Like I said don’t own a cruiser, probably never will. However, you state with authority that cruisers are inferior beginner bikes. I’ve been riding since July of last year with about 8000 miles total between my scooter and motorcycle; I consider myself a newbie, I still listen more than I speak as I realize, despite a year of incident free riding-“not if but when” is absolute bullshit-that my knowledge and skill set barely scratch the level of competence. However, I believe that I have a good deal more experience than you and I’m simply calling you on your original statement that cruisers are inferior due to their seating position. Bullshit. How much experience do you have on them? Are you telling me that riders who started on Vulcans, V Stars, Boulevards and of course even the big man’s Sporty, end up being less skilled than those who start on standards or detuned sport bikes? Maybe if your ultimate goal is to pass Rossi on The Corkscrew, but all we’re trying to do is become good safe street riders. I don’t mean to be rude but don’t make blanket statements on subjects on which you have no experience-and no two days of MSF does not qualify as experience, and even if it did it is your personal experience, not fact, yet you stated it as a fact “That’s not a defensive riding position! Save the lazy-boy posture for watching TV.” I repeat, for the third time, Bullshit!
Personally I have nothing against the Ninja 250 and don’t dispute any of the facts that you give, and yes they are facts. My initially snarky comment about the Ninja is simply a reaction to an opinion that it is the only bike to start riding on. Judging from everything I have read I have no doubt that it is an excellent bike to start with, however, it is not the only one. Obviously “god’s gift” was said in jest as everyone knows that all two wheeled vehicles sent directly from heaven have “Ducati” emblazoned on the tank.