Hey I'm mike and i'm 17 (turning 18 in may 2011). I was looking at the 250r and it looks like exactly what im looking for. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with all the info I need about starting to ride motorcycles. I was looking at the pricing, and I found the new 250r 2010 model for $3499, so I'm going to start saving up for the bike (currently only work weekends so I can only save up about 150 a month out of my paycheck for the bike, but i'll probably find a way to get more money quickly.)

Here's some questions I have that hopefully you guys can help me out with:

Is it really worth getting the bike new? I dont want any scratches or anything with the bike, but also dont know about spending 3500 on the new bike.. So should I look for a used bike?

What about insurance? I dont have my car permit or license yet, so I dont know about insurance. How much am I looking at paying per month for it? Do I need to get my car license before I get the motorcycle license?

I'm 5'11'' and weigh 220lb. Am I ok with the 250r? What's the top speed i'll get to on it? Also being 5'11' will my feet touch the ground while on it?

Anything else I need to know about riding?

Oh and last question, what kind of storage is there on the bike? for work I need to store my keycard, wallet, etc somewhere (something the size of... 4 or 5 dvd cases).


Thanks!

Is it really worth getting the bike new? I dont want any scratches or anything with the bike, but also dont know about spending 3500 on the new bike.. So should I look for a used bike? It's up to you. Keep in mind being a newbie you may crash or drop the bike.

What about insurance? I dont have my car permit or license yet, so I dont know about insurance. How much am I looking at paying per month for it? Do I need to get my car license before I get the motorcycle license?
Your young age works against you with insurance but should still be pretty cheap. Many variables come in to play. New or used bike, Full coverage or just liability, etc. Give an insurance company or agent a call and inquire. -Yes you need a drivers license to get a motorcycle endorsement.
I'm 5'11'' and weigh 220lb. Am I ok with the 250r? yes What's the top speed i'll get to on it? 100ish Also being 5'11' will my feet touch the ground while on it? huh?

Anything else I need to know about riding? take this class first www.msf-usa.org/

Oh and last question, what kind of storage is there on the bike? for work I need to store my keycard, wallet, etc somewhere (something the size of... 4 or 5 dvd cases).wallet, cell phone is about it. If you're serious go check one out at a dealership.

^ what he said.

Oh, welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the site Mike...

Honestly, I would almost always recommend a used beater bike as a beginner especially if you have no motorcycle riding experience to speak of. If you have been brought up riding dirt bikes since you were a littlin then a new bike would be a reasonable consideration.

Shiny, new, scratch free bikes are beautiful things to look at but heart breaking after you've dropped it on it's side and rashed up the plastics.

Get one that already has a few character blemishes on it and learn to ride it.

You have already gotten great advice... I would like to second the idea that if it's your first bike and you have no experience a used bike is a better idea. Heck, you don't even know if you are going to like the hobby or not yet. Take the MSF course (they have bikes for you to use) see if you even like it before spending any money on a bike. Good luck and continue to do RESEARCH!!!