I'm racking my brain, thinking about a modern multi cylinder, standard type bike. The reason for this is due to some carpel tunnel, vibrations can make riding rather painful. And a standard bike because the forward position of a ninja250 is a bit hard on the wrists on long rides. Any recommendations?
Might have a choice next year in the CB500? http://www.ridetalks.com/news/2013-honda-cbr500-cb500/681/ The suzuki GS500 is old tech but has standard handlebars I believe. There was a GS400 Bandit standard back in the mid 90's if you want to go older. Also a Honda CB1 for a VERY limited time. Otherwise just put clip on risers on a Ninja 250 or 300. I am sure there is someone who will make them.
If the vibes are otherwise all right on the ninja, why not get bar risers or a handlebar kit for it? There isn't a lot in the states in the sub 650cc range with more then one cylinder right now.
I'll add another vote for the Honda 599. Looks good, and the seating position is pretty comfortable. The Suzuki SV650 is another option. But yeah, there aren't too many modern standards out there anymore. Why not try a vintage bike? I love me some 70s-80s UJMs, and you can get 5-10 good running ones for the price of a new bike. My GLs are practically vibration-free. They are smooth enough to balance a quarter on the block while running.
if you're not already familiar with it, be sure to check out www.cycle-ergo.com to compare riding positions on the various recommendations.....;-)
Triumph dealers are typically pretty good about test rides. I recommend riding Bonneville Black or T100.
Maybe I'm intepreting the OP's question wrong, but when I hear "multi-cylinder" in the context of wanting a bike with minimal engine vibes, I tend to think of triples and fours. And since you're riding a Ninja 250 now, I doubt you want a liter-bike. In small-displacement standard bikes, most of the mfgs have taken runs at small fours over the years. Honda had the CB-1 400cc four from around 1990 but they're very hard to find used. There's the CB400F from the mid-70's, but they're cult classics now. Yamaha made a 600cc 4-cyl starter standard bike called the Radian for a number of years in the 90's and they're relatively plentiful, but still pretty old. In more recent bikes, there is the afore-mentioned Honda 599. Yamaha's FZ6 has a very small fairing, so it almost a standard. They were made for the last decade now, although they've been supplanted by a sportier version now with more plastic. The FZ8 is a nice bike, but is getting pretty big. Triumph has their Street Triple line in 675cc triples, but they're very sporty. That's about all I can think of right now in 3- and 4-cyl standard bikes. - Mark
A BMW K75 would be a great way to go. The triple has minimal vibes. It has injection, can have abs, lots of accessories, doesn't weigh a ton. Cost is reasonable. Low enough to fit short legs. Legendary reliability. Cult following. 80's bike that's basically 25 years ahead of its time.
Kawi ER6n. The Ninja 250 is a pure standard in sport clothing so I don't see it as a very "forward" ergo-ed bike but the ER6n has bars so you can at least swap to a bend you like. Its a 650 but feels like a smaller, lighter bike.
Bar risers for the ninja will probably be a good solution for now. It's my gf that the bike will be for. At 5-1 and a bit over 100lbs, a liter bike, even the SV650 is a monster for her. She's not comfortable with them. Yet. :) I've heard the Triumph triples are ultra smooth. It's an idea for sure. I'm looking at the Versys as well. Either would need to be lowered. Thanks for the ideas.
I purchased a set of riser block off of ebay for my '07 Kawi ZZ-R250 (EX250-H) and it made a WORLD of difference for comfort ... took the pressure off of my wrists entirely ... and I have short arms! Best $60 I ever spent!
Just looked at this one. Seems like a good option. We get the CBF600 up here. Also a nice bike however the kawi beats it because I can find a used one for a few thou less. On paper it weighs less, too.
My friend has one after my dealer loaned us a demo over a long weekend. It carries the weight well, easily balanced and not top heavy. It's a lower version of the Verseys for all practicle purposes. I used bar risers on a EX500, caused the front to feel flighty. Thats another solid choice used, Ninja 500. Very similar to the 250 in overall feel, more torque, super cheap.
Something to keep in mind - the shock on the Kawi 650s (Versys, Ninja 650R, ER-6N) mounts directly to the swingarm with no linkage, so the concept of 'lowering' it requires replacing the shock, doesn't lower it much, and is $$$.
I noticed that. Their seat height is already right around 31". (ER6) That's reasonable. The CBF has a few different positions for the seat. Also a nice touch.