Sorry For The Stupid Questiongs But Im New
 

Hello everyone I'm new to all of this, and I do mean all of this. Im 19 yo and just in the past few weeks I've been itching to get a street bike. I have only ridden a motorcycle once when i was about 14. It was a 80cc honda enduro, and I wasnt used to things with a clutch and I let go of te clutch and it ran away with me and of course I paniced and grabbed the handle bar tighter and I slid it on its side... ever since then I have been terrified of these things... until now...I am looking at the kawasaki ninja 250r at 250 cc they should be ok for me to learn on right? Oh yea i still live with mom and dad and they deffinitely dont like this idea lol.....Most likely if i get one I will only ride to the store maybe work and the occasional warm july night ride to the city....If I left out any stupid questions please feel free to tell me
thanks chase oh yea... im 5-8 180 lbs

I started on a dirt bike. You may very well consider the same thing. It will put your parents' mind at ease (at least a little, not being on the road with cars and trucks) and it will also allow you to get more comfortable with how a two wheeled vehicle works. It will also be cheaper (no insurance, registration, etc) and mistakes will also be "cheaper" to you (landing on dirt is much softer than pavement) and your bike. I know you want to ride now, but I'd take things slow untill you were more comfortable.


Also, find and take a local rider safety course.

BeeLo has a good idea. Whatever you do wear your helmet and protective gear. Most MSF courses will provide bikes, I think around here they use Honda Rebel 250's. Find yourself a bargain bike and take your time learning. Shouldn't take long until you are confortable again.

I did the same thing first time I rode. Little 80cc dirt bike and was confused on the clutch, let it out and headed for a barb wire fence, so I bailed, the bike landed on me, gas cap came off and my leg was gas burned for weeks afterward. Gotta get back on the horse.

The rider course is definately a good idea. Your parents will be more likely to trust you more afterwards too. I learned how to ride on a Honda XL 175 enduro when I was 10. It was a lot easier to learn on dirt roads and not having to worry about other drivers. It will be more fun when you know how to do things with confidence.

Basic riders course isn't just a good idea, it's an absolute must. It's a step by step course in a secure environment with instructors that are experienced and know what to tell you. Depending on what state you're in, it may even be free, and you get a 10% insurance discount and a license for completing it succesfully. They've already started though so it may be hard to get in at this point.

I'm sure that you have already heard this old saying: "There are 2 kinds of riders, those that have been down, and those that will go down". If not, you have now, and trust me when I say those words are very true. You'll need to buy into that philosophy if your serious about riding a bike on the streets.
That said, I'm wondering what has caused you to suddenly overcome the fear of riding? I beleive that people that are afraid of bikes shouldn't ride them. The Ninja 250 or really any bike that you feel confortable on should be fine for learning on since, as you have learned about 5 years ago, you can get seriously hurt or killed on any size bike. Riding a dirtbike for a while first may help you with your balance and to learn to work the controls better, but taking the MC Safety course is the best advice anyone can give. One thing you should never forget is that you MUST respect the machine and her power. The moment you don't respect her, she'll hurt you. I'm sure many here can vouch for that.

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Buy all means take the rider safety course . I agree with the above posts use common scense and don't take foolish chances. Good luck .

Another good choice for getting started is to find an older medium sized bike like a CB350 or KZ400. They are easy to find, don't cost much, and won't cost you a lot of money when they fall over (and they will fall over). They are big enough to be a real bike without being so large or powerful that a newby can't handle them. The best part is that when you move up to a newer/larger/better bike you can sell them for what you paid for them so you aren't losing money.

Ninja 250R gets my vote! Two thumbs up as a starter bike. I had one once, but not as a starter bike, I bought one just cuz I like them. It was very impressive. My friends rode it sometimes and they liked it too.

My first ride was kinda like yours. I was maybe 8 and the bike was home made with a chainsaw motor. I hit the throttle and it stuck wide open. I rode it out missing everything in the yard an laid it down in the ditch. After that I was hooked. I got a Honda ct70 a few years later and then at 15 I bought a Honda cb175. I rode that until 1980 when I bought a brand new kz650 kawasaki, A year later I bought a 76 Harley Electra glide, then an Indian Chief, then a servi-car,bmw,moto-guzzi,other odd balls,more Harleys,another Indian,another Harley,........ :D

250cc class is right, but Ninja may still be high on insurance for your age, so I would check around first before settling on the Ninja if you are concerned about insurance cost. Otherwise that is probably a fine choice. Wear a full-face helmet (no "flip-up's), gloves, etc. Be safe! :)

another vote for the Ninja 250r :D

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You may want to take the MSF course. Will help you feel more confident on any bike.

TAKE THE MSF COURSE. I NEVER RODE BEFORE & I JUST TOOK THE COURSE 2 MONTHS AGO & AM RIDING THE HIGHWAYS DOING 70MPH & AM QUITE PLEASED. There is no better advice than taking the course & I know you may want a sport bike like most teenagers & young 20's adults. I'm 22 & would love to have a sport bike myself. Before you do though, rethink it. All sport bikes have more power than a regular standard or cruiser. You're more likely to be killed on it. Not counting they're higher to buy & to insure. Also go used, that way when you drop it, it doesn't hurt as bad knowing you caused alot of damage. Sport bikes have alot of plastic & can run a shit load in repairs if dropped. My bike (first bike ever) is a 1983 Honda CB550SC Nighthawk with 13xxx original mileage in close to new condition, one previous owner. Its a 572cc which is adequate for highway speed, but at the same time, is a good beginners bike as it is tame. If you live in IL you can take the MSF course for free & as long as you pass it your garunteed to get your license, as the DMV waive the written & riding part of the test with the MSF course completion card. Feel free to email me at biker_LBF_406@hotmail.com & I will provide you with any information on the course, regardless what area of the country you live in. Best of luck in getting to riding.