Re: First Bike outside India

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Re: First Bike outside India

It depends on what you are going to do. Which one should you go for? I'd recommend beginner bikes like Ninja 250/300 or CBR 500. Do not go for anything above that, not even the 650s.
First hand or Second hand? Depends on what you wanna do later. If you are going to buy a bike that you would keep riding for quite some time, go for a first hand bike. If you are probably going to upgrade to a Supersports or litreclass bike, go with a second hand one. When you get a second hand bike, get it from a reputed dealership. Check the chain,sprockets for obvious damage or repair. Check the tire treads, condition of brake and clutch levers, check the front suspension by holding the front brake and bouncing the front, check the instrument cluster, bar end weights, handlebar alignment. Take it for a test drive to ensure everything is fine and that you are comfortable with it. You may have to do some tidying up though when you purchase a second hand ride, don't worry much about scratches and dents on a second hand bike, you can live with it. Just look for severely damaged parts. If possible try to get the service record for the bike also enquire about previous accidents/drops and falls.
My best bet would be the Ninja 300 as its got some decent power to do some highway riding without stressing too much like the CBR 250/Ninja 250 (Speaking in context of freeway speeds in the US). But still you will need quite some effort to pass on the freeway in a 300, even in the CBR 500. Since you are in the US you will be able to get the Special Edition of the Ninja(with ABS) as well. If you are gonna upgrade to a bigger bike soon, get a used 300 else go for a new one.

Re: First Bike outside India

Thanks a ton.

I did a test ride on 300 and found it might be not comfortable in terms of handling. Saying that the ninja 250 has been stopped in US for new booking. only 300s now

Your inputs are very helpful as in what i should look for when buying a second hand bike. Will make a not of them when buying one.

I might go for a second hand 250s as i want to get used to the roads and riding style in US (speed limits and road discipline ). Also i feel i will not outgrow the 250 anytime soon as my usage is mainly city riding to/from work/gym/market etc...

CBR 500 is mostly out of my list as its a very new bike and not many pplcan give me their feedback. 250 is a proven engine.

do you suggest any other bikes i should look for ? Also please recommend any good helmet under 150$

Thanks again for all the inputs

Re: First Bike outside India

Second hand in U.S.,not a good idea.U.S. is full of bikes that are totally used up and still look like new so beware n get a certified used one.

Sent from my GT-S5360 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: First Bike outside India


thanks if the second hand bike is a nono then i am left with the new 300 or the new CBR 500

i have seen many genuine sellers here and the ninja 250 sell like in seconds. I will deft make sure i check all the things suggested by Ezilkannan and get it checked with a mechanic.

Also in US there is a VIN check for the motorcycle which tells you if it has met any accidents , year of manufacture and if it has a clean title.

Re: First Bike outside India

If the 300's handling doesnt feel good for you I don't know which other bike will provide you with better. In my opinion, the 300 is one of the best beginner bikes out there. Also used Ninja 250s are quite good for beginners. Other options might be Honda CBR 250 R, but you may feel it too underpowered on the freeways. You really don't have much options in this range as only very few manufacturers make bikes in the 250~500 cc category right now. Regarding helmets, since you are in the US getting a genuine DOT certified helmet should be relatively easier than us poor souls here in India. I think AGV,HJC has some good helmets in that price range. You can ask here for more info on that

Imo, secondhand in us is better than what we get here in India. You just need to look for a good dealer and get the know hows of a bike or have someone who knows about motorcycles with you when you are picking a second hand ride.

Re: First Bike outside India

if you do not have plans to upgrade for atleast 3-4 years and IF you have the money, go for a new bike, second hand bike in an alien country where you may not be aware of good local mechanics etc may be problematic.

out of the above three bikes i would recomend Honda 500, as i feel you will enjoy it more as compared to Ninja 300 if you are not the track junkie kind of rider.

however....



if this is your intended use, you may think of KTM Duke 390 also as a potential candidate.

Re: First Bike outside India

Get a used motorcycle in the 600cc segment; all others will feel under powered after few weeks. Hook up with local motorcycle club at SFO. You've plenty of options in middle weights right from Daytona, Gixxer, Versys, FZ6.

Re: First Bike outside India

I think 600cc is an overkill but its upto him really. Thought it would be safer to get a beginner bike and then upgrade.

Re: First Bike outside India

He's talking about US not India; it's only the age that qualifies to ride a certain segment of motorcycle in US of A, not the cubic capacity. Besides, for the kind of roads & traffic system they have, 600cc is easily justified. There're good riders education that can teach to handle Harley to CRF250L. If TS is old enough it's better to opt for 600cc segment.

Re: First Bike outside India

I wasn't talking about legal bindings, rather his experience to handle 600s. He would learn better on a 250/300 than the 600 and that it would be less forgiving. If he is mature enough to handle the power and knows how the 600s will react, then he can go and get it, if he doesn't have proper experience, I would advise him to stay with the 250/300. Otherwise, he may end up in a nasty crash. An inline 4 600cc is a powerful vehicle which in inexperienced hands may be a dangerous tool. Its upto the TS to decide.

Re: First Bike outside India

The answer lies here...

This is why I said it's not India

Re: First Bike outside India

Yes they give proper training, unlike here in India, but no MSF training institution nor an experienced rider would recommend a 600cc Supersports to someone unless he has proper experience. There are a few who do start out on 600s right away, but the learning curve is best achieved with a 250. As far as I know, most don't even recommend the much low powered 650s. In a panic situation, a beginner bike is more forgiving for the rider than a 600/650 and that is why I asked him to stay with 250/300. But if the TS has proper riding experience, then he can go for 600s. Also accidents at high speeds in the US can be nastier than those occuring here. The no. of road fatalities in the US by population is higher compared to India if I remember correctly.

Re: First Bike outside India

Thanks everyone....I managed to buy a Kawasaki Ninja 250 2011 limited edition pearl white. I got it practically new only 60 miles on it.

Will be posting pics soon. So far enjoying riding it ....

Here is a reference video of what bike i got till i post pics : SOLD! 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Pearl White Special Edition - YouTube


Here is a KBC helmet i bought :KBC VR4R Review - webBikeWorld

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agreed din want a 600 as I need it for the city and i thinki need to understand the roads/rules and how a high CC bike responds before getting into it.

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Correct i am planning to take the DMV approved riders education but they them self don't teach on harley or even a 600cc bike. they will teach you skills on a 250cc as far as i know.

would have loved a 600cc if had the budget and the skills. maybe sometime soon in the coming years