Motorcycle madness

That time of the year again when I start thinking that I need to get a motorcycle. And this time I have the perfect excuse, gas prices.

But since I don't know how to ride to the point where I am comfortable on government roads I will have to take a class and test. Let me break down the total cost to see if this really makes sense:

Motorcyle permit: $30
Motorcycle class & test: $275
Motorcyle: <= $3K
Motorcycle insurance: No clue??

Assuming I pass the class and test I will be looking for something in the dirt cheap range with my spending limit being $3K and that is including sales tax, title and registration. With that price limit in mind, my skills as a rider, and the fact that I don't want anything older than a 2005 (ideally a 2006) would mean that I will be getting a used Kawasaki Ninja 250R. And from all the research that I have performed gas mileage looks to be in the 60mpg range. Hey, that is more than double what I do now in my 2 door coupe.

But hey, this will be a great entry level bike in which if it doesn't work out I won't be set back too much. Now the big issue is where will I be able to find a helmet to fit MY head??