im only 5 0 and have metal in my right knee from extensive surgeries..
is there a kickstand involved?
also how much do used motorcycles cost?

The Ninja 250 is not a bad bike to start with. As for the right leg. You control the rear brake with that one. Most movment is from the ankle. I have been riding off and on for 16 years and the best advice I can give you is to take the M1 training coarse at the local facility. Here its our college. Should cost about 350. you will need your own helmet, gauntlet gloves (wrist protection), sturdy boots that cover your ankles and a strong coat. They should supply the bike and fuel. After the coarse you will know if your up to riding.

A used Ninja 250 could run anyware from $800 to $3000 depending on the year and condition.

As mentioned above, taking the training course is a GREAT idea (even for experienced riders). In PA (where I'm at), if I remember right the course is free after you get a motorcycle learners permit and once you pass the course they give you your licence. They supply the bike, helmet, gas and everything else (except for boots). The bikes they supply are really small (around 125cc I think) and not exactly something I'd ride on the turnpike, but it will give you the feel of a bike to a point. In this state anyway, passing the course often lets you save some $ on your insurance.

The Ninja 250 is comparatively a small bike compared to most, but you may not be tall enough to ride it. I think the seat height is around 29-30", so there's a fair chance you may not be able to reach the ground (You should be able to sit comfortable with both feet flat on the ground).

Yes, they have a kickstand. All street bikes do.

Another thing you may run into with the 'crotch rockets' is that generally you have to bend your knees a lot more when riding than with 'classicly styled' bikes.

As far as prices on Ninjas go, it depends on how old and how 'used'. You may be able to find an early one for as low as $500, but they can go up to as much as $5000-6000. The time of year you buy makes a big difference on price. For instance, during winter months you'll save a lot of money compared to the middle of the summer.

A good beginner bike that may be more comfortable to learn on and that you can usually find real cheap ($400-$1000) are Honda CB350's and CB360's. They sold a ZILLION of those in the 70's, so they're a dime a dozen (and parts are still plentiful).

A freind of mine got one last year new. She is about 5'5" and we where able to lower it enough with the Pre-load. Best thing to do would be go to a dealer. get an idea with what they have. Then go used if you want. At least they will give you an idea as to the Pre-load setting.

l think this could be a confortable alternative for you


300 cc-------------automatic gear--------------low price


to drive it you use only your hands



http://motori.excite.it/foto/foto-piaggio-vespa-gts-300-P67625-1-piaggiovespagts30002.html

Hey ujGearhead i gotta say that is the bike that I'm looking for, a Honda CB400 somewhere between '79 and '88. i like the way they look and you can find them for, if not cheap, cheaper than some other bikes. And also they are hondas and no mater what other people say, I have never had any major problems with a honda.