Lookin to buy my first bike guys.

[daveholiday]

Preferably within 5 hours of Pittsburgh, in about any direction. I'd like to pay around $2k at the most, and preferably 95+, and a 500cc+. If nothing comes up, no big deal.

BTW
I really like the 95 CBR's.

 

[Celerity]

500+ cc bikes aren't "First bikes". I STRONGLY suggest you do the class first, and get to know the smaller displacements before marrying yourself to a more powerful bike.

Saying "I need at least a 600" when it's your first bike is like a 16 year old saying " I NEED a Ferrari for my first car", only the biker will get that fast bike and wreck / get scared on it and forget about riding anymore. The results are pretty much the same.

While some of the lower displacement bikes are ugly, they are getting better. And you can get a new 250 (Which believe it or not, with it's new technologies, SMOKES older 500 or cc bikes) for your range. And with a new bike you'll spend more time riding and less time repairing, which is the second key factor to long-term motorcycling satisfaction.

I'm too new to know what I want in a bike, learn lessons from me (Who pussy foots around town on a MONSTER of a sportbike because it's the wrong fucking bike for me)

 

[Celerity]

Also, this week I finished logging my first 10,000 miles. And with that many miles (I always ride) I FINALLY got the courage and skills to lift my ass off the seat of my 12 without blowing into the bushes. It's not too easy of a thing when your wrist is 1 mm between off and "holy shit, I'm leaving earth's orbit".

I took on a road I'm familiar with, and my ass was up the whole road. When I hit a bump I just now got the wrist feel to keep the throttle neutral. I also low sided the forks for a few centimeters out of a turn, so I overdid it too. I need new tires, I think.

 

[daveholiday]

You bring up some very valid points, and here's my standing arguement (or counterpoints, not really arguing, just making statements.)

First off, the bike I learned on was a 500. That GS500F I posted about before, that I was planning on getting but the deal went a little sour, and so here I am. I figured again, that learning on a 500, a 600 wouldn't be much different, but if I was going to spend the money, I didn't want to pay for something that is half of what I learned on, you know? Not to mention that say I get a brand new 250, and decide to sell it the next summer. I'm not getting anywhere near what I paid for it.

And then, there's the motorcycle guys down at Gatto's. The sales man tried the other day, to sell me more than anything a 250. He said that they will keep up with a 500 or 600, you just have to rev them harder. Now, thinking about this, and the fact that they have less tq, do I really want to spend the money on something brand new, that I'll have to rev the piss out of, even just to go up a hill? (Remember that I'm in PA, and my entire surroundings except for the highway is big hills.) He said I can just get a good pipe on it and it'll be good to go. Well here's the other thing: Motorcycle parts aren't cheap, so by the time I get my new pipe(s) on my 250, I'm over the price of a slightly used 500.

Then there's my counter-statement, on myself. Stating myself, that parts aren't cheap, makes me want to go with a new bike, so that I don't have to worry about fixing the old one.

I don't want anything, honestly, over a 600. I would take one, but I think I'd be in your position Cel, and be scared shitless. I can buy a GSXR for 2k right now, but I don't need a 1000. I say 600, because learning on a 500, I think I could handle a 600. But then again, there's that key-phrase, I think.

Gatto Cycle Shop has a pretty decent sounding promotion going on though,

*On approved Kawasaki Good Times™ credit card purchases. 8.99% APR and low monthly payments for 24 months. $49 payment for purchases up to $5,000; $69 over $5,000 - $7,500; $99 over $7,500 - $10,000; $129 over $10,000 - $15,000; or $169 over $15,000 - $20,000. The monthly payment may increase due to any debt cancellation or late payment fees. Thereafter, if your Account remains current, 13.99% APR and regular Minimum Monthly Payments apply. Standard Rate 17.8% APR. For Accounts not current, the promotion is cancelled, and the Default Rate 21.8% APR and regular Minimum Monthly Payments apply. Minimum Finance Charge $2. Certain rules apply to the allocation of payments and Finance Charges on your promotional purchase if you make more than one purchase on your Kawasaki Good Times™ credit card. Call 1-888-367-4310 or review your cardholder agreement for information. See dealer for complete details.

and it almost makes me want to just go get a brand new 500, for 69 a month. My tattoo will be done soon, which I've been comfortably throwing $300 at each paycheck, so I could for the most part do the same I think. It's just confusing.

I've also told my Dad in Cincinnati to keep an eye open, he's been riding bikes for years, and takes his R1 to the tracks every weekend between spring and fall, given weather permission.


I don't know. More input/any offers I guess?

 

[E_SolSi]

get a supermoto

the DRZ400SM is an inexpensive model that is very rewarding to ride and has excellent reliability and low maintenance

why buy a supermoto???
out handles any street bike out there
easy as hell to learn on and get comfortable with
more fun to ride "slow" than most sport/super bikes are to ride "fast"
will make you a MUCH better rider (you will learn to be fast through correct technique rather than compensating with power)
parts are cheap
they are designed to take crashes well
you can take them down fire roads and through the woods with no problem
they are very light compared to street bikes (easier to flick around)
they look damn cool

refer to this post https://hondaswap.com/motorcycles/some-motivational-posters-112803/#post954454

 

[E_SolSi]

only down side to supermotos is they tend to be TALL so if you are a stumpy legged bastard you might not be comfortable standing it up.... but they are really light so its not too hard to lean it to the side to get your foot down at a stop

 

[daveholiday]

Honestly, I don't wanna sound like one of the kids who come in here, ask for opinions, and then argue when they get them, but I guess I'm just not into the whole supermoto deal?

I did however, stop down at Gatto's again, and talked to the sales manager. I told him I possibly wanted to get a bike today, and we started talking. Turns out, granted my paperwork goes through, *crosses figers*, that I'll be riding on a brand new 2008 Ninja, 250. After thinking about what Cel said about the new 250's, and new bikes in general, and the noticeable price difference, I sat down and filled out the paper work for a bike that will cost me minimum $49 a month, for 24 months, which, in easy, I could have paid off by then.

These are the points that he made/agreed upon:
The 250's will run with the 500's, you just have to push them a little bit harder.
If you decide to resell, you can get more of your money back with a brand new 250, than a brand new or used 500+.
I am, all in all, a beginner, and if I get tired on a 250, I'll get tired on a 500, but we both agreed that I'm not ready for anything over a 600+, but of course the 600's are significantly more.
New design, looks much like their "Super Sport" bikes now, as opposed to the 500's, which kept their design.

The finance lady doesn't come in untill 12, but I have to be at work at 12, so I'll be getting a call. Final selling price is ~$3850, including all sales tax, government papers, etc.

Kawasaki 2008 Ninja® 250R Motorcycles
Information and Specs

They only have Red and the Signature Green, but, I honestly prefer the red.
Pics below from left to right: 2008 Ninja 250R, 2008 500R, 2008 ZX-6R

 

[Z6CRX]

I just saw a CBR posted for 2000 somewhere locally on craigslist. Might be in harrisburg.

 

[E_SolSi]

Honestly, I don't wanna sound like one of the kids who come in here, ask for opinions, and then argue when they get them, but I guess I'm just not into the whole supermoto deal?

no problem... most people arent (until they ride one )
i just wanted to throw it out there as another option to muddy up the water a bit more

 

[BigJ]

I had a gsxr600 for a first bike. I am a very conservative person. I hadn't had one speeding ticket, and I honestly didn't break the law, often.

At this. I'd suggest against it. My roommate had a 636 and dropped it coming up the driveway many times yet alone on the street. He simply liked to floor it and knew it wouldn't last, so he bailed when I did. (I was broke)

 

[civicious]

get a supermoto

the DRZ400SM is an inexpensive model that is very rewarding to ride and has excellent reliability and low maintenance

why buy a supermoto???
out handles any street bike out there
easy as hell to learn on and get comfortable with
more fun to ride "slow" than most sport/super bikes are to ride "fast"
will make you a MUCH better rider (you will learn to be fast through correct technique rather than compensating with power)
parts are cheap
they are designed to take crashes well
you can take them down fire roads and through the woods with no problem
they are very light compared to street bikes (easier to flick around)
they look damn cool

refer to this post https://hondaswap.com/motorcycles/some-motivational-posters-112803/#post954454

How do you figure a supermoto outhandles a streetbike?

 

[E_SolSi]

go ride one and see for yourself

 

[E_SolSi]

go ride one and see for yourself

actually let me qualify this a bit
if you are talking highway riding or loose corners (50mph+) a street bike will flat out walk away from a supermoto... mostly due to simply having more power and a higher top speed
on tighter more technical corners a supermoto is kinda like a lotus or a spec miata... it can hold a higher speed both into and through the corner, requires less braking, and later braking heading into the corner...

 

[Celerity]

Honestly, I don't wanna sound like one of the kids who come in here, ask for opinions, and then argue when they get them, but I guess I'm just not into the whole supermoto deal?

I did however, stop down at Gatto's again, and talked to the sales manager. I told him I possibly wanted to get a bike today, and we started talking. Turns out, granted my paperwork goes through, *crosses figers*, that I'll be riding on a brand new 2008 Ninja, 250. After thinking about what Cel said about the new 250's, and new bikes in general, and the noticeable price difference, I sat down and filled out the paper work for a bike that will cost me minimum $49 a month, for 24 months, which, in easy, I could have paid off by then.

These are the points that he made/agreed upon:
The 250's will run with the 500's, you just have to push them a little bit harder.
If you decide to resell, you can get more of your money back with a brand new 250, than a brand new or used 500+.
I am, all in all, a beginner, and if I get tired on a 250, I'll get tired on a 500, but we both agreed that I'm not ready for anything over a 600+, but of course the 600's are significantly more.
New design, looks much like their "Super Sport" bikes now, as opposed to the 500's, which kept their design.

The finance lady doesn't come in untill 12, but I have to be at work at 12, so I'll be getting a call. Final selling price is ~$3850, including all sales tax, government papers, etc.

Kawasaki 2008 Ninja® 250R Motorcycles
Information and Specs

They only have Red and the Signature Green, but, I honestly prefer the red.
Pics below from left to right: 2008 Ninja 250R, 2008 500R, 2008 ZX-6R

YES You made the RIGHT choice. The 250 really ISN'T that slowly over the 500 - the new designs are AWESOME, and the engine can do so much more. IT's what now, 45 hp this year ? That's what the GSR600 put out in the early 90s. You know, the new tech has made leaps and bounds, right now we are at the beginning of the golden age of motorbiking. The new tech out there makes so much happen from so little input.

The 08 250 is different than the 07. The 07 was a 20+ year old design, as is the GSR500 and ninja 500. The next gen of 500 will be neat, but the redesign made the 250 the best out there.

As far as maintanence, no way. New is tough. I can't even see the top of my zx12 because my frame is totally sealed around it. Any work on that bike is major work. But that's the way good design is: It's compact and wastes no space.

As far as the resale on the 250 - it actually DOESN'T go down ! If you keep it free of scratches and take care of (Respect it) you'll get your money for it. I traded my 250 in AT THE DEALERSHIP I bought it from - and they gave me $200 more than I PAID !

Now, for that 250, you'll want to consider your break in. That's the toughest part for a new rider.

But if you can get this 250, you'll love every second of it. It's SO much more than it's competitors. I miss mine totally, and may still trade my zx12 back for it. or my GPZ. Dunno, it's stupid having two sportbikes.

 

[Celerity]

Also, with a 250 I can take out liter bikes ridden by your typical rider in the twisties. An easy bike to ride means you'll master it sooner and be better at the bars. And when it comes to actually tearing up corners, the bike doesn't matter - the rider does.

 

[get_nick]

YES You made the RIGHT choice. The 250 really ISN'T that slowly over the 500 - the new designs are AWESOME, and the engine can do so much more. IT's what now, 45 hp this year ? That's what the GSR600 put out in the early 90s. You know, the new tech has made leaps and bounds, right now we are at the beginning of the golden age of motorbiking. The new tech out there makes so much happen from so little input.

As far as the resale on the 250 - it actually DOESN'T go down ! If you keep it free of scratches and take care of (Respect it) you'll get your money for it. I traded my 250 in AT THE DEALERSHIP I bought it from - and they gave me $200 more than I PAID !

Now, for that 250, you'll want to consider your break in. That's the toughest part for a new rider.

But if you can get this 250, you'll love every second of it. It's SO much more than it's competitors. I miss mine totally, and may still trade my zx12 back for it. or my GPZ. Dunno, it's stupid having two sportbikes.

holy shit, 45 hp? the 2006 i had only had 27 hp and it was a blast to ride. 20 more hp is huge on that bike. makes me want to get a new one.

as for the bike, great choice. just take car of it. i bought mine, rode it for a year and sold it for $150 less than i paid. then i upgraded to a 2007 R6. the 250 was a great bike to learn on. i want to get one for my gf.

 

[daveholiday]

YES You made the RIGHT choice. The 250 really ISN'T that slowly over the 500 - the new designs are AWESOME, and the engine can do so much more. IT's what now, 45 hp this year ? That's what the GSR600 put out in the early 90s. You know, the new tech has made leaps and bounds, right now we are at the beginning of the golden age of motorbiking. The new tech out there makes so much happen from so little input.

The 08 250 is different than the 07. The 07 was a 20+ year old design, as is the GSR500 and ninja 500. The next gen of 500 will be neat, but the redesign made the 250 the best out there.

As far as maintanence, no way. New is tough. I can't even see the top of my zx12 because my frame is totally sealed around it. Any work on that bike is major work. But that's the way good design is: It's compact and wastes no space.

As far as the resale on the 250 - it actually DOESN'T go down ! If you keep it free of scratches and take care of (Respect it) you'll get your money for it. I traded my 250 in AT THE DEALERSHIP I bought it from - and they gave me $200 more than I PAID !

Now, for that 250, you'll want to consider your break in. That's the toughest part for a new rider.

But if you can get this 250, you'll love every second of it. It's SO much more than it's competitors. I miss mine totally, and may still trade my zx12 back for it. or my GPZ. Dunno, it's stupid having two sportbikes.

Right, and I'm definitely hoping I can get my hands on it. I got no word today, good or bad, so we'll wait and see how tomorrow goes. I also talked to my buddy who had an 06(?) 250R and he said the one and only complaint he had was that sometimes it was a rough start in the cold, because of the carbs, but other than that, he said it was probably his favorite bike yet, which even more secured my thoughts on the bike.

I guess now we'll just have to get it into my possession. If they call tomorrow, with good news, I can probably get ahold of it Monday, maybe Tuesday at the latest.

Keep your fingers crossed

 

[Celerity]

holy shit, 45 hp? the 2006 i had only had 27 hp and it was a blast to ride. 20 more hp is huge on that bike. makes me want to get a new one.

as for the bike, great choice. just take car of it. i bought mine, rode it for a year and sold it for $150 less than i paid. then i upgraded to a 2007 R6. the 250 was a great bike to learn on. i want to get one for my gf.

35, sorry.

 

[Celerity]

If it wasn't for my riding the 250 for the many many many miles that I did, the ZX12 would have killed me (Or I, would have killed me on the 12) And what I do on the 12 is nothing more than I do on a 600 (I never use with that motor can do). Especially the low speed stuff. The 250 is so easy at low speeds, that I thought everything was like that.

 

[jp_p5]

As far as I am concerned 250 500 are a waste of time. you are going to out grow it. And anyone that tells you ( you are not ready for a 600 ) or anything higher is a fucking retard. As long as you have some common sense to know what you are riding and don't take it for granted you will be fine. My first bike was a 2000 ZX9R. Rode it for 4 seasons and I used that bike for my test. I always say " It all depends on how much you crack that throttle".