Looking for a cheap beginner bike ($1000-2000), thinking about a GS400, suggestions?

[some_dude]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum and new to riding. I'd like to spend about $1000-2000 on a bike and keep insurance under a grand. I'm 25 and took the M2 course. I'm leaning towards an old Suzuki GS 400 if I can find one.

Does anybody have any other suggestions for sport or street bikes in that price range? The Ninja's are nice but they seem to be in such high demand that prices are almost always well over $2000. Also the insurance would be around $1300-1400. I was thinking about a GS 500 but run into the same problems.

Thanks, looking forward to getting out on the road!

[djez]

Bandit 400 or a CB-1 400.Shop stateside.

[ViperZ]

If you can, wait until mid-fall. That's when the bike prices will drop (and drop by a lot). If you don't want the US paperwork headache, look on the outskirts of the city.

I bought my bike in Belleville in the fall (rented a U-Haul trailer to transport it). The bike is awesome! The price was very good too. Much better than current "spring" prices on the same bike.

[RLapin]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum and new to riding. I'd like to spend about $1000-2000 on a bike and keep insurance under a grand. I'm 25 and took the M2 course. I'm leaning towards an old Suzuki GS 400 if I can find one.

Does anybody have any other suggestions for sport or street bikes in that price range? The Ninja's are nice but they seem to be in such high demand that prices are almost always well over $2000. Also the insurance would be around $1300-1400. I was thinking about a GS 500 but run into the same problems.

Thanks, looking forward to getting out on the road!

I don't think you'll get insurance for under 1k with any bike...shop around for insurance first so you're not disappointed after =)

[hooli6an]

<-- New rider, GS500, w/ Statefarm

To maximize your rate have your car(s) at the same place, My GS500 is only $657 per year and they don't care what class M I am, just how many CC's the bike is.

[DemonPig]

Get an old FZ600 (not FZR600) and don't go with State Farm unless you buy something 250cc or under or a SS (super sport).
For anything else you can get better rates elsewhere because of the way SF charges (per CC).
And SF really sucks for car insurance. Wanted $60 more a month than Belair and that's with multi vehicle discount. Too bad Belair doesn't insure bikes.
My motorcycle's with Jevco through Avi Singh on this forum.
For the kind of bike you're looking for, with no more than 2 minor tickets, 1 million liability, one way, no theft - you should pay around $700-900 a year.