I'm gonna get one used... with not too terribly many miles on it. I'm looking at either a 250cc or a 300. I don't have any experience with riding except for a dirt bike that I rode up and down a country road when I was 16. I'm 21 now, I weigh 140 pounds and I do plan on taking the MSF course. I do plan on riding the shit out of it eventually, but for now just learning. I have amazing balance and driving skills, and I'm wondering if I should actually start out with more power and just not use all of that power at first and train my way in to it. Anyone here ride? How much is insurance? Less or more than car insurance? Should I really start out with something so weak? I fear that I'll get bored of it in a matter of months.
Motorcycle insurance is cheap except for collision coverage. Usually most states (such as here in California) require only liability insurance, and that should be really cheap on a bike... definitely cheaper than on a car. I have liability and comprehensive on my 2005 VFR800 interceptor, it's only $700 a year. I didn't get collision because it's too expensive. Reason is probably because a lot of motorcyclists get into little accidents like dropping their bikes at low speeds.
Insurance is pretty cheap here in Sweden so I suppose it's cheaper in the US aswell. Anyhow, I think a 250cc four-stroker is too small, I mean that is as much power as a 125cc two-stroke light MC. So a 600+cc bike is worth getting, it is not very hard to drive and I promise you that you will not regret having a heavier bike! I am planning on buying a new supermotard for next summer with either 525cc or 700cc!
I have a few bikes, my main is a 650 suzuki sports bike. insurance is free because i don't have any. I've spent a bit over $3000 this year on speeding fines and my license is currently suspended for another 7 months. :/ motorcycles are the best things ever invented, have fun man