Need info on buying a bike for my 19 y.o. son preferrably 250 cc less than $1,000.00

[mrgilmore at aol.com]

Hey guys,

I am trying to locate a used starter bike for my 19 son.  He is trying to get me to agree to his getting an SV 650 Suzuki for $1,000.00 right now.  I am being told this a great price for the bike.  I really prefer he get a Ninja 250 that's been dropped a few times but is in good working order otherwise.  

He has zero experience riding.  I am going to be teaching him plenty and he is enrolled in the motorcycle safety training course, which he says will also get him his motorcycle status on his license and an insurance discount when he successfully completes the course. Unlike me, who came up with motorcycles since I was 12 and riding little minibikes, Honda 50 cc, Yammy 80cc, Honda 125 cc etc, on my way up in farmers fields etc, before I ever got to street riding - he had been forbidden byhis mom to ride, period, but in her last days, she agreed that now he's 18, it'd be ok.   

I am fearful to lose my only kid, but I do not want to forbid him either.  I'd actually really like for him to become a rider, and it looks like he's on his way to doing it the right way.  

I am willing to drive a couple hundred miles to check out such a bike and bring it home.  I live in Los Angeles CA area.  I'd be willing to go it on trust with you guys in far flung areas of our country and ship it here, if you thought a good bike is available outside our area.

Anyone got anything in mind or have seen something that might fit this need?

Ron Jordan
red '95 Altadena, CA