Picking your first sportbike

I'm no expert on the subject, considering I'm only 15. But from what I've heard about buying motorcycles, it seems that an ideal choice for picking a new/used bike is a Ninja 250EX. Ive heard they have great resale value and that these bikes are great to learn on just because they are so novice-friendly. Just a quick question to you fellow bikers; once I get my license in the future and I take and complete an MSF safety course, how much does it typically cost to insure a sportbike per month? Is it even a good idea to start riding at a young age, once I have my motorcycle operator's license, a bike, and proper gear? I know that insurance must be quite high just because I would fall under the 16-18 year old range. Also, is the Ninja250ex a good choice? I've been riding quads and dirtbikes for years, but I still know enough that there is a very big difference between streetbikes and off-road bikes. Until I get my license, I am limited to my trails and backyard on my Kawasaki ATV. If you took the time to read this thanks and it's appreciated. Keep on riding...

-Brian  
www.MinimotoGP.tk

Yeah, the 250 is a pretty good choice.  I started on one of those...  Rode it for about 5 years and 28,000 miles.  You also might want to look at the 500 Ninja and Suzuki's GS500.  The 500s will probably hold your attention longer, since they have a bit more power.  I had a blast on that 250 though.    I was 21 when I bought the 250.  Paid about 300 per year thru Allstate, it went down every year.  I think I was paying $80 for full coverage on the 250 when I traded it in on a 600.  State Farm might be better for you.  You need a car with them though....  Or if you can get your parents to add it to their policy.  You should also budget for some gear--jacket, gloves, helmet...  But otherwise, you are on the right track.  Get the used bike, ride it for a year or two.  Look into an SV650S or one of the SS 600's later on if that is what you want...  Or keep what you started on.  The little bikes are fun, and that is what it is all about.  For what it's worth, I have a lot of fun riding my wife's 500 Ninja.



Chris  

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State Farm might be better for you. You need a car with them though....

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Your on the right track, just make sure you get formal training first, an MSF class (required in my state if under 18).  Starting out young will help you to develope your skills earlier, plus assuming you have an average lifespan you have more years to ride!

The 250 is great, it is what I started out on but I did get tired of the power rather quickly but held on to it for one full season to get my skills up.  Like I and others have said before give the 500 Ninja a look or the GS500.  I usually say look at the SV too, just be cautious of it with your lack of streetriding.  You might be okay though since you have some experience on powersport machines...ie dirtbikes/quads.

As for insurance...I paid $200 with Progressive when I was 19 for the year on my 250 but that was only PLPD.  I bought the bike straigt up so I did not need full-coverage due to the lack of a loan.  This might be your best bet at your age but check around some places will surprise you.

Good luck to you and I hope you have many years of riding ahead of you!  

Just wondering...anyone know much about the Honda Interceptor? I saw a couple online and read some articles... they seem like a friendly bike great for all around cruising. Just thinking maybe if i do in fact get a ninja 250ex and want to upgrade to a bigger bike later in the future what ppl's thoughts were on it and how does it stack up against the Japanese 600s  
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The Honda Interceptor is a really nice bike.  It tours well, can do aggressive "canyon carving", or be taken to the track.  It will do about an 11.2 in the 1/4 mile compared to high 10's for the *** 600's.  The brakes are linked so stopping feel is different but still good...better if you change to braided steel lines and sintered metal pads.  The suspension is set up more for the street and does not have the range of adjustability but can still be tweaked to fit your preference.

The Inerceptor is a V-4 which gives it different power characteristics compared to the Inline-4's of the 600' repli-racers.  It dynos around in the low 100's which is similar to the 600's but gives mid 50's for torque.  The current 600's have torque figures in the mid to high 40's.  This extra torque will give better driveability on the street but it is still a peaky engine, just less so than the middleweight *** bikes.

As for price, they list at around 10k and change but I've seen carryovers go for $6,500.  On average I would say a good price to pay would be around $8,000 to $9,000 brand new depending on your area.

It will still haul "arse" on a back road yet be comfortable enough to throw a sexy passenger on the back to hold you tight.  

About the State Farm Insurance.  I have had a R6 and a R1 insured with them.  With a auto on your insurance it drops your rate on the bike by about 1/2.  But they will still take your money if you only have a bike.  

For a good first sportbike, check out the Yamaha YSR50!  

Yeah I checked out some of those bikes like the NSR50 and the YSR, but there few and far between. Sometimes I'll see a good deal on ebay, but I'm a little hesitant on buying an older bike like that. Any thoughts?  
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