Hit Before Even Riding, Heads Up to Newbies

I'm sure that very high figure is for full coverage. There are a few things you might want to try first before giving up on motorcycling.

1. Shop around - Rates can vary VASTLY from company to company. Some companies don't want the hassle of insuring sportbikes, and their rates show it.

2. I would NOT go with the state minimums or a fly-by night company. Insurance is there for when you really need it. If you have an accident and a judgement goes against you, it could absolutely wipe you out, financially.

3. Consider a different class of bike. Sportbikes are sexy and tempting, but they are expensive. Not just the cost of the bike, but (as you found out) insurance, and the incidentals, like tires, brake rotors, chains, etc.

Personally, I'm fond of dual-sport bikes. A used one can be picked up fairly inexpensively. Insurance on them is LOW since they aren't on the thieves, cops, or insurance company's radar screens. Fit a set of semi-sticky tires on comething like a KLR650 and you'll be hopping off curbs with a big dopey grin on your face in no time.

Spend a couple of years on that. Hopefully, by that time, you've been a good boy and that record will be cleaned up. Perhaps the economy will be better and maybe your financial picture, as well. You can re-visit the sportbike realm with a clean record, and important rider experience.



Oh, and beware of the 'bargain' bike. The sales price may be only half the story. The bike may need tires, chain/sprockets, bearings, engine work, seals/gaskets, you name it. That leaves you with a $1500 bike that may need $1500 more to make it right. No matter what you buy, unless you know what you're doing, have the owner take the bike to your dealer/mechanic and pay the shop $50 to give it a look over. It could save you a TON of money in the long run.



You may not get exactly what you want, but at least you're out there. Good luck!

dmcelvain hit it on the head.....

1) Shop around!

2) If used, aviod having damage protection for your bike, but have high limits on everything else.

3) Buy a non-faired bike, 600cc or less

4) Have a 2nd opinion befroe buying aused bike.

5) I'm a recruiter in L.A. Unless you are in I.T., there are MANY jobs out there. ( If you are in I.T., you are screwed )

Good luck!!!

Responsible 25 Year Old? Is there such a thing?

WTF?! With a "dirty" driving record! And you want to get a CBR600F2? It's newbies like you (young, inexperienced and on a bike that is more than you can handle, living in a congested city) that drove up the rates for the rest of the motorcyclists (and that is the same for the "old" newbies, too!). How about getting a dual-sport, like a Suzuki DR350, or KLR650? I pay $75 a year for insurance on my DR350. Of course, I turn 39 tomorrow and that might have something to do w/it. Plus, I don' t live in LA anymore. You'll be surprised how well they corner in the twisties and they will teach you how to maintain your cornering speed w/momentum rather than twisting the throttle/hitting the brake, i.e. you'll be smoother in the corners. If you are really hardcore, find a supermoto. It will outperform that CBR in everthing but dragracing/top speed. You'll have a better chance of surviving and "maturing" as a motorcyclist. I like your choice of bike, but, as I recall, it was stolen quite a bit and wrecked a lot by the riders who bought them, hence high insurance rates. How about a used Honda 650 Hawk? At 230 lb, torque is more important than HP. I can relate, I'm 6'-0" and 235lb. You could move out of LA or even California.

Good luck!

Singles and Twins Forever!

The shop around comment rings so true. When I had a quote done by progressive for my KLR650 they wanted $4000 a year (my BMW $6000). Little shopping and I found full coverage for $274 a year. On a used bike you can get just PL and PD but I would highly recommend uninsured motorists coverage just to cover your own butt. Also like someone else suggested run the highest limits you can get. The 15/25 or less minimums the state requires is just too little. I run 100/300 for only about $50 more a year. Also if you have a car adding your bike to your existing policy gets you discounts at many places. Especially if its "Part time" or 2cnd vehicle coverage.

Call a few of the local shops and see what companies they recommend. Some companies go by CC's only and some go by bike type. With bike type companies you could insure a bandit 1200 cheaper than a race rep 600 yet we all know the Bandito Grande is one stonkin bike. Just keep looking, affordable coverage is out there.

On the plus side as a newbie the fear of your coverage skyrocketing may keep you from doing something stupid. Which in turn will greatly aid in you not becoming a statistic.



Ride safe and good luck! Welcome to the club.

My TL100S cost $40 a year to insure. No I do not have theft or collision on it. Too expensive. I insure myself. I can afford to crash/lose the bike and eat it instead of paying exhorbitant insurance. We have ourselves to blame. Too many squids throwing away brand new liter bikes they have no business being on.



Riding a GSXR1000, for example, is a rich man's game due to insurance costs. No, not to pay the rates, no way I would hand that money over. It is expensive as the only way I would do it is to buy the bike for cash and carry only liability on it. Crash it and I am SOL, but I am willing to write the check, ride well and assume the risk.



The only flaw in my cool plan (other than paying cash) is if some uninsured person in a jalopy car takes me out, wrecks my bike and injures me. Then I am screwed.



Ride well, that is the answer. Street riding is a high risk untertaking, make no mistake about it. Go in with your eyes open.