JaysonL

Thank Benyen Soljax. That really calmed down my second greatest worry (the first being buying a bike NOT suited for me). Speaking of which, I forget who mentioned it a few pages back, but, a question was directed at me as to what I intend to use the bike for: Well, it'll probably share the job of my main transportation to and from school (requires 20+ miles of highway driving one way), although I don't wanna put too many excessive miles on the bike, and it will definitely be used as a joy ride. I don't even wanna think about getting on a track, dragging it, or having any less than both wheels on the ground for awhile. At this point I want a a bike that's not too much to handle as I learn, but, will still have enough power to scare me shitless when I wanna have fun on the twisties in my area. Hopefully that gives everyone a better idea of my itentions.

I do have a Zamp Snell Dot helmet from a few years back when I was still racing go-karts, would that meet safety requirements?!

haha alright. should have known! ....still worth a try though.

wow. you guys really are alright after all! ya, it seems within the day i've gone from katana to ninja to sv650.... so, i'm still just in the extensive research and learning stage and i've got time before it warms up and i can take the MSF course. I'm pleasantly surprised that insurance isn't too outrageous adn won't be taking $100 out of my pocket every month. What do you guys say about bikes that have been laid down or dropped at low speeds once or twice?! I worry that there might be hidden or unknown body damage that might effect the bike in the long run or at least start to act up after i buy it. What can i do to make sure that there aren't any mysteriously out-of-sight problems waiting for me after I buy?! AND Just for the hell of debate and argument.... Let's hear everyone's rantings on gear. (Keep in mind I'm trying to make my total budget for bike+gear when it's all said and done at or below about $4000, and even that's a little stretch) So come on, let's hear the conflicting opinions! ;P

JRMMiii, you're out of luck man! No sister and my mom and dad are goin strong. My grandma's single though if you're interested?! haha ;P So, in reference to my comment on the looks of the sv650s.... I was looking at the newer bikes, and maybe I'm just being picky but they don't immediately catch my eye. They just don't seem to look like a pure performance street machine.... although maybe I'm just bein' picky! Either way, I'm seriously looking at used ninjas (250r and/or the 500r) and sv650s in and around oh. One more thing i'm concerned with is insurance. Anyone have any general estimates (or just name what you pay monthly/yearly, your bike, age, tickets, blah blah blah) so i can get a better idea. thanks

oh hey jbot. ya everyones been mentioning the sv650.... althoguh it definitely doesn't have ALL the cosmetic qualities I'm looking for I'm definitely level headed enoguh to listen to everyones advice if the bike really is as good as they're repping it to be.

Hey thanks guys. So ya, I'm starting to get the feeling that Katanas aren't too welcome 'round where I am. Regardless, I've also got a lot of support for Katanas in general from other larger forums such as Sportbikes.net. Either way, I am looking for a good deal and hoping to buy something soon before riding season starts when things warm up along with increased prices. Only problem with a 250r is I don't really watn a relatively new bike. I am worried that I could, and (unfortunately) probably will at least once, drop my bike. If anyone knows anyone selling a 250r or 500r within Ohio or the surrounding areas I'd be real appreciative. Oh and to Kosmo: South Euclid is actually 10, 15 minutes away from my house at most. You'd probably be the closest so far. If you'd be willing to grab a bite to eat and just help talk things over with me, or maybe give me a run down on buying a bike I'd be so very grateful. If not, that's alright, if you have any friends that'd be willing to help me out then that'd be just as valuable.

This is all really helpful as I'm trying to read up on riding before I actually start the journey. Great posts!

So I'm an almost 18 y/o new rider (gotta wait till February), don't have a bike yet, but I'm working my a** off to save up for one. I plan to take the MSF course near where I live and hopefully, when I'm ready, buy a bike. However it would be nice to connect with and have a sort of "mentor" or "senior" biker to help me along with the process as I only know what I do from research I have done on this site and else-where. What I'm wondering is if there are any riders in the Northeast area (I live in Orange, just north of Solon) that would be willing to maybe connect, meet up, and lend me some advice and guidance through the process. One thing I'm most concerned about is that being as I work 30hrs/wk for minimum wage (comes out to about $6.50 after taxes), I don't want to be buying a smaller bike and quickly moving up as I won't have the funds or ability to do so. Therefore, I'm looking to get a 600, maybe leaning toward a used katana? Therefore, I would really like someone with more than enough riding experience to show me the ropes and help me out. If anyone does want to shoot me a post or private message. Oh and if you prefer real email you can reach me at jaysonlesyk@yahoo.com Thanks all!

Hey man. I'm really interested in the bike. I do have a few questions though.... Has the bike ever been laid down?! How were the scratches acquired?! And would she be willing to drive it out and meet half way?!