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In a straight comparison between the Rebel and the Ninja for a beginner, I'd lean towards the Ninja. It's got more power for freeway riding, better brakes, better suspension and the cost is about the same as a Rebel. Of course none of that matters if you don't fit well on the bike. The only sure way to tell is to go sit on one.

R3sp4wN wrote:

RhadamYgg wrote:Anyway, what do you guys think? Is there some fundamental idea that I'm missing that would make the Rebel a better first motorcycle as opposed to the Ninja 250R?

I am in the same boat as you; my MSF course is next weekend and I, too am looking into what machine to start off with. Of all the bikes that I have been sitting on and playing around with, the Ninja 250-500 seem to be what I will be starting off on. They seem to sit like a standard upright riding motorcycle and are a comfortable weight for me.

Well, maybe in a few weeks we'll be trading pictures of our new bikes - and stories about our first riding experiences.

RhadamYgg

I would go with ninja 250. They just came out with a new version of it for 2008 and it looks swwweeet!

Dragon on Wheels wrote:I would go with ninja 250. They just came out with a new version of it for 2008 and it looks swwweeet!

New rider means they should get a used Ninja 250 to get those insurance premiums lower... plus it won't be so bad if they ever dump it.

Dragon on Wheels wrote:I would go with ninja 250. They just came out with a new version of it for 2008 and it looks swwweeet!

I was just at the Kawasaki dealer and sat on one. It felt really good - better than the Rebel. I felt very exposed sitting on the Rebel.

I tried shifting gears (sitting dry in the showroom), but apparently shifting up doesn't work unless the motor is running. I could press on the shifter upward but it would click like it was going in to gear. The guy at the dealer said this is fairly normal.

RhadamYgg

RhadamYgg wrote:I tried shifting gears (sitting dry in the showroom), but apparently shifting up doesn't work unless the motor is running. I could press on the shifter upward but it would click like it was going in to gear. The guy at the dealer said this is fairly normal.

This is normal. The dogs in the transmission need to engage slots. If the bike is moving, the slots pass into alignment many times a second. If stationary, they aren't going to engage their slots if the slots weren't lined exactly right when the bike stopped. See the demo at http://www.gadgetjq.com/transmission.htm

now the boulavard S-40, is that bike pretty forgiving???

gypsy_woman wrote:now the boulavard S-40, is that bike pretty forgiving???

Basically a big 650cc single stuffed into the frame of a 250cc sized bike. Personally I like the idea of the big single, but S40's/Savage's are too small for me - wish Suzuki would build that engine into a bigger frame.

The bike is light, the power is modest, low end torque is good. Becasue it's a big single, it's gonna vibrate a bit - that's why they call 'em "thumpers". Belt final drive is good for noobs, aside from checking for tears & cracks, it's no-maintenance. As long as it fits you comfortably and you have realistic expectations (e.g. long-distance high-speed freeway riding is not it's thing) then I'd say it's an appropriate first bike.

jstark47 wrote:

RhadamYgg wrote:I tried shifting gears (sitting dry in the showroom), but apparently shifting up doesn't work unless the motor is running. I could press on the shifter upward but it would click like it was going in to gear. The guy at the dealer said this is fairly normal.

This is normal. The dogs in the transmission need to engage slots. If the bike is moving, the slots pass into alignment many times a second. If stationary, they aren't going to engage their slots if the slots weren't lined exactly right when the bike stopped. See the demo at http://www.gadgetjq.com/transmission.htm

Thanks for the info. I had that 'oooh its new and its already broke - feeling going on for a minute.

RhadamYgg

RhadamYgg wrote:I was just at the Kawasaki dealer and sat on one. It felt really good - better than the Rebel. I felt very exposed sitting on the Rebel.

I knew it ... once you sit on the bikes all those comparative metrics don't mean a hill a beans

RhadamYgg wrote:I tend to make everything too much of an intellectual pursuit - which is why most of the people I know are surprised I'm interested in riding motorcycles.

Were your friends implying that Motorcyclists are not known for their intellect? 'cause I can tell you they are amongst the most philosophical and intellectual of groups -- need I point you towards Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? -- hehe J/k I couldn't resist, I can't believe everyone let you get away with that comment!