i used to have a ke 100 that thing was a blast, when i was younger.

 

/PLUG

Which 250? I help admin www.ninja250.net and it's got some great resources for new riders, wrenchers, etc.

/END PLUG

 

I am just "old school" Back when I started riding, everyone went through the graduation of 50's, 90's, 175's, 250's etc. A 650 and larger or even a 500 was considered a big bike. On the small bikes, we learned about counter steering, and off raod with these same bikes we learned about power management. We learned to ride by the seat of our pants and reading the road/trail while doing so. I am glad that people start out with 600+ bikes. It was a reason I was able to buy the bike I have now. In 2 weeks the young guy who bought my current bike was in over his head, in riding knowledge and power management. My daughter started out on a 50cc Suzuki. Good training at 7yr. old to bust your butt in the grass at 15mph. JMHO and I am sticking to it.

 

We are getting an '05 EX250

 

I started on an old Honda 80 when I was 10 because my uncle had it. I ride a 600 now because I've heard people say that they are good starter bikes, and the price was right. 600's are a good bit cheaper than liter bikes, so maybe price is also a factor here.

 

I've only been riding a year (turned 5000 miles on my F4i today), I think it is immaterial if you are a noob and have 50HP or 100HP or 200HP. I believe it is all mindset on whether a bike is too fast or powerful, survival is all about paranoia and self control, whether it is drinking, anger, or speed..

With that said, I believe I would have been or will become a better rider if I spent time on a smaller cc sportbike or had some track time but I went with a 600cc and don't regret it only because I still can't see the need for another 70HP in a bike.