Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm looking to buy my first bike, and just want to double check that a 2002 suzuki gz (250) is a good option. Also, does any body know what a good motorcycle insurance company is for Massachusetts? All the ones that give you quotes online (I.e. gieco, progressive, esurance) don't seem to do bikes in MA. help on this would be awesome. Thanks

Do you have a car (or homeowners/renters insurance)? I'd recommend that you call whoever handles your auto/residence insurance. Either they will be able to find you the best rate, OR they will be able to steer you to someone trustworthy who CAN get you a quote.

When I was shopping for my first bike, I just called our insurance rep and she did the shopping for me... she already had all the important info (address, license information, etc.).

P

Ahh, my first bike was a GZ250 brand new. I went with progressive which cost me about $2000 for full coverage and with me being a new driver with a motorcycle license for only 2 months and living in NYC nonetheless.

Avoid Geico as they tend to be very strict and costly.

I liked the GZ for a few months but then I started wanting a bit more power. I was pretty comfortable on it and I managed to get great mileage from that bike. Be prepared to use the shifter a lot as 1st gear runs out of steam at 15mph.

I live in MA and got my insurance through the same company that insures my car- Eastern Insurance. My bike is a 96 Suzuki GS500E. I got a quote of $338 for the minimum required insurance. I had them increase the medical and uninsured coverage to the maximum limits and it still only came to $538 per year. (with the 10% discount for taking the MSF course) Just be prepared to pay a 20-30% deposit up front. And if you're lucky, they'll be able to do the registration and title for you and give you your plate. They also told me that if I plan to store the bike for the winter, I can call them and have my policy reduced to the minimum coverage for the off season to save money. I would guess if your bike is only 250cc, it's not going to cost as much as mine.

Good luck!

ahhhhhhhhh my first bike too. And a 2002 to boot. Good little runner. Hard time starting below 50f though.

For a 31 yr old in Wisconsin $120 for a year ! yeeee haaaa

What Lion Lady said has a lot of merit. I was wondering about some of those quotes. They seems high.

I use State Farm for everything (home, 2 autos, 2 bikes, life insurance for me and my wife). My GZ cost me $380.00 for the year. My FZ is in the $800.00 range. I'm mid thirties male with a clean driving record.

Can there be that big of a difference in price from one person to another?! I find it hard to believe...

There are huge differences between one person and another for the same vehicle based on geographic location. Two reasons -- the obvious (some places are more dangerous) and the less obvious (state laws have a lot to do with the insurance market).

People in other states may not be aware of this, but MA is the only state without competitive insurance. So you can "shop" around, but most places are going to quote you about the same rate. A lot of insurers you'll find in other states won't provide insurance, or have special policies for MA residents. Hence the reason Progressive wouldn't cover you. I had Progressive when I lived in Ohio. Once I moved to MA and wanted to update my address, I was told I had 1 month to find a new insurer, they don't cover anyone in MA.

Go for a drive around here and you'll understand why our insurance is so expensive. I've never come so close to being in so many accidents (caused by others) in my life, till I moved here. Kinda scares the sh*t out of me learning to ride a motorcycle here. Though I've seen more of the "Motorcycles are everywhere" signs in this state than elsewhere, but maybe that's cause I'm paying more attention now.

You know, I've never heard anybody say "Our fine, local drivers are among the best I have encountered. Insurance rates are so low because everyone here is cautious, courteous, and skilled!"

Everybody thinks their local drivers are the worst (my vote goes to New Jersey, personally, not because I think the skill level is lower but because it's skill level + attitude * population density).

Septimus wrote:You know, I've never heard anybody say "Our fine, local drivers are among the best I have encountered. Insurance rates are so low because everyone here is cautious, courteous, and skilled!"

Everybody thinks their local drivers are the worst (my vote goes to New Jersey, personally, not because I think the skill level is lower but because it's skill level + attitude * population density).

I've been almost everywhere in the country, and I'd vote for Mass. Their reputation is well-earned.

Quebec gives MA a run for its money. Detroit was surprisingly bad as well. Portland, New Orleans, and San Diego were quite pleasant though.