Help me select a first bike

[swatter555]

I am essentially new to riding, though riding sportbikes is in my blood (long family tradition). I always told myself that I wanted to ride someday, but it never seemed to happen. Now that Im over 30, I think Im ready to jump in. I actually caught the sportbike bug reading a mag at the airport. I am here to take my first tenative steps.

With a bit a research, I feel a bit more grounded in my expectations. I am entirely convinced that I want a bike in the same class as a ninja 500, one that is old and cheap. I will be taking the MSF course, and hopefully I can draw heavily on my brother's 25 years of riding experience as I learn.

Getting a ninja 500 is great in theory, but finding a used one much below 3000 is tough. I see tons of barely used ones, not much help to me. I am looking to stay in about the 1000-1500 price range, so Im assuming I will be getting a bike at least 10 years old with a good number of miles. I am really a Kawasaki man, but I suppose I will consider others. My question is what others?

I am 6'2 and about 220, so Im thinking a 500 would be an ok size. What makes and models should I extend my search for? I do want to stay in the sportbike category, though. Are early 90s 600s still too insane on HP to consider?

I will be storing it outside, is there much chance a bike this old will be stolen? And more than a few times a year, the fierce Santa Ana winds blow through here, so Im thinking that there is no way this bike wont be dropped at least once.

Anyway, thanks in advance for the advice.

[xjustmex]

not a sportbike man myself but how about a suzuki gs500e? there are differnt models of the bike, maybe one of which you would like. good luck on the hunt.

[Lion_Lady]

Check craigslist.org... listings for bikes by city.

Looking for used, you'll have to be patient. (I've got a nice BMW used for sale, if you'd like to have a look:
http://www.bmwbmw.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1732

pics are a few posts down in the thread.

Pam

[Scott58]

Nice bike Pam. Wish it was next year. I'll be looking for a 2-up tourerat that time. BMW may be the way I go.

[swatter555]

Thanks for the advice, craigslist is very nice

[huh]

get a 94 or newer ex500 ninja. also consider a yamaha fzr 600 for a good 90's sport bike