New to bikes... need suggestions.

[BimmerM3]

Alright, this is really just planning for the future, but at the beginning of next summer, I'd really like to get my first bike. Here's my situation:

I'm currently a 1st year student at Georgia Tech. I've never ridden a bike before, and I'd be generally using the bike to get around campus and Atlanta, but I'd also have to take it on the highway to get home (30ish minutes away) and to UGA where my girlfriend goes, so I need something more than a Vespa or something. My budget is kind of slim; I'd like to spend no more than about $2,500 US on the bike, though I might be able to stretch it to $3,000.

Any recommendations? If you have further questions, I'd be more than welcome to answer.

[Shiv]

Ninja 250. Will leave some want for gear, though..and insurance.

And put away some of the money for an MSF course too.

www.msf-usa.org

[VermilionX]

what type of bike are you looking for?

cruiser, standard, sportbike, dual sport, supermoto, touring etc.?

anyway... im sure you can find an older model for $3000 or less. just make sure the bike is well maintained and in good condition. if you don't know what to look for... you might wanna pay a mechanic to check the bike for you.

you can get 250cc bikes new for around $3000 but then you have to add taxes, registration blah blah blah. i don't recommend buying a new bike though if you plan on upgrading after a few months. you might get lucky and sell it for almost the same price you bought it but it's not guaranteed.

good luck and

[Dirtytoes]

i double the MSF......

you need a good helmet and a jacket too....and if you can afford riding pants too....then get em 4sure.

how much do you way?

P.S. i have a ninja 500 and i love it...if you can find the 500 for cheap, go for the 500....if not, get a 250.....

[BimmerM3]

Yeah I was planning on getting helmet, jacket and such after the 3k spent on the bike. Speaking of which, about how much would all this cost?

I don't weigh that much... about 140 or 150.

I'd like the bike to be a little sporty, but I'm really just looking for basic transportation. I'm thinking like the Civic of bikes: affordable but sportier than a Carolla.

I was also planning on taking MSF course. About how much does one of these cost?

[VermilionX]

Yeah I was planning on getting helmet, jacket and such after the 3k spent on the bike. Speaking of which, about how much would all this cost?

I don't weigh that much... about 140 or 150.

I'd like the bike to be a little sporty, but I'm really just looking for basic transportation. I'm thinking like the Civic of bikes: affordable but sportier than a Carolla.

I was also planning on taking MSF course. About how much does one of these cost?

you can find cheap gear on ebay or closeout deals on the net like newenough.com.

and you want a sporty bike? then the ninja 250, 500 or GS500F will be a good choice for you.

you might wanna get a 500 since you said you will do a lot of highways. the ninja 250 can reach 90mph but you might want something that can take you to 70mph faster.

if you look for older models... you should be able to get it around $3000.

[asiantay]

A GSX1300R sounds PERFECT FOR YOU!


No no NOOOOO! That was a complete joke! DO NOT GET A HAYABUSA!


Ninja 250 r and the 500r sound like good candidates. I've tried em both, and they're fine, although obviously the 500 has more power, it's also heavier.

As for gear, a good jacket from Joe Rocket, Cortech, Alpinestar, or even Icon is fine, althoug there are some other good brands too. Your helmet, well, you'll need to do a bit of shopping as all helmets have a different fit, for different head shapes etc...

I personally prefer Sidi boots, but alpinestars got some good ones too. Just, have a freeday at your local bike shop and be careful, you ARE making a hefty investment in your gear.

[xjustice9x]

The cost of gear can vary alot. You can get a good helmet for under $200. You also could spend 400-500. Certain brands cost more than others. Get one that fits really good even if it costs a little more.

The cost of the MSF class varies from state to state. I think I paid around $225 for mine. I highly recommend it. I never rode a motorcycle before I took the class. I learned alot.

[BAJACRUISER]

Welcome to the forum ¡




My only advice is that dont be hurry to buy the bike, check every one and seat on them, before you make your final desicion.... In this forum you will find information of all kind of bikes...

[Lion_Lady]

You may be able to get your complete protective 'outfit' (helmet, gloves, boots, pants, jacket) for $500. But you may have to spend closer to $1000.

I generally suggest folks go helmet shopping FIRST, because that is probably the single MOST important item and it can vary the widest in price. Check out the Stickies at the top - print out the helmet fit guidelines and take them helmet shopping.

P