thanks alot for the post dude…. i know i have been buggin everybody on this subject so this is a perfeect article for me….. I’m not trying to make an arguement as to why i’m the exception and not the rule i just want to make sure i make the all around best desicion. Like u said it’s hard to see yourself as just another face in the crowd but this is what you have to do to ensure safety. After this post i think i will go with the GS500. i still can’t bring myself to getting something as small as a 250 but then again i know nothing except for the number that i see and that steers me away. I would like a good bike to learn on but also when i’m preparred enough i would like it to be enough to go 2 up on the freeway. From what i’ve heard the GS500 should do this without much struggle. Well anyways good job on the post. “mission accomplished”. i know have a better view as to why this advice is being given. Well please give me your thoughts on the differences between the ninja and the GS. thanks for everything and sorry if we’re running circles around this matter but like i said i would like to make a well educated desicion.