Need some advice on choosing... : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

Nikolce · 09-18-2009, 08:23 AM

I'm a beginner rider, and I'm looking to get a Ninja fairly soon(maybe even this weekend, Green Tag event :))

Anyways, I've been asking most of my friends who are all a lot more experienced drivers, and they are all saying that for someone of my size and height(I'm 6'3 217 Lbs) that ZX10R would be the perfect choice for me, even though I am a beginning rider. They said if I get a ZX6R I would be making a mistake and I would regret it.

My friends ride a 2003 TL1000R, 2004 Yamaha R1, 2003 Honda CBR954RR, 2001 Honda RC51, and 2003 Kawasaki Ninja ZX636R

Now I was hoping to get input from you guys...I learn fairly quickly with new things, especially new toys...I'm not looking to race or anything at all...I'm looking to cruise around with my friends around town..

So any help is very much appreciated..

I also apologize if this is the wrong part of the forum to post in! Thanks!

**Shifty1** · 09-18-2009, 09:06 AM

You will not be disappointed with a 6. More than enough power to do something stupid and handles like crazy. Bikes aren't like pants...just because you're tall doesn't mean you have to get a bigger bike.

phillyzx6r · 09-18-2009, 09:35 AM

IMO, zx6r would be the way to go. plenty of power for beginner and to cruise around town

Flyingwarrior · 09-18-2009, 09:46 AM

go with the 6 its more forgiving expecially for a beginner then down the road you can trade and get a 10 if you wanted to but 6's have plenty of power.

JBearSVT · 09-18-2009, 01:07 PM

My first bike was a 10R, and I had no trouble with starting on it. I'm 6' 160lbs, and I think it's perfect. Picking a bike when you're starting out is more about knowing your own discipline than engine size, no matter what anyone says. I'd say sit on a few and see what feels good. If you can operate a motorcycle, see if some of these friends offering this buying advice will let you take theirs for a spin, that's the only way to know what you'll be comfortable with.

**STREETDREAMS** · 09-18-2009, 01:52 PM

there are alot of guys your size on 6's... Ive been riding for over ten years and when I first got my 10 it made me feel like I was a beginner...

JBearSVT · 09-18-2009, 01:53 PM

Me too. OH wait...

185EZ · 09-18-2009, 01:54 PM

I've always said to buy the biggest or the most powerful of anything that you can afford. Nothing worse than getting something too small and having to trade up in a couple months or have something lacking in power and saying I should've got the bigger motor.
I haven't rode the 6 or the 10 but I would definately go with the 10 if money wasn't an issue. Not that the 6 is bad but from what your friends are riding, I think you'll be happier with the 10. You might find yourself adding mods to the 6 to keep up with your friends where the 10 will have all the power you need. You don't have to USE all that power but it will always be there when you need it.

Nikolce · 09-21-2009, 07:49 AM

I've narrowed it down to a ZX10R and CBR1000RR.....Both feel great....but the ZX10R just looks like a meaner bike :D

lyodbraun · 09-21-2009, 10:11 AM

you might want to wait till Oct and see what the new 2010 ZX-10R is gonna look like you might like it better than the current ones.. suppose to be different than out 08/09's ...

Nungboy · 09-28-2009, 04:10 PM

This can be a very flammable topic! Many folks say you'd be crazy to start with anything bigger than a 250 Ninja and then slowly work your way up the engine displacement ladder as your skills improve. These folks feel you will kill yourself otherwise. Some folks have started out on a big, powerful bike and have had no problems (JBearSVT is one of them). I went to a Z750S after a short while on a KLR 650 (not much power), and then a Honda VFR and only recently onto a 10R. A liter bike is a potent machine and can kill you in a moment BUT you can still kill yourself on a 5hp mini-bike. It comes down to your abilities and especially, your ability to control your motor skills, and a real appreciation/respect for the power lurking under your right hand.
So, would I suggest a liter bike as a first bike? Well, no. But, you are different than me. Be very careful with whatever you choose, take the MSF course, and then be even more careful once you THINK you know what you are doing. A little bit of confidence can get you into lots of trouble. Good luck!

kdankenb · 09-28-2009, 07:51 PM

Get the 10R if it fits, all that matters is your ability to connect that mushy stuff between your ears and your control of the right hand in the proper manner. That said, you can kill yourself on a scooter if you're not smart. Be careful no matter what you buy.

I started out with the 600 a long time ago, after 6 months, I traded for a 1000...

take care..

Chongo · 09-29-2009, 04:05 PM

Here's my theory:

An experienced motorcyclist will feel like a beginner on a ZX-10r

A beginner will feel like a beginner on a ZX-10r

You might as well cut out the middle man and go for the gusto.

It doesn't matter if you wipe out at 150mph riding a 600 or a 1000. You won't feel the difference.

Go to Hooters on "bike night" and look at all the tards riding Busas, 14s and 1000cc crotch-rockets. If they can handle all the horsepower, certainly you deserve more than a puny 600cc.

If the ass-end of the 1000 wants to slide out mid-corner, then simply be more careful with the throttle. It's not rocket science.

Go to an MSF course and learn to be a defensive driver.

Having a sport bike will give you better maneuverability when dealing with cages.

Having 1000cc will allow you to rapidly get out of town when the Zombies attack.

JBearSVT · 09-29-2009, 05:00 PM

^ I really, REALLY like Chongo. He can stay.

Nungboy · 09-30-2009, 08:33 AM

Chongo does have some points there! I still don't quite think it is a good idea to strap a newbie to a ZX-10r though!

NinjaHawk · 09-30-2009, 12:41 PM

I say go with a 10R if you are comfortable. I started on a 636 with only riding a 250 once 6 years ago. If you are quick learner and stay within your limits, I dont see anything wrong with jumping on a zx-10, just have to take it easy... But those ZX-636Rs are SWEET!!!
I also agree with you on the mean look compared to the CBR.

Green_ZIXER · 09-30-2009, 01:08 PM

fk it i'll say it!
start with a 250!!

j/k

if you start with a 6 and get bored in a week your gonna be pissed... thats my 2 cents.

and trust me buyin another bike a couple months after you buy "an under powered" one sucks, its a pain in the ass.

Nungboy · 09-30-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green_ZIXER

fk it i'll say it!
start with a 250!!

j/k

if you start with a 6 and get bored in a week your gonna be pissed... thats my 2 cents.

and trust me buyin another bike a couple months after you buy "an under powered" one sucks, its a pain in the ass.

...yes, especially when you buy NEW!

Green_ZIXER · 09-30-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nungboy

...yes, especially when you buy NEW!

oops... luckly 08 250R's had great resale!

Nungboy · 09-30-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green_ZIXER

oops... luckly 08 250R's had great resale!

Oh, man...those 250 Ninjas are easy to resell...there is always someone new to motorcycling that wants one to start on...