Hi Cazz,I have owned a 1993 model and a 2001 model ZZR 250 both exactly the same even with a 9 year age difference. They are easy to ride and very forgiving when cornering especially for an inexperienced rider. They are stable and you don´t have to rev the crap out of them to make them perform like you do with the Yamaha FZR250 and Honda CBR250R. They also look like a big bike and have a comfortable riding position. Not too bad with a pillion either. Hope it helps. Good Luck