Any suggestions on what type of bike then?

[zurick]

I'm having a hard time making the choice between an SV 650S, FZ6, Ninja 650R/500R/250R. Let me know what you guys think on what would be a good choice!

[VermilionX]

if you think you'll be upgrading early... i suggest a used ninja 250.

otherwise... go w/ either the SV650 or ninja650R. the FZ6 is not really a newbie bike.

anyway... good luck whatever you decide.

[tchaftantouri]

Considering your 3 tickets and one accident (in less than a year right?),
perhaps smaller is a better way to start.
My GF has a ninja 500 and she loves it.
I have an older v-twin 650 (less HP than the sv-650) and I have a great time.
I would say 500 or sv.

Whatever you get, I know it's a pain(she had to nag me to do it), but try to just take short ride on streets that you know well for the first few times out.
Even if only as a self-discipline exercise, it sets a good tone for the times when you want to go out and push your limits a bit.

[zurick]

I also looked at Geico for insurace quotes and they were well over $7,000/year. Thats alot of money! Of course thats just one insurace company so I'll keep looking.

I was also looking at some BMW motorcycles. What do you guys think of the F650 CS? I noticed it had a toothed belt drive system. Is there any ride difference between belts and chains? That Bimmer looks really nice and I don't know much about BMW bikes so any feedback on it would help.

[xjustice9x]

At your age and with your driving record I would go with the ninja 250. It would be the cheapest to buy and insure. If you don't finance it you won't need full covereage so that could bring your insurance rates down a little more.

I would wait until you are older and your insurance rates are lower before upgrading to a bigger bike.

[CNF2002]

Reading your posts, I suggest you get a 1992 Volvo. You're 18, you've had 3 tickets and 1 accident in the last year. You're insurance rates are going to be sky-high. You own a Mistubishi 3000GT and you can't be responsible with it. How are you going to be responsible with a bike? If your parents are paying for any of this, they aren't paying enough attention.

Get this



before your license is revoked.

[zurick]

Yeah, I know. But is the F 650 CS a good beginner bike? I hear it is. At least in the forums I've been to.

[DivideOverflow]

Yeah, I know. But is the F 650 CS a good beginner bike? I hear it is. At least in the forums I've been to.

It is alright for a beginner bike except that it is expensive. It is a 650cc single cyl. It would be cheaper to buy, and cheaper to insure if you got a Kawasaki KLR650.

[zurick]

The 3000GT was my first car and I never got a ticket or had been in an accident in that car. I was driving one day and the transmission didn't shift well and that caused more and more problems with it. As it turned out, it would cost me more to repair it than what I paid for the car. I sold it. The car that I got the tickets in was a Mazda 626 (a family car of all things!). I crashed that car (no fault). I now drive a Lexus ES 300 and love it! Three cars, three tickets, and one accident. What a year.

So is there any ride difference between a belt drive system and a chain? Is it safer? easier to replace? Quieter? What does it mean if its a single cylinder engine (besides the face that it has a single cylinder)? Does that mean less power output?

[CNF2002]

A chain drive will require regular lubrication, a belt drive will not. Shaft drives are smoother, have more power loss in the transfer. All 3 work fine.

Since money is not an issue for your parents, I would recommend them buying a new bike under 500cc with a full warranty. They can shop around for insurance to find a rate they are comfortable with for you. State Farm, Progressive, and Dairyland are all good starting places.