After 6 years...finally a Motorcycle?

[TripleB]

I finally made my last car payment this month....now I can finally start saving for a motorcycle!!!

I took the MSF course and got my motorcycle license back in August of 2001 . Yea, I can't believe I've had to wait this long to even think about getting a motorcycle either. Just as I was getting ready to purchase one in the spring of 2002, the transmission went out on my car and it was better (and overall cheaper) to get a new car instead of getting that one fixed. So my motorcycle turned into a Honda Accord....finally paid off this month.

My wife (and I) just had a baby so I don't want to jump straight into another monthly payment so I'm going to save up the money for the motorcycle and then purchase it with cash.

I'm thinking that the Ninja 250 might be perfect for my needs: Sporty looking, easy on the billfold, great gas mileage, seems like it would be fun to drive around town & to work (4 miles round trip), etc.

Can anyone give me your opinions and some feedback on the Ninja 250?

What about any advice you can give concerning helmets (or other riding gear), the ins and outs of the Ninja 250, or helpful books I should reading while saving my money?

I figure if I put what I've been paying for my car ($270.21) straight into savings each month then I should be able to cover the motorcycle and accessories in about 14 months...just in time for fall riding next year.

Thanks for the help.

TripleB

[Lion_Lady]

I'm thinking that FIRST you ought to consider re-taking the MSF before proceeding.

Since you were unable to quickly apply those newly learned skills on a motorcycle, you've probably forgotten more than you realize.

P

[Dragon on Wheels]

+1 to re-taking the riding course. I had some trouble remembering some of the things they taught just two weeks after the course (it could have been excitement making me not think things through too).

As for the Ninja 250, I think it's a nice bike (it's also the only one I own). I haven't been riding for a long time yet and there have been times when it was helpful not to have a big, heavy bike.

The 'Proficient Motorcycling' books by Hough are pretty good. They can get a bit droney at times, but they have good information.