What is a good inexpensive, fun sport bike to start out on?

Question

i have a 35 mile commute every day and even with my honda civic, i cant afford the gas. i just blew the engine on it so i need to replace it soon. i was thinking of getting a small bike. i have some experience riding and i need something that will get at least 30mpg. i definately want a sport bike.

how good is a 250cc? ive seen some pretty nice Ninja 250cc bikes for good prices, but how fast are these things?

any recommendations on other bikes?

Answer 1

For a commute a Ninja 250R is the best bike out there.

People rag on the Ninja 250R because they want it to be more than it actually is. It does 110 mph, 0-60 in roughly 5.8 seconds. It's not a canyon carving superbike, it's a timid commuter. The 2008 model is sold out pretty much everywhere, but the 07 leftovers are still hanging around.

For 2008 the Kawasaki Ninja 250R got a huge makeover, it looks similar to a 600 sportbike now, or its brother the ninja 650R. Only the 250R gets in the 65 mpg range.

The 250R has enough power to get you out of the way, and if you want to use a bike for commuting it's great. Just know that you won't be able to do a power wheelie or get tunnel vision on it.

Answer 2

Any bike you are comfortable on. Dont just buy becuase it looks cool. Sounds cool or your friends say its cool. But becuase its what you want and can afford. Look at all the bikes in your price range. Making a commute such as yours I would not be afraid to look a little bigger on the cc range. It will handle the long 60-70 mile round trip a lot better.

My first ever street bike was a Hurricane 1000. It was way too much to start out on, but at 6' tall it was the only bike "I" was comfortable on. A comfortable bike makes for a much better riding experience.

Answer 3

Get a second hand 600 cc like a CBR or something.

If you are a beginner start off with a 250 and take both MSF courses.

Answer 4

Don't start out to small, you'll just be wasting money in the long run. Get a small to mid range engine and enjoy the machine for awhile without out growing.

Answer 5

Hyosung is a Korean bike that's starting to get more popular around here. I don't know too much abou the bikes but have asked about them on forums and ya and heard some pretty good things. They are much cheaper than any other sport bike out there new. I would laso check out used bikes on craigslist.

Answer 6

Suzuki GS 500F.

Answer 7

250cc is fine if you've never ridden a bike. it will get you used to the road , handling OTHER DRIVERS, and get you around. its not really fast, but beginning riding you shouldn't  start out looking for something fast.

a 500cc is the max you should go, they can be fast, a good midsized bike, but depending on your size, skill, and willpower to take things slow at first, its hard to say which would be good for you

Answer 8

get a nice used 600,

it will have enough power to keep you interested, and be gas friendly...

it will also be used so your liability insurance will be dirt cheap, and you won't mind so much if you drop it a couple times

Answer 9

i would say a yamaha szr 660 super single

the only thing is that they can sometimes vibrate.

the 250 ninjas sell like hotcakes and are pretty expensive

also i would only buy a 250 ninja if you were going on it for more than 2 years.

Answer 10

Mad Jack is close to correct ( I hate to say that). You will get gouged this year on your first option. So, don't waste your money. 35 miles is a long commute, be comfortable!

Answer 11

Don't go with the Ninja 250.  They are a very hot selling bike this year.  Most dealers are selling them well above the manufacturers suggested retail price when you can find them.

The small engine will get annoying after a while.  Spend the extra $1000 and get the Ninja 500

If ridden correctly, the Ninja 500 should get you somewhere in the 50s in MPG.  If you ride aggressively, this will be less.

Answer 12

suzuki katana 600 kinda small 750 are much better the 600 is about 140 top speed 750 will do 150 tops and reach that speed faster then the 600 plus 40/mpg