Motorcycle riders?

Motorcycle riders?

I'm looking to start riding a motorcycle. It's makes traveling to school much easier especially in this dang LA Traffic. I know i'm getting way ahead of myself but do any of you guys know a lot about motorcycles?

like
250cc a big enough engine?
where can i find a good deal...
recommend manufacturers?
Who's the cheapest???

stuff like that =D

Thanks ahead of time

How much can you spend? Are you looking to buy new? 250 is a bit small, but Kawasaki's Ninja 250 R is a great performer for $2999. Available colors: Metallic Nocturne Blue/Pearl Chateau Gray, Galaxy Silver/Ebony or Pearl Chrome Yellow/Pearl Chateau Gray.
http://www.kawasaki.com/index2.asp (Click on 'MOTORCYCLES' - 'NINJA™SPORTBIKES', then select 'Ninja™ 250R'.)

yeah, i was looking at that one or maybe the yamaha virago 250.

Do you know the difference between sportbike and streetbike?

I'm thinking I can
A:
Buy a used bike sub 1000 dollars. Then saving up for a nice 500cc bike

B:
Get a new 250cc bike



Do you ride?

Thanks!

Yeah I do ride a 2002 Yamaha WR426F (competition enduro) made street legal. It's a hell of a wild ride, powerful, great suspensions and very versatile for on and off road stints. I've owned a Yam DT175, Kaw KDX 250, Hon CB750, Kaw GPZ 550, Kaw KZ 750 SS and Kaw ZX6, then a 10 year break...
The Ninja 250 would be much more bike than the Virago 250, and for $500 less. You could also consider a used Ninja 500R ($4899 new).

if you want to go balls out, used hayabusa's run around 5-7k. 10 sec 1/4 mile

Yeah, looks like the Ninja 250 is the best value. I think it's the cheapest 250 bike brand new. I'm too hesistent to buy a used bike, I don't know enough to buy a safe one.

But wow you've owned quite a few bikes.... I see a 250 cc in there, do you still own it? I hear 250cc bikes are fun kinda like our corollas =D

I also prefer buying new, even if I can determine a used bike's condition. My 1982 KDX 250 (competition enduro) was bought new, then sold in '84. It was a good size for a 2 stroke dirt bike... As a new motorcycle owner, you would do quite well on the sporty Ninja 250 R, with it's excellent handling and 14000 RPM DOHC parallel twin.

Isnt 250 pretty small for a rocket? I thought most of them were 600's. All iv ever seen is 600's and larger. Im not much of a bike fenatic thou so i dont know this sutff. My friend almost got a new Hyabusa (sp?) but went for the GSX instead i think, not sure i just know its a 600 Suzuki. I think the Hyabusa was a little too expensive, and it scared him a little, lol.