[big_mike_601]

hey everyone…i’m a 220 lbs and about 5 ‘8 ‘male from ms i was thinking of getting a bike but not sure what to get. The only experience i have i on my sisters 250 and her 500 both ninja…and i havent taken the class yet.. i have only ridden them about ten times.. her are my questions any help would be greatly appreciated

1. should it take the class before or after i get my bike.
2. should i get a 500 ninja or a 600 gsxr.
3. i found a 05 500 ninja for 3000 with 1000 miles on it, and it looks new is that a good price.
4.what is the difference in the helmets that cost 100 dollars and the ones that cost 500.
5.is it bad to buy bikes off the internet and get it shipped.

[Munch]

#1) Recommend the course before the bike….though I did not do this and could have ended my riding early, giving my life experiences I was very ready to be slow and conservative on my on set. Though mistakes were made.
#2) option choice A
#3) ….. cruiser guy…. dunno
#4) Helmets from different manufacturers offer different benefits and options. Some offer more protection…some offer just a name. Like motorcycles you should go out and try helmets on to see what more comfortable to you and if you think you can manage long rides with it. Also some manufacteurers don’t do certain head shapes well.
#5) As with anything bought off the internet you don’t get to see the bike in person and go over the structure and mechanics of it to make sure your purchase was a sound one. Also you may not have the option of sending the purchase back if it isn’t in ride able condition or what you thought you were getting. You are at the mercy of some ones honesty. If your good with that then go for it.

[megaspaz]

#1. Agree with munch.
#2. Agree with munch.
#3. Considering around here, people selling old ninja 250s with more miles for about the same price, yes, 3K for an 05 ninja 500 with only 1K miles seems like a really nice deal.
#4. Disagree with munch. Depending where you’re at, protection’s about the same. Your helmet needs at least DOT certification. Other certs as Snell or BSI can up the price on helmets, but in reality the extra price you’re usually paying for in helmets is the graphics or some other kind of superficial extras, like more vents.
#5. I would never try an internet sale unless the seller is accessible to me where I can go over, look, sit, and/or test ride a bike. And if all that is satisfied, there’s no need to have the bike shipped.

[big_mike_601]

Thanks two you both…your information has been very helpful…and i will keep all this in mind when i make my final decision which will probably be the ninja…o yeah i forgot.. i got a quote for insurance and it was very cheap…but later when i read some more information on this site someone said they had medical expenses added to their insurance…would that come with a standard quote or do you have to add it.

[megaspaz]

I’m pretty sure, medical’s a seperate add on. ask the insurance company though for a definitive answer.

[Sangria7]

Not to be an a$$ but seems the same questions get posted over and over

Seriously there are tons of posts on this forum with your same questions. Just browse through the General section of the forums and the “veterans” will give pretty much the same advice. There are several articles out there as well on choosing a bike.

As far as the MSF. It is probably the single most important decision you will ever make if you are going to be a motorcycle rider. It is the basis for everything you do concerning a bike, to include how to choose when buying one.

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E. Valle
Thunder Roads Magazine
http://www.thunderroadstexas.com

[Sangria7]

When getting insurance:

1. Full comprehensive is mandatory on motorcycles you take a loan on due to bank regulations.

2. Only if you own the title can you opt for something lower than comprehensive.

3. Getting medical is a good idea. Who will pay your hospital bills in case you get in a serious accident (God forbid)?

[big_mike_601]

Thanks again for taking time out to post your thoughts…and i appreciate all the input by the way i just want to say that this is a great site with lots of info. Well as you can see i’m very excited about my first by and i just want to make sure i’m doing things the right way.

[Sangria7]

Yup im an a$$

[SantaCruzRider]

… expanding on the good advice already given:

Ninja 500 vs GSXR: The GSXR is a race bike, not appropriate for someone starting out. The Ninja is an great starter that you won’t soon outgrow. Also, it’s been virtually unchanged since the Civil War or something, so parts are cheap and readily available.

Helmets: Endless debate, but according to tests and research (including the Hurt Report), any properly fitting DOT approved full-face helmet will protect your head from impacts that are low enough not to kill you regardless of the helmet. In other words, in the Hurt crash study, by the time any helmet failed, the rider’s body had already been so damaged that they would have died regardless of head injuries. My advice, pay what it takes to get the fit and features you need and that will keep you from being distracted. Beyond that, the safest helmet is probably the orange one.

Insurance: Your quote probably includes medical liability (for the other guy), but may not include you or a passenger. It’s not too expensive to add some basic coverage, but note that there are per-person and per-accident limits and $15K coverage won’t last long in a hospital.

[Author]

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