[jpfjc]

Hi folks,
First time post so bear with me. Basically I am looking at "finally" getting started with some biking, and of course an R1, GSXR, CBR or a Ninja would be fantastic but the purse strings are going to dictate things for the next few months/years.
The IBT sessions are spendy enough but as a complete novice I can see the benefit of them. Then there's the gear......
Really want I'm look for is some ideas on insurance friendly bikes. Would be grateful for all or any suggestions. The only really guideline would be 250cc

Have been using Quinn's online quotes but it's taking me time to build up the list of bikes to quote.

Cheers

J

[Snoopy]

Something like a CB250 would be a good starter or even a restricted CB400, ER5, ER6,GS500.
Would depend on your size & weight and what you would be using it for a 250 might be a bit underpowered on a long commute.

[proinnsias]

Something comfortable - seriously

In your place about 4 years ago, I tried a handful of bikes that "fit" for size and the commute I had in mind, and settled on a Deauville for comfort (and commuter-friendly panniers).

Figure what you're after - sportsbikes seem to fit? Are you going to be commuting? Smaller modern engines are great for the city and some return fantastic MPG, bug I'm not sure I'd recommend a sports bike for commuting

Faired or naked - do you need weather protection - are you going to be a fair weather biker?

I'm sure you've already thought through some of these. Try a bunch on for size, and figure what you fit - no point being 17stone 6'4" on a ninja 250

Almost any bike can be restricted to learner legal levels - but some are cheaper to insure than others. Keeping the group low (check BBG / uk mags/sites for insurance groups) will help somewhat.

Oh, and enjoy

As for gear, don't go mad on day one, this might not be for you - buy good but inexpensive gear to start, you can always upgrade. It'd be a shame to have spent €2000 on gear you can't sell on if you don't like it after all !
Cotters and most other shops have "good but inexpensive" gear which offers infinitely more protection than anyone had 15 years ago - obviously premium stuff is better, but you're also paying for the brands.

P

[Sin]

Ninja 250. It's a great, comfortable and learner legal bike

[crispy]

proinnsias, on 25 January 2012 - 08:38 AM, said:

Something comfortable - seriously

In your place about 4 years ago, I tried a handful of bikes that "fit" for size and the commute I had in mind, and settled on a Deauville for comfort (and commuter-friendly panniers).

Figure what you're after - sportsbikes seem to fit? Are you going to be commuting? Smaller modern engines are great for the city and some return fantastic MPG, bug I'm not sure I'd recommend a sports bike for commuting

Faired or naked - do you need weather protection - are you going to be a fair weather biker?

I'm sure you've already thought through some of these. Try a bunch on for size, and figure what you fit - no point being 17stone 6'4" on a ninja 250 Almost any bike can be restricted to learner legal levels - but some are cheaper to insure than others. Keeping the group low (check BBG / uk mags/sites for insurance groups) will help somewhat.

Oh, and enjoy

As for gear, don't go mad on day one, this might not be for you - buy good but inexpensive gear to start, you can always upgrade. It'd be a shame to have spent €2000 on gear you can't sell on if you don't like it after all !
Cotters and most other shops have "good but inexpensive" gear which offers infinitely more protection than anyone had 15 years ago - obviously premium stuff is better, but you're also paying for the brands.

P

@ "proinnsias" I knew you were stalking me...... But it was an RGV250L.......

@ "jpfjc" Roughly what build are ye and what would you mostly be using it for?

This post has been edited by crispy: 25 January 2012 - 01:34 PM

[Darkcloud]

Snoopy, on 24 January 2012 - 11:06 PM, said:

Something like a CB250 would be a good starter

[wesifumi]

As stated,

what do you need it for?

My mate got his first bike, Bandit 400..first insurance was 500 odd euro with quinn..thats not bad, this saturday after a year and a half he is buying a cbr600f restricted, new quote €736.00.

So depending on your needs and what you can afford to pay for in insurance then you can pretty much have any good bike restricted.

SV650's that have been restricted via the ECU are absolutely brilliant.

also, we just sent a lad out of the office upto Megabikes this morn for his first set of bike gear, He got Helmet, Boots, gloves, Trousers spada Jacket and L bib for €400.00..can't go wrong with those kind of prices.

[junker87g]

wesifumi, on 25 January 2012 - 02:26 PM, said:

So depending on your needs and what you can afford to pay for in insurance then you can pretty much have any good bike restricted.

SV650's that have been restricted via the ECU are absolutely brilliant.

Agreed, riding a restricted SV atm and it's a great bike. I started out on 250s, the Sv doesn't have any more top end but it's got far more torque, which makes it much easier to live with.

The insurance for me is around €340. (22 year old, 3 years no claims, full licence)

This post has been edited by junker87g: 25 January 2012 - 02:47 PM

[jpfjc]

Well I clearly came to the right place, thanks so much for all the replies, some really helpful pointers there.
I realise I may have skimped on the details. Fit wise I'm about average height & weight, 5,9 about 11st (early 30's)
As for use, I cycle in to work (only exercise I get!!!!!) so really it'd be a weekend thing, maybe the odd run into town or a nice long spin, so i guess that would make me a fair weather biker

Great points re insurance groupings and that Megabike kit out is exactly the costing I was hoping to hear.

Still very early days, but have looked at the SV650 restricted, will ring round and get a few quotes on them.
The insurance assessment tests seem to make a good dint in the cost too.

Will keeping trying some more machines on for size and keep you posted.
Again thanks a mill for the responses.

J

[Empty One]

For me two key criteria when buying a bike to learn on and take the test on are is it really easy to ride, and will I be able to sell it on quickly. I don't recommend a bike with dropped bars like the SV for this. Riding round town is just that bit more difficult, visibility not so good. You won't fail your test just for putting a foot down when you are doing the U turn, but its a more difficult manoeuvre on a SV. The SV would be very saleable though.

I would go for a 500 with standard bars - easier to sell IMHO. I used a GS500 (nice seat height for you), but a CB500 is just as good and there are plenty of them out there, plus a few others to choose from. If you need to get a restrictor installed Poleon Motorcycles has a deal going where he has a stock of restrictors, he installs a used one on your bike and buys it back from you when you are finished with it. More info here (shhhhhhhh).

[petecourtney]

Empty One, on 26 January 2012 - 11:27 AM, said:

I would go for a 500 with standard bars - easier to sell IMHO. I used a GS500 (nice seat height for you), but a CB500 is just as good and there are plenty of them out there, plus a few others to choose from.

+1 I have a CB500 and find it to be the easiest bike to ride/manouvre of any bike I've ridden.

Empty One, on 26 January 2012 - 11:27 AM, said:

If you need to get a restrictor installed Poleon Motorcycles has a deal going where he has a stock of restrictors, he installs a used one on your bike and buys it back from you when you are finished with it. More info here (shhhhhhhh).

That sounds like a brilliant idea.

[Positron]

This time last year I was at the same situation as OP, and when I rang around to get insurance quote, I didn't see much different between 250cc and 600cc bikes. In fact half the insures wouldn't insure me on a 600cc on learner with 0 ncb - they either need 2 years ncb and/or a Grade 2. Anyway, of those who would insure me on 600cc, I found SV650 to be the cheapest, and Fazer600 the next best.

So, I ended up with Fazer 600, because they are not super expensive, has less plastic to break compared to SV, more comfortable for commuting / filtering and very easy and forgiving to drive, and powerful enough to get your license revoked.

PS: At this stage I am half thinking of changing it for a CBR 600F, but then again, but my back says No.

[Geoff7777777]

How about something a little bit left field, a MZ skorpion 660. Has the yamaha xt660 engine in it. It actually has very similar performance to the ninja 250, a bit more kick overall and defo a bit more exciting but nothing intimidating (ignore the 660cc, its a pretty soft engine-benifits from exhaust change K&N filter and dynojet kit)
I had the most fun on my 2002 one of these (have had various other bikes), commuted 90 miles a day for a year, had a fun summer, commuted again. Never broke or let me down except when a clutch cable snapped. luckily i carry a cable repair kit (8 euro- get one!!) enthusiastic riding will still return 50mpg and the tyres and c/s dont wear fast on this bike at all ive found. Keep and eye on the oil as it is a single though!
Has a half fairing, comfy enough, sporty enough, really cheap to insure. if you're below 21 call it a skorpion cup and bingo cheap insurance is yours!
A bike you can really push, rather than being miiiiiiiiiiiiiiles from the edge like many of us would be on full on sports bikes.
Incidentally i'l have on for sale soon if you're interested