Howdy and a few questions

[Tigeron]

How about the Ninja 500? Would that be a good option and are thete any differences between the ninja 500 or gs 500?

[Johnj]

Six in one hand, half dozen in the other.

[JC Viper]

The Ninja is liquid cooled and makes a bit more power than the GS and feels less buzzy (last time I rode both). It's also a bit heavier which might be good in case of winds. Seating positions are similar for both but the gear changes feel smoother on the Ninja and it has a Neutral finder which is a nice thing to have newb or not. The GS has a bigger tank but both bikes get around the same mileage.

The buddy with the GS ended up going with the SV as an upgrade and the buddy with the Ninja went for the Ninja 650... talk about brand loyalty.

The SV, Ninja and GS can be had for good prices used and are quite newb friendly and parts are easy to find for them. Suzuki does have a the GSX650F which many magazines have stated to be a decent newb bike and pretty commuter friendly but it's somewhat a new model so it's hard to find used ones.

[Tigeron]

Just to let everyone know I had my motorcycle safety class over the weekend and I passed, yah! I am so excited as soon as I get the completion certificate in the mail will be getting my license.

[JC Viper]

congrats. So what did you decide on now that you got your ticket to ride?

[Tigeron]

I haven't really decided yet, it will prolly be a month or so before I get anything. I am leaning toward the ninja 250 or 500 still for at least a year or two. Get one nice but used, then go from there. I will see though. Thanks for all the help.

[JC Viper]

There's always craigslist and the local dealers who are trying to get rid of old stock before the winter. Considering you're in IL that means winter will be on it's way soon. If you can get it for the right price there's nothing wrong with buying new. I bought a brand new GZ250 when I first got my license since the dealer was desperate to unload it as it was left over from almost 2 years.

[Tigeron]

The only reason I am thinking used even though there is a limited variety around this part of illinois right now, is because my dad is going to help me with getting it (yes I am 26 but my dad is really proud and happy with the way I am going about this as well as it brings back memories from when he was my age... he had a motorcycle ..granted he wasn't all that safe with it but that was about 30 years ago..lol) and I don't want to over extend his help. Having said that though if I can get a brand new one for relatively close to used price, get some extra thrown in or/and there isn't a lot of used ones on the market at the time then I will go new.

I really wish I had the money and experience because right now there is a Gixxer 600 available in my area for 2000.00 and seems in really good condition and it is one of the styles I really like...all well

[JC Viper]

well... you could get that bike if shops in your area carry power restrictors (mostly a EU thing for those 33BHP limits) other than that I guess you're gonna have to avoid that one (I know of some people who started out on a Gixxer but it's not as forgiving).

You can ask your local shop if they have any left overs or notify you of used Ninja 250's or 500Rs. One of the dealers near me is/was trying to unload a 2007 Ninja 500R for $3500... granted that was months ago but he told me he could always get more in stock as Kawasaki themselves still have quite a few left to ship. The bike doesn't have to be on the showroom floor.

I was only eyeing it because I wanted a Ninja 500R as I'm not too inclined to go full out on my 900R and the fuel mileage is great on the 500 (plus my Vulcan had the same engine so I know that it can be a great sport touring bike).

[Tigeron]

cool.. I"ll have to ask around and see if I can find something.