kevinoneill

I'm looking for something under the $2000 mark. The closer to $1000 the better. It will see highway driving, 30-45 min. drive times. And depending, perhaps a much longer drive across a few states.

I would prefer a sportbike. My 2nd bike (upgrade time) would be in the range of a CBR 600RR, F4i, YZF R6, zx-6R, 600cc bike. So something to ease me into it.

Here's a small list of what I've been eyeing.

Kawasaki Ninja EX 250 - these seem abundant in my price range
Kawasaki Ninja EX 500
Suzuki SV 650/s
Suzuki GS 500 F
Honda cb900

A few I found along the way I liked that fell in the price range, but I don't know if they are suited for entry level bikes.

Buell Blast 500cc
Suzuki GSF Bandit 400
Honda Hawk GT650

I've been all over Cycletrader.com, searching all sorts of bikes. I find alot of 250 Ninja's under the $2000 mark.

Any suggestions on other bikes to look at in my price range?

This one perked my eye. 250 Ninja.
http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/9/4/89772694.htm

I like this style of sport bike, that falls in the begginner range. I much prefer the front of it, the single light by itself.



I dunno guys, help me out. :D

rdblckSV650S

have you considered the cost of insurance and gear in your little equation? $1000 barely covers those two aspects, let alone the bike itself.
I think you should shoot more for 2500 for a first bike. And since you plan on selling it anyways, looks shouldn't be the biggest factor. you can save that for your second bike.

moores55

$1000 will cover my insurance for a year. your really need more like 3g's if you want to do it (kinda) right. 2g's for the bike 500 for gear, an the other 500 for insurance. Don't half *** things. Do it right the first time.

JHenley17

The CB900 is not a beginner bike... I ride a CB600, and you could hardly call that a beginner bike. Besides that, even the 600 is out of your price range. Everything there but the EX250 is out of your price range. It's a golden beginner bike, though. The CB250 (Nighthawk) would also be good, but not sure what they go for used.

Insurance depends on what coverage you get... make sure to get a quote and check your state laws... here in Louisiana, I had to have full coverage on my bike because it was financed. My cousin in Arizona didn't have to. I'd say a 500 on gear minimum. I spent more than that just getting a fairly cheap mesh jacket (jacket, helmet, boots, gloves).

Jasper_db1

My $1500 YZF600 has lasted me nearly two years of daily riding and almost 30K miles.

kacivic

have you looked into the older japanese bikes? i'm looking in the range of '78-'84 suzuki gs650, honda cb550, etc. i really like the look of those bikes, they're usually pretty cheap (even in great shape), and i'm not afraid to jump in and do maintenance.

actually going to look at this bike today http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/396137547.html

MSchu

Keep an eye out for a NT650 honda... little under powered(not for a beginer) but the chassis is awesome

Trickniner

I just picked up my first bike the other day. I went with a '98 GS500. I got it for 1500, and then spent another 500 on gear. Insurance ran me 120 for the year. I think if you use the 1500 mark for the actual bike, once everything is said and done you'll be around 2k and be good to go.

A Hawk GT would be fantastic if you can find one that is in your price range. I was originally looking at them, but from what I understand they have gotten a cult following going and are pretty rare, I think they where only sold in the US in 88 and 89. So usually when one does go on sale they are picked up pretty quickly.

MSchu

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Trickniner &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">A Hawk GT would be fantastic if you can find one that is in your price range. I was originally looking at them, but from what I understand they have gotten a cult following going and are pretty rare, I think they where only sold in the US in 88 and 89. So usually when one does go on sale they are picked up pretty quickly.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Agreed. I bought a used one in 91 or so, kept it for years and resold it for exactly what I paid for it... (2500$)... now I think you would be hard pressed to find one for 3500$, they have actually gone up in price


That's it, I am going to look for one for myself!

The Hooligan

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Agreed. I bought a used one in 91 or so, kept it for years and resold it for exactly what I paid for it... (2500$)... now I think you would be hard pressed to find one for 3500$, they have actually gone up in price


That's it, I am going to look for one for myself!</TD></TR></TABLE>

those things always go fast on ebay. i was looking for one a while back.

bebfsu1

You can find a GS500 all day long for less than $2000. If you're patient, or you can talk the owner down, you can get one for $1500 or even less. I would look for a 500 of some kind if you're doing a lot of highway driving. You may even be able to get into a Ninja 500 for $2000.

kevinoneill

Well first thank-you all for your input. I've asked across a few forums, and I'm getting some similar input (which usually means the most correct answer).

Looks like it's easily been narrowed down to the

Honda CB250/NightHawk
Suzuki GS500
Suzuki SV650
Kawasaki Ninja EX 250/500

Maybe a

Honda Hornet 250
Suzuki Bandit 400

Some more info that may help out.

I live in Florida. (yes our drivers suck here, but that's not going to stop me)
5'-10'
175lbs.
Average build.
I am looking at a fair amount of highway driving.

In a perfect world I wouldn't cross the $2000 mark with helmet/jacket. But $2500 could work. My brother rides a bike, he found a great deal for me on a $250 helmet for $110. I'm sure I can find a good aerated jacket for $2-300.

I'm googling images here, and I like the look off all the bikes. But as it seems the most abundant and most likely to be my bike, the CB 250 is my least favorite looking one.

Time to hunt around Craigslist and Cycletrader.


Modified by kevinoneill at 2:22 PM 8/15/2007

leeminho86

From time to time you can find a Ninja 500 for around that price...I would highly recommend that bike

The Hooligan

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by leeminho86 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">From time to time you can find a Ninja 500 for around that price...I would highly recommend that bike </TD></TR></TABLE>

x2

bad-monkey

i like the GS500 for a 1st bike. Doesn't look as dated as the ninjas and is manageable for a new rider.

You can score deals on helmets and jackets, but remember the gloves, boots, back protector and at a minimum, knee pads if not pants.

I admit that i don't always wear every piece of gear every time i ride, but they're good things to have.

toshiro

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by leeminho86 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">From time to time you can find a Ninja 500 for around that price...I would highly recommend that bike </TD></TR></TABLE>

My 92 ex500 was something like $1200 or 1400, and it's been very good to me.

Jasper_db1

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's it, I am going to look for one for myself!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Here's the only Hawk I can see you riding:

kevinoneill

How's this guy look?

981 SUZUKI GS 550T - $1100
http://tampa.craigslist.org/mcy/396159548.html

zc911

here is a hawk for sale
migh tbe able to get it for 2500. Out of yor price range but someone else might be intersted

http://www.ducatimonster.org/s...586.0

TekSI

I got a 919 (CB900) for my first bike. It is big for a beginner, but managable. I wouldn't consider it a full sport bike though; it doesn't have the frame to handle turns like others and the weight distribution isn't the same. It is a very comfortable bike, however. Around me, there's not many cheap ones, usually above 2500.

uneek4dr

You can get a katana 600 for 1500 or less no problem :-P

MSchu

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jasper_db1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Here's the only Hawk I can see you riding:
</TD></TR></TABLE>


Ahhhhhhh... thats a nice Giuseppe

DenzComp

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

Mr.Chow

where are you located? My friend has a 92' FZR600 for sale. It would be the perfect starter rocket...IMO
Pm'd you.

kevinoneill

Florida! Thanks for the offer.