Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello,
I'm Wes, a 22 year old college student and waiter, looking to buy my first bike (sport) as a commuter. I have not rode a sport bike yet but have plans to take a safety course here in NE Florida so that I can get my endorsement. For what it's worth I have owned a 150 Lance Vintage (scooter) and regularly commuted on that to school (about ten miles on 35-55mph roads). Originally I was interested in the Ninja 250R via a friend of mine who is very satisfied. After further research and conversation I was strongly urged toward a bike with a little more power. Since, I have become very interested in the various 600 and 650's on the market. I am going to be limited to financing via my credit union or a dealer so odds are I will be getting a model in the '05-'09 range depending on what presents the best deal; I don't want to get an older used bike that has been beat up. I have been partial to the Honda 600's and the Kawasaki 600ZZR so far but am open to anything that is in my price range and reliable...
-Any strong brand enthusiasts out there who are willing to give me their thoughts on the best option for a beginner bike?
-Anybody taken a safety class in the Jacksonville area and feel that they have good input?
-600 vs. other sizes for beginner/commute?

first off you've found a great site full of experienced riders with tons of great advice. In fact here's some right now

for a beginner bike (especially a first bike) stay far, far away from a 600 cc sportbike. Read the threads on the new bikers forum, this has been a topic that's been gone over many, many times, so I won't go further here. Your first instinct was a great one, go with the Ninja 250. It is about the perfect bike to learn on (as long as you feel comfortable on it). A Ninja 500 isn't a bad bike either. Anyways, read the stickies on top of the forums, do some research, and by all means, if you have any questions, do not be afraid to ask them. We're here to help.

+1 what he said.

welcome to TMW the 250 is a great starter bike. remeber this is your first bike not your last one

^250 Ninja's have excellent resale value, so don't worry too much about your investment. They also have phenomenal gas mileage. Try to stay away from new, so that you aren't fuming when you drop it. Yeah, you will. It may be from something as simple as forgetting to put the kickstand down. We've all done it, some of us more than others. Okay, some of us a lot more than others.

to TMW!