Thank you for all of the responses. I looked at the Rebel and the Tu250x, and they’re really standard bikes. Again, not exactly what I’m looking for, but will keep them in mind while looking for a bike. Ask for the GS500, I like it because it is a nice, sleek bike. My friend has one, and I think that it is very well-spoken, but the Ninja250 I find to be more of a “bad-ass” style. (Maybe not “bad-ass” but it’s too “bad-ass” for me.) After looking into it more, however, I found that I do like some of the earlier 2000 models and will continue my search there. My dad is a mechanic (marine, but he can pretty much do anything with any kind of motor), and his best friend (who was taught by my dad) is also a mechanic, and does more with motorcycles since he is a motorcycle enthusiast.
I am more and more thinking that the Ninja 250 is my best bet for my first bike because of price, and every time I ask someone I know who rides, they tell me that for me, the Ninja is the bike I need to get, and again, with the research I’ve done, I’m agreeing with them more and more.
How long do classes go for? How many days usually? In a row? I’m only asking because I want to take a class after I get my permit (soon, I hope) so that I can begin riding with my friend, but I’m never actually in NJ for more than 4-5 days at a time since I work and go to school in NY.