hey guys. my name is mike. i am 23 years old and always wanted a bike. i decided recently that i would like to get one. i have a few questions for you knowledgable people (yes i know, im a suck up). i havent looked into getting a bike indepth so far and just looking for pointers. as far as a bike goes, id like to get a ninja. i dont want anything crazy fast so i dont kill myself but i want it powerful enough so it can get outta its own way. what bike do you guys suggest? second, insurance...is it nessacery(sp) to get full coverage as far as collision goes? ive looked at progressive and for a 600r with full, they want 4k a year. without the full coverage, its like $450.00 a year. what is my first step into getting a bike? ive never ridden one before. should i go take the safety course and then go to the dmv for a permit? i know everyone is going to say "buy a used bike first", but i dont really want another headache. i make decent money for a kid my age and im not worried about the price of a bike. sorry for the novel, but any help would be appreciated. thanks, mike.

 

I just wrote this in a different thread. I just changed it a little for this one.


Since you are a new rider,never ridden before, I would take the MSF course first. I don't what where you live, but in Florida, after you take the course, you can go right to the DMV and get your M/C license. For a bike I would suggest picking up an older (mid to late 90's) GS500, EX500 somewhere for a couple reasons. The bike will go down, either falling over or forbid you have a crash. You won't be quite as upset as a brand new shiny one falling over. Those plastic parts are damn expensive.

You are right about the insurance, it will cost you better than 2-3 grand a year. I'm not kidding. When I bought my ZRX1200R back in '01, I hadn't had a bike for about 10 years at the time and Geico wanted $4000 a year for full coverage and Progressive wanted $1800. And I have a motorcycle license and took a MSF class. Florida doesn't require insurance on a bike, but it's good to have.

I know you don't want anyone elses junk and I don't blame you. But you can pick a 500 and ride it for 6 months to a year and sell it for close to what you paid for it, and then get what you want.

Just my 2 cents.

BTW, welcome to the board.

Kevin

 

sorry for the stupid questions...what is the difference between m/c license and a m license. also, what is the difference in insurance if i didnt go with collision other than being that if i total the bike im a$$ed out?. so, lets say i go take the MSF course, i pass it, i can then go to the DMV and walk out with a license to ride a bike? i dont have to take a road test thru the DMV? btw, i live in New york.

 

Welcome to the forums!

The MSF course is an excellent course to go through. I just went through it an feel very confident in my abilities to handle my bike on the open road. When you pass that course, you will have what you need to go to the DMV and get your motorcycle endorsment (m) on your license.

As far as what bike to get.... well that always a matter of opinion. A 500 will keep the insurance cost down, get out of its own way, as well as an awesome starter bike, as mentioned before. This is the bike that my wife shose to be her first bike and she loves it. Also if you happen to lay it down, body parts are a dime a dozen. Not so with the super sport bikes unfortunately.

 

First and for most, Welcome to the site! Now...about the bike. I wouldn't say I'm that experienced on bikes, I've only been riding for about 3 months now. But I will still give you my opinion on the matter, and you can take it how you want. Like Kevy said, not sure where you live but in the state of Florida you do not have to have insurance on your bike. But I highly recommend it. Only b/c if/and when you drop it or something happens to it (and I do say when...so make sure you know that something is bound to happen to your bike sooner or later) insurance will cover alot of that...parts are not cheap on these bikes, NOT AT ALL! So I say Yes, have full insurance. As for what kind of bike, my first bike is a 03 636...I love it. It has enough *****, that I can keep up with everyone, and it can "get out of it's own way". But it's settle enough that it's not no 1000, that as soon as I give it alot of gas in first gear it's going to come up on it. I will probably keep this bike for a year or two, b/c this way I am used to the power, and also I can get comfortable on doing things on my bike before I move up. So I would say get a 636, as for new or used. I got a used one only b/c I knew something was going to happen to my plastics, and I wouldn't be as upset compared to if it were a new bike. But that's up to you. Before I end my book, I have one last thing to say:

TAKE THE SAFTEY COURSE!!!! YOU WILL LEARN SO MUCH....YOU DON'T EVEN REALIZE THAT THERE IS THAT MUCH TO RIDING A BIKE. Once you take the safety course then look into getting a bike, this way you can practice on your own bike before you take it out in the streets. So where you from anyway?

 

Welcome to the site. Yes take the MSF course. You should then be able to get your M endorsement without retaking any test. I would strongly encourage a 500cc bike. Older 600 are good to. New 600cc bike are a little on the fast side. Just my 2 centavos

 

Welcome to the site! Like everyone else has already mentioned, take the MSF. I took it this past April and learned so much. I also have a used Ninja 500. Let me tell you, this bike have more than enough power for me and it is so fun to drive. If you were to buy a brand new one, as far as I know, the parts are pretty much the same from 1994 up.

Anyways, take the course, go check out some bikes, and do what you are comfortable with. Have fun!

 

im gonna definately take the MSF course being that i have never ridden a bike before so i figure might as well learn the "right" way. im pretty sure where i live i need insurance for the bike. only thing is, if i HAVE to get full coverage im never gonna be able to afford it. i checked into it and cheapest i found was $4k a year. now for $4k a year, might as well get a corvette ive always dreamed about. id like to get a nice bike (something attractive looking as well a quick). i think im deciding on a 636. i definately dont need anything more than that (for now ). the more i think of it, if i buy a new bike, ill probally have to get full coverage and that aint gonna happen. so im leaning towards 02 and up. i dont wanna have alot of miles on it because i dont wanna have to deal with any more problems when it comes to cars or bikes (just had to replace engine and tranny in 95 blazer). btw guys, im from Long Island, Ny. hope to see some of u guys around. i WILL be getting a bike so i look foward to meeting some of u.

 

Inhale, there are no stupid questions here. You can get just as much info from the newly licensed as from those of us who have been riding for 28 years. Good luck on finding the bike you like. And please always, always, ALWAYS wear your gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots) If you ever go down, you will be thankful. Bikes can be replaced, you cannot.

Oh, I just used m/c to shorten motorcycle license.

Kevin