Currently, I ride a Ninja 636. The wife has a 500-R, which I rode this morning to give it some exercise
Since there are always questions about the 500-R, and I think it is a good beginner's option, I thought I post some comments after having been off the bike for a while.I won't mention power too much, as a 4-cyl 636 has a ton more power (about 75hp, I believe). It is good at highway speeds, and accelerates nicely. It will do 100mph quite easily, though I did not do that this morning
The bike sits remarkably upright. It feels every bit a standard, after riding a sport bike. It is fairly narrow, and sits comfortably. The suspension is fairly soft - not as soft as some cruisers I have been on, bit far less stiff that the 636. Bumps in the road are not as much of a shock as the 636, but not as boucy as my old 454 Ltd.
Started great in the cold. It was probably in the high 30s this morning. Choked it, and it was up and running, though it did seem to take some time to warm up - though that might have been me getting used to the lesser power.
The best thing about this bike has got to be the handling. It is responsive, but not touchy. The narrow handlebars (almost a drag bar, save that they are clip-ons) felt odd at first, but I warmed up to them quicky. Once you remember you steer with your body more than the handle bars, everything seems normal.
If you are looking for a good bike, and are not sure if you want a cruiser of a sportbike, this is a great in-between. Don't let the fairing fool you, it is a standard deep down.
--Dave