Will I be able to handle the little ninja?

Nexus

New member
Hey, I'm new on this forum and would like to ask a few questions. I'm 16 years old and am getting ready to start riding real soon. I'm currently 5'7 and 120 lbs. I'm really determined to start on a ninja 250r as a first bike, will you guys think I'll be able to handle it? I've had past experience with motorbikes. Just never ones with a clutch.
 
Hey, I'm new on this forum and would like to ask a few questions. I'm 16 years old and am getting ready to start riding real soon. I'm currently 5'7 and 120 lbs. I'm really determined to start on a ninja 250r as a first bike, will you guys think I'll be able to handle it? I've had past experience with motorbikes. Just never ones with a clutch.

I recommend sitting on one and see how you feel,
I'm about 30~31 inseam and i can bounce the 300 between my legs, and I can't see the 250 being a lot taller.
so my guess is you would be ok.

But again, nothing is better than in person test.
and anyways, I think there's like a 4 " lowering kit giving you the option as well if you really need it.

Good luck and safe riding
 
Okay, thanks for the tips guys. I have sat on the bike. Just nearly like half an inch off of flat footing the bike. Thanks again.
 
Make sure you check for insurance first.... riding at the age of 16 will cost you a lot and most of the insurance companies will not even insure you since you don't even have a G license yet.

A better question is: "Will I be able to get my bike insured"...
 
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5'7" should be no problem with a Ninja 250. Unless you have very short legs. But then again, who says you have to flat-foot on both sides?
Personally I think Ninja is perfect for someone your size. With your light weight, you'll get enough power too.
It's good that you went and sat on it. See if you like the sitting position as well. Imagine yourself being on it for few hours. How would your back feel? Knees?

Anyhow, check insurance as mentioned above. Tons of young guys get bikes and sell them a week later to us older guys because they can't afford to pay the monthly rate.
 
5'7 should be no problem

remember, you don't necessarily have to flat foot the bike with both feet, since you have past experience, I don't foresee any problems
 
Im 5'5 with i think a max inseam of 30. I cant flat foot my 250r. Its not needed as mentioned. I actually prefer 1 leg on the rear brake anyways. Its a fun bike tho
 
The stigma that short people can't ride certain bikes or should have them lowered is really annoying. It is such false information.
Lowering most motorcycles is generally not a good idea.

You don't need to flatfoot both feet. Sure, it's a little more reassuring to know you can, but you don't need to.
Just skoot your butt over to the left when you come to a red light and put your left foot down (you should always be in first gear by the time you stop).
Your right foot will be on the rear brake.
Because you are leaning a bit to the left, even a little gust of wind shouldn't counter-balance you enough to move you.
If one is strong enough to push you over, grab the front brake with your right hand and put your right foot down.

In my MSF course one of my instructors was 5'3". She demonstrated on the tall dual-sport that any person can ride any bike. You simply need to skoot your body over to compensate.
This may sound like a task at first, but if you develop that habit right from the start you won't even notice it after a while. Your leg muscles need to get used to riding a bike.

As a short person you are not at a disadvantage, you just need to do it a little different than tall people, that's all. :)
 
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Agree, lowering a bike is against the common sense of gravity.
 
Agree, lowering a bike is against the common sense of gravity.
And most insurance companies, if you choose the tell them about it, will refuse to cover you.

I'm like 5' 8" and my first bike was a Ninja 650R with no problems related to height. The shortest adult pants you can buy at most stores (I think it's commonly 30"?) are slightly too long for me if that gives you an idea of my height. The 250R was really low in comparison.
 
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