I have just completed the riders course on Monday with Harley. I would love to go and purchase a bike. I am a little confused b/w a 250 & 500. I keep hearing that if I get a 250 I will get sick of it. Then I also hear the exact opposite. I am 5'1 135lbs. I live in Marietta Ga. and the most riding I would do is perhaps from Marietta to Stone Mountain that is about a 45 minute trip one way. I keep hearing get what you are comfortable with but as a rider who has only been on a bike twice in my life and that was during the riders portion of the class what do you all mean by comfortable with.   you can't test drive them so what should I be looking for in terms of comfort.
I definetly wanted to by used but saw a brand new Ninja 500 I set on it and it felt good for 5,500 but then the next day I saw a used ninja 250 for $3,300 it was a 2007 with 500 miles on it.
I left the lot feeling like I wanted that 250 but then got scared as I did some more reading today about being on the highway.
I do plan to eventually perhaps by spring or summer head towards the highway (again I am in Atlant metro area) is a ninja 250 going to be a safe bike on the highway taking trucks and everything into consideration for someone of my size (if that matters)  

If you're going to be riding on the highways, especially around Atlanta, I'd suggest something bigger than a 250. You can really get blown around by trucks.

I have a Suzuki C90, a big, 1,500 cc cruiser, and I can feel it when I get behind a big truck, or one passes me.

I think most riding vets would tell you a 250 is too small for those conditions.  

I never had any problems keeping up with traffic on a 250. It was just fine for local riding and I did take it on the interstates occasionally. My problem was I tried to use it a little more than just locally and my 60 year old joints couldn't handle the buzzing for more than about an hour at a time.

I'd say go for the Ninja 250 if you like it. Handling the traffic generated turbulance is something you'll have to get used to, no matter what you ride. It causes more concern than problems and once you get used to it, it's really not a big deal.

regards,
Joe  

since you've only ridden twice no bike is gonna feel real comfy to you. you'll have to grow into it. get the 500 find a way that won't keep ya on the interstate much and learn slowly. i have to ask tho, if you took the harley course, how is it that you have  been on a bike only 2 times? i would strongly suggest an abate course or something along those lines. size is not as important as confidence.  

Hey KZGB
I live in Ga. and I took the Harley Course at Earls Harley on S. Cobb it is a 5 day course my class started on a Thurs. we were only on the range Sat and Sun. from 8-5. the other days were spent in the class room.

Thanks for the advice.  

I'm just skipping over the other responses.

It is absolutely untrue that a 250 Ninja will be unsafe and unable to keep up with traffic ANYWHERE.  The Ninja 250 is a fantastic value and a great bike.  You do have to rev it up to get decent power out of it.  I had one for 11 years, raced it, rode it 350 miles down Interstate 5 and back up the Pacific Coast Highway (for example of the 100s of rides I did on it other than commuting).  You will not get "blown around" (that's just BS).  It get over 50 mpg and will go nearly 100 mph.  I don't see anyone else's 250s doing that.

As far as comfort, that's exactly what you experienced after sitting on the two bikes -- which one felt more comfortable to YOU.

And, if you do outgrow a bike, you can RESELL it!  Right now you can't even buy a new Ninja 250 (as well as some other smaller bikes) because all of the dealers are all sold out, even after raising prices OVER MSRP.  If you ride it a few months and then sell it, you should be able to get your money back (as long as you haven't damaged it).

Get the bike you feel comfortable with, don't let others push you into something else, be careful and have fun.  

twkw4,how about a little more info.how old are you?do you have any riding friends?why did you like sitting on the 500cc bike?is money not a factor in youre buying a bike?a friend who taught MSF courses for 20 years says that every rider should be able to pick up their bike off the ground.whats youre reason for buying a motorcycle?  

twkw4, i understand now. i wasn't familar with the HD course.  

I am 31.. don't really have any riding friends, have some but they don't live in the state. I felt comfortable on it until I felt on the 250 different kind of feel. both feet reached the ground flat not stretched out to far when holding the handle bars. My arms were not stretched all the way out. The bike wasn't to heavy. I can pick the bike up I assume...lol
I didn't lay it down to see but that is one of the things we went over in the course. So I do know how to pick a bike up.
My reason for buying a bike is because I love motorcycles always have. You know how you see something and your just in awe that is how I feel about motorcycles. I love the feel of the freedom of being on a bike.
Oh and yes money is a factor.  

Thanks so  much for the post this was so helpful. I was very worried about being blown all over the place.    

As far as the Ninja 250 is concerned, my niece managed to do 110 on one. I think that should be fast enough for anyone.

She only mentioned it a couple of years later...well after getting a Ninja 600.