i'm debating on getting a motorcycle...a small sport bike of some kind. i would like to drive it to work on occasion and have some weekend fun. i'd also like to have an alternative method of getting around if the s2000 is in the shop or whatever.
my questions, mind you i really don't know much about them:

are they a reliable mode of transportation? are they relatively safe to ride if i ride responsibly? how much is insurance costs? what's the approximate mpg of a 600cc bike?

thanks for any help you offer.

 

The ones I've owned, a 96 Suzuki Katana 600, and currently, a 2000 Kawasaki Ninja are very reliable. In fact, I've never had any issues with them ever, other than changing oil, tires, fluids and regular maintenance.

Safety is subjective and relative to where you live. I would say around here in NC where the roads are still fairly open and not congested, you are fairly safe from bad drivers to a point. It will also depend on you ability to avoid them and forsee possible dangers ahead or behind or from the side. You basically ride like everyone is trying to kill you -is the general opinion.

Responsible? Hmm, hard to say. I think every rider has gone past what is considered responsible at one point or another and all it takes is once. So you should be prepared for the consequences (speeding tkts, accidents, etc.).

Insurance on liability is really cheap. 80 bux a year for me. Full coverage may be significantly more but I've always bought used and paid in full, so I wasn't required to have full insurance. I will say this, everyone says you will drop your first bike, and thus far, that has held 100% true with everyone I know including myself. My 2nd bike, I was more careful and thus far, never dropped *knock on wood*.

Overall, it's well worth the risks and costs. Alot of fun can be had that more than pays for itself. They are quite easy to work on/maintain and seriously faaaast. I get about avg. 30mpg and that's usually hard, full throttle riding. Probably could get more out of it if I took it easy. Whether it's cruising around or trying to out do Trinity on a Ducati, you will enjoy. Be safe and be smart!

 

it's not only a matter of how responsible you are. you need to be able to respond to how other cars will ride around you.

look into kawasaki ex500 or suzuki gs500. it's plenty fun and relatively comfortable for a distant ride. you get about 45ish miles per tank. if you have a pretty decent record, insurance is relatively cheap. I had a ex500 (2 speeding tickets in 5 years) and paid $55/mo. with statefarm, full coverage. With my current 600rr, i pay $60/mo. (3 speeding tickets in 5 years) with SFarm, full coverage. my bike is paid off.

approximate mpg on my 600cc is about 40mpg. the tank itself is 3.5-3.7g and i typically get 140-150 out of a tank.

make sure you factor in at least a grand for good gear. it's something you don't want to cheap out on espeically when you're just starting.

FYI, helmets ($300), leather jacket ($300), boots ($200), pants ($200), gloves ($100). you can find cheaper and more expensive stuff. good luck~

 

And don't forget $300 a year for new tires!

I would buy used for the first bike and get it cheap enough that you don't need to put collision insurance on it.

 

The only advice I can offer (that hasn't already been mentioned) is to respect that even a "small sport bike" is a hugely powerful machine. Never think of a 600cc sport bike as being just a 600. It's got plenty of power to get you hurt really badly if things go wrong.

Experience helps so take a class if you can and try to spend lots of time riding when the roads aren't busy.

 

Reliable: Yes, with few exceptions sportbikes are mechanically very reliable when left in stock condition and properly maintained. However, as a "mode of transportation", your willingness to invest in the necessary apparel to ride in a variety of weather conditions as well as to cope with being on the road in cold, wet, or windy conditions will greatly influence the amount of utility you can get from a motorcycle as a "reliable mode of transportation".

Relatively Safe: No, motorcycling is inherently dangerous. But, if you are willing to acknowledge that and, as you say, ride responsiblity, you can reduce your risks significantly. You can read something I posted to another forum regarding Motorcycle crash statistics here: http://www.s2katlanta.com/%7Es2katl/forum/...794&postcount=6

A good starting place for safety info / links: http://motorcycles.about.com/od/msftrainin...eridingtips.htm

Insurance: It depends on the amount of coverage you carry. Some carry the minmums and no collision to lower their premium. I carry 100/300 with collision on all of our vehicles and also have $1m in umbrella liability on my homeowner's insurance. It all depends on how much you have to lose in the event of legal actions.

MPG: Most sportbikes get somewhere in the mid- to high- 30's.

 

600cc is a small reasonable size, buy used, fuel injection is a requirement.

you may need a garage to prevent theft

cost of operation:
its another mouth to feed 4sure, tires = race takeoffs, inexpensive

even the 600's are VERY fast
personal restraint and whether you wear helmet, jacket, gloves...will determine your safety.

gas mileage is moderate (30-40) but it can be reduced by 1/2 if ridden hard

weather, i dont like to ride <hi 30's, could extend the range dwn further with heated gear tho. use a summer jacket for temperatures >90's overall get light colored gear, nothing looks extra hot in summer like black

i have a 92 civic-vx for $2.4K as my d driver. i have a bike because its just sooo much fun, way more than the S. i think you have to appreciate this angle to own a sportbike because they are not the most practical at times. It is an addiction to most people.