The guy that just got his license 2 months ago is heading this route. He's gotten his bike up to 150 mph (I told him it was maybe 140 cause of the speedo error) but willingly admits he's afraid to lean into a corner. So he slows down and creeps thru turns... On a 636.

He will one day go into a turn too hot, panic because he's never taken a turn leaned down at speed, freeze like a deer caught in headlights and then end like said proverbial deer when the headlights meet it.

 

After a while (weeks) of riding the 250, you will be wanting something more. The CBR F4i was my first bike, and it was a breeze to learn on. Light, maneuverable, comfortable (for a sportbike), and great looking. Get the F4i if it's in your price range.

 

So true. I can't count how many 1000's have rolled out of our shop only to crash within 2-3miles because the rider won't restrain himself. But look at this from an objective point. Guys who say "should I get a 600 or a 1000 for my first bike?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!?" are the idiots who don't control themselfs and should be refferd to a dirtbike as it will survuve the drop[s]. But guys who ask "250 or 600" are the types who are already showing restraint, they are the type to think about what their doing while riding and as such a 600 is the best option for them in the long run.

I started on a cr85 from 10-14yrs old. Then I didn't ride anything for over 11yrs. Finally I started working at the dealership and bought my f4i. I ran around asking everyone if I was really suspposed to use the front brake or was it a big joke. I never took a msf course. I never got my permit, hell I borrowed the sales dept helmet for the first ride. I didn't open the throttle for almost 1500 miles and that was a freeway onramp. I now have over 40,000miles on the bike in 3yrs. I ride intermediate group [begginer, superstreet, int, then expert levels around here] on a bike that is for all intents and purposes the same as when I bought it brand new. Thats an amazing range of abilitys that the 250 just ain't gonna give IMO.

 

I actually did start on a 250. I'm just shy of 40, so ego wasn't as big a deal. I sure wished the Ninja 250 was back then like it is now.

But my outings on the F4i so far have made me appreciate the saddle time I spent in my 250. Each to his own though, but I recommend going the 250 route for at least a year. The Ninja's resale value is excellent. I sold mine for $2K after about 2 years after I drove it off of the showroom at $3K; and that's because I didn't want to mess around with price haggling.

 

ever ride the 250?? esp the 08+?? speed isnt everything

 

wow. haha, i didn't think my question would turn into such a heated debate

 

this subject and few others always do lol

I cant drive a car, so I'm gonna go buy a semi to learn how too...

I dunno how to fly so I'm gonna buy a F18 to learn to fly...

I never shot a gun, so I gonna go learn with a .50cal...

 

Heh well when this topic comes up, some people think with their d!ck instead of your brain

 

i know its been said before, but im on the side of start with a 250. you seem like your not into wanting to be the most crazy fastest person in the world so i dont think youll have an issue with "wanting something more" youll prolly just be happy to ride which is really all that matters.

 

I'd say get the 250 if you don't mind the hassle of selling it and buying the F4i a month later when you're bored and want to actually have some fun. My worst mistake was buying a 750 cruiser for my first bike when I really wanted something more entertaining. Bikes aren't hard to learn how to ride, I tought myself in a few days without the assistance of an MSF course putting around in circles on 250 Rebels all weekend and I passed the riding test the first time with no errors. If you're smart enough to choose between a 250 and a 600, you're smart enough not to over-do it on a 600.