Not for sure on gas mileage... Should be around mid to high 40's ....

 

Im 16 myself and my mother (only parent) wont help me pay for much of it so I'm mainly on my own. I really want the 250 for it's cheap price, insurance, and the potential 70 mpg I hear about. I only have a job at a Long John Silver's so I can't get much power ^_^' but even if I had a choice I'd still get a smaller bike just for the gas milage.

On a side note (with me being such a noob and all, pls dont laugh :P) do you HAVE to take the MSF course if you're under 18? Is that only a law in certain states? I know its for the better but I don't want to pay the $175 right away

 

i'd get atleast a 600 or newer. If thats the bike you want to eventually get then go ahead. If you can ride already, and you take the course to get your licience and your comfortable on the bike, then I personally wouldn't waste the time on a 500. DOn't get me wrong, i rode one a few weeks ago and its fun as hell. smooth power, not tons of it, but addiquite to run around with. I'd like to have one just to commute on and keep the miles off my 7. But if you want to setup to a supersport bike in the near future, i'd go ahead and get one now. I'd get a used one though, esp since it would be your first SS bike. YOu can pick up a 2-3yr old bike for half price with a few K miles on it. Insurance will be hella cheaper too, b/c your not going to want to pay full coverage on a new bike that has a loan on it.

 

It just depends on ur state. Most of the time if its required its offered for free. For me its required, but it was a free class. My frined lives in my neighbor state (Missouri) he didnt have to take any class, and hes 16.