New rider plan to get on a VFR

Here's my story. I passed my MSF course about 2 months back. My goal is to get into a VFR for pleasure and commuting to work. My work is 50 miles one way, with 90% freeway riding with 10% highway. I've been lurking the internet for maybe six months now about motorcycle riding and so forth. Currently I'm looking for a used ninja 250 to learn to ride on. I'm hoping to put maybe one riding season with about 8k miles on her, then move up to a VFR the next season. What do you guys think about my plan? Does it sound reasonable or am I biting too much than what I can chew?

I've also been lurking around this site as well doing research. My concern is that I may be a bit short for the bike at 5'6 1/2 with 29-30" inseam, 160lb. I've read the article about how to lower the ride by getting a new seat, changing the "triangular" shape thingamabob on the rear strut, and the "dog bone" thing. Anything else?

 

Welcome! You seem to have done your research. Congrats on the MSF course...very smart. Most here will probably agree on the Ninja 250 stater route...good for you!
As far as the height issue...I am not sure since it is not an issue for me so I never looked into it. SOme other folks here will respond about that. Enjoy and be safe!

 

sounds like you've done the homework in the forum, i had a look at lowering the VFR in the search function, so that pretty comprehensively covered in there, i noted there was one person at 5' 4" who was happy with mods made, so there must be a resolution for you.
if your prepared to spend the bucks, then a fully adjustable shock may also offer some assisitance. it would pay to get it set up for you, they can adjust an ohlins for wieght and riding style and with differant springs could possibly accomodate hieght. plus with full adjustment on compression,rebound,and preload you could really dial it in to suit the bikes handling.

cheers

RT

 

I started with a 500R and am soooo glad I did. A friend at work has an R6 that I got to ride after I was comfortable on the Ninja and liked the upgrade. After almost a year of riding the Ninja, I got the VFR. Took the 500 out after about 6 weeks on the VFR and was amazed that I thought it was good. Totally different creatures. I am extremely happy that I started with something much easier to ride. The 250 would have been too small for me, 6' and 230lbs. The friend here at work got to ride a brand new Ninja 250 home last night for a friend of his and was totally underwhelmed, but, he does have the R6 for his primary ride.

Smart way to go with the smaller ride, then upgrade later.

Mike

 

Don't limit yourself to just a Ninja 250. There are plenty of other decent "beginner" bikes that have a higher engine displacement that you won't outgrow so quick. The Ninja 250 is a decent starter bike but everyone that I know that bought one outgrew it within a few months. What year model are you considering?

Others to consider:

Suzuki SV650
Suzuki GS500
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Kawasaki Ninja 500


Regards,
Rollin

 

Philosopher, I think you are right on the end of the height spectrum for the VFR. My wife is 5'6" & can ride my 00. It is by no means a perfect fit for her, but she can ride the bike safely. The biggest advantage is the ease of operation the VFR represents. I've ridden probably 100 bikes in my lifetime. Out of those bikes, my current VFR is without doubt the easiest bike to ride & ride hard.

You are definitely starting correctly. Ride the Ninja250 for at least a year. If you haven't put at least 3000 miles on it, keep riding the Ninja. Trust me when I tell you, the Ninja250 is one of the most fun bikes on the planet. As you accumulate your riding experience, listen to your gut. Your gut will never lie to you & tell you that you need a bigger bike. Your "friends" will but you gut will not. When it feels right in your gut, then look to bigger & better things. Ask any veteran rider (I consider myself one) & 90% of them will tell you that the lightest bike with the most HP is not always the best choice. For short rides, I almost always have more fun on my 89 Hawk GT. On longer rides, the VFR is the bomb.

Above all, don't rush things. You start with 2 bags. Bag 1 is full & has "Luck" on the side. Bag 2 is empty & has "Experience" written on it. The goal is to fill bag 2 before bag 1 is empty.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I'm 6 foot tall, but I'm all torso and only have a 30 inch inseam. I can handle the seat height of my 03 VFR just fine. I can't get both heels flat on the ground, but I'm close. If you have a 29-30 inch inseam you should be able to ride a 6th gen VFR fine. Lowering the seat height maybe something you do for more comfort or ease.

 

Not sure of where you live but I work with a guy who has a Ninja 250 less that one year old he wants to sell. PM me and I can get you the info/contact.

 

I'm looking at 2007 or older. The newer body style costs a premium due to demand.

The SV650 that you recommended. I've seen that bike thrown around quite a bit for new riders. When I started searching there was an older (~5yr) version it may have another letter designee at the end, "s" maybe. It was a super sport styling type of bike. I assume the two are completely different beasts?

Those bikes you mentioned are 500-650cc bikes. I always hear and read that 600cc bikes are not for designed for new rider. Are these bikes different somehow?

 

pm sent

pm sent...

 

Looks like everyone, as usual, is pointing you in the right direction. I'm 5'10" with a 30 " inseam and I'm happy with the ergos although I am going to get a longer dogbone and give it a whirl.
All I can add is ATGATT! And don't cheap out on the gear, you'll just be getting better stuff later, you get what you pay for. There's lots of good deals on used gear if you know exactly what you're looking for, lots of guys dive in and get out for various reasons and they hardly use their equipment. Welcome to our "world"....

 

The SV is a fantastic bike & is pretty much the best intermediate bike on the market. For a true "beginner", I still recommend the Ninja 250.

For the SV bikes, all the mechanicals are completely identical. Engines, brakes, gear ratio, transmission, etc...

On all years, up to 2009, the "SV650" is the naked bike with a round headlight & tubular handle bar. For 2009, the "SV650" is now the "Gladius" & it is vomit inducing ugly. uke:

For all years that it has been available, the "SV650S" has been equipped with at least a 1/2 fairing & clip-ons equal in height to the top triple clamp. The 2008 "SV650S" comes standard with a full fairing.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2: