It seems to me that the throw (how far you move your toe) from 1st to 2nd is really long on our 2006 Ninja 250. In fact I worry that its a safety issue for my wife who is still a newer rider (even though she's ridden dirt for 2 seasons).

Is this our bike or is it a long way on your bike too?

I don't remember ours being that way. The throw is significantly more than all of the other shifts? (2-3, 3-4, etc.). Doesn't sound like the shifter lever is loose, or they'd all feel loose. I dunno... Is the shift rod adjusted so that the shifter itself is at a comfortable height compared to the peg? It's fully adjustable to bring the shifter up and down quite a bit, maybe moving it in one direction will help.

I've noticed mine to be a little longer on mine (2007). I feel it almost has to be. Because of neutral being between 1st and 2nd. And have never had a problem shifting it though.

Typically, you are correct. The shifting throw between 1st and 2nd is longer than other gears for precisely the reason you mention, nuetral in the middle.

But, it shouldn't be so far as to have to move your whole foot on modern motorcycles.

I had a 69 Husqvarna dirt bike that had an extremely long throw like this, and it shifted on the right too. Man, that was hard to learn.

I've noticed mine to be a little longer on mine (2007). I feel it almost has to be. Because of neutral being between 1st and 2nd. And have never had a problem shifting it though.

I've never noticed it, and I never had a problem with it. Was this something your wife mentioned to you? Or something you felt yourself when riding the bike?

I've never noticed it, and I never had a problem with it. Was this something your wife mentioned to you? Or something you felt yourself when riding the bike?

I noticed it on the test ride and when I rode it home.

My wife hasn't ridden it yet...she just had surgery last Tuesday and she doesn' have a license yet either. She's going to get her permit this morning (and sign up for the MSF)