u/Typical-Chipmunk-327

I'm going to be buying my first bike soon, and it's between a 2025 Ninja 500 SE ABS and a 2024 GSX 8-S. Both are new and within $500 of each other at my local dealership. Both under $6k.

Is the GSX-8S okay as a beginner/first bike? I've watched a ton of stuff on YouTube and it seems to be split. Some saying it's too much power and the on/off throttle feel not being very smooth wouldn't be a good fit for a beginner. Others say it's a great bike for a beginner or an experienced rider. I like the idea of the modes, I can keep it in C as I build confidence, but I'm also concerned it will be too much just starting out. But I love the way it looks, and I feel like it's something I could grow with.

What do you all think? What is some owner feedback on the bike for someone who may be looking to buy one as a first bike?

- I know people will say buy used. The used market within 100 miles of me is either something from 1999-2007 for $3k or 2018-2021 models with 8,000+ miles for only $1-1.5k less than what I'm looking at for brand new. It's a bad used market here. It's really only between these two specific bikes that the dealer has.

Hey all, I finally took the plunge and got my permit (at 41)! Gear is being delivered in the next few days and I'll be taking the MSF Basic Rider Course 1 towards the end of the month or early next month.

Looking for some feedback on my first bike. I've always wanted a sport bike, so I've been looking at things like the Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE ABS, or Honda CB300R. Some friends recommended the Suzuki SV650 and I've found a new 2024 GSX-8S in my price range as well. I tend to like the look for the sport bikes more than naked, but the 8S looks really good in blue/black.

Initially, I was pretty set on the R3, but now I'm leaning towards the Ninja 500 or the 8S. My budget is $6k usd, I'd prefer new over used, and I'm mostly going to use the bike to ride around town, back roads, and to learn. I do want it to be able to go on the highway (75 mph) comfortably once I get brave enough to try it and have some miles under my belt. I'm 5'9 200lbs, so pretty average chunky guy.

The Ninja 500 seems to fit everything nicely in a pretty attractive package with a more relaxed riding position. The 300cc bikes seem like they'd be fine for casual riding and around town, but I worry that with all the road tractors on the highways near me and living in a pretty high wind area I'd be getting pushed around a lot. The GSX-8S is enticing because it has a ton of features and I'm really intrigued by the clutchless quick shift, but on the flip side I feel like 776cc will be too much starting out. Also the weight (445 lbs) and seat height (31.9") may not be a good fit for me starting out. Any feedback and recommendations are welcome!