ok, different thought for bike

[DesmosDromos]

There are 2 camps on this question, as you can see. In the end, all we can do is offer some input and you'll do what you feel is best for you. I'll add my opinion just because it's slightly different than the two polar opposites of get a Ninja 250/500 or buy the SS900 you love.

First (if you haven't already), before you get either (and both sides would likely agree with me on this), take the MSF and read Proficient Motorcycling, Street Strategies, etc.

Second (if you haven't already) get yourself some good gear. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it needs to fit you well and I'd recommend CE protection at the elbows, shoulders, back and knees. Used is OK for everything but helmets as long as the stuff doesn't have rips, tears, etc. Minimally get a good jacket and helmet. Some people are more willing than others to gamble with jeans and boots that aren't motorcycle specific and I won't get into that debate.

OK, I'll get off my training and gear soapbox now and address the bike. The SS900 won't be a good first bike as others have said. The additional power, seating position and relative lack of handlebar leverage aren't beginner friendly.

The Ninja can be a fun bike, but in the end you really want a Duc so you probably won't love it. Starting with it isn't a bad way to go as it's accessible for beginners and the fact that you don't love it will help if (and you likely will) drop it or make some other beginner mistake on it. As others have said you can probably turn around and sell it for about what you paid for it and then move to the Duc more prepared for it.

The middle option is to get a used Monster 600/620/695/696. I learned on this bike and it's not really intimidating coming from the MSF bikes. You need to respect it and take it easy, but it is a good beginner bike. The only caveat is that it will be more expensive to repair damage if you drop it. However, you will love it and you'll grow into it.

You must do what you feel is right, Luke, of course.

For reference, I got a new Monster 620 after the MSF. I dropped it backing it off the pickup in my driveway and then on the other side pushing it into the garage. Frame sliders are the only thing that saved a big repair bill for me (but ended up causing the bike to be totaled in a low side a couple of years later- ironic, eh?). I still have a scar on my shin where the foot peg caught me and knocked me off the ramp when the bike went over. However, I don't regret any of it. YMMV.

Good luck!

[silentbob]

So if the general consensus is that the 900SS is no more powerful / scary / hard to ride than a 696 Monster and the only reason for not getting it is the possible expense of repairing the bodywork IF you drop it, then get the SS, pull the lower fairings, and install frame sliders and ride it that way until you feel you are ready to ride with the shiny stuff.

The 900SS is very easy to ride and the ergos are no more radical than the 250 Ninja.  It will also stop and turn better which may be an asset when learning how to ride.  Yes the 250 can be fun, especially if you are on the track where you can always keep it in its powerband.  But on the street where you don't always ride at 12K rpm and you have things that are unpredictable like traffic, the 250 can be tiresome and sometimes dangerous.  A new rider may not be ready to drop three gears in a split second to get out of the way of a truck, whereas the Duc will pull you to safety by just twisting the throttle.  On the highway the 250 gets tossed around by passing cars and the engine is screaming and vibrating.  These are not issues on the track but take a toll on the street.

I bought an old Honda Shadow 500 to teach a friend of mine to ride before I let him get on his big bike.  After a few sessions on the old Honda he got on the big bike and said it was so much easier to ride due to the better suspension, brakes, and low end torque.  He never dropped either bike in a couple years of riding.  It wasn't until he was a much better rider that he had his first crash and that was riding his S4R on the track.

[Duc-Duc-goose]

Yeah, I have gear and just finished Riders Edge course, like MSF, got license, and we practiced on little buell blasts, I was bored on it just after 2 days!... Maybe I'm a quick learning nut/adrenaline freak, oh well, maybe I'll say no to ninja and ss and start my 620 monster search! Thanks guys

[yotogi]

Be careful not to confuse boredom with competency. Not saying that you are as slow of a learner as I am, but I spent 6 months on a "little buell blast" and did manage to low-side it in a turn after getting my Duc.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14468.0

At the end of the day, get what you want. If you want an SS, get one. If you get a bike that you don't like/want you will be kicking yourself until you get on one that you do. If you are considering a 620, you might want to keep a SV650 in mind too. Ride characteristics should be comparable, and the $$ you will spend on upkeep and parts will be much cheaper.

[corey]

Be careful not to confuse boredom with competency. Not saying that you are as slow of a learner as I am, but I spent 6 months on a "little buell blast" and did manage to low-side it in a turn after getting my Duc.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14468.0

At the end of the day, get what you want. If you want an SS, get one. If you get a bike that you don't like/want you will be kicking yourself until you get on one that you do. If you are considering a 620, you might want to keep a SV650 in mind too. Ride characteristics should be comparable, and the $$ you will spend on upkeep and parts will be much cheaper.

Good recommendation. SV650 is an awesome bike, but it will blow a 620 Monster out of the water.
It probably would run my S2R as well...

lots of nice, low priced suspension mods from Traxxion for them too...

[Takster]

I don't think anyone can quite put the power of the 900SS into words... except Hunter S. Thompson...
Song of the Sausage Creature:
http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html

that's just not fair.

[corey]

that's just not fair.

[JEFF_H]

I gotta disagree on the 900SS being just as easy to ride as a ninja250, and that they have the same horsepower as a M695. (recent ducati hp numbers are measured at the crank, where they used to be quoted at the rear wheel)
I have owned 2 ninja 500's, and 2 900SS's (currently have a 95 SP)
have also ridden a EX250, and KLR250 quite a bit...
the 900SS is not bad choice compared to current 600 supersports...but i wouldnt consider it an ideal choice for a starter.
mine were both kinda grabby with the clutch and getting started, and dont like to go slow or commute in traffic
also- the side panel is one large piece that is going to be very difficult to find a stock replacement part, and an aftermarket one would need to be painted.
if you have your heart set on a ducati, i would recommend keeping an eye out for an older 97-02 M750, or possibly a 620

[silentbob]

I gotta disagree on the 900SS being just as easy to ride as a ninja250, and that they have the same horsepower as a M695. (recent ducati hp numbers are measured at the crank, where they used to be quoted at the rear wheel)

I stated that the SS was no harder to ride than the Monster, not the Ninja.  I said the ergos of the SS were no more radical than the Ninja.
The HP comparisons were based on the 696 not the 695, but either one will give the old 900 a run for its money.

also- the side panel is one large piece that is going to be very difficult to find a stock replacement part, and an aftermarket one would need to be painted.

That is why I suggested running without the side fairings and adding a set of sliders until he feels comfortable.  But, the bottom line is that you can dump a bike at any time, with any level of experience.  You will never be in a position to say I have reached the point that I will never drop a bike.  So what are you going to do, never ride a bike as pretty as the Ducati? 

Life is short.  Ride exotic motorcycles, use the good silverware at dinner, drink good beer.

[yotogi]

Life is short.  Ride exotic motorcycles, use the good silverware at dinner, drink good beer.

Although I wouldn't recommend all 3 in a short span of time if the moto comes at the end.