TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast  

Go Back TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast > Tech > Motorcycles
Register Rules & Info Mark Forums Read

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-12-2008, 12:27 AM   #1
R22B
Tri-State Post Whore
 
R22B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Allentown, PA
Member #5854

My Ride:
88 Merkur XR4Ti | 92 Mazda MX3 | 98 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer | 91 Ford Ranger89 | 89 Yamaha FZR600

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via ICQ to R22B Send a message via AIM to R22B
Considering picking up a bike

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 ). 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?
__________________
Half the wheels, twice the fun. That's motorcycles.
R22B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2008, 07:37 AM   #2
2drStunner
Tri-State Post Whore
 
2drStunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: West Berlin NJ, South jersey
Member #2009

My Ride:
2010 Genesis Coupe 2.0T and 2008 Honda CBR1000rr

iTrader: (2)
Send a message via AIM to 2drStunner
Safety courses Im not sure! But insurnace for a 250 should be real cheap.
__________________
*formerly 4drstunner*
Quote:
this is all i've got to say, 4drstunner i believe your name is rich?
you're car looks so deliciously good possibly better then the cereal i'm about to eat.
2drStunner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2008, 10:09 AM   #3
bluengoldsti
Tri-State Aficionado
 
bluengoldsti's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Langhorne, PA
Member #969

My Ride:
2005 Subaru STi / 2006 and 2008 Suzuki GSXR600, 2010 KTM SMC 690

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via AIM to 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.
bluengoldsti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2008, 06:25 PM   #4
R22B
Tri-State Post Whore
 
R22B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Allentown, PA
Member #5854

My Ride:
88 Merkur XR4Ti | 92 Mazda MX3 | 98 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer | 91 Ford Ranger89 | 89 Yamaha FZR600

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via ICQ to R22B Send a message via AIM to R22B
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluengoldsti View Post
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
__________________
Half the wheels, twice the fun. That's motorcycles.
R22B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2008, 07:04 PM   #5
Tru2Blu
Tri-State Addict
 
Tru2Blu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Hamilton
Member #1214

My Ride:
02 Mazda Millenia

iTrader: (1)
Send a message via AIM to Tru2Blu Send a message via MSN to Tru2Blu Send a message via Yahoo to 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.
__________________
Quest for a 500awhp daily driven vr4....
Tru2Blu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2008, 08:13 PM   #6
Soon2bG60
Tri-State Addict
 
Soon2bG60's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Denver
Member #5437

My Ride:
06 SRR WRX

iTrader: (2)
Send a message via AIM to Soon2bG60
I know osmeone selling a Raven R6, Pretty new, I think 5 grand. pm me if your interested?
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
Soon2bG60 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2008, 09:43 PM   #7
R22B
Tri-State Post Whore
 
R22B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Allentown, PA
Member #5854

My Ride:
88 Merkur XR4Ti | 92 Mazda MX3 | 98 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer | 91 Ford Ranger89 | 89 Yamaha FZR600

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via ICQ to R22B Send a message via AIM to R22B
Quote:
Originally Posted by Soon2bG60 View Post
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.
__________________
Half the wheels, twice the fun. That's motorcycles.
R22B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2008, 12:35 AM   #8
blkZ06
Tri-State Addict
 
blkZ06's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: West Chester, Pa
Member #3188

My Ride:
03 Z06, 01 Z06, 99 Viper GTS, 05 F250, 00 M5

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via AIM to 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.
__________________
01 911 TT - 216 K16s 501awhp/650awtq
03 Z06 - 427 F1 916rwhp/900rwtq
01 Z06 - 383 Y7-JT Trim 640rwhp/630rwtq
99 Viper GTS - 488 Cam 500rwhp/550rwtq
04 2500 - 402 GT80 & S364 - 750rwhp/1300rwtq

Last edited by blkZ06; 05-13-2008 at 12:39 AM.
blkZ06 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2008, 10:24 AM   #9
bluengoldsti
Tri-State Aficionado
 
bluengoldsti's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Langhorne, PA
Member #969

My Ride:
2005 Subaru STi / 2006 and 2008 Suzuki GSXR600, 2010 KTM SMC 690

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via AIM to bluengoldsti
Quote:
Originally Posted by blkZ06 View Post
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.
bluengoldsti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2008, 12:38 PM   #10
ToocH
Tri-State Training Wheels
 
ToocH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: 973
Member #5898

My Ride:
2006 Chevy Cobalt LS Coupe 5spd

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via AIM to 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.
ToocH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2008, 12:53 PM   #11
07cobaltowner
Tri-State Training Wheels
 
07cobaltowner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: lancaster, PA
Member #7533

My Ride:
07 Chevy Cobalt LS

iTrader: (0)
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.
__________________
07 cobalt LS, SS/SC wing, 18" ADR-M-sport, ZENN lowering springs, DC sport strut bar, K&N drop in filter, Blaupunkt component sytem, shorty antenna, aftermarket power locks, and windows, custom fog lights from my 1990 Toyota Celica GTS, debaged/ de-trimmed, painted black headlights/ bowtie, all black!
07cobaltowner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2008, 05:49 PM   #12
R22B
Tri-State Post Whore
 
R22B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Allentown, PA
Member #5854

My Ride:
88 Merkur XR4Ti | 92 Mazda MX3 | 98 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer | 91 Ford Ranger89 | 89 Yamaha FZR600

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via ICQ to R22B Send a message via AIM to 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.
__________________
Half the wheels, twice the fun. That's motorcycles.
R22B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2008, 08:25 PM   #13
blkZ06
Tri-State Addict
 
blkZ06's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: West Chester, Pa
Member #3188

My Ride:
03 Z06, 01 Z06, 99 Viper GTS, 05 F250, 00 M5

iTrader: (0)
Send a message via AIM to blkZ06
Quote:
Originally Posted by R22B View Post

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
__________________
01 911 TT - 216 K16s 501awhp/650awtq
03 Z06 - 427 F1 916rwhp/900rwtq
01 Z06 - 383 Y7-JT Trim 640rwhp/630rwtq
99 Viper GTS - 488 Cam 500rwhp/550rwtq
04 2500 - 402 GT80 & S364 - 750rwhp/1300rwtq
blkZ06 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2008, 08:36 PM   #14
justinlansdale
Tri-State Post Whore
 
justinlansdale's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Montgomeryville, PA
Member #4286

My Ride:
old BMW & obnoxious bike(s)

iTrader: (5)
Send a message via AIM to justinlansdale
Quote:
Originally Posted by blkZ06 View Post
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!
__________________

//
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.
justinlansdale is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Some help with picking out my first bike. SovXietday Motorcycles 100 07-19-2010 08:59 AM
picking up another dsm Sberk06 General Car Related Chat 1 03-15-2010 03:26 PM
Hooters Bike Night King of Prussia Shots from Tonight (G/f's 1st Time On The Bike) PAFirefighter11 Gallery 11 10-05-2009 12:00 PM
Help picking a NEW TV jcr557 Off-Topic 40 09-18-2009 12:36 PM
Might be picking up a new toy!! OMGz Turbo Motorcycles 4 11-19-2008 11:06 PM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:29 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.