Does this make me a pussy...?

[Adamm0621]

<drill sergeant> Holy s---!  You'd better be working in g.d. army intelligence!  That's the smartest f'in thing I've heard come from the military in a long damn time!  Get comfortable on a cheap ride before diving in head first?!  That's some genius s---!  We need more smart sons of b's like you, Adamm!

Actually, I am in the MI field.   For those of you with insults, I used the title "Does this make me a pussy..?" not to gauge public opinion, but as a hook to get more people to read this post.  I understand the logic behind getting a smaller bike to learn on, and in no way think that riding a 250cc motorcycle around a military installation (though I will probably get a few laughs and jeers) means I'm a pussy.  And yes, I know I put out that insults were welcome, and I am not offended in the least.

The recommendation to test ride both of them was something that I didn't consider and is great advice.  I plan on taking the MSF course again before I purchase either bike.  If I do buy the Ninja, I was looking at the new 2008 model, just because I might decide to keep it around for various reasons (i.e. wet weather bike, something to ride while the Monster is being modded, etc...).

A further question that I have, is whether or not I could trade in the new Ninja when purchasing the Monster, or would I be losing money?

[ROBsS4R]

My next door neighbor signed up for the MSF course and he has a used 250 he just bought sitting in the garage.

Not a a bad decision for a kid right out of High School. He did his research and didn't let his friends who have much bigger bikes talk him into a R1

This also makes me really happy since I have a 250 to ride now   

[cmorgan47]

you will always lose money when you trade any vehicle ever

[mstevens]

Besides, imagine dropping an immaculate new Monster, and getting a repair bill the size of a nice used 250 Ninja.

I dropped my Monster and got a repair bill that would have bought a NEW Ninja and left some change.

[somegirl]

A further question that I have, is whether or not I could trade in the new Ninja when purchasing the Monster, or would I be losing money?

They are such a hot item right now, you should go the ebay or CL route.

[Cucciolo]

I would consider buying the Suzuki 500F instead of the ninja 250. That was my choice for my first bike and I loved it. Never dropped it, very nimble and will not get you in trouble.... and it is a good looking bike too... sort of like a GXR600's little brother. You will outgrow the 250 after 1 month guaranteed. You will want to keep the Suzuki for about a year before you want more juice or are skilled enough to squeeze more out of it. If you decide to go that route... DO NOT TEST RIDE A MONSTER UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO BUY ONE... otherwise.. you will want to immediately get rid of  whatever bike you have to get the Duc. That's what happened to me.. the torque and riding experience of these bikes is an addiction.. I think I need my daily dose right now.. 

[Brett]

I had this dilemma and ended up saying "eff you" to the Ninja and buying a S2R 800. Best decision ever.

If you can control your right wrist, well then you are fine my friend.

[darkduke]

buy a couple year old ninja 250 or suzuk gs500, you can ride it for six months or a year and get basically what you paid for it. Cheaper by far then having to fix damage from dropping a monster.

Chris

I've ridden a gs500 as well and that bike is a ton of fun, also took my Motorcycle Safety course on one and it manuevers a lot like a monster, solid and plenty of go and a lot cheaper if you drop it too. I've actually considered buying one and using it as a commuter. Another one I'd consider is a bandit 400, even has a trellis frame.

[ducpenguin]

I am hearing a common thread here...Get the 250 to learn, as it will be safer?  Just remember...it is not the bike that is safe, it is the rider.  I understand the concept, but don't underestimate the power of a 250...going down @ 45mph on a 250 feels the same as going down @ 45mph on a bigger bike.  It is up to the rider to be safe...
Having said this, it is lighter and more forgiving.  Just don't ever think it is not as serious as being on a bigger bike.
Thanks for your service, and get home safely!

[Cucciolo]

If money is not a problem then get the 696
...but...being that you are just starting a family and have a new born.. I would really give it a second thought.. I mean, considering the fact that riding is a dangerous sport and god forbid something happens to you and you leave your baby behind.. Not that being in the army is any safer, but when you come back in one piece, which we all hope will be the case, you have an opportunity to play the safe card ...

[junior varsity]

The first time you drop that 250 in the garage because you thought the steering wheel lock wasn't on, or you thought the kickstand was down, you'll thank god you didn't just dent the $1600 Ducati tank

[fwtcc]

You should probably not be such a twat and get a real bike.  A Hayabusa and a matching helmet for the side of the bike.

Rode the 250 a whole bunch for a year, never dropped it.  Rode Monster 3 months dropped it.  .  Get a used cheap 250 or get the Monster and take it easy.  Most importantly get the gear.  Meh, its possible for the bike to get wrecked no matter how bad ass you are or aren't and no matter how easy you take it.

That being said, if the 250 wasn't so ugly I would have never gotten a different bike.  I had a lot of fun riding it.  Riding a small bike fast is way better than a big bike slow.  Kind of what makes the MINI fun as well.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I would consider buying the Suzuki 500F instead of the ninja 250. That was my choice for my first bike and I loved it. Never dropped it, very nimble and will not get you in trouble.... and it is a good looking bike too... sort of like a GXR600's little brother. You will outgrow the 250 after 1 month guaranteed.

So....have you actually ridden one?

[Adamm0621]

The money isn't really an issue.  I'm in the process of changing jobs which when complete, should throw 15 to 18k my way.  I plan on using the money to pay off the car I just bought, as well as whichever motorcycle I plan on purchasing (car is a 2008 Ford Focus for my wife).  That way I won't have any car or bike payments.  Since the military pays for housing, the only monthly bills I'll have then are gas, insurance, and groceries.

For general information, I already have boots, gloves, and a two-piece textile set from a few years ago when I rode.  I plan on picking up a new helmet and possibly a set of leathers.  ATGATT. 

I really appreciate all of the advice.  I'll keep you guys posted of how everything turns out.

[Raux]

There are several factors you should be looking at

1) Bike cost (ok so no issue for you since you're getting the bonus)
2) Insurance cost (this will be a monthly cost, depending on your rank could be an issue)
3) Skill (whether a 250 or Hayabusa, if you don't ride well you'll have a tough time)
4) Long term desire (will you wake up 6 months from now and wish you had bought something else?)

My advice, get a 696. The breakin period is a good learning curve for you too. The cost isn't unreasonable and the insurance is low (USAA through Progressive). It's light, easy to handle and I expect will grow with you better than the 250 and won't be off the learning curve in the beginning like the bigger Monster.

Honestly, I had a 99 M900 and it was the wrong bike for my first street bike. I originally wanted a SS750 but was 'convinced' into buying the M900 for the 'deal' and told i wouldn't outgrow it. Well I always felt like I was along for the ride, wondering if I could keep the front end planted and eventually had a tank slapper at 70. The new 696, feels SOOO much better planted, lighter, smoother, and has enough power still.

Either way, always wear the gear. In OK, there's no helmet law and I see these guys all the time riding without one. Well I didn't expect my fall and without the helmet, my head would have been split open as I ended up on my head and elbow.

Be safe and enjoy which ever bike you purchase.