dont you think 1000 is a little overkill? its not like your racing, i think 600 would be the best (imo)

I can be sometimes though I like have the power at my fingertips. I also do agree with you on a 600. A 600cc bike brings a S***ton of fun.

While I will always be most partial towards Harley-Davidsons I do like the look of the motorcycle you profiled above, and it looks like a lot of fun to ride!

How much does one of those Honda motorcycles cost? Is insurance for motorcycles Downstate reasonable, or are the rates pretty high?

Well this one being an 08 cbr600, was 8K. But the new ones from the factory can run around 11.5K and don't even get me started on the insurance. The insurance alone is worth more than the bike.

In light of the price difference between the used and new bike not really being a huge difference, then I would definitely go with the new bike especially if one can make a large downpayment and get access to low financing. $12,000 is not awful for the bike you had pictured, and it would definitely be worth it if you are into that sort of thing and since you all Downstate have a lot of wide open roads unlike the congestion we have here in Chicagoland.

It does not surprise me that insurance is so high on motorcycles. Especially with the number of accidents involving motorcylces I am sure insurers probably view those things as a high risk, and with your being 18 you are going to be considered an extremely high risk. I am sure when you get older (25+) you will find that motorcycle rates will be much lower because insurance companies tend to think that males around that age are starting families and their careers and will be a lot less prone to taking risks unlike folks between 18-25.

Exactly!