HELP! '94 Ninja for $1799... That worth it?

[Honkey]

Hey All,

New to the forums, and really appreciate all the comments about the bikes. This is helping my decisions.

So, anyways..... I am 25 6'3 210 and have been searching for a descent 1st bike. My intentions were to get soemthing between $12-1500 around 600cc. It's not that easy.

I got a call from a dealership who just happen to get in an older bike (YAY) that I seen you guys were talking about. A '94 Ninja EX500D has come in, and they are asking $1,799. From what little information he had about the bike (since it JUST came in) he noted that the tires are in "good" shape, there is 11K Mi., and the paint is "pretty good". My question to you is:

a.) Is this a descent bike for me? Height/Weight

b.) Is this a deal, or am I getting screwed?

I got the VIN and did a check with insurance and found out I'd be paying $1,417/Yr Full Coverage with 500 ded (American Family Ins.). About 118/mo. I will probably get lower coverage as I get more familiar with the bike.

Missouri requires helmet laws, so I still have to get one of those. The dealership doesn't offer ANY warranty of any kind, but did mention I can get a "DOT APPROVED" helmet for $150.

If you have any comments about my situation, I would love an e-mail. Any help is appreciated. I haven't had the best time looking up bike reviews for THIS bike. Thanks all! E-Mail me, PLEASE Honkey@NoLimitHonkey.com

I do have a picture of the bike... haven't gone to dealership yet.

[Ninja Geoff]

is that $1,417 a year insurance for the bike AND a car? cause if that's just a bike it's pretty high. And that sounds good for that bike. www.kbb.com check it on there.

[Honkey]

Geoff,

Thanks VERY much. Man, I KNOW the insurance is a lot. I don't understand why! Crazy. I've called a few places, too!

[Ninja Geoff]

Call MetLife. It's what i have. I've got a car under them now and i pay $1,500 a year for decent coverage and 1 ticket for 80 in a 65. And when i called them, they said about an extra $110 a year for very similar coverage that i've got on my car. They charge you by cost of bike new. And that $110 is for a bike costing $4,500 new.

[swatter555]

If 1400/year is just for a 500cc bike, dont even think twice about that qoute. I go through State Farm, have a 650cc bike and only pay 400 per year. 1400 is insane! Insurance qoutes will vary widely. I think I got one qoute for an insane 4000/year. Do a bunch of online qoutes, dont waste your time with phone calls till you get a decent online qoute.

If you have a bad driving record, your results will vary.