I'm a new rider and am considering a Honda CB300FA or Used Ninja 250. Moving from a scooter and want to get something a bit more powerful. Opinions? Anything else I should be looking at?
new rider, opinion on a Honda CB300FA
- Thread starter bardragon
- Start date
What year 250 you looking for? If it's the ugly years, my friend is selling one cheap!
I really liked the feel of the bike, and didn't think it felt too small. But I am much shorter than you (5'6"-with boots on ?), and a much fatter POS as well (260~).
The 300 seems like it would make a great commuter/ light weight tourer.
conundrum
Well-known member
Keep in mind the weight difference...yes the 500 is 200cc more (technically), but is it only around 40hp and over 100 lbs heavier if I recall.
When I rode a 500 before it seemed nice, but my 250 seemed almost as fast and a lot more nimble. I'd say test ride both and decide from there.
When I rode a 500 before it seemed nice, but my 250 seemed almost as fast and a lot more nimble. I'd say test ride both and decide from there.
I've got the 500F and I really recommend it if you want to go that big. It's considerably more stable on the highway, and the bike fits me great (5'8" 160lbs). As for the 300 I'd think it's a great option as well, I had the 250 and wouldn't make the jump 250-300 but scooter - 300 seems like a good plan. Take it out for a test ride and decide then. Keep in mind that wind protection is non-existent so on the highway...very tiring. I'm looking for a windscreen for mine now as it's getting tiring.
as a recent buyer of a 500x who did some research...
300 will be the "better bike" for the money until you get on the highway.
they both handle great and are beginner friendly...
but if you start touring, the passing power of the 500 will put you more in confidence than the 300...
and its not about "what top speed it can get" but how fast it can get up to speed when you need it
test ride both and decide
500f might be slightly more upright in its seating position and the handlebar might go further (easier on tight turns)
300 will be the "better bike" for the money until you get on the highway.
they both handle great and are beginner friendly...
but if you start touring, the passing power of the 500 will put you more in confidence than the 300...
and its not about "what top speed it can get" but how fast it can get up to speed when you need it
test ride both and decide
500f might be slightly more upright in its seating position and the handlebar might go further (easier on tight turns)
Good point, but just to clarify: The 500 family has 47HP and weighs around 425-lbs wet. The 300F has ~30HP and weighs 348-lbs wet. The W/P ratios are 9.04:1 and 11.60 lbs/HP respectively.
But, when you add the weight of a 160-lb rider, the numbers go to 12.44 and 16.93 lbs/HP. The 500 will be noticeably more sprightly than a 300 with a rider aboard.
I used to own a CBR500R and have ridden a friend's 250 a few times: I found the difference very noticeable. The 500 is still very beginner-friendly (it's A2 and LAMS compliant in other countries, after all) but doesn't feel as toy-like as the 250 did. I also like that he 500 was quite a bit more relaxed on the highway when going with the flow of traffic.
I don't think a new rider can go wrong with either, to be honest.
it IS small.....CB500x for you. CB500x can be a very long term ride for many riders.
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/honda-cb500x.840842/
conundrum
Well-known member
Although if the CBR500R had been out when I was buying, I likely would have got that and kept it longer...I'm fairly happy with my path of getting a CBR250RA, riding it for 2.5 years, then getting a CBR650F to replace it.
I wouldn't really recommend starting out on the CBR650F, but it definitely is in another league in terms of power when compared to the CBR250/300 and 500.
I wouldn't really recommend starting out on the CBR650F, but it definitely is in another league in terms of power when compared to the CBR250/300 and 500.
The 650F is a pretty easy bike to ride. Nothing like a sports 600 class bike. I could see someone starting on that bike if it weren't for the weight. 300 to 650 makes sense.
easy_rider_77
Well-known member
If you are unsure, take a test ride on both. Honda is having an event ("rock the red" or "ride the red" or something) this sat in Markham, where you can demo bikes, I'm sure the 300 and the 3 different 500s will be there.
Being a new rider, try to get a bikeas mint as you can. You rather spend more time riding than fixing. I wouldget the cbr300r. The naked version doesn't matter much as the r version already sit upright. Fairing helps freeway riding so...
