What's a good sports bike for a beginner? I want to purchase something in the $2k-$3k range as a trainer. When I feel comfortable, I'll sell that and purchase something faster.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=263 Thats probably the best beginner bike for the price. It has a 250cc engine. Not great but still good enough to learn how to ride. Personally, I have a Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom. Its not a sports bike but I like cruisers more. It has a 650cc engine and a brand new 2007 model cost me $5000
How cheap can I purchase a new 08 Kawasaki Ninja 250R and what dealer would you recommend that's in town?
The MSRP on 2008 is $3500 You maybe able to knock off a few hundred but you also have to add the tax, title, and license. Also you may want to get a helmet and gloves which would be about $150. Don't forget that you will need to get motorcycle insurance. The dealership may not let you leave with the bike if you don't have insurance or they will let you take it but will not put the inspection sticker on it. Try to find a dealer that may have the 2007 model in stock. You can get a great deal on that and its way easier to bargain. Thats how I got the deal on my bike and there was no difference between an 07 and 08 models. I am not familiar with any Kawasaki dealers since I only dealt with Yamaha. Maybe someone else would know or just search online and call several or maybe submit an online quote request.
Don't buy a new bike. Buy a used bike through ebay. There are two reasons for this. One, chances are, you're gonna lay the bike down at some point and you'll end up scratching the hell out of it (And yourself.). Get a used bike that you can learn with and spend the remainder of your money on good protective gear. Don't be cheap when it comes to getting a good helmet, gloves, jacket, and some denim/kevlar pants. The second reason is that you'll soon grow out of your learner bike and will be looking to go up in engine size. Since bikes depreciate faster than cars, you'll be glad you didn't buy new. Good luck and dont be a squid!
Didn't they redesign the 08 Ninja 250R's? I might keep the bike if I love it and just purchase another one in the future. What do you mean don't be a squid?
The 2008 looks so much better than the 2007 that it's worth the extra money if you can swing it. 60 MPG and 100+ MPH, it'll teach you to ride better than a 600. Momentum and proper lines are more important when you don't have 107 horsepower to cover your mistakes. Ninja is really your best choice, with the 500 being a nice step up.
I started on a used Suzuki GS500. Great bike, learned how to ride it and maintain it. Super durable, with inexpensive used parts available all over the place. It survived a couple of drops and a low speed low-side in a parking lot. I learned a lot with it. Now they make a version with a fairing that looks pretty good. I commuted 80 miles a day on that thing, up and down the HOV lane in Houston when I was finishing up grad school. Plenty of power on the highway, and 50 mpg. Now I have stepped up to a 600cc bike and have yet to drop it in 3 years (knock on wood). I think you've got the proper attitude to enjoy riding for a long time. Take the MSF, get good gear, and you're all set.
I own an 07 Ninja 250, an '01 GSXR600, and before that I had a turbo charged Hayabusa. I'm not much into riding anymore, but the Ninja is a great little bike, and I get 65 mpg out of it, if I ever ride it. That bike was virtually unchanged for MANY years, up until the 08 model. You can get a good one for around 2k, or less. I got mine off of Craigslist, minor wreck damage, for 1500 bucks. Did a few hundred in repairs, and it's nearly new. They hold their value well, too, so you can likely get your money back on it if you decide to sell it.
