Buying a Bike 101 - Advise me!

[adamfalkofske]

How's it going, everyone. I'm Adam from Dallas, Texas but I'm currently a student at the University of South Carolina. I'm thinking about buying a motorcycle, because I need something cheap, gas efficient, and practical. It'll be sitting around in a garage for 9 months a year so less insurance = good.

Now, I'd like what Wikipedia calls a Speed Bike (Sport bikes: Fast, light, sleek motorcycles designed for maximum performance, for racing homologation or spirited road riding. They are distinguishable by their brightly colored plastic bodywork and the rider's tipped-forward seating position.), but nothing too flashy or fast. It's really just for cheap transportation, but I don't want to look like an idiot on a Chopper, now do I? (19 years old, 160, 6') A friend has a Kawasaki Ninja (I believe) and I like the looks of it. He says it gets decent gas mileage which is what I crave.

I guess this is what I want:
-great gas mileage
-decent looks
-2 seater, driver leans forward (hunched?)
-250cc's or less - speed isn't important at all
-most importantly - cheap

Your help is appreciated, I'll be buying a bike within the year so take your time.

Thanks.

-Adam

[Shiv]

250cc or less?

Ninja 250 is your answer then.

Slightly sporty, can get up to 90 MPH (pushing it though). Has somewhere between 60-72 MPG, and can haul two people (though uh, not very easily).

If hauling two people is a big concern, then move up to the EX500. It's not as fuel efficient, and slightly more expensive (~$1000 more) but it'll carry two easier than the 250.


Oh and take the MSF class.

www.msf-usa.org



And read this to help you get started.

[jmillheiser]

Sounds like your a perfect customer for a Kawasaki Ninja 250.

Its a sportbike with a semi-agressive riding position (its more upright than a super sport but you still lean forward a bit), has excellent handling, 60+mpg, and is a lot faster than you think it is (will leave cars behind at the light and will do highway speeds with no trouble).

heres a pic of one. BTW there is an entire guide to motorcycle models on this site.

[Dragonhawk]

And read this to help you get started.

I was all ready to pimp my webpage and you already did it for me.

Thank you. I'm flattered.

He's right. Read this:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

And when you are done with that page, go here:
www.totalmotorcycle.com/school.htm

[MotoF150]

The Ninja 250 is ur ONLY Choice, 75 miles per gallon and 115mph top speed, oh yea" expect to pay big money for insurance, better yet, before you buy the bike get an insurance quote.

[CNF2002]

I think the Ninja 250 has more of a Standard position than sportbike position, just from what I felt personally sitting on it. At your age, definately stick below 250 for inexpensive insurance, and buy used. Now the Ninja 250's have been relatively unchanged for over a decade so you can get a good shape 1995 or so with relatively low miles for far less than you'd buy new, pay full in cash, and get that nice cheap liability insurance. Make sure your insurance company knows it will be in the garage for 9 months out of the year and they're sure to give you an added discount because of that. MSF course can run up to $300 but it can give you a 10% discount in most states.

Other 250s are the Nighthawk (standard), Rebel (cruiser) or Virago (cruiser). I'll plug the Buell Blast here also even though its a 500cc, it produces the same hp as a Ninja 250.

This is a second vehicle exclusively for at school or at home I take it? Get something used and cheap. Don't forget to factor in all your costs for gear! You mention 2-seater...plan on taking the ladies for a ride? Word of caution, you'll need hefty insurance to cover her if you wreck...hurt her on the bike and you'll be faced with a lawsuit. I'd just advise against letting anyone ride that isnt a family member or a very close friend. I've yet to see a 'female passenger' on the bike with anything more than a helmet, if that...its a financial and medical disaster just waiting to happen.

[Shiv]

The Ninja 250 is ur ONLY Choice, 75 miles per gallon and 115mph top speed, oh yea" expect to pay big money for insurance, better yet, before you buy the bike get an insurance quote.

Ok this is full of half-truths, which is MotoF150s style.

The Ninja 250 isn't your only choice as the poster above me has already pointed out.

It does get 75 miles per gallon, sometimes, but not all. Depends on what kind of riding you do.

I don't think the 250 could even break 100.

And you won't be paying big money for insurance. It's only a 250.

[Flak Monkey]

I've read accounts from several users on this forum of getting their ninja 250's up and over 100mph (indicated) and sometimes even on accident.
_________________
Mercedes 300SEL 6.3

[Shiv]

Everytime I've asked about it I've always been told it'll barely break 90 or so because of wind resistance.

[adamfalkofske]

Allright, I'm sold. Thank you all for the advice (especially carrying a passenger). Hopefully in December I'll start to look for one around my area. Thank you all and I'm sure I'll be back in a few..

-Adam