The new Ninja 250 is a GREAT first bike.

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My first bike was a Suzuki Savage, 650.

Now lets remember, a Ninja 250 is probably going to be faster than a Savage 650. The Savage is a single cylinder, also referred to as a "THUMPER".

They are a great starter bike even though the 650 sounds like a lot of engine. Really, this bike is a smart starter.

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"When two people agree on everything, one of them is not necessary" - Arliss

Honestly, you will likely get bored with the power of a Ninja 250. I had a lot of dirtbike experience, and I went with an EX500 (now called Ninja 500) for my first street bike. I think it was excellent all the way around, and I picked it up cheap (around $1.5k and it was perfect!). Another good one is the Suzuki GS500 - the older ones are called the GS500E the new ones with fairings are called the GS500F. I would get the older, simpler one for a first bike.

If you want a bike that's easy to learn on but you won't get bored with later, get a nice used stock Suzuki SV650. That is a great bike and once you get used to the power, start modding it with full pipes, clip ons, seat, etc. Those bikes are a blast no matter what your skill level. I would just say no matter what, get something you're ok with dropping once or twice - it will happen! Also, don't get in over your head with HP because it will catch you off guard at just the wrong moment.

The other good thing about buying a couple year old entry level bike is that you likely won't lose much if any money on your purchase. You can buy a 3-5 year old ninja for $2-$3k, ride it for a year, and probably sell it for the same. Not nearly as true for the bigger newer bikes that depreciate much quicker!

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2002 X5 4.4i - non sport - Range Rover wheels!
2002 Honda S2000

...for a midget

aren't you forgetting helmet???

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T
2007 BMW X5 3.0si
2007 BMW X3 3.0si
2004 Saab 9-3 CV <--- Almost dead
2003 BMW X5 3.0i (retired)

Kinda thought that was a given!! As a fellow X5 World member he is of course smart enought to know you never ride a bike w/o a helmet!!!!!

haha...I see people on harleys who are dumb enough to be wearing a t-shirt and jeans and that's it while riding down the expressway.....wow