Quote:
Originally posted by Wabster
i'm not sure how much money i'll have to spend tho. Also, i'm wondering about all the extra costs (helmet) and whatever else i'll have to buy
|
Okay, now that Ive gone through the sales pitch let me answer your question.
A motorcycle:
Like I said buy something cheap, and light. The more fairings the bike has the more it cost if you drop it (you will drop it sooner or later.) You can usually pickup bikes like a GS500 and 500Rs around 2000-3000 (depending on how old, miles, etc.) The GS500 is a "naked" bike which means it has no fairings. You dont have to worry about smashed up plastics. The 500R has half fairings, and the 250R has full fairings. A brand new 250R will run you about $3500 + TTL maybe cheaper if you do some negotiating and looking around. I would almost suggest something cheap and used though. Ride it for a year or two and move up to something a little bigger. You wont loose much money if any on resale of a used bike.
Insurance:
Insurance can be very, very expensive! This is another reason why you should start out cheap, and small. Naked bikes usually tend to be alittle cheaper on insurance since there is less to break. Fairings are very expensive to fix, cosmetic damage can total a full faired bike.
A Snell and DOT approved helmet:
These can run you anywhere from $100-700 or so. Mine was only about $130. I know a bunch of websites that you can get them fairly cheap. Just make sure you get one that fits.
Your riding permit:
Dont leave home with out it, or a motorcycle license that is.
Any extra riding gear:
The more riding gear you have the better protected youll be in an accident. You can never be to safe. Good sturdy boots, and a good riding jacket with armor will help alot. Not to mention give you a little better piece of mind while riding. Prices vary depending on brand, style, etc. The jackets range from $100-700 or so.
MSF riding course:
I dont know how much it costs where you live, it varies from state to state. In Ohio its $25 for a three day course. Ive heard some states charge as much as $300+. But its worth every penny.
http://www.msf-usa.org/