MY OPINION.... Katana 600
I started on a 88' Katana 600 and still think it was a great choice for me. While it was a 600cc bike, the Katana has never been regarded as a "sportbike". It's been described as more of a sport touring type of bike. Meaning, it won't have the SCARY response of todays 600cc supersport bikes like a Honda CBR600RR... a little more user friendly for the new rider.
I haven't riden the Ninja 250, or the Ninja 500, but ALL the articles and posts I've read highly recommend either of the bikes for new riders.
Whatever you buy, just buy a USED bike. I see so many posts of new riders buying a new bike. Most people get bored with their first bike after a year or so, so don't put big money into a starter. My Katana was a 88' with 28,000 miles. Bought it for $1,275, road it for a year, and sold it for $1,500. How can you complain about that?
You won't go wrong with ANY of the choices you offered. The Ninja 250 isn't a bike I would start on though, I would be bored after a week.
Take care... and wear your riding gear!!
Tom
I started on a 88' Katana 600 and still think it was a great choice for me. While it was a 600cc bike, the Katana has never been regarded as a "sportbike". It's been described as more of a sport touring type of bike. Meaning, it won't have the SCARY response of todays 600cc supersport bikes like a Honda CBR600RR... a little more user friendly for the new rider.
I haven't riden the Ninja 250, or the Ninja 500, but ALL the articles and posts I've read highly recommend either of the bikes for new riders.
Whatever you buy, just buy a USED bike. I see so many posts of new riders buying a new bike. Most people get bored with their first bike after a year or so, so don't put big money into a starter. My Katana was a 88' with 28,000 miles. Bought it for $1,275, road it for a year, and sold it for $1,500. How can you complain about that?
You won't go wrong with ANY of the choices you offered. The Ninja 250 isn't a bike I would start on though, I would be bored after a week.
Take care... and wear your riding gear!!
Tom
