being said, not sure how/when to make a relatively smooth transition..

Ive looked into insurance, and it isnt as bad as I thought. A jump from my 250, but doable.
 
andrewff66 said:
I have been riding for about 8 months total now on my 2011 ninja 250, and was considering upgrading to a 600cc bike. I have narrowed my options down to the 2008 GSX-R 600 mainly because of the A-B-C drive selector, and I think it would help my transition to a more powerful bike as opposed to an R6, CBR, etc..

In your opinions, how much of a difference am i looking at between the 250 and drive mode C on the GSX-R?

Also, any suggestions for the transition? Do's, don't, lessons learned..

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I went from a GS500F to a GSXR-750. If I recall correctly, the BHP between the Ninja 250, GS500F, and GSXR750 are ~20, ~40, ~120 respectively. The Ninja250 to GS500F did not feel like a gigantic leap (I started on the 500, rode a gf's 250 for a little bit).

Didn't even realize I had a Drive Mode selector until 2 months in. Popped an accidentally wheelie first day I got it because I went wide open throttle like I did on my old GS. Don't over think it, just go demo one. I'm A LOT more comfortable now with the power now (put around 3,000km on it since I got it in December). In hindsight...I was thinking too much, just ride the damn thing (not into pine cones).
 
Lets say I demo one, and I crash for whatever reason....to what degree am i responsible for damage. Is my insurance affected?

I really dont feel i would crash, but lets say it happened for argument sake..

油井緋色;2012391 said:
I went from a GS500F to a GSXR-750.

Didn't even realize I had a Drive Mode selector until 2 months in. Popped an accidentally wheelie first day I got it because I went wide open throttle like I did on my old GS. Don't over think it, just go demo one. I'm A LOT more comfortable now with the power now (put around 3,000km on it since I got it in December). In hindsight...I was thinking too much, just ride the damn thing (not into pine cones).
Click to expand...
 
Spend the rest of the season on the 250 until you triple that mileage on all kinds of roads/situations.
Highway, country roads, city, etc. Get so comfortable with the controls on the bike, it's an after thought.

250 vs a 600 SS?

The 'Oh ****' moment on a 250 will make you wanna poop your pants, but is forgiving enough for you to walk away and change your huggies.

The SS bikes, amplify everything by 25 to 50 times. Before you know it, you're wrapped around a guard rail wondering, "how did this happen?"

Is it curiosity? You said your self you wanna see what all the hype is about, if they're really THAT different. Well, they are.
Is it boredom? Start choosing different riding roads, types, etc.

Or ignore all of this, and hop on an SS. Giv'r too much throttle and see what happens.

TL;DR. You'll be a better rider on the SS if you hold on to the 250 and practice a bit more.
 
I remember last year a member on this forum upgraded from a 250 to a brand new zx6r because he felt he was ready. very soon after he crashed into a guardrail trying to keep pace with me.

lesson learned. if you upgrade, don't try and keep up with anyone.

still think you should burn through a few sets of tires before you upgrade.

its cheaper to crash a 250 doing stupid things than a 600.
 
I think demo days require their own insurance coverage? there may be deductibles and what not, not exactly sure. Maybe someone else can chime in on this one....

andrewff66 said:
Lets say I demo one, and I crash for whatever reason....to what degree am i responsible for damage. Is my insurance affected?

I really dont feel i would crash, but lets say it happened for argument sake..
Click to expand...
 
WarpTiger said:
I remember last year a member on this forum upgraded from a 250 to a brand new zx6r because he felt he was ready. very soon after he crashed into a guardrail trying to keep pace with me.

lesson learned. if you upgrade, don't try and keep up with anyone.

still think you should burn through a few sets of tires before you upgrade.

its cheaper to crash a 250 doing stupid things than a 600.
Click to expand...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++1

Cannot emphasis this enough. Had a moment where I was trying to turn on my headcam, which is normally mounted on my left when I use my day time helmet, on the right of my night time helmet. When my hand came down, I accidentally hit the killswitch on the DVP. One of the dudes I was riding with slowed down to check up on me. Once I figured out wtf I did, everything went back to normal but my mindset was a mess from "WHY DID MY BIKE MESS UP?!?!".

Trying to keep up with my buddy at our regular pace seemed like hell as my mind really wasn't in place. I ran a corner slightly wide with no traffic around and decided to start going slow. Pretty sure if I tried to push myself out of my comfort zone that night, I would have crashed.

Gaggu P said:
I think demo days require their own insurance coverage? there may be deductibles and what not, not exactly sure. Maybe someone else can chime in on this one....
Click to expand...

Don't you sign something that says you crash you pay? lol
 
I wont give any advice as im sure you will get tonnes of opinions on here ! :)
My experience started last september, first time riding. Did my course, bought my gsx-r 600, and started off on small rds, then to main rds, and off to the hwy. Only did what i felt comfortable with.
Here i am just starting this season, and already had a few long quick rides, as well as been to TMP. It comes down to you and what your comfortable with.
Not my opinion rather my experience.

I here bigger is better!
 
I will volunteer to throw you on the back of my GSX-R 1000 and show you what the difference is. But only if you're a chick, and only if you're a hot chick :-)
 
Andrew, I upgraded from a 2012 Ninja 250 to a 2012 ZX6R this season. I did about 3,800km last season (also my first) and traded the 250 in the winter on the ZX6r.

Like you I was very tempted by the power mode selector of the GSXR because I was weary of the 600cc power. I ended up with a new 2012 ZX6R and I'll admit was a little concerned about the first ride(s) especially since I had not ride'n in 6.5 months. After I picked it up and rode it home I was surprised on how easy it was to ride. Honestly as long as you have some experience under your belt and a bit of self control a 600cc is completely tameable. I find the 600 easier to ride than the 250. I'm still in the breakin period so I am staying out of "sweet zone" most of the time. When I can I practice the emergency stops and weaving etc. The biggest fact people should realize is to ride well within your abilities on these types of bikes as they can be very unforgiving.

I ride alone so I am not trying to keep pace with anyone or show off.

Anyways I am still a noob rider but I have no regrets or worries about jumping to the 600 after only a half season of riding.

Edit:
BTW, the power on the ZX6r is ridiculous compared to the 250 LOL.
 
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andrewff66 said:
Thats the thing. I'll never know if Im ready unless im actually on one. Its hard for me to understand that it is THAT powerful, which im sure it is, just not something I can understand by reading. That being said, not sure how/when to make a relatively smooth transition..

Ive looked into insurance, and it isnt as bad as I thought. A jump from my 250, but doable.
Click to expand...

Its not THAT powerful. You're not road racing (are you?). Just don't ride like an idiot and you'll be fine.
 
Ride with throttle control and you will be fine. Only you will know if you are prepared for the change.
 
I had a Ninja 250 last season put over 15k on it and upgraded 6 months later to a GSXR 600 ....I kept it on the normal A mode when I transitioned over and was fine for me, actually I never really ever use any other modes...Unless you're dumping the clutch and giving it a hand full of throttle you shouldn't have any issues. The only major difference I had to get used to was the sitting position...the 250 was very upright and the GSXR is leaned forward a lot more.
 
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