Well thanks for the nice welcomes, this place is pretty friendly.

What kind of mileage should I expect otu of a 250? I've looked and can't find anything on it. The main reason I want the 250 over the 550 isn't price or gas mileage, it's the power. I don't know if a 19 year old such as myself should start out on a 550 because I've been known to do stupid/immature things before and I don't want the power of the 550 to be tempting me. Plus I think I might have a hard time handling the 550, as thoughts of my first dirt-bike accident come back to haunt me lol. Wasn't expecting it to have the power it did (125 TTR I think they're called, yamaha bike) when I was like 14. First time really riding, nailed the throttle on accident, wound up flying off a little "jump" (not man-made, just some curved ground that I went rocketing off of) and landed on a pile of cut-down trees on my back, still have the scars today.

 

Ouch, we all learn from expirience, some worse than othersso with that being said I think you'll be fine on a 250 or 500 street bike. Just buy what you can afford, gear upand use your head.

 

You dont' thinkt the Ninja 550 is too much for a new biker? I just don't want to get in over my head on the bike, and a few people I've been talking to in person have all said the same thing - start on a beginner's bike. Would you say the 550 is close to a beginner one? I really have no idea about the power of these things yet

 

I started on a 600, it is really a question of using your head. I would go sit on them and see what you like the feel of, start from there. For a long commute (is it hwy miles), I personally would go with the 500. It is all personal preference though, don't let other people make the decision for you or you may regret it later. Welcome to KF bro.

 

Thanks I talked to the dealership and they finalled agreed to let me ride w/out making a commitment. I'll give the 500 a shot.

 

alot of stealerships will have a test ride day at some point and time, as long as ya have a valid license and all..

the cbr's have always been overpriced, sadly, cuz i adore all bikes.. not just kawi. BUT, out of the 4 bikes i have (3 are ninjas..) 1 is my beloved XR-50 stunt machine. lol

you'll do well on a 500.. don't be scared, bro.. i know ppl that have started off on R1's and big *** bikes and have not had an issue.. ya just gotta respect the machine.. thats all..

welcome to KF man!! good to have ya.