Does this make me a pussy...?

[Adamm0621]

As much as I want to pick up a Monster as soon as I get back stateside,  I think I've reconsidered... but only for a little bit.  I don't have very much riding experience, but took the MSF course over three years ago.  I plan on taking it again as a refresher course in a few months, and would probably be just fine but I want to increase my riding skill a bit more before I sink the cash to purchase my dream bike.

I'm looking at picking up one of the 250cc Ninjas, to tool around on for a while, to get used to riding again.  I haven't decided how long I'll wait before picking up the new Monster (if I don't buy it first anyways  ).  I've heard they're pretty fun to ride, and great to learn on.

I would love to get the Monster first, but being in the Army is dangerous enough, and I have a wife and a newborn to worry about, so it might be better if I get the Ninja to train on first.  Besides, if I crash a Ninja, who cares?    On the flipside, broken Monsters look really sad. 

Any thoughts or advice (insults are welcome too)?

[Travman]

Yes, you are being a pussy.  Just buy the bike you want. 

[707soldier]

No, it will not. Thank you for your service.

[ROBsS4R]

Yes, you are being a pussy.  Just buy the bike you want. 

I disagree. You sounds rather smart actually. Ninja are great bikes and don't let the size of the bike determine how big your balls are.
There are a few local people where I live that tear up much bigger bikes on smaller Ninja's

[DoubleEagle]

Thank you for serving so the rest of us can be free ! I think buying the smaller bike 1st is a good idea. Good luck Adam.  Dolph

[JDS 07 S4Rs]

If U can find a good used 250,,, then yes,,, why not ? ?. U wont loose alot of cash(if any)when U feel like U have outgrown it & want to sell it.

If not,,, buy the Monster,, & take your time getting comfortable with it. Ya,, U R going to be nervous riding it for the few hundred miles. U will be fine,, I am sure.

[StrikeJollyRoger]

I was faced with the same dilemma.  I didn't wanna kill my monster being a new rider but I also wanted to get my hands on a Monster ASAP.  My decision was to buy both a Ninja 250 and a Monster, tide the Ninja for a couple months and then switch to the Monster.  I bought the Monster first.  It's the only motorcycle I've bought.  I believe it was an emotional decision.

I've only dropped the bike twice with no real damage.  The drops were very slow from a standstill and I was able to lower it down slowly.  The first drop was due to inexperience with managing the weight on my first day and my relative small size (120lbs).  The second drop was me pulling into an oil/gas laden parking lot with the fatigue of having been riding the previous 9 or more hours - boot slips with the monster leaning on the thigh and down she goes (second week of ownership).  I've had it for three months and those were the only two silly drops.  I don't think they'll happen again.

Take from this what you will but keep this in mind: When you switch from riding the Ninja to the Monster, you'll probably be nervous about damaging it all over again.  Might as well cut the chase.  Just take the MSF again.

[MadDuck]

Buy the Ninja first and ride it for a year or so until most every move is second nature. See how a motorcycle fits you and your lifestyle. Then get whatever larger motorcycle you want, Ducati or not.

You are not being a pussy.   YOU ARE BEING SMART!

[arai_speed]

Nah, it does not.  It's a good move and a very economical one. 

[Speeddog]

IMO, consider a 250cc-400cc enduro bike.
They're great to learn on, and you can ride 'em almost anywhere, jeep trails, fireroads, etc.
They hold up very well to being dropped.
And riding in the dirt is a really good way to learn, mistakes tend to be a lot less painful.
You may even decide to keep it...

[matt922]

i've thought about the same thing myself, however, i want a M620.  the new 250s are selling better than hotcakes, i spoke to someone at my local dealership and they had already taken deposits on 5. Many dealerships are even charging more than MSRP.

old 250...meh. (maybe for sub 2k)

vtwin is very sedate and m620s can be had for reasonable prices.

[Big Troubled Bear]

Clever boy

[55Spy]

No it makes you sound like a you're Pitifully Underestimating Simply Stupid Youth

ok just kidding you sound like you know your limits and you have a plan!  Good luck

[CairnsDuc]

I started on a Kawasaki KLR250 road/trail bike, it could ride the dirt roads, but it was happy doing anything I needed, but it was cheap to run and to service, didn't mind being dropped (did that a few times) but it helped me to learn how to control a bike if it has a slip or slide, I have had occasions when the bike (the Monster and other road bikes i've owned) have slid in the wet or on oil/diesel and instead of having a panic and doing something silly I have able to control it and keep going. (Luck also helped on occasions  ) and I put that down to riding something simple like the KLR to begin with, I crashed a few times in the dirt, broke some levers, handle bars, foot pegs and replaced some plastic covers and parts, but it was a great learning experience.

I always say to anyone starting out new to motorbikes, or returning after a decent time away, start off on something basic, learn the basics without having to worry about having to much power to fight with, also something that you are not going to be worried about if you drop it or scratch it.

Then move onto the big toys after that! 

[psycledelic]

Nothing wrong with a 250 starter bike, but consider that you might want more before long.  About the same time I bought my Monster, my friend bought a 450 Supermoto because he wanted to start out with a little less power to learn on.  He is already wanting a bigger bike but can't sell his Moto for enough to recover.  He is kind of stuck.  My S2R 800 was a great starter bike and it is still fast enough and handles well enough to keep me smiling 10,000 miles and 9 months later. 
Do what is more comfortable to you.  If the bigger bike makes you nervous, then by all means, buy the 250.  They look good and get crazy gas mileage.  If you go straight for the Monster, just remember that they can only go as fast as you make it go.  With that being said, I have pictures of both my daughters centered on my gauges to remind me of what I need to come home to.  Believe it or not, it helps take some of the Hooligan out of you!

Side Note: Thank you for your military service.  Get back safe!