Brand new here

[aimproject]

I am brand new to bikes. So far I think the gsx-r600 would be the best starting bike for me. I still havent figured out the differences for the year models yet.

What other costs am I looking at for equipment (helmet, jacket, etc) and other stuff like that?

[Bredebee]

At your age you might wanna check out the cost of insurance for that bike, and I am sure everyone else will fill in the details for you about that bike

[fishnride]

ummmmmmmmmm - no, the GSX-R600 is not the best bike for you. Please don't take this wrong, but here in FL we are burying guys your age everyday who thought the same thing.

I know the 250's don't have the pussy magnet power like the 600's. Why not try a Kawi Ninja 500R? Cool bike - nice performance, and none of those 'Oh My God this is too fast' features.

I don't know much, but I do know that the GSX-R600 is not for you. The GSX-R600 is right around 105 hp at the wheel, with a power to weight ratio that you've never experienced. The acceleration is blinding and you will be just along for the ride as a doomed passenger. Please consider another bike - I hate reading stories in the Rider Down section, and I've been on too many Memorial Rides for riders who died and left family behind.

Anyway - on to your question. Figure $1,000 for proper gear if you are determined to ride responsibly. Helmet, Jacket, gloves, pants, and boots are the minimum for you. Jacket, pants, and gloves must be leather. My suggestions:

Alpinestars Boots SMX-R
Joe Rocket Blaster 2.0 perforated pants
Joe Rocket Speedmaster jacket
HJC AC-12 in any paint job - nice, light, a little loud. Use an iPod
Joe Rocket Speedmaster 5.0 gloves

Of course, there is that MotoGP Corkscrew jacket on sale for $130 at Newenough.com - awesome deal

[Shawn3210]

insurance is going to kill you dude, if the bike doesn't first...

[CBRAWR]

the minimum amount you'll spend on decent gear is probably $600

you can easily spend $600 on leather jacket/pants....i personally wouldnt spend any less than $150 on a helmet, if i could go back and get a different one than i have, i'd do it in a heartbeat, then you need gloves, boots, protective armor (if the leathers dont have it already)

[F&D]

Originally Posted by aimproject

I am brand new to bikes. So far I think the gsx-r600 would be the best starting bike for me. I still havent figured out the differences for the year models yet.

And what/who would you be making you think a GSX-R600 would be the best starting bike for you? Please, read the sticky posts on first bike choices here in this forum.

To summarize: Forget the gixxer 600, or any modern I4 600 sportbike.

What other costs am I looking at for equipment (helmet, jacket, etc) and other stuff like that?

As others have mentioned, $600-$1000 for an initial set of decent gear.

[blueyes34]

welcome and you would do good to listen to those guys

[RayOSV]

Yep, too much bike for a first. 0 - 60 in 3.x seconds and 0 - dead almost as fast. Especially in SOCAL. Get an insurance quote. You may be shocked, but there's a reason why it's so high.

Also agree on the gear. About $800 will set you up pretty well for starters with a helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves.

Start with the MSF course then see how you feel about it.

And welcome to SBN!!

[HarvesterUT]

Get a smaller CC bike.....TRUST ME! Ninja 500s are slick bikes...and Ninja 250s are a dime a dozen and GREAT beginner bikes. YOU WILL drop that thing...ur run into something...or slip and fall on oil...or lose control in a turn.

The good thing about Ninja 250s? They hold 95% of their value no matter the year! Find a solid 2-3 year old Ninja 250 for $2000 and ride it to death. Take the MSF course, ride that lil mofo all day and night. Get used to how bikes handle. When you want to sell it....I bet you can get $1700 for it...even with x,xxx miles on it.

As for gear...don't skimp and get el cheapo stuff. Get a good $150-250 helmet, a good jacket, some riding BOOTS, and overpants. They dont have to be leather. Better to ride in quality textile than nothing at all.

After you have fallen and skinned your ego a few times come back and find a good used gsxr600 to stunt on LOL! (jk)

[TS80]

Originally Posted by fishnride

HJC AC-12 in any paint job - nice, light, a little loud. Use an iPod

Good post, only gripe is this part.

Earplugs. Save your hearing. Earplugs are one of the most overlooked parts of gear and one the most important. Good gear will save you IF you crash, no matter how quiet the helmet, riding above 50mph will damage your hearing permanently whether you crash or not.

Every time you get on the bike you're damaging your hearing if you don't use plugs.

According to studies, you can ride an average noise level helmet on a touring bike with a tall windshield for 15 minutes at 50mph before you start losing your hearing.

Also according to studies, at speeds above 30mph, earplugs isolate wind noise enough that you can actually hear BETTER than without them. Sirens, other cars, horns, etc are all heard better with plugs in because it's not hidden by wind noise.

[fishnride]

Great point TS80 - forgot about earplugs - I use either earplugs or in the ear headphones with an MP3 player.

[aimproject]

What about the Suzuki GS500? Would this be a decent starting bike? I want a bike that looks "good" in my opinion, but I plan on taking your advice and starting with a lower end bike, instead of the 600. And thanks for the info on the other equipment

[Half-fast Rider]

The GS500 is a good starter bike. If you like the looks, go for it. Overall, the Ninja 500 is better in terms of performance and features. Either one is fine for a beginner, though.

Ditto the above on gear, though I'd argue that you don't have to spend $150 or more on a helmet. Look for a DOT sticker and comfort. If you find a $75 helmet fits properly and is comfortable, it'll be okay. I'm using an HJC CL14 that was $120.

[VermillionX]

My vote goes to the GS. I had one before the Duc. I loved it. I was thinking if I could afford another bike I would get another 500. That thing was just so much fun. It will be along time before you could ride that to its potential. So there is no need to worry in that department.

[aimproject]

is there anyway to get my insurance cheaper? Im going to take classes, get my m-1 license, etc, BUT my insurance is still around $8,000 a year, and thats without very much collision coverage. Or am i going to have to wait until i get a little bit older and more experienced behind the wheel?