wouldn't have been here w/o this.

[izmail1215]

http://forums.sportrider.com/70/5918...ted/index.html

(link to article)^^^^^^

Ok if you read this I was in the same road you'll understand this after you read it this saved my life, because i was about to buy a new ZX-6r like my "pro" friend. untill a friend who sent me this link. now if any new-b asks you for advice on a first bike send them this with info of the 250r.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Great article. Went on a group ride. 4 liter bikes - Hon, Duc, Guzzi, and BMW. And 3 - 250 cc bikes. Me on 250R, friend on early 90's Interceptor 250, and someone on new Yam WR250X. Rode to vintage bike show via backroads and quick highway stretch. About 60 mile ride. Who led? Guy on WR250X. He flat out hauls on the tight stuff. We talked later on, and he used to have a 250 ninja. He claims he will buy one again when its FI. And damn that 250 yammie even has 26K miles between valve checks. BTW I took up my place at the rear, but due to lack of experience compared to the group I was in (road racing experience, rr schools, flat track schools), not due to engine size.

[ninja250]

Getting ANY modern 600cc supersport bike for a first ride is a bad idea (far, far, far worse is a 1000cc bike for a first ride.) In fact, it may be nothing more than an expensive form of suicide.

First bike was a 600 and I didn't die or even crash it. I did lay it over at a stop sign though, after coming to a stop. (Newb mistake, it was my first bike)
I've never lowsided or highsided anything. I've bounced off a rail and crashed a ninja 250R though, for what it's worth.

[Cab305]

I just recently joined a local sport-bike forum (find local group rides) and I'd say half the entries in my welcome post have mentioned they started on the ninja 250, they all agree it's an excellent start.

I have my heart set on a Triumph Daytona 675 in white and grey. Maybe in about 2 years. I plan on having enough experience and sense by then!

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by ninja250

First bike was a 600 and I didn't die or even crash it. I did lay it over at a stop sign though, after coming to a stop. (Newb mistake, it was my first bike)
I've never lowsided or highsided anything. I've bounced off a rail and crashed a ninja 250R though, for what it's worth.

KC - didnt you say you rode dirtbikes prior to street bikes? Those of us who have already have the riding basics down as well as how to react to various surfaces. I rode dirtbikes since age 10 and motocrossed in my late teen years to early 20's. Even though this is my first road bike I am much more prepared than someone whose never had a bike. for that person to walk in to a dealer and walk out with a 600 or liter bike is crazy. There is so much to go wrong when someone doesn't know what they are doing and have extreme acceleration at their fingertips.

This doesn't mean a 250 is a 100% safe vehicle. As you stated you threw yours away in a corner. On coming cars, people running stop signs or redligts, oil or sand in a corner don't care if you are on a 50cc bike or a vmax. The point is don't make it more difficult by adding extreme HP to a newbie experience.