New Member, New Rider!

RuralRider

RuralRider

New member
Hey guys, my names Steve I'm about 15 minutes from the hammer in a more rural part of the province am new to street riding.

I am 17 years old (Kinda young, I know) but have ridden dirt bikes since the age of 5 and raced them since 11, I have also dabbled into the world of track racing back when I was 12-14, I didn't enjoy it as much as MX so I decided to give it up. I am currently in the market for a 250 because of the astronomical insurance prices on anything higher (I rode 125 & 250 2-stroke track bikes at 13, so I believe that I could handle a bit more power but realize that street riding is a fair bit different then track so i'm compromising).

Ever since I was little I have been fascinated by anything with an engine, In fact, my first word was Truck (Pronounced FFF-ruck, to my parents surprise). I always took apart things until my dad got me my first XR50, I proceeded to make it NOT work many, many times until I learned more about it. Now that I have given you some knowledge about myself, perhaps I could get some information off of you guys. Recently I have grown/caught the street riding bug. I can't stop thinking about all the advantages and disadvantages of a bike over a truck or otherwise.

I'm much more mechanically inclined than my friends, even those that rode with me so I am open to anything in terms of age for a first bike. I made this post for two reasons: To introduce myself as a member of GTAM and to get some answers about gear, bikes, insurance etc.

Some of the bikes I am looking at in my budget of $4000 (+1000 for insurance, minimally) are:

Most Interested:
- Yamaha FZR250's (I have found three, love the sound of I4's)
- Honda CBR250RR's (I have found one, ^)
- Yamaha WR250X (I have my MX bike so I'm not sure about this one, but I like the WR's)

Lesser so:
- 2008+ Kawasaki Ninja 250's
- Honda CBR250R's
- Hyosung GT250R's
- DRZ400 (I've put this one low because I would assume it costs more in insurance, right?)

Gear(If there is a better alternative or other options feel free to comment):
- Helmet: HJC C-16, My old shoei track helmet doesn't fit :(
- Jacket: Alpinestars Viper-Air
- Gloves: Alpinestars SMX-2
- Pants: Dainese D6 Kevlar jeans
- Boots: Alpinestars SM-X 1 or Fastlane Shoes

I've tried on alpine gear and their fit is perfect for me, not really a brand snob so suggest away!


As for insurance, I have no idea. Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks for getting to know me and helping me along!
-Steve
 
Welcome!!
Wheelie.gif
 
Budget for closer to $3000 for insurance unless you're hopping on your parent's policy (frowned upon)

The older japanese bikes aren't noob-friendly for insurance either but since you have the mechanical know-how if you want one go for it.

Your best bet is to stick to (relatively) modern 250s and call Desjardins, don't bother with anyone else at your age.

As for helmets, any DOT approved helmet is "good enough" so get something that fits perfect and you like wearing.

The Hyosung should be avoided, 2 members recently had their engines go boom.

Aside from that, at your age expect some shtick from members, don't get caught up in flame wars and READ THE STICKIES
 
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I love my Dainese gear but it is pretty expensive. You could check out Riders Plus. They are fairly reasonable.
 
Welcome! Just for your question about the DRZ 400 S(M), it may cost a little more but nothing crazy. I own one and love it, feels like a big 50 on the road. But good job thinking logically and staying away from 600's, though, I'm sure you could handle it but with the price of insurance-same reason I haven't dipped into them yet.
 
Macs said:
Budget for closer to $3000 for insurance unless you're hopping on your parent's policy (frowned upon)

The older japanese bikes aren't noob-friendly for insurance either but since you have the mechanical know-how if you want one go for it.

Your best bet is to stick to (relatively) modern 250s and call Desjardins, don't bother with anyone else at your age.

As for helmets, any DOT approved helmet is "good enough" so get something that fits perfect and you like wearing.

The Hyosung should be avoided, 2 members recently had their engines go boom.

Aside from that, at your age expect some shtick from members, don't get caught up in flame wars and READ THE STICKIES
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What is going on your parents policy? And why is it frowned upon? Is it legal?
 
Welcome. Nice to see a younger new member with some common sense. Your bike selection is one of those things only you can figure out. Everyone likes what they like. As for gear, alpinestars makes some great stuff. Icon, teknic and even ss is also easier on the pocket with some great products. :thumbup:
 
welcome , i started riding when i was 9 and now 18 so u have alot of riding time on u should be a good ride on the streets
 
RuralRider said:
What is going on your parents policy? And why is it frowned upon? Is it legal?
Click to expand...

Where the ownership is in their name, the policy is in their name but the company knows you're an "occaisional user". It is illegal (misrepresentation at best, fraud at worst) unless your parents ride the bike more than you.
 
Macs said:
Where the ownership is in their name, the policy is in their name but the company knows you're an "occaisional user". It is illegal (misrepresentation at best, fraud at worst) unless your parents ride the bike more than you.
Click to expand...

What about if they ownership is in their name, but the policy is in mine? Would it be any cheaper? Won't they have to cosign anyway because i'm underage? Just wondering why insurance company's make it so damn hard for any young rider to ride. How about a 1979 Yamaha RD400 or '88 Honda NT 650; because of the different classification (not a sport bike) would they by cheaper? If there isn't anything policy-wise to be had for under 2000-2500/year then i'll just go back to riding MX and lurking; can't afford a bike, insurance and good, safe gear on top of my dirtbikes :/.
 
RuralRider said:
What about if they ownership is in their name, but the policy is in mine? Would it be any cheaper? Won't they have to cosign anyway because i'm underage? Just wondering why insurance company's make it so damn hard for any young rider to ride. How about a 1979 Yamaha RD400 or '88 Honda NT 650; because of the different classification (not a sport bike) would they by cheaper? If there isn't anything policy-wise to be had for under 2000-2500/year then i'll just go back to riding MX and lurking; can't afford a bike, insurance and good, safe gear on top of my dirtbikes :/.
Click to expand...

Call around and see, sadly it's unlikely. Your first year, you're going to be paying a lot because lack of experience. I went with TD insurance when I was 19, had my M1, 0 years driving experience, and paid $4000.00/year fora 2012 Honda CBR 250RA. One year later, I changed my policy to Dalton Timmis and now pay $2300/year for a DRZ 400SM.
 
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