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I'm looking for something under the $2000 mark. The closer to $1000 the better. It will see highway driving, 30-45 min. drive times. And depending, perhaps a much longer drive across a few states.

I would prefer a sportbike. My 2nd bike (upgrade time) would be in the range of a CBR 600RR, F4i, YZF R6, zx-6R, 600cc bike. So something to ease me into it.

Here's a small list of what I've been eyeing.

Kawasaki Ninja EX 250 - these seem abundant in my price range
Kawasaki Ninja EX 500
Suzuki SV 650/s
Suzuki GS 500 F
Honda cb900

A few I found along the way I liked that fell in the price range, but I don't know if they are suited for entry level bikes.

Buell Blast 500cc
Suzuki GSF Bandit 400
Honda Hawk GT650

I've been all over Cycletrader.com, searching all sorts of bikes. I find alot of 250 Ninja's under the $2000 mark.

Any suggestions on other bikes to look at in my price range?

This one perked my eye. 250 Ninja.
http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/9/4/89772694.htm

I like this style of sport bike, that falls in the begginner range. I much prefer the front of it, the single light by itself.



I dunno guys, help me out.

For $2k you could get a ninja 250 in pretty nice shape. A decent shape gs500 or ninja 500 will be a bit harder to find in that price range, but they are out there.

I dont think you are going to have much chance finding an SV650 for $2k, unless it needs work or has a ton of miles.

Im not familiar with the CB900 or Bandit 400 so I cant really comment on those.

The Buell Blast would be a decent learner bike...but I dont know if you've seen them in person but they are really small. If you are over like 5'8 it might feel too cramped. Also I have heard they have a tendancy to vibrate alot and have mixed reviews on reliability.

The Honda Hawk GT650 is a sport style bike but pretty tame in the power department. It would probably make a good first bike, but I think they are pretty rare and a bit of a collectors item. I dunno if youd be able to find one for $2k or less.

+1 on the 250! There's no better beginner bike for $2k out there.

Check out www.ninja250.org - the wiki and the forum. They're pretty well organized.

If you're in Au, and you like the Hornet 900, and it's your first bike, take a look at the Hornet 250. I think it's a pretty hot bike. Its the Inline 4 brother to the VTR250 Vtwin.

I believe the OP lives in Florida - Orlando most like.

Well first thank-you all for your input. I've asked across a few forums, and I'm getting some similar input (which usually means the most correct answer).

Looks like it's easily been narrowed down to the

Honda CB250/NightHawk
Suzuki GS500
Suzuki SV650
Kawasaki Ninja EX 250/500

Maybe a

Honda Hornet 250
Suzuki Bandit 400

Some more info that may help out.

I live in Florida. (yes our drivers suck here, but that's not going to stop me)
5'-10'
175lbs.
Average build.
I am looking at a fair amount of highway driving.

In a perfect world I wouldn't cross the $2000 mark with helmet/jacket. But $2500 could work. My brother rides a bike, he found a great deal for me on a $250 helmet for $110. I'm sure I can find a good aerated jacket for $2-300.

I'm googling images here, and I like the look off all the bikes. But as it seems the most abundant and most likely to be my bike, the CB 250 is my least favorite looking one.

Time to hunt around Craigslist and Cycletrader.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/396117071.html - I'd toss him 1000 to cover getting a new light, plastic, and labor to put it all on there. Or just replace the light since it's gonna be a first bike for ya.

As others have said, you're gonna have a PICKLE of a time finding an SV for less than 2000 that is in working condition - but that doesn't mean they might not have one at a salvage yard thats been resotred (remember, just because a bike has a salvage title doesnt mean its not a great used bike - just that the cost for repairs from an insurance company is more than purchase price - and considering a new MUFFLER on my SV is 1000 dollars - which is 500 dollars more than a SICK Yosh pipe, thats not suprising).

A ninja250 should be an easy find, and would be fine for your size as well, maybe even better since youll have greater control over it.

You and I are the same size (maybe 10 more lbs on me. . .uhm - im workin on it) and I love the 650, but if thats not an option, definitely hop on the 250, as it sat fabulously for me.

In this digital age, you should have ZERO problem finding helmet, gloves, boots and jacket for less than what some people spend on a SHOEI helmet. Ok maybe not that great of a deep discount but for example:

HJC-15 Pegasus helmet - 80bucks on ebay.
Joe Rocket Reactor gloves - 30bucks on ebay.
Frank Thomas boots - 60bucks on ebay.

The jacket is going to be the prickly thing. I was able to find an Icon Pursuit jacket in red for 216 on newenough.com. If its leather, the discount is going to be less than if it were textile (which is still good protection, but a bit too bulky for my STYLE tastes - it handled wind buffeting like a champion though).

But yea, if you're not able to save money getting geared out, Id say look around more. The deals are out there, just waiting to be found. I recently purchased an Icon Domain Decay red helmet for 245 - retails 390.

If you are planning on alot of highway travel (like 70+ mph) you should look at either the ninja 250/500 or gs500. The honda 250 rebel/nighthawk are great little bikes but are pretty much out of steam at 75mph. The ninja 250 will be safer at on the highway because with its high-revving 8-valve twin you would still have some passing power left at those speeds and be able to hit 80+ if you ever needed to.

If you are planning on longer highway trips (like an hour or more) or want lots of power to spare, look for a 500.

ANDS, thanks. I'll have to look into it.

He mentions needing a new shifter pedal and peg. Is that easy to replace, if I did it myself? Could a bike still be ridden with a bent shifter/peg?

How's this guy look?

981 SUZUKI GS 550T - $1100
http://tampa.craigslist.org/mcy/396159548.html