I know motorcycles in general are not necessarily safe, but I‘m planning on getting my first bike and want to know the pro‘s and cons of each? Would a bike like a Kawasaki Ninja 250r be safe enough or a louder cruiser type bike like a Honda Rebel? Also, do skinny rear tires like on the 2008 Ninja 250r make a huge difference in terms of traction and such?
technically a sportbike should theoretically be safer because they brake and swerve much better than a cruiser does. Not to mention that they have faster acceleration so they can get out of tight spots faster if they need to. So, why then are they statistically in more crashes? Because it doesn't matter what kind of bike you ride. It all depends on how you ride and how well you look out for people that aren't looking out for you. The only way to be safe on a bike is to wear full riding gear. If you want a safe vehicle then your best bet is to take a plane wherever you go since they statistically crash less than bikes and even cars. All bikes are about the same as far as safety goes, so don't let some one tell you that a loud cruiser is safer than a sportbike. Most people aren't listening for bikes; hell they don't even look for bikes. To be honest i never really thought about whether a narrower tire is less safe, but know that i do, i highly, highly doubt it. My gf's dad rides a KLR650 with a skinny, knobby tire in the back and he's never had a problem with it. My bike has a typical width rear tire for a sportbike and it's never prevented me from locking the rear brake on wet pavement when i stomp on it. All tires will leave about the same size footprint on the pavement. Don't worry about the size of the tire. Bike companies aren't going to design a bike and put the wrong size tire on it. a 130 width tire is fine for a bike it's size. The safetest way you can ride is after you take an MSF course and wear full riding gear. BTW. i wouldn't buy a rebel. They are SLOW and can't keep up on highways. Go for something along the lines of a 600 or 750 cruiser. Max 650cc Non-supersport sportbike (suzuki Katana, Kawakai ninja 650r, sv 650)
Short answer is that these are both beginner bikes, take your pick. But consider a dual sport also, very good for beginners and more fun and versatile than the smaller street bikes. You can learn alot by riding in the dirt. Chris H'The only way to be safe is to wear full riding gear??' This is the kind of MSF horse-hockey that makes them lose credibility with me. In racetrack conditions with 50 ' of unobstructed dirt buffer zone riders wreck and slide around without a bruise.or sometimes land wrong and are very seriously injured. On the street there is no buffer zone, just tons of steel traveling at 65mph and solid concrete walls. I rider might be slightly safer all decked out in leather and plastic but don't get your hopes up or you are going to be seriously disappointed. You are never 'safe' riding a motorcycle on the street and you should keep that attitude if you want to live. The best way to increase your safety is to be very aware of the road and anticipate the stupidity of other drivers, how you are clothed doesn't prevent and when it comes to motorcycle wrecks it's best to just not be in one.
First, motorcycles in general are very safe. It's usually the rider who is not. Second a cruiser type is NOT louder than a sport type. They both have to meet the same noise levels. It's only after they leave the dealer that the noise changes. And sport types change their mufflers as well. Tires can and do make a difference. Many times, wider is not better. Narrow tires are a little quicker in the turns. The weight they carry is more concentrated, instead of spread out. This is one reason that traction is at least the same, if not better. OK, arguments and such aside: You have listed two cycles that are pretty much opposite in style, seating, and handling. This leads me to believe that (no offense) you don't really know what you want yet. I would suggest taking a learner's course such as the one offered by the MSF. They provide a bike in the 250cc range for the class. You will get the opportunity to talk to people who actually ride. At the end, you will have a much better idea of what really suits YOU. And that's what it's all about. YOU. nobody else is going to be stuck with your decision.
