“‘m going to be the devil’s advocate here and suggest that the Ninja 250 might not be the best bike for you. You said you’re planning on being “on the hwy alot”. While the Ninja 250 is capable of highways speeds, that’s a little outside it’s ideal operating environment (twisty secondary roads). On the highway, the little Ninja is really going to be thrashing at high rpms. Everything I’ve heard about that bike indicates that while it can do it, it’ll be buzzy and reving really hard. That can get tiring for the rider, especially if you’re on the highway for any length of time.”
Have you ridden one on the highway?
I have, plenty.
Trust me, the Ninja 250 is not “thrashy” on the highway. It spins high, but it isn’t work hard. I’ll happily argue that a Ninja 250 is happier and easier going at 80mph than a Rebel at 65mph, despite the 11000rpm it’ll be spinning.
Vibration, yes. A high frequency vibration that is only really intrusive when you are hanging on tight. I find an hour at speeds above 65mph to be my comfort zone where I get off, stretch for a few minutes, then continue my ride. I doublt many new riders will be putting in longer stretchs than that safely on any bike.
Textile is not, pound for pound, as safe as a good leather. But it is significantly more versatile. I wear a quality textile suit for commuting and feel it is adequate for my level of risk aversion. A track day would require leather; but as a commuter and all-weather-rider the lower protection is offset by practicality and a conservative riding style.