First Bike Costs/Insurance/MSF?

freeshot · 01-04-2007, 10:06 PM

I am currently 17 years old. Ive been really interested in getting a motorcycle for several years now and i've still got some questions. After reading the 'very first bike thread' i learned alot. I'm still thinkin I'll wait probably another year until i get my first bike. I was just wondering things i should do before i get one. Should i take motorcycle safety courses? I have no riding experience but i can balance and all that, but i know i will still wipe alot. So i know to get a cheeaper bike like a ninja, i'm thinking about $2000. I am a bit short on funds, because i am only 17. After spending $2000 i'll only have about $2000 left to spend. Insurance is going to be a bare for an 18 year old right? I live in michigan, but i don't know how much that affects it. i don't know how to go about finding insurance costs, and i am pretty concerned with all of the other costs involved. If i could get some feedback on that i'd be real happy.
Will '92-'97 CBR600's take some damage, wipes, and drops without completely falling apart? I'm thinking about one of them.
And gear? Safety is extremely important to me, and my family if i'm going to get a bike. How do i know what is considered, good safe gear. And how much will the proper stuff cost?

x8LPfan8x · 01-04-2007, 11:14 PM

Hey m8 ... I'm in the same sorta situation as you. One thing to note is that in Florida you don't have to have insurance if you wear a helmet. IDK about Michigan of course but that might be something to look into. Just thinking.

x8LPfan8x · 01-04-2007, 11:14 PM

oh and BTW ...

f1_hurricane · 01-04-2007, 11:17 PM

ok dude, I dont know how much Michigan insurance is, but I do know what I'm paying in Ontario and if you're putting the bike under your name, be sure you're sitting down when the insurance people call you back. They're going to penalize you for being young, for being inexperienced and will peanalize you for something you MIGHT do. most insurance companies do offer price breaks for those who have taken an MSF course. Besides the insuance break it's always a good idea to take one because you will gain some valuable insight.

Best advice I can give you is to rider with older wiser riders who know their **** (much like most of the members on this board) who can provide you with some good advice and show you the ropes. Make sure to always wear all of you're gear all of the time. So be sure to drop some decent amount of money into some good quality gear. Expect to spend 300+ on a helmet, 300+ for a jacket depending which brand you get and if you get a leather or textile jacket (leather is more expensive but arguably protects better in a get off). If you shop around at the beginning of the riding season alot of good dealerships have some killer last season stock clearance pricing so you can usually pick up a good deal on some gear that way.

An older model CBR 600 is an awesome begginner bike. I have a 1990 CBR 600 and really enjoy it. It's extremely forgiving in the delivery of power and handles very well. Pretty easy to maintain too if you're not really mechanically inclined.

Hope this answers your questions.

fl-929 · 01-04-2007, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeshot

I am currently 17 years old. Ive been really interested in getting a motorcycle for several years now and i've still got some questions. After reading the 'very first bike thread' i learned alot. I'm still thinkin I'll wait probably another year until i get my first bike. I was just wondering things i should do before i get one. Should i take motorcycle safety courses? I have no riding experience but i can balance and all that, but i know i will still wipe alot. So i know to get a cheeaper bike like a ninja, i'm thinking about $2000. I am a bit short on funds, because i am only 17. After spending $2000 i'll only have about $2000 left to spend. Insurance is going to be a bare for an 18 year old right? I live in michigan, but i don't know how much that affects it. i don't know how to go about finding insurance costs, and i am pretty concerned with all of the other costs involved. If i could get some feedback on that i'd be real happy.
Will '92-'97 CBR600's take some damage, wipes, and drops without completely falling apart? I'm thinking about one of them.
And gear? Safety is extremely important to me, and my family if i'm going to get a bike. How do i know what is considered, good safe gear. And how much will the proper stuff cost?

Welcome!

If you are going to wait a year before you buy a street-bike why not pick up a used off road bike just to get some riding experience. When you are ready to go street sell it for what you paid for it.

When you go street take the MSF and try not to scrimp on gear. You can find good stuff for cheap $ if you shop around.

F2's and F3's are good choices as they are built well.

*Quick 26* · 01-05-2007, 10:04 AM

like fl said get an off road bike first, or even an on/off road bike. and definately take the msf course

bikerboy1974 · 01-05-2007, 10:20 AM

I'll be the first to shock you with an example. I live in Minnesota, I'm 32 years old, I ride a 1998 VFR. My cost for insurance through Geico is $1200 a year. Mind you I have a few crashes and blemishes on my record, but still high. I was paying over $2200 anually on my FZR600 when I was 18. Prepare and have a job. A motorcycle can be an expensive toy. MSF course is a must in my book, I'd go no other way. You will get insurance breaks, but more than that you will learn valuable information to keep you going. Gear gear and more gear. Start pricing gloves, jackets, helmets, boots, pants and all that fun stuff. Will save your life. If you are waiting a year, you could start picking up the gear while saving more for your bike as well.

I would start with a CBR from the 90's era, they are great beginner bikes. You may love it so much you'll keep it like F1!

freeshot · 01-05-2007, 5:05 PM

Thanks alot all for the feedback. Hope to be joining the motorcycle community soon.

f1_hurricane · 01-05-2007, 6:07 PM

Keep in mind you can be an active member of your local motorcycle community or even this one without actually owning a motorcycle. Better to be bikeless and informed then have one and be stupid. make sure your riding with informed and skilled riders in your area and you'll be all set for some good times and plenty of learning experiences should you hook up with the right group of guys.

forceten · 01-05-2007, 7:02 PM

If your low on cash for gear you can get good used stuff for a savings. Just make sure gear hasn't taken a bad spill. But good helmets, leathers and so forth can be gotten for half the price if you have time to look around and keep watching for stuff to pop up.