Which would be a better bike for me?

[vladmech]

So up until very recently I've been planning on picking up a used Ninja 250. My plan was to get it this summer, zip around and probably next year sell it and get a larger bike.

After talking to some friends and reading more here, however, I'm starting to think that a standard bike like the Honda Rebel might be better. Should be about the same price range and have the same learing curve, but would be a lot cheaper to fix up if I was to set it down.

Any thoughts/comments?

[KarateChick]

Both bike are good reliable bikes and great for learning on. Both are quite different however in terms of seating position. The Rebel is along the lines of a "cruiser", sitting back with arms reaching forward and the Ninja is more of a "standard" seated bike, more like sitting somewhat upright like on a bicycle. You should try to find one of each if possible and sit on them because they are so different. There are some excellent "shootout" type articles on the internet comparing these two bikes if you do a search (google) on them. Depending where you live, you can usually find a few kicking around to buy used. ultimately, if those are the bikes you like, it may come down to how you personally feel sitting on them in terms of comfort.

Edit: what may be expensive to fix up on a Ninja would be the plastic fairings if they were scratched up if that is what you are alluding to.

[flynrider]

I guess it depends on your priorities. If the "cost of repair after laying it down" is on the top of your list, then the Rebel might look better. In reality, most used starter bikes (including Ninjas and Rebels) will already have a bit of road rash here and there when you buy them. Most of the EX250 owners I know have a few scratches from beginner mistakes, but none have had to actually replace their plastic.

Personally, I'd go for the little Ninja because it offers much better performance and suspension and generally costs a little less. But then, I probably have different priorities.

[vladmech]

Well I do really like the look & the feel of the Ninja more, so I guess you've just talked me back into that