Hey guys, I've been doing a lot of reading and would like some unbiased input. For those of you who started on an F4i as a first bike, would you suggest starting on a 250 instead? The general consensus I'm seeing is that starting on a slower bike is a better idea. I am mature enough to respect the power of a bike. I also learn things fairly quickly.

for the cost of a new 250R, I can get a 04-06 F4i. I'm just curious what you guys think. my MSF course is at the end of this month

 

any prior riding experiences? If none I say the 250 as its more forgiving and easier to learn on. On a 250 you wont have to worry about giving it to much throttle etc etc. You can concentrate on learning proper riding techniques and will be a better rider in the long run for it. And generally you will learn faster on the 250 vs a larger cc bike.

Just remember to respect any bike regardless of its size. Now let all the power hungry egomaniacs pipe in!!

 

i learned on my f4i and i wouldnt have it any other way because now i dont have to worry about upgrading for a while... (its hard to sell bikes in that cc range in these here parts lol)

it is probably easier to learn on a 250

but i was unhappy with the styling on any 250 and had always planned on starting on a 600... out of all of my friends though im the only one to past the license test on a 600cc or bigger sportbike....

prolly cuz i weight 135 freakin pounds and could use all clutch and no gas on the course...

 

250 if you're a *****.

no, seriously now, 250 would be the best bet if you're completely new to this. much more forgiving and will help you learn how to ride properly quicker in the long run.

every newbie says they'll respect the power and be conscientious of what they do on a 600 and all that bull****, including me. i was deftly scared when i started out, but of course, after 2 months or so i'm trying to hit 130mph on some highway like a retard (youtube film will be up of the run soon haha). i'll say overconfidence in me says i'm at 90% comfort level with the bike. but realistically? more like 35% of real world experience, comfort, and being able to handle the bike properly

start on the 250, ride for a year or two, then trade it in for almost the same value. you won't regret it.

 

250 will bore u soon, veeeeery soon

Plus, if you're like 170lb+ that 250r sounds like a good joke - its too weak

When someone rides within their limits, any bike is fine for the first bike.

 

Last year I had a 99 Ninja 250.. great bike.. put 800 miles on it.. then tok the MSF course.. finished the rest of that season with th e bike... it taught me alo.. but I didnt like the high rpms on the parkway... at 70+ mph... I sold it (they sell pretty quick) and picked up my F4 soon after.. I have done 2000 miles on the F4.. love it.. seating position is more aggressive than my Ninja was.. but not by much.. very comfortable.. I find the power easy to modulate.. around town I rarely get above 5 or 6 grand.. usually between 3 and 4... you can start out on either bike IMO... depends on your right wrist...

Oh.. and the F4/F4i is also nice and light.. about 370-375# dry.. vs my old Ninja which was like 305# dry...

You have to make the decision.. but as was said.. .after 1 season with the 250 I needed "more" of a bike.

 

thanks guys. i'll get that 250 then. at least they look a lot better than they used to!

 

ghey. get an f4i

 

Smart choice!! Keep ignoring the egomaniacs and you will do fine

 

The 250 is the biggest waste of a sportbike that I've ever heard of and Im tired of all the people that fall for this gimick. Yeah the [insert any bike made] can go way faster then the ninja, how is that going to make learning harder on you? Do you plan on twisting your wrist all the way and pinning the throttle then forget how to let go very often?
Somebody will chime in and say "but the ninja is so light!" News flash, 600's aren't heavy.
To be perfectly honest if you want to learn on something tiny then do it correctly and go learn on a dirtbike offroad. Otherwise buy a reasonable sportbike that you won't be made fun of for owning and sell for a loss a couple months after getting because you relize how crappy it is.