Hey
My name is Alex and I have been interested in riding since beforeI can remember. Im about to be 19 years old.I come from the typical family whose Dad is an ex rider and whose mother thinks they are machines of death. Im trying to decide what the best route to take in learning to ride and purchasing a motorcycle. I have my heart set on a 2002-2001 CBR F4i. I know about taking the msf course and I plan on taking it in the fall. As of now, I have noriding experience. I plan on riding for pleasure and to commute sometimes, but I also have a primary vehichle (Cage).

What I would like to know is how much I should budget for insurance, gear, and the motorcycle all together? Whats the best time to buy a motorcycle, and do you know of any local places in KC metro who sell used motorcycles?

Thanks.

Al

Alex

 

I have an 01 f4i and I am from the kc metro area and I can tell you that most places will try to rip you off. Do not go to shawnee cycle plaza cause they are the primo stealership in the city. Look in the paper cause that is where I found mine. As for the msf course, where are you located in kc? Most cities have a local college or mall that has them pretty frequently through october. I took mine at KCKCC.

 

I live in Lenexa, I believe there isa course at the Great Mall. Where do you live?

 

To help you budget your money for insurance, the best way to go about it is to start getting quotes through insurance companies, or see if your current insurance company offers a multi vehicle discout of some type. As far as gear, what do you plan on getting? Leather jacket? Mesh jacket? Plan on getting riding gloves, a helmet? Leather jacket can cost anywhere from $350-450 or even more. Gloves depending on what kind you get anywhere from $40-60 more or less. Helmet will cost you ~$200. Start shopping online for gear or going to a local shop and try some gear on and what not.

As far as best time to buy, I don't think there's any real good best time. The whole buying in winter deal because it's not in season I think is more of a sales pitch lol.

 

Gear - $1000
Bike - Used F4i's should be 4K or less (i wouldn't pay more than that)
Insurance - depends on your record, but you're young...1200 a year, max.

As far as getting your parents approval, you won't. But seeing as you're an adult, it's your choice to make. You can tell them you've gon ethrough all the steps of legally owning and operating a bike (getting endorsed, insurance, med insurance) and have taken the MSF. After that there's not much he can do, besides kick you out of the house, which is his right b/c it's his house.

Still, i notice that parents are generally unsupportive of motorcycles, but don't do anything drastic when their kid comes home with one.

 

Dont you have local craigslist? If you're careful thats the best deal.
Gear will go up to 700-800 unless you spend time on ebay and craigslist, and not worry about brand names too much.

Make sure the F4i isnt near a service milestone. Most costly to service is tire change...

 

my first helmet was a HJC CL-SP helmet and i got it for $125. I just bought a Joe Rocket Honda CBR mesh jacket for $160. gloves are like 40-80 bucks. my insurance is $80 a month for full coverage on a 02 F4i

 

I live in KCK. I took my class at the community college but my dad took his at the great mall. He was very happy with it. Great instructors and very informative. If it was me I would take the class first then look for a bike.