Hey guys, my name is Yousef. I'm 18, I live in S.C. and am really interested in getting a 650r. I never liked cars and have always loved Motorcycles.

So I go to the dealership here and I actually wanted to get a Ninja 250, but the dealer told me they didn't have any 250's or 500's in stock, but they did have an 07' Ninja 650r (plus the dealer said I was a little big for the 250, of which I am 6"5' and 200 lbs.). This is going to be my first motorcycle and they are running a special offer on the bike right now where if I get the 07 model then they will give me $300 free money towards accessories and the bike is on sale for $6100. I will be taking a MSF course before I buy the Bike and I just have a few questions.

1. They have a Suzuki 07' GS500f for $5100, would this be a better bike to get for a beginner like me?
2. When I get insurance what coverage should I get? Right now if I get every coverage except collision it would cost $750 a year with Progressive. Do I need collision? Because if I do get collision it would cost like $1750-$2000 a year.
3. What kind of gear can I get that has decent protection and ventilation for under $300? I'm looking at a Helmet, Jacket, and Gloves to start out with. Later on I can save up for better stuff.
4. Yes everyone asks what kind of MPG you get on the 650r and from reading around its on average 40-50mpg. My questions is how often do you spend on average every month for gas. Right now I'm spending around $150 a month on my '04 Ford Taurus at 19mpg and around $37 a week to fill it up.
5. Any tips?

Thank you one and all, reading from this forum has already given me a lot of knowledge about these wonderful bikes.

 

Welcome to the forums.
The only thing I know on the 650 is from what I have read so far.
Get your insurance after you pass the msf course or an approved road race school. Have you checked out GMAC Rider Club insurance?
Check out the AGV stealth helmet. Good helmet for the buck.
Good luck

 

+1^Drag.
You might also want to check out Geico, but it all depends on your driving record, claims, etc. Your age does not help you with regard to insurance. Stay below 700cc and you'll get a lower rate. But, get as much insurance as you can reasonably afford; you'll thank me later.
The same goes for your gear. I'm not going to "name drop" because I don't know your budget. However, get the best gear (most protective) you can afford and WEAR IT.
The 650R may be a great bike, but I'm not that familiar with it.
Right now, I'd focus on the training, gear, bike,insurance, and establishing a good riding record at your age. (No offense!) Go for it, but do so responsibly, OK? We want you around awhile!
PS: Welcome to the forums! We want pics of whatever bike you choose!!!

 

Thanks Dragone !


Thanks, I want to keep within that $300 free accessories so I don't have to pay extra for more. The store can order anything I want mostly.
No offense taken for the age thing, I've heard that riding a motorcycle is very different from driving a car and it needs more training. I will definitely drive responsibly, I can tell you that I am the slowest and safest driver in my family proudly ( you should see the stuff they do!! ).
Pics will come when I get the bike.

 

It a BS what the dealer told you about the 250R. That dealer is just like any other dealer, they want to make a quick sale. If you want a 250R, I suggest that you wait for the 2008. If you want a 650R, shop around. Is the $6100 out the door price? Whatever you do, dont get that air cooled suzuki GS500f.

 

If it $6,100 out the door than it is a good deal, but if it $6,100 plus the other charges than it is only $300 under normal price. The $300 in accessories will not get you far, especially if you are needing gear. I would shop around though because you may be able to find a better deal at another dealer that wants to get rid of the 07 models.

 

@ Era991

I suspect that the dealer was just B.S.ing me about the 250 being too small, cause it looks likes it almost the same height as the 500r anyways, so I didn't trust him on that. Their 2008 models will be there around December or January, and I can wait for it, plus its better MPG and lower cost! I win in the end. You're right about the quick sale, the guy was not very helpful and asked me what I was buying that day already! Like he suspected me to walk out with the bike that day.
I won't get the Suzuki lol.

@ jperkins812

I think it is $6100 out the door. I know that the $300 for accessories won't get me far ( I've been reasearching a lot ), but its still better than nothing. I will heed your advice and check out another dealer ( that dealer is a little farther away, but its worth it ).

Thanks.

 

I beleive the seat on the 250 is about an inch lower than the 500, be sure to sit on all of them before deciding. but at 200 lbsany of these bikes will get you around just fine

 

Call him back and make sure that was out-the-door price. If not, that is pretty high considering '08's are coming out and it's winter now. You should be looking for $800-1000 off list price (on the 650). If the other dealership is far, just call them and see what they will do for you.

Salesmen will ALWAYS downplay any bike they don't have in stock.

I once flew to Houston just to pick up a new car and drive it back home because the dealer in Houston had the exact year and color I wanted and hte local guy did not. We agreed on price over the phone. The salesman met me at the front door of Hobby airport and drove me to his dealership!

 

Everyone, I decided to drive up to the other dealership which was 30 mins. away and WOW !!! That dealership was 6 times bigger than the other one! And all the dealers were extremely nice to me. I emailed one of them and they emailed me back and when I got there the guy I emailed came up to me and said hi to me and then these 2 other dealers were showing me the 250r which is what I am dead set on getting now ( sorry 650r ). But this dealer was really nice to me and was showing me all kinds of gear and taught me a lot of things, plus he said he could get me discounts on a lot of the gear, plus we got talking and he invited me to ride with him and some other guys sometime whenever I get the bike and even offered to teach me how to drive the bike before I take the MSF courses. Overall the dude was very cool and very nice to me compared to the other dealership where the guy was not helpful at all. I'm buying from the far away dealership for sure now.
I sat on the 250r and despite me being so tall it felt pretty comfortable and normal.
Anyways, what kind of price should I be looking at for the 07' 250r ? Because they said they were selling it for like $3100 out the door and I'll have some promotions like no interest for 2 years and 24/7 roadside assistance and all that stuff. The only gripe I have about the bike is that it is Grey, but hey, I can learn to love it! They're getting their '08 models in March for some reason and I don't want to wait that long.

Thanks.