[AtlanticBlue99]

I am a 19-20 year old male with 3 pts looking to save on gas. I love the Honda CBR 600RR , and I have been riding MX since I was 5, so I don't need a starter bike like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. But when weighing my use for the bike and the cost of owning one, the Ninja seems more practical.

I can buy a brand new Ninja for $3,000, too.

What do you guys think?

I am mostly concerned with insurance cost. What are your experiences with motorcycle insurance? Also, this is in addition to my Mustang. The bike will be for driving in nice weather, and the Mustang for trips, bad weather, etc.

The Ninja in a nutshell:

Specs:
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) 5.75 sec
1/4 Mile 14.6 sec @ 88 mph
Maximum Speed 105 mph (170 km/h)
Max Horsepower 36 @ 11000 RPM (26 @ rear wheel)
Max Torque 18 Ft/Lbs @ 10000 RPM (14 @ rear wheel)
Fuel Efficiency 55-75 MPG

[BWAL09]

if you're looking for just bike to ride and save on gas and insurance, the ninja would be perfect. if you're looking for a fun performance bike, definitely go with the cbr600rr or even yamaha R6. be ready to pay big money for insurance with a 600cc bike though.

[AtlanticBlue99]

Now that I think about it, this thing is quicker than my Mustang.

[AtlanticBlue99]

Originally Posted by BWAL09

if you're looking for just bike to ride and save on gas and insurance, the ninja would be perfect. if you're looking for a fun performance bike, definitely go with the cbr600rr or even yamaha R6. be ready to pay big money for insurance with a 600cc bike though.

Thanks. Yeah, I dont think I will be blazing up the streets on a 250. If I got 60 MPG, I would be getting 3-4x what I get now, and If I could go 300 miles/week at 15 gallons to 300 miles a week at 4 gallons, I could save (15)(3.75)-(4)(3.55) = 56.25-14.2 = $42.05/week - IN SAVINGS! If Insurance is less than 80 a month or so, I would do this hands down. I even have enough cash to outright buy a brand new Ninja (in black of course).

[BWAL09]

i like the fact that the new 250 ninjas don't look like a 250 bike anymore.. the new ones could almost be mistaken for a 600cc or 1000cc street bike at first glance lol

[AtlanticBlue99]

Actually, I would go for a 2008 model in Ebony. $3499 MSRP

[AtlanticBlue99]

Originally Posted by BWAL09

i like the fact that the new 250 ninjas don't look like a 250 bike anymore.. the new ones could almost be mistaken for a 600cc or 1000cc street bike at first glance lol

me too. Otherwise, I would just buy a 250 bike that has no fairings...

[AtlanticBlue99]

I just read some reviews online, and several reviews of 19 year old males having full coverage on the 250 for 80-90 a month. It is seriously a matter of time before I get one. I would like to buy it outright and not make payments, and I have about 2800 I could set aside now. It looks like I will be in the market for a little longer...

[8t6]

I would buy a 600 just cause I can and would eat the insurance cost

How much do they cost a month on insurance I never even looked into it

[AtlanticBlue99]

Originally Posted by 8t6

I would buy a 600 just cause I can and would eat the insurance cost

How much do they cost a month on insurance I never even looked into it

Under 25 years old, look at $3k/year in insurance, which is why the Ninja 250R is attractive to me.

[mdvaldosta]

Any bike with an "R" in it is gonna cost a ton in insurance at your age. When I was 23 I was in the process of buying a used Yamaha R1 (have been riding a Suzuki for about 6 months). Called Progressive, figuring since I hadn't had any tickets in a couple years it would be reasonable - not. Was quoted $5k/yr w/ full coverage (required for the loan). Yea, the bike was only $4500...

You're gonna have to either pony up for an R bike or wait until you're 25 for a reasonable insurance rate. That same R1 now costs me just $350/6 months and I'm thinking of riding again.

I'd consider the 250 Ninja, the new ones are sporty and not too much bike for a beginner. If you know you'll get the smoked on the street against any other R bike you won't be likely to race, so that'll maybe even save your life.

[AtlanticBlue99]

My girlfriend wants me to not get a bike now. She thinks I will kill myself (even though I won't race it, I have experience, and I just want to save on gas). She is a keeper for sure though; she said I can have a bike and any toys I want once we are married, haha.

That said, I just walked by a Black 2008 Ninja 250R in the parking lot by my dorm. Damn, that thing is hot! 3500 + tag/title + 80/month insurance, I just about have enough money to work it out, and I would save 160 bucks a month on gas, so I could make 80 in profits a month owning one without even selling the Mustang. Hell, from every standpoint, this is a great move. The way I care for my stuff, it will look new 3 years down the road, and I can turn it over for not too much depreciation.

My only obstacle now is dealer mark up and waiting. I've read online that this is the most popular bike on the market right now, and there is a big back order on the black ones. I've read of 5-month wait periods with $500 down. I just want to walk in, slap 3600 cash on the counter, and ride away. We will see if I get one, but it sure makes sense to me.

[06RedfireGT]

It isn't you having experience riding the bike. You have no control over what other drivers do, and that can cost you your life. That is why I never have, and never will ride a bike on the street.

Just buy a cheap beater if you want to save on gas.

[WILD Jeff]

Naw get the bike.

[8t6]

Damn put it under your dads name AB and pay alot less at least thats what I would do. Im 18 BTW so I would pay like 1200 a year mabey if it was under my dads name plus I live in Michigan and could only drive it 4 months out of the year. But im most likley moving to Florida so who knows