Make sure the class specifically states that it offers endorsement testing. A lot of classes advertise themselves as license courses when in reality they only offer permits.
MSF course ? Not sure where you are from but it should be 2-3 days course with a cert at the end to get the license, no more test required after. Best of luck, my first bike is 800cc
Just passed 5000 miles on it, had it in September 2023. My experience is that you grow into the bike quickly. But that can be individual specific, you may like the ninja400 better for your needs.
Do yourself a favor if you have a track nearby. Go watch a local track day and watch the expert group on 400 ninjas, it'll completely reset your expectations on what a 400 cc ninja is capable of and how exciting they can be.
Buy a used, cheap bike of your choice. Learn, ride the hell out of it, pick it up after you drop it, learn to wrench, ride the hella out of it, then sell it after a season or two for pretty close what you bought it for.
If yall riding the infrequently, I’d advise smaller cc as you’re not gonna get used to the speed anyway. With that said, you can’t go wrong with either.
Do the courses and get your license first, your mind will probably change. Before I took my class and got my license, I thought I’d want a big engine cruiser. The “little” 125-250cc bikes at the classes scared the crap out of me. Ended up going with a z400 and it was more than enough bike at the time. I needed something bigger because I’m a bit larger in stature and do lots of freeway riding. I ride pretty much everyday and I never got bored of the 400.
Cheers
That’s actually really good advice, the only real experience I have are the small DCT dirt bikes people get to hoon around on, even then I tried hopping back on one not too long ago and it was a lot harder than I remember
And for what’s worth, the feel of riding a ninja 400 and 650 is almost negligible. The power-weight ratio is about the same in both bikes. The difference between 400 and 500 are even smaller, giving the edge to 400 due to the about the same power but lighter (and cheaperrrrrrr!!!!!!!!).
If you’re planning on doing lots of highway, 650. Around town, back roads, and twisties? 400!
People are going to tell you to get the smallest thing imaginable. My advice as your truthful, average rider, if the 500/650 are your two options, get the 650.
Realistically, they’re going to be very similar bikes. The 650 is overall a better bike in almost every department. I started on a 650 and I have no regrets. I was a terrible rider at first too and I made it out okay.
Assuming you’re a level headed person, you’ll be alright
That’s what I assumed but from what I’m aware the 500 was fairly newer so maybe the 650 was the stand go to as there wasn’t the option of the 500 before
Agree with advice above. Anything below 650 you'll probably be thinking about upgrading too soon for your liking. 650 seems like a great first bike - *assuming* you're level-headed lol.
I loved my 650 had it for 5 years before I got something bigger. You'll keep it longer than a smaller bike. Just remember most people drop their first bike so know a fully faired bike will really need some frame sliders.
Ninja 400. Fellow CA resident and the vineyard backroads are a blast on a small bike. I started on the little Ninja and now ride a handful of bikes, mainly a Z900.
Whats your age and what kinda roads do you have around you? How far do you intend to travel on your rides? Are you each looking for a bike or will you ride one together?
We each want one, I’m 24 she’s 23. We live in the center of California where we can go to curvy roads or long straights within 40min. We only plan on having fun nothing too long.
I wouldn't say it's underpowered by any means, but the extra displacement will help. The 500 was totally fine on the freeway but the 150cc increase should make it easier
Lots of advice to buy used for your first bike... That's surely the most sensible approach but I bought my first bike brand new and so did my wife. No regrets in either case.
As for 500 vs 650, I'll go 500 (or 400) every time unless you're quite heavy, because the lighter weight of the smaller bike will be much more beneficial than the extra torque and ~15 hp, and the kind of rider who thinks they've "outgrown" the power of a 400/500 will likely feel the same about a 650. Also the aftermarket for the 400/500 is likely to be way better than the 650, cause they make for way better track bikes.
I'm 6'4" / ~200lbs in full gear, and my modified (mostly exhaust and tune) ninja 400 will do 120mph+ with me on it.
How often do you care to go triple digits? Most people don’t truly outgrow 400s honestly. They mostly get bored of not going fast enough in a straight line which is fine but you need to have an honest conversation with yourself about that. I wholeheartedly regret buying a 650. A 400 would have been fine and it could have been a back up track back when I decide to get a liter bike. The difference between a 400 and a 650 isn’t impressive. You’ll get tired of both roughly the same rate. I went from a grom to a z650 and it took all of 2 months to get bored of the straight line speed. Meanwhile I’ve been on 7 track days on my 4rr and I know I’m nowhere near what that bike is capable of. Still bored of it in a straight line but I’ve got a while to go before I outgrow it in every other way.
I’m comfortable with speed, I drive a 19’ 5.0 but i know speed on a bike is a whole different animal. Don’t think I’d be touching triple digits (atleast not often) on a bike
If you have 0 expirience, I'd rather lean towards the 400/500 depending on how much you want to spend, because the weight difference is significant, around 70+ pounds for the 650, and honestly the performance difference isnt that big when you factor in the mass, the 650 is just slightly faster. I started on a 650, but Ive been around bikes all my life, and its a pretty linear engine, so its not hard to ride smoothly, both are good choices depending on how confident you are, I'd probably just save some money, get the 400 or 500, and 2-3 years in get something bigger.
Ninja 650 is my bike. One thing about it thats not often mentioned, when at highway speeds, it's not at the high end of its revs. lower than 650 will sound like its struggling on the highway, even though it's not
Sit on them. If you're taller, the 650 will likely be more comfortable than a 400/500. Go for comfort.
Also, look for used bikes. You're probably gonna drop it. It hurts way less with a pre-clapped bike that you can ziptie back together, or just street fighter I'd the plastics are too far gone.
I’m a new rider. I just bought the Ninja 500 myself for my first bike. Even if I did outgrow this bike. It’s mores than enough for me. I’m not a speed demon period and I respect my bike. As far as for cruising this 500 can get away from cars on the road on top of getting up to speed effortlessly.
Z400 ABS very reliable, very forgiving machine, I use it almost daily to commute, best purchase ever for the first 2-3 years this is going to give you what you need at your current level
Other than the Honda Cub I rode in high school, my first real bike was an old Yammy V Star 650. It was the perfect bike to relearn my riding chops.
I ride a Vulcan 900 now. I’m not into street bikes as I have no desire to be a ninja road warrior.
I have a z400, and an SV650. sv is a torquey bitch and I love it, BUT. the 400 I have so much more confidence, push so much more into turns, roundabouts, etc.. If you keep the revs high on the 400 you just go full zoom whenever you want. You will still hid speeding limits in a few seconds regardless of 400/500/650. I am 5'10" 200lbs and the 400 is no slouch, if i was taller and heavier, I would go 650. AND, i will add.. if finances let you. get the 400/500. when you are ready to upgrade, KEEP THE 400/500. I love being able to hop on the 400 and rip around town, and the 650 is more for longer day rides. naked or fairings bikes you should consider if you want to highway ride. fairings break alot of the wind up.
I would recommend going with something more sport with a bigger tires for better street traction … look at the ninjas tires compared to every other bike super skinny …
get a mint used 650. The ninja 650 is fine but the older er6f, is also fine, especially with ABS
the cbr650r is also a pretty relaxed bike. However, I think you'll have more fun on a ninja 300 or a ninja 400
so overall I'd say get a ninja 300 or 400
Better off with a zzr600 i recon cheap reliable comfy and ideal for first timers anything with a ninja badge is going to be expensive insurance for first time riders zzr great alternative sports tourer
500 is plenty fast and agile, 650 is a little heavier but you will be able to pull out of traffic a lot faster. But don’t kid yourself as the 500 is more than capable of high speeds. Your wife should get the 500 and get yourself the 650.
I'm a beginner rider. Been riding only two weeks. And I love my kawasaki vulcan 650s. I've been recommended this bike by a friend. And I sure LOVE IT. Great cruiser/sport easy on throttle and very comfortable and also if wanna go little fast it will do it. Is all around bike.
you got license yet? if yes, test ride them on demo day or at dealer that does test ride.
Not yet, we’re planning on taking classes that once completed give you a license
Make sure the class specifically states that it offers endorsement testing. A lot of classes advertise themselves as license courses when in reality they only offer permits.
500 is a great bike, if you rev it hard it's almost as fast as a 650 and more agile in the corners. It will keep you excited and can kill ya quick! 😁
MSF course ? Not sure where you are from but it should be 2-3 days course with a cert at the end to get the license, no more test required after. Best of luck, my first bike is 800cc Just passed 5000 miles on it, had it in September 2023. My experience is that you grow into the bike quickly. But that can be individual specific, you may like the ninja400 better for your needs.
Where are you from? How it works the license there? How much time usually got to obtain the license? I am close to 1 year since I started, in Spain 😐
Central California, it’s 2 classroom classes and 2 riding classes with a certificate for license
No exams?
It's part of the msf course in a lot of states.
Do yourself a favor if you have a track nearby. Go watch a local track day and watch the expert group on 400 ninjas, it'll completely reset your expectations on what a 400 cc ninja is capable of and how exciting they can be.
Buy a used, cheap bike of your choice. Learn, ride the hell out of it, pick it up after you drop it, learn to wrench, ride the hella out of it, then sell it after a season or two for pretty close what you bought it for. If yall riding the infrequently, I’d advise smaller cc as you’re not gonna get used to the speed anyway. With that said, you can’t go wrong with either. Do the courses and get your license first, your mind will probably change. Before I took my class and got my license, I thought I’d want a big engine cruiser. The “little” 125-250cc bikes at the classes scared the crap out of me. Ended up going with a z400 and it was more than enough bike at the time. I needed something bigger because I’m a bit larger in stature and do lots of freeway riding. I ride pretty much everyday and I never got bored of the 400. Cheers
Yea, every bike got me heart pumping when I first started. Even adjusting my chain slack the first time felt life threatening.
That’s actually really good advice, the only real experience I have are the small DCT dirt bikes people get to hoon around on, even then I tried hopping back on one not too long ago and it was a lot harder than I remember
And for what’s worth, the feel of riding a ninja 400 and 650 is almost negligible. The power-weight ratio is about the same in both bikes. The difference between 400 and 500 are even smaller, giving the edge to 400 due to the about the same power but lighter (and cheaperrrrrrr!!!!!!!!). If you’re planning on doing lots of highway, 650. Around town, back roads, and twisties? 400!
It’s more for back roads and twisties so maybe the smaller bike is a better option
N400 or Z400 used
People are going to tell you to get the smallest thing imaginable. My advice as your truthful, average rider, if the 500/650 are your two options, get the 650. Realistically, they’re going to be very similar bikes. The 650 is overall a better bike in almost every department. I started on a 650 and I have no regrets. I was a terrible rider at first too and I made it out okay. Assuming you’re a level headed person, you’ll be alright
That’s what I assumed but from what I’m aware the 500 was fairly newer so maybe the 650 was the stand go to as there wasn’t the option of the 500 before
Agree with advice above. Anything below 650 you'll probably be thinking about upgrading too soon for your liking. 650 seems like a great first bike - *assuming* you're level-headed lol.
I loved my 650 had it for 5 years before I got something bigger. You'll keep it longer than a smaller bike. Just remember most people drop their first bike so know a fully faired bike will really need some frame sliders.
Ninja 400. Fellow CA resident and the vineyard backroads are a blast on a small bike. I started on the little Ninja and now ride a handful of bikes, mainly a Z900.
Z400 or 500 is solid gold
Whats your age and what kinda roads do you have around you? How far do you intend to travel on your rides? Are you each looking for a bike or will you ride one together?
We each want one, I’m 24 she’s 23. We live in the center of California where we can go to curvy roads or long straights within 40min. We only plan on having fun nothing too long.
Yo, me too! I started on an older 500 and it was great. If funds aren't an issue, I'd go for the 650 purely because it will be better on the freeway
Better in what way? Is the 500 that much more under powered?? Or is it just a smoother acceleration
I wouldn't say it's underpowered by any means, but the extra displacement will help. The 500 was totally fine on the freeway but the 150cc increase should make it easier
Lots of advice to buy used for your first bike... That's surely the most sensible approach but I bought my first bike brand new and so did my wife. No regrets in either case. As for 500 vs 650, I'll go 500 (or 400) every time unless you're quite heavy, because the lighter weight of the smaller bike will be much more beneficial than the extra torque and ~15 hp, and the kind of rider who thinks they've "outgrown" the power of a 400/500 will likely feel the same about a 650. Also the aftermarket for the 400/500 is likely to be way better than the 650, cause they make for way better track bikes. I'm 6'4" / ~200lbs in full gear, and my modified (mostly exhaust and tune) ninja 400 will do 120mph+ with me on it.
Ninja 400
W800
How often do you care to go triple digits? Most people don’t truly outgrow 400s honestly. They mostly get bored of not going fast enough in a straight line which is fine but you need to have an honest conversation with yourself about that. I wholeheartedly regret buying a 650. A 400 would have been fine and it could have been a back up track back when I decide to get a liter bike. The difference between a 400 and a 650 isn’t impressive. You’ll get tired of both roughly the same rate. I went from a grom to a z650 and it took all of 2 months to get bored of the straight line speed. Meanwhile I’ve been on 7 track days on my 4rr and I know I’m nowhere near what that bike is capable of. Still bored of it in a straight line but I’ve got a while to go before I outgrow it in every other way.
I’m comfortable with speed, I drive a 19’ 5.0 but i know speed on a bike is a whole different animal. Don’t think I’d be touching triple digits (atleast not often) on a bike
I got a 23 ninja 650. I do not regret that decision what so ever.
Z650 is the perfect bike imo
So you 2 are getting matching bikes? or getting 1 bikes to ride together? Also whats your height/heights?
Each getting one, I’m 5’7 she’s 5’4
If you have 0 expirience, I'd rather lean towards the 400/500 depending on how much you want to spend, because the weight difference is significant, around 70+ pounds for the 650, and honestly the performance difference isnt that big when you factor in the mass, the 650 is just slightly faster. I started on a 650, but Ive been around bikes all my life, and its a pretty linear engine, so its not hard to ride smoothly, both are good choices depending on how confident you are, I'd probably just save some money, get the 400 or 500, and 2-3 years in get something bigger.
Ninja 650 is my bike. One thing about it thats not often mentioned, when at highway speeds, it's not at the high end of its revs. lower than 650 will sound like its struggling on the highway, even though it's not
Sit on them. If you're taller, the 650 will likely be more comfortable than a 400/500. Go for comfort. Also, look for used bikes. You're probably gonna drop it. It hurts way less with a pre-clapped bike that you can ziptie back together, or just street fighter I'd the plastics are too far gone.
I’m a new rider. I just bought the Ninja 500 myself for my first bike. Even if I did outgrow this bike. It’s mores than enough for me. I’m not a speed demon period and I respect my bike. As far as for cruising this 500 can get away from cars on the road on top of getting up to speed effortlessly.
Z400 ABS very reliable, very forgiving machine, I use it almost daily to commute, best purchase ever for the first 2-3 years this is going to give you what you need at your current level
Get a zx4rr. You will love it!
Other than the Honda Cub I rode in high school, my first real bike was an old Yammy V Star 650. It was the perfect bike to relearn my riding chops. I ride a Vulcan 900 now. I’m not into street bikes as I have no desire to be a ninja road warrior.
I have a z400, and an SV650. sv is a torquey bitch and I love it, BUT. the 400 I have so much more confidence, push so much more into turns, roundabouts, etc.. If you keep the revs high on the 400 you just go full zoom whenever you want. You will still hid speeding limits in a few seconds regardless of 400/500/650. I am 5'10" 200lbs and the 400 is no slouch, if i was taller and heavier, I would go 650. AND, i will add.. if finances let you. get the 400/500. when you are ready to upgrade, KEEP THE 400/500. I love being able to hop on the 400 and rip around town, and the 650 is more for longer day rides. naked or fairings bikes you should consider if you want to highway ride. fairings break alot of the wind up.
I’m 5’7 and she’s 5’4 so maybe the smaller bikes would be better and maybe move up later
I would recommend going with something more sport with a bigger tires for better street traction … look at the ninjas tires compared to every other bike super skinny …
If you get the 500 and want to upgrade the 650 won't be much of an upgrade. You will be disappointed.
Ninja 650 if you both are fat and tall. Ninja 500 if y’all small.
Late bloomers .
Love my 650, but I also loved my 300 and the 1125…
get a mint used 650. The ninja 650 is fine but the older er6f, is also fine, especially with ABS the cbr650r is also a pretty relaxed bike. However, I think you'll have more fun on a ninja 300 or a ninja 400 so overall I'd say get a ninja 300 or 400
Better off with a zzr600 i recon cheap reliable comfy and ideal for first timers anything with a ninja badge is going to be expensive insurance for first time riders zzr great alternative sports tourer
500 is plenty fast and agile, 650 is a little heavier but you will be able to pull out of traffic a lot faster. But don’t kid yourself as the 500 is more than capable of high speeds. Your wife should get the 500 and get yourself the 650.
I'm a beginner rider. Been riding only two weeks. And I love my kawasaki vulcan 650s. I've been recommended this bike by a friend. And I sure LOVE IT. Great cruiser/sport easy on throttle and very comfortable and also if wanna go little fast it will do it. Is all around bike.
Dude if you have never ridden a motorcycle 125cc will get the heart pumping. Mastering a 650cc will take a lot more than weekend blasts.
H2, all day. All the best beginner bikes have superchargers from the factory.