After hearing so many stories about new Toronto riders getting rates over 4 grand a year on something like a 250 ninja, I have to suggest at least getting your feet wet with a scooter. They can be a lot of fun, more than enough for the city, and perfect for generating an insurance history for a year or two that is affordable. So, just for a point of reference to start your insurance life as a young rider, consider the following: I live in a very high-rated area , so my car rates are brutal. I have been riding a long time, so my rates will be lower than you can get, but the scale should make my point. These are real rates, not random quotes from on-line applications.
1. Suzuki SV650 - 1121.00 per year
2. KLR 650 - 450.00 per year
3. Yamaha BW50 - $115.00 per year
For that matter, any dual sport is another option if a scooter doesn't work for you. I worked at a dealer, and believe me, the amount of young riders who come in, finance the crap out of a 250, gear, etc, is scary. Considering what they will pay to insure (full coverage too; mandatory on a financed bike), they are easily into 12 grand to start riding. Pretty foolish to get into that kind of debt on a seasonal toy.
1. Suzuki SV650 - 1121.00 per year
2. KLR 650 - 450.00 per year
3. Yamaha BW50 - $115.00 per year
For that matter, any dual sport is another option if a scooter doesn't work for you. I worked at a dealer, and believe me, the amount of young riders who come in, finance the crap out of a 250, gear, etc, is scary. Considering what they will pay to insure (full coverage too; mandatory on a financed bike), they are easily into 12 grand to start riding. Pretty foolish to get into that kind of debt on a seasonal toy.
