Originally Posted by cadre

Crompsin and Martian, I don't know why you would recommend any bike over 500ccs for a starter. Even a cruiser. I hope no one listens to you (and I mean that in the nicest way possible).

And Ghoastgirl, I don't think the Ninja is at all a bad choice, in fact it's a good one but really, almost all beginners can handle the Blast. It may sound like it's more but the engine build is different. It has more low end torque but it's not touchy like the newer super sports at all. You'd be fine with it and I'd say that you may get bored of it less quickly than a Ninja 250.

And yes, eventually you will get bored with either bike, that's just how it is. But that doesn't justify starting on a bigger bike considering how much you put at stake when you ride.

Maintenance isn't really any worse than a car, but with a car you can get away with not doing it for longer. The Blast has to be serviced at Harley so that will cost you more but you can do things like the oil change yourself and then it's not as bad. Parts are a bit higher for the Blast also.

Another difference is that the Blast weighs more than the Ninja so when you dump it, and you probably will, you may have an easier time picking up the Ninja 250. (Though as I said it has a higher center of gravity so you will have to lift it farther)