[majorhavoc]

Hi Joyinc,

I’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.

Something like a Suzuki GS500 or even an older Ninja 500 would be a lot more relaxed on the highway. Neither is what I’d call a powerful bike, which is a good thing for a newbie. Of the two, the Ninja 500 is probably a little more capable as you gain riding skills, and retains the styling that maybe attracted you to the smaller Ninja in the first place.

The Suzuki GS500 is an upright sport standard with excellent ergonimics and a reputation for bulletproof reliability. Depending on the model year (pre 2004, I think), it can also be had as a naked bke. That is definitely an advantage to the beginner, because you will be occasionally dropping your mount as a new rider.

The Ninjas and a faired GS500 are going to show the results of those mishaps more than a naked bike will.

I totally respect your desire as a vegan to avoid leather. As others have said, synthentic textile alternatives do exist. But I think the conventional wisdom is that pound for pound, dollar for dollar, there still isn’t anything that beats leather’s superior abrasion resistance in saving your own hide in a crash.

If ever there was a purpose-specific justification for respectfully using an animal product, motorcycle safety apparel would be it.

Otherwise, buy a good quality textile product, wear it every time, and ride safe.

[Author]

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