looking at buying my first bike

hey im looking at getting my first street bike, and im looking at the ninja 250($4500), or the hyosung 250($5000). anyone know the pros and cons between these bike and any other bikes that i should also be looking at(maybe the ninja 400)? ive only ever ridden dirtbikes before and that was when i was a kid so my biking skills arn't so great.  

I'd stay away from the Hyosung, it doesn't have a proven track record yet. As for the Ninja 250, it's a great bike that has a strong aftermarket and a stone-reliable reputation. Also look in Ninja 500s and SV650, both are also great starters with a little high performance ceilings. You should be able to find any of the above on the used market, or even some leftover new 2009 models at the dealer.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your height and weight? Also, what's your riding experience like and ultimately where do you want to end up; street riding or also some trackdays?

Good luck, welcome aboard.  

im about 5'11, 145 pounds. i dont have any street riding experience at all so i figure i should start off with something that doesn't have too much power.  

To be honest with you, I'd try sitting on a 250 and if it's too small, then look at a Ninja 500, 650 or SV650. Being that you're on the taller side, a 250 might feel a little cramped. Also, the bigger bikes aren't too fast that they'll scare you, but you wont outgrow them so quickly either.

Keep us posted with what you end up doing. Feel free to ask anymore questions.  

sv650 is a great bike to start with.  that was my first bike and i loved it. still had power for a taller person, but was not very snappy with its power, lots of low end torque but very smooth good luck with the search.  

safe bet is for the 5,000.00 price range u can get a quality usesd bike. i'd stay away from huyosung. if ur new ur gonna drop it, i'd go with a trusted brand thats used.  

I would definitely recommend a Ninja 500 - and you can get one that's a few years old for way under $5k.

Bike's live forever, unless you crash them. You will drop this bike, have no illusions. You will likely have a spill too. Keep that in mind, because even though it will become your baby, you will have to learn to take the pain when something breaks, which it will *when* you drop it.

I bought a 2002 Ninja 500 in 2005 and I still have it. In fact it's my only bike, because it is perfect for where I live (San Francisco) and $$$ has been allocated to other things like engagement rings and dental surgeries.

But to be honest with you, I am super happy with the bike, even though I want a super sport some day.

The killer thing is that if you change it to a full exhaust and rejet the headers like I did, the bike is fkn night and day - mine wheelies in first gear. So you always have the option of stepping up the juice, but if you leave it stock, its not scary fast by any means.

Plus you can ride 2up with it and what girls think about your bike is very important I have gotten nothing but compliments and very very happy passengers in my day.

Also, if you are 5'11" and 145, you should definitely spend less on the bike and spend more money on the gym and steaks, because its time to lift and get huge son!    

My wife and I just purchased a 2009 250R Ninja.

At first, I was somewhat reluctant to purchase this motorcycle but Suzanne insisted on a small displacement motorcycle.

After the break-in period, I was quite surprised and pleased with the bike's performance and handling.

It is a great starter bike and to tell you the truth, it is a great bike for experienced riders as well.

My daily ride is a 2006 Honda CBR1000RR. I also ride a 2002 Ducati 748. I ride the Ninja more that any other motorcycle we own.

Suzanne loves the little Ninja and I love it too. It is so much fun to ride because of it's light weight, great handling and awesome fuel mileage.

We are going to upgrade this bike with a full racing exhaust and jet kit this winter.

Look out bigger bikes, this little Ninja rocks.  

i did a full exhaust and jet kit that gained 5 HP, Galfer brake lines, vortex clip-ons and Roaring Toyz lowering kit.just did some new SHinko tires on it as well (moved the rear up from 130 to 140).
my wife's done 8,000 mile son it in a year and is totally content—not concerned with "more power" at all.  

I am looking at the Ninja 650. Im 6ft 215lbs. Is that a good bike to start on for me and my size? I want it for both the track and the street.  

jrsanders - yes that would be a good bike, but ride it first. You might be better suited for a Yamaha YZF 600 or an SV650.