Rab seems to be fairly similar in body type to me, slightly shorter legs, slightly heavier. Still, looks like I’m going with the 500R over the Nighthawk. The 650 was way more comfortable (as was the Versys [sic?] frankly), but I thought the 500R was supposed to be OK. Actually, if weight is the factor (cruisers are heavier) why wouldn’t the H-D 883 be OK, except that it probably handles poorly and vibrates? Matt, you may not be the most conservative person on this site.
I can, however, personally attest (from day 1 of MSF) that it is possible to gently lower a NIghthawk 250 to that it reclines while its rider stands after having stopped with the front wheel not quite straight.
I suppose it might have been nice if the 500cc qualification in the first response had said “500cc cruiser”. Is the Ninja 500 any less suitable than a Suzuki 500 (sport style)? Is there anything at 500cc that doesn’t leave your feet sticking out in front of you which is an OK beginner bike?
Which raises another interesting point: the Suzuki 650SV is, if not recommended on this site for beginners, at least thoroughly condoned. A sales person, who said I should stick with a 500, said that the 650R Ninja has essentially the same engine as the SV650. Is that true? Just curious, have decided to stick at 500 or below. But hell, I was going to put my money on the 500 in the morning—lost my DSL for a few hours, and then I saw this thread. Speaking of indecision.