MattMode C on the Gixxer still puts out a fair amount of power. Not as twitchy as B or A, since it is meant for riding in the rain.
Going with a Gixxer still has issues other than the raw power though. The brakes and turn in are very fast and not forgiving compared to something a little less track oriented.
I also find it odd that you found the gixxer more comfortable. I’ve sat on a ZZR-600 (Kawasaki’s “sport tourer” based on the older ZX-R 600) and my ZZR-250 (very similar to the Ninja 250R) and the 250 is far more comfortable for me (I’m a mere 6 foot). The ZZR600 has me crunched up, with the long seat on the 250 I can slide my butt back and stretch my legs a bit.
If you think the ninja 250r is comfortable, but you aren’t sure. Sit on it for 250 minutes in the store, seriously. Any good store will understand and happily chat with you over that time.
I also agree with the comment of a dual sport like the DRZ 400 or even one of the 650s. They are very tall bikes. The seat height on a DRZ is at least 4″ higher than on a super sport. The dual sports also handle very well. The only down side is if you don’t like the visual style.
The Versys 650 is also a pretty tall bike if you want the ergos of a dual sport with the look (sort of) of a sport – although they are still very new to the US, so finding a used one might be hard.
