Advice on bikes

[MATCHBX]

Mileage on mine is way up there for the year. I have an 01 Kawi ZX6R with 56,000 miles. It starts everytime and runs like a top. The guy I bought it from took very good care of it. If you find one in really good condition, and you take care of it, it should last as long as a car will.

As far as insurance, it really depends on who you go through and what your age is. Obviously you will pay a higher rate for being younger (like you said) but insurance companies make a HUGE difference in prices as well. Jet and I pay lower rates because we are older, but our insurance company (State Farm) does very well treating their customers and giving them good rates. I pay $216 a year for full coverage on mine. I also have the house and 2 cars on my policy. But my record ain't the cleanest in the world.

[xveganxcowboyx]

I paid $30 a month for a 500cc and now pay $35 a month for my fzr600. For reference my car insurance is $50 a month. (all liability)

If you're looking for sportbikes I've enjoyed my FZR and they can be had for $1500 or less. (Also, I've got parts if you need them :) ) Other bikes like the CBR and Ninja will probably handle better, but it won't matter that much for a learner bike. Otherwise it might be smart to start with an older bike or something less sporty. I had a honda cx500 that was dead reliable. I've heard good things about the yamaha 650 specials. Both are early 80's bikes and can be had relatively cheap.

[Kevin 1G Drummer]

I just got a new bike this year. Ended up going with a Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Prettymuch the same bike as the Suzuki SV650S, but the SV is a 90 degree V-twin, and the Kawi is a parallel twin. I'm just getting to the end of the break-in period, and the bike is proving to be alot of fun. I had a GSX-R600 last year, and the Kawi is no where near as fast, but considering I nearely killed myself going to fast on the GSXR, I decided maybe I should slow down a little. I would just suggest that you go sit on as many bikes as you can to help you decide what fits you best.

[Thor06]

Yeah, GSXR 600's give me woody. I saw one in particular a few weeks ago, goddamn it was hot. My favorites are the late 90's blue and white ones, but this one had fuckin bright orange rims. It was just gorgeous.

I'll start looking into some of these cheaper bikes. Eventually I would like to end up on a GSXR or a CBR 600, but that wont be probably until after college and I have beent through this beginner bike. Though I definately want to stay sort of street-ish bike if I get one, I wouldnt mind kinda going a little bit cruiser either, sorta one of those mixes. This all depends on money situation though, I'm crossing my fingers for that job interveiw coming this morning!

[JET]

This will probably be my next bike, the KTM Super Duke.

http://motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/lg+2004_ktm_duke_990+front_side_view.jpg

[Halon]

Back when I lived in Pensacola, FL about 5-6 years ago, there was a Triumph dealer right off our base. Lots of the younger military guys would buy end up buying the Triumph TT rockets because they were cheaper, and the insurance was cheaper because the insurance companies did not see them as crotch rockets for whatever reason. Not sure if that is still the case, but might be worth looking into if it saves you some money on insurance.

[Kracka]

I helped one of my buddies buy a 600 TT a few summers ago and he said the same thing about the insurance on them. I test drove the bike for him and it was plenty quick and I know he still loves the thing. It was also a lot cheaper than a Jap bike.

[slowbubblecar]

My insurance is $170/yr on my 99 Honda F4. I would be willing to sell it for $3000 if you would be interested. PM me if you would be interested. I don't think I will have much time to ride it this summer.

[TheBlizzard]

Have you ever rodes sport bikes before? If not I would start out on the bike Jet suggested, the FZR600 would be a good choice. I started out on a CBR600F2 myself which I thought was a good starter bike as well.

I then went to Suzuki GSXR's, 99 750 and a 99 600. Both are great bikes, but I wouldn't recommend them to a brand new rider.

[95talonracer]

Bikes are sweet and fun but I sold mine due to a driver that pulled out in front of me sending me into the ditch. I just didnt think that it was worth it. I fully trust myself driving the bike but it is the others on the road that a biker cant control. Good luck and have fun.