Negative rep taken care of. Take it easy guys. I'm just after a bunch of advice, and I appreciate all opinions. Until Optimo's post, I wasn't even aware of the fact that I could get something like the YZF 600r for under $4k, even under $3k, depending.

You do have a good point about wanting to move up too soon, so I'll try to see how much kick the 250 really has behind it before deciding. I'm really liking the idea of the YZF 600r though, looks great, price is good, mpg is good, and has enough kick to keep me occupied on it for a long time.



Now how to convince my wife of getting one...

 

This is why you never ride @ the limit on public roads. You not only endanger yourself, you endanger others!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5aHC...&feature=share

 

Great stuff Random, thanks! I'm trying to come up with a couple questions based on what you said, but I think you covered everything so well, there's not much to ask!

I'm 6'9" and 175lbs. Skin & bones. LOL



I'm reading through "A Twist of the Wrist" which is really good and watching as many youtube riding videos as possible. Hoping to do the MSF at some point too. You don't need your own bike for that, do you?

 

I believe the MSF provides bikes for all (if not, most) of their courses. Contact your local MSF office for details to be sure.



*EDIT* - They did for mine.

 

here in LA, you can get a 2002 R6 for $3600 (asking $3600, but you can get em down lower).

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcd/2513948595.html

Ninja 250's really hold their value. In LA, they go for 2800 and up, so nearly the price of that R6!

But, don't get sucked into the "more bike for the money". the Ninja 250R will still be worth the same price (nearly) 2 years from now. That R6 will be down to 2200 2 years from now. 600cc buyers usually want the "latest and greatest" so they drop in value fast. The Ninja 250 really holds it's value because it's always in demand.



You can get a Ninja 500R for $1400!(asking $1400, but you can get em down lower).

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/2462481707.html

Here is one for $1000 about 5 miles from my house!

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...502196666.html

The 500's don't hold their value as the 250's do, but you'll still be able to sell it for $1000 2 years from now!





My wife had a Ninja 250R. It is A LOT of fun. Even for me @ 6'1" and 230. You'll need to change to 2nd gear as you cross the intersection, but you can do 80+mph on one (90 is pushing it) and it will still out accelerate most cars with my fat azz on it. It's always more fun to ride a slow bike fast than to ride a fast bike slow. And @ first, you'll be riding slow. YOU BETTER! The 250 rev's to 15,000!!! the key to getting anywhere on that is to rev the snot out of it. It's perfect training for a 600/750/1000 inline-4 bike, as they are the same way.



If you don't like REVing the engine, look into a V-twin. Suzuki SV650/SV650S Suzuki V-Strom 650/1000, Honda Hawk GT, Honda VTR250R(very hard to find, and come in some horrible colors).



Splitting the difference between the high-reving 250/500/600/750/1000 inline engines and the low reving (10,000rpm) V-Twins are the parallel twins and triples.

The Suzuki GS500e/GS500F, Kawasaki Versys, Ninja650R. Triumph is the only company that makes triples (currently) and most are fairly high powered, or new(expensive) so I wouldn't reccomend them @ this time.



I also reccomend a naked bike (no fairings) over a fully faired bike. Or split the difference with a half faired model. the reason is that YOU WILL drop the bike. On a naked, you'll break a mirror, or a turnsignal (or both) and maybe a lever. Total cost to repair under $100. If you have a fully faired model, the repair costs can be $1000 and up. Or you then try to sell the bike with rashed body work which drops the value $1000-$1500....