first motorcycle, help me pick one Options

[Hanyo]

I know, i know; the very commonly asked "first bike question" but i need help finding a first bike.

I know about the 250/500 ninjas and the gs500f from Suzuki are all great beginners bikes. I'm really leaning towards a 2008+ 250 ninja because I like how short and light they feel.

But I have a few opinons from my other friends what to get. My friend tells me to get a older 600cc bike such as a 98 katana; My other friend is teling me to get a gs500f to start off with because i will get tired of the 250 real quickly.

My main use of this bike is to commute and I would eventually want to go on the highway with it.

Does anyone have a suggestion on a bike that is less then $3000 and is a good beginner bike (600cc)?

[Hanyo]

Bump for an update for who ever cares to read about this stuff.


So i've decided to either get a 2008 250 ninja for less then $3k or a 2006 ex650r for less then $3.8k. You can easily find those bikes for those prices on craigslist any time. Right now I'm just stock craigslist looking for the best deal.

I'm gonna wait till after Novemeber when people stop riding there bikes and are in a need for cash after christmas shopping.

We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck.

But I'm still open to new ideas on detune sport bikes that wont kill me on the road or desolate my wallet from insurance cost.