[munckee]

Ok, I've read enough recommendations for the smaller ninja's as a first bike to realize its a smart idea. What I haven't read, however, is anything that states which of the two is better in which situations.

Any thoughts? Base the decision on rider size? Price/insurance?

I've never ridden before and and not rushing into anything here (still not even certain I'm getting a bike) and I plan to start at the MSF course if I do decide I want to ride.

 

[RACER X]

start w/ the 250, esp. in austin where there are great roads for riding.........

 

[linuxbikr]

I prefer the 250 over the 500. The $2000 price differential to me doesn't justify the additional 20hp at the expense of a full fairing. I'd rather buy a used 250 and spend a few hundred dollars on suspension upgrades to it and turn it into a first-rate road bike. The money you save on insurance and bike costs more than make up for it. Both bikes can hit triple digits and the 250R is just more fun to ride as a single rider.