Considering picking up a bike

[R22B]

With rising gas prices and my car not getting great gas mileage... I decided to look into alternatives (selling my car isn't an option :-p). I looked into scooters but questioned why the cost so much haha. So off I went to look at Suzuki and Kawasaki.

After looking at their cheapest bikes, I couldn't help but fall in love with the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. Its sporty looking and after doing some research, it seems like its a good beginner bike (weighing in at 330~lbs and only being ~250cc). Not to mention it gets something like 60 mpgs :D!!!!

I know its not the fastest thing on earth and I'm sure I will lay it down at least once. I'm not in it to get an adrenaline rush, but more or less to save on gas and to get into riding.

I'm going sometime this week to get an insurance quote from my insurance company. I really don't know what to expect in terms of pricing. If the pricing fits my budget, I will take a motorcycle safety course. After that is done, I will do some studying and go for my motorcycle learners permit.

Any idea's where I can find any motorcycle safety courses?

[2drStunner]

Safety courses Im not sure! But insurnace for a 250 should be real cheap.

[bluengoldsti]

If you live in PA, the MSF course is free. Just find one local to where you live. But you better sign up quick, bc there is limited space and they fill up quick. Also, once you pass the MSF course, you will receive your license (again, in PA, not sure about the other states). The Ninja 250 is a nice beginner bike and the insurance should be pretty cheap, depending on your driving record and age. The 2008s are A LOT better looking than the previous models, and are listed at $3500. You can get a used one cheaper, probably around $1500-2500, depending on year and condition. However, this is the beginning of riding season, so people (private sellers) are going to jack up prices to make a profit bc they know more people are looking now. Good luck and be safe.

[R22B]

If you live in PA, the MSF course is free. Just find one local to where you live. But you better sign up quick, bc there is limited space and they fill up quick. Also, once you pass the MSF course, you will receive your license (again, in PA, not sure about the other states). The Ninja 250 is a nice beginner bike and the insurance should be pretty cheap, depending on your driving record and age. The 2008s are A LOT better looking than the previous models, and are listed at $3500. You can get a used one cheaper, probably around $1500-2500, depending on year and condition. However, this is the beginning of riding season, so people (private sellers) are going to jack up prices to make a profit bc they know more people are looking now. Good luck and be safe.

I read on the PA DMV website that they were free I think. I just wasn't sure if there were more than one.

I plan on buying the 250R new. Its in my price range so its not a big deal. I turn 22 in a month and I haven't got a speeding ticket in over 3 years. Really, what it comes down to is the insurance. No sense in me paying $150+ a month when I would spend that in gas anyways :D

[Tru2Blu]

To take safety course in pa, you'll have to get your permit first. And the classes do go fast, also, when you complete the course, you'll get a car to send to your insurance that should get you a discount on insurance. I just completed the course. So its bike hunting time. looking for a 600 though.

[Soon2bG60]

I know osmeone selling a Raven R6, Pretty new, I think 5 grand. pm me if your interested?

[R22B]

I know osmeone selling a Raven R6, Pretty new, I think 5 grand. pm me if your interested?

Thanks for the offer, but seriously, that would be like giving me a Group B rally car when I just got my license... haha. I better start small.

[blkZ06]

I had this conversation with my buddy, and after spending the money to buy the bike plus insurance, gear and continuing to pay for your car your really not saving a damn thing. Think about it, yearly gas expense is about what 2500 ish depending on what you drive and you'll spend that plus more to get your hands on the bike. So basically your spending several years worth of gas money trying to save a couple bucks now. And you may go longer from pump to pump but you have a better chance of surviving the trip in a car. Im not saying dont ride, Ive ridden for a long time, just look at all the angles before you strap the helmet on.

[bluengoldsti]

I had this conversation with my buddy, and after spending the money to buy the bike plus insurance, gear and continuing to pay for your car your really not saving a damn thing. Think about it, yearly gas expense is about what 2500 ish depending on what you drive and you'll spend that plus more to get your hands on the bike. So basically your spending several years worth of gas money trying to save a couple bucks now. And you may go longer from pump to pump but you have a better chance of surviving the trip in a car. Im not saying dont ride, Ive ridden for a long time, just look at all the angles before you strap the helmet on.

I agree with this statement. If you are spending $3500 on the bike, plus a couple hundred for gear (hopefully you will buy at least a helmet, jacket and gloves), you are pretty much defeating the purpose of saving maybe a thousand or so on gas per year. You can only ride for about 8-9 months out of the year, and if you are like me, only when the temp is over 50 and there is NO chance of rain. Plus, if you are going out with friends, you are going to want to drive a car. Like blkz06 said, I'm not saying don't get the bike, but I don't think you'll be saving that much overall.

As for insurance, I pay $22 per month for my 600 for full coverage through State Farm. I have a 3 vehicle discount tho and I am a lot older than you, but the insurance for my car went up about $30 from what I was paying with Progressive. If you live near Bensalem, there is a course right behind the Home Depot across from the Neshaminy Mall.

[ToocH]

my friend is 21 and has a bike in NJ and he pays less than $200 for insurance through Rider, and thats the whole bill.

[07cobaltowner]

bikes are the ****, i'm picking mine up friday, i buy a cheap bike every year keep it for the summer, and sell it at the end of summer. tons of fun as long as your smart about riding.

[R22B]

Well, it would cost me $1200 a year for insurance... roffles. I only have one speeding ticket from 3 years ago.

I'd keep to the bike for years. Its not like I would sell it in a year to upgrade. I would invest in a helmet, jacket and gloves. Looking at it from a year or two, yeah I will be spending more. I plan on keeping it for at least 4 or 5 so in the long run I would be saving.

[blkZ06]

I'd keep to the bike for years. Its not like I would sell it in a year to upgrade.


You might want to hold off on that statment until you ride for a while

[justinlansdale]

You might want to hold off on that statment until you ride for a while

+1.

my brother was a begining rider last fall and picked up a ninja 650R as his first bike and is already selling it to upgrade. goodluck with the bike though!