I really want to start riding a street bike.

I'm 18 years old and Id like a fun way to get to school/work. Been doing lots of reading and I think I can handle a bike without killing myself.

What can I expect to afford with 2-3k thats peppy and decent on the eyes?

 

I guess it depends on what you're looking for but a good starter bike that I like the look of is an SV650, I like the naked versions the best.. and you can usually find them for pretty cheap. I would just start checking around see what you can find locally.
also as I'm sure everyone else is going to say take the MSF course

and make sure you get all the appropriate gear for riding, if and when you do get a bike.

 

MSF!

CBR F2 and F3s can be had for very little money. Great bikes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy's Sg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">MSF! Gear! Insurance!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Definately factor in the cost of insurance and gear before you go out and buy a motorcycle.

Also, read the noob thread at the top.

 

if 2-3k is your total budget then, like sup gurl and marmaladeboy said, factor in gear, MSF, and insurance. Check out insurance rates before anything else. Geico will give you rates online. Otherwise i think in most cases you just have to call.

I'd also recommend the sv650 for a beginner bike that's nice looking.
Otherwise for that price range you're looking at ninja 250/500s and early 90s 600s.
I personally think the late 80s VFRs are hot. But that's me.

 

Kawasaki Ninja 250R used in good condition $2K~ish.
Dot Helmet, gloves, jacket, boots as a minimum $700ish
MSF $200ish
100 Whopper Jrs. $100

To see the smiles on all the MSF classmates' faces stuffed with hamburgers.. priceless.

 

The topic has been well discussed before, but as the other said. Make sure you set aside some of your cash for the MSF course, and good gear ($500 minimum for helmet/jacket/gloves).
As far as bikes go, I suggest the following.
1. Get a bike you really won't care that much about because its most likely going to be laid down or tipped over at some point early on in your riding career.
2. Get something RELIABLE. Nothing more frustrating to a new rider than having mechanical problems or getting stranded. Plus, a mechanical problem on a bike could kill you if it happens at the wrong time and or place.
3. Remember your first bike is a LEARNER. Don't worry about having the latest greatest sportbike. Plastic is VERY expensive so some sort of naked bike would be your best bet.
4. Get one with a low displacement (500cc or less). Insurance will be the cheapest and it will keep you from getting to crazy with the speed.
5. Specific bikes I would suggest:
- Honda Nighthawk 450. They stopped making them back in the late 80's, but I've seen clean low mileage ones go for about $1200. Learn on it, sell it for $1175
- Honda CB-1 (CB400F). Again, an older bike (89-90), but its a sweet setup (400cc inline 4 with GEAR DRIVEN cams) and a great learner. My buddy just picked one up for $1300.
- Honda Hawk GT. Once again, an older bike, but still very modern (single sided swing arm) and reliable. Its a 650 v-twin , but pretty mellow power-wise with the stock pipe. They are rare and becoming collectors items, but a clean one can be found for around $2k
- Kaw Ninja 500. 2 cylinder, liquid cooled....it DOES have a mini fairing, but would be a great learner bike if you can keep the shiney side up !
- You might consider the Suzuki Bandit 600 or the SV650, but I think they are both a little too much bike for a new rider.

Anyway, hope this helps....good luck, and be careful !

 

search n00b

1. research
2. buy initial gear
3. MSF
4. buy more gear
5. get bike (preferably lower powered to gain confidence and for forgiveness when you make mistakes)
6. decide where you'd like to go with riding (bigger bike, better gear, type of bike, etc.)
7. enjoy

 

as a first bike i got a 1984 ninja 900R.

yes its too big, but i got it with the intention of destroying it, because it was 1100 dollars. i did drop the bike many times, fell off in motion twice, sold it for 750 as a parts bike.

i still have scars from the falls. dont follow my path by getting a big first bike

thanks to that bike, i learned so much that i know went and got a 2005 honda cbr600f4i, and i have never laid it down.

you WILL drop the bike, you WILL fall sometime, you WILL regret it if you love the bike. get a cheap bike with the intention of destroying it. in the long run, if you dont destroy it, then u'll get your money back for a bigger bike later.

and FYI, it cost me close to 1,000 to ready myself with gear and training.(helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and msf course).

-edit-,. also dont worry about costly gear to start with, they'll get scratched if u fall. get it later down the road when your better and faster. now i have around 3k in gear on me when i go do twisties.

 

sell you my f3 I am in norcal

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rednas &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sell you my f3 I am in norcal </TD></TR></TABLE>

Im actually looking into an f3, they are hot in black

The only thing I'm worried about is unexpected potholes/gravel. For potholes I assume you always have to keep a decent distance between the car in front of you and yourself.

Im also very ready for dropping the bike and hopefully only low speed falls.

 

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

Im actually looking into an f3, they are hot in black </TD></TR></TABLE>

it is black

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

Im also very ready for dropping the bike and hopefully only low speed falls. </TD></TR></TABLE>

someone did that before I got it so you have nothing to worry about.

 

1) msf
2) helmet
3) gear - including armoured jacket and pants

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rednas &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sell you my f3 I am in norcal </TD></TR></TABLE>

What part and how much ?? :D

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Psychochik &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What part and how much ?? :D</TD></TR></TABLE>

just south of SJ and 2600

 

Hmmmmmmmmm

 

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

pmed

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Cjanik &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you WILL drop the bike, you WILL fall sometime, you WILL regret it if you love the bike. get a cheap bike with the intention of destroying it. in the long run, if you dont destroy it, then u'll get your money back for a bigger bike later.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I never dropped mine. And I'm sure many other riders havent as well. The last thing anyone trying to get into riding needs to hear is that theyre going to wreck. Dont act like a tool, take the MSF, and start slow. Everyone knows the possibility of wrecking but its surely not an immenent or unavoidable thing.

I started with an 05 Ninja 250, ran it for 2500 miles in 2 months, beat the **** out of it, got confident enough with it to where I had ground off the little metal "nipples" on the foot pegs. Sold it for 100 less that I paid and now have my cbr 1000 for over 5k miles and still have 1/4" chicken strips. Just use your head, take your time, and you'll be ok. All gear all the time.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blah13 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I never dropped mine. And I'm sure many other riders havent as well. The last thing anyone trying to get into riding needs to hear is that theyre going to wreck. Dont act like a tool, take the MSF, and start slow. Everyone knows the possibility of wrecking but its surely not an immenent or unavoidable thing.

I started with an 05 Ninja 250, ran it for 2500 miles in 2 months, beat the **** out of it, got confident enough with it to where I had ground off the little metal "nipples" on the foot pegs. Sold it for 100 less that I paid and now have my cbr 1000 for over 5k miles and still have 1/4" chicken strips. Just use your head, take your time, and you'll be ok. All gear all the time.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That is the only thing I can agree with.

The first thing anyone that wants to get into motorcycling should hear is that if they wreck, the consequences could be real bad. Anyone who has the idea "I won't wreck, I can control my bike" might be right about that, but can you control the idiot in the pickup truck who doesn't see you and broadsides you?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
That is the only thing I can agree with.

The first thing anyone that wants to get into motorcycling should hear is that if they wreck, the consequences could be real bad. Anyone who has the idea "I won't wreck, I can control my bike" might be right about that, but can you control the idiot in the pickup truck who doesn't see you and broadsides you?</TD></TR></TABLE>

EXACTLY.......one of the first things they teach in MSF are risk and risk management in relation to riding motorcycles....ie. if one is not willing to take the chance that someone might splat them on their bumper, then they shouldnt consider riding a motorcycle. It's just like in SCUBA...no one wants to hear that they might get decompression sickness, but they damn sure need to be aware of the risks involved.
Its an appropriate "scare tactic"

Good luck and ride safe !

 

Don't skimp on gear. They're great!