new bike suggestions

stanton3 · 07-02-2012, 08:37 PM

Hey guys, need some opinions on a first bike.

I'm 18 years old, 6'2 and about 175. I grew up throughout elementary school riding dirt bikes up until my teens when I ran out of time. Also have ridden mountain bikes for a little while. I would say i'm pretty comfortable on two wheels, also no problems with clutch/shifting. I'm sure riding on the street presents a whole new set of challenges but I have most of the basics, I think.

I am starting college this fall so this bike would be used to commute some and just joy riding on back roads.

My budget right now is $3500, but can/will be higher since i'm working.

Right now i'm leaning towards buying a 600 up front, and just being really careful at first while growing into it.

Any ballpark figures on what insurance would be for a person my age? On my own, not on parents policy.

What do you guys think? Thanks for the help!

Dodsfall · 07-02-2012, 08:55 PM

I'd recommend avoiding the inline 4 engines and racing brakes like the 600s have. A twin-cylinder will be much more forgiving to learn on. (and cheaper on insurance)

A local MSF course will help you get started with street riding and also bypasses the state exams in most areas of the US.

Massey · 07-03-2012, 01:23 AM

Here is my $.02 take it if you want it, leave it if not.

Dont start with a 600 unless you are going with a cruiser style bike. If you are looking at a sport bike then start in the 250 range. There are a couple of reasons for my saying this. First off your age and lack of onroad driving experience. Getting a smaller bike will give you signifigantly lower insurance rates and the smaller bike will still have plenty of power to get you into trouble with.

I already know you already know everything and that you know that the 250 will eventually be too small of a bike for you. Yes yes I have heard this all before, and we just reciently had a whole knockdown drag out thread with a young rider asking what bike he should get. But by the time the 250 is not enough power for you, you will have enough experience to handle the power a 600 has. I am 37 and quite happy with my little 250. It gets up and moves just fine and it can exceed the speed limit when I want or need it to and being a small bike it gets 70 MPG which is great when fuel is $4 + per gallon.

Massey

stanton3 · 07-03-2012, 03:47 PM

Alright, I think i've settled on a 250. I've been looking on cl for used bikes and found an 08 ninja with 7000 miles. Only drawback is that it has been laid down. Damage isn't too bad but the left side fairing is pretty scratched up. Assuming a clear title, etc what is a good price for it? 2000?

Dodsfall · 07-03-2012, 04:04 PM

$2000 is in the ballpark for a 2007 Ninja 250 that's running good. Maybe a little less for appearance value if it has scuffed plastic.

The good thing is that if it's kept in excellent mechanical shape and taken care of, the price isn't going to drop from that much if at all even after a few years.

It's just about a free motorcycle until you sell it.

spacejunkiehsv · 07-06-2012, 05:06 PM

Just make sure that you know the 250 Ninja was redesigned in 2008 to look a lot "slicker", and it got lots of changes. Here's the wiki link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_250R

stanton3 · 07-15-2012, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the help guys. I think I've found a good deal on a 03 ninja 250.

What are the necessary steps when buying used from a private seller? The seller needs to sign the title over to me along with a bill of sale, correct? Anything else? I just want to make sure I don't miss a step and end up with a bike that I can't register.

Dodsfall · 07-15-2012, 01:32 PM

Make sure it's a clear title without liens on it. Make sure that the seller signs the title and that the person signing is the person listed on the title. Make sure the motorcycle's frame number matches the VIN on the title.

A few states require that the license plate stays with the motorcycle and that it is up to date on the current registration. In such a case, you may be liable for back registration fees to get it on the road again if the registration has lapsed. If you aren't sure about these rules, check with the DMV first.

A bill of sale is usually not required, but it's good to print one up and have them sign it anyway.

stanton3 · 07-15-2012, 01:52 PM

Thanks.

What do you guys think about this deal. 03 ninja 250, 7500 miles, clear title for 1500?

Dodsfall · 07-15-2012, 02:01 PM

Trade in value is around $1000 and full retail is $1525. I'd say the price is in the ball park as long as it runs very well and doesn't need any work.

stanton3 · 07-27-2012, 07:46 AM

Deal fell through on the 250. What do you guys think about the price on this? 06 ninja 650r, clean title with 26k miles. He is asking 2500.

bajakirch · 07-27-2012, 09:52 AM

Ninja's a good choice for a beginning street rider. Good reputation for reliability, easy to work on, tons of them out there (for parts availability). Plus, the more standard riding position often means you don't have to pay sport-bike insruance rates.

Speaking of which, a 250 will cost a lot less for insurance. I'd hold out for another 250; there are enough of them out there that another will pop up soon. And a Ninja 250 will do just fine for you, even on the open road. Ride it for a couple of years, then sell it for about what you paid and move on.

stanton3 · 07-27-2012, 01:25 PM

On the way to look at an 04 ninja 250!!!

xXmyst3ryXx · 07-31-2012, 06:39 AM

I was told to start small. A 250 Ninja is always the best beginner bike.

stanton3 · 08-07-2012, 12:28 PM

Still looking for a 250. How many miles is too much for one if the older style ninjas? Like an 02?

stanton3 · 08-11-2012, 02:41 PM

Well guys I finally got one!!!! Its a 99 ninja 500r. Only 8000 miles on it!

Tried to post pics but it wouldnt let me, haha

I'm pumped. Rode it a while in a parking lot and its a blast. The power is good but definitely not uncontrollable.

goalie · 08-11-2012, 03:35 PM

Congrats!

stanton3 · 08-19-2012, 09:23 PM

Finally got the tag and insurance squared away and rode it a good bit today. Put about 150 miles on it. I did notice one problem, though.

As I putting it into gear I pulled the clutch in and shifted to first, and it immediately died. At first I thought I might had just not pulled the clutch in enough, but it did it 4 or 5 more times in a row. I let it cool down and came back and it did fine.

It also died when I was pulling in a parking spot. I pulled the clutch in because I was coming to a stop and before I had stopped it died.

Any thoughts? It did fine the rest of the time. Really hoping the clutch is going out on it.

Massey · 08-21-2012, 12:19 AM

I would start simple and run a good fuel system cleaner through the engine a few miles. I recomend Lucas Fuel system cleaner. It sounds to me like the carb may be causing some of your problems. A new couple of spark plugs could not hurt either. Dont trust the previous owner's statement on when the last tune up was.

Massey

Squisher · 08-21-2012, 01:53 PM

Massey's got a good idea, SeaFoam, Berryman's B-12 chemtool, etc. don't cost much, and are easy to use.

Did the bike sit much before you got it?

If you need more hands on help and are close to central IN I'm willing to take a peek, even if it's just to get another set of eyes/ears on it.

traderfjp · 08-21-2012, 04:05 PM

I paid 3,500 for a Kawasaki Vulcan. It was light and petty fast for a 900cc. You might want to sit on a cruiser too before making a decision.

07-02-2012, 08:37 PM	#1
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	new bike suggestions Hey guys, need some opinions on a first bike. I'm 18 years old, 6'2 and about 175. I grew up throughout elementary school riding dirt bikes up until my teens when I ran out of time. Also have ridden mountain bikes for a little while. I would say i'm pretty comfortable on two wheels, also no problems with clutch/shifting. I'm sure riding on the street presents a whole new set of challenges but I have most of the basics, I think. I am starting college this fall so this bike would be used to commute some and just joy riding on back roads. My budget right now is $3500, but can/will be higher since i'm working. Right now i'm leaning towards buying a 600 up front, and just being really careful at first while growing into it. Any ballpark figures on what insurance would be for a person my age? On my own, not on parents policy. What do you guys think? Thanks for the help!

07-02-2012, 08:55 PM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,843	I'd recommend avoiding the inline 4 engines and racing brakes like the 600s have. A twin-cylinder will be much more forgiving to learn on. (and cheaper on insurance) A local MSF course will help you get started with street riding and also bypasses the state exams in most areas of the US. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-03-2012, 01:23 AM	#3
Massey Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 252	Here is my $.02 take it if you want it, leave it if not. Dont start with a 600 unless you are going with a cruiser style bike. If you are looking at a sport bike then start in the 250 range. There are a couple of reasons for my saying this. First off your age and lack of onroad driving experience. Getting a smaller bike will give you signifigantly lower insurance rates and the smaller bike will still have plenty of power to get you into trouble with. I already know you already know everything and that you know that the 250 will eventually be too small of a bike for you. Yes yes I have heard this all before, and we just reciently had a whole knockdown drag out thread with a young rider asking what bike he should get. But by the time the 250 is not enough power for you, you will have enough experience to handle the power a 600 has. I am 37 and quite happy with my little 250. It gets up and moves just fine and it can exceed the speed limit when I want or need it to and being a small bike it gets 70 MPG which is great when fuel is $4 + per gallon. Massey __________________ Remember: Freedom is never Free.

07-03-2012, 04:04 PM	#5
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,843	$2000 is in the ballpark for a 2007 Ninja 250 that's running good. Maybe a little less for appearance value if it has scuffed plastic. The good thing is that if it's kept in excellent mechanical shape and taken care of, the price isn't going to drop from that much if at all even after a few years. It's just about a free motorcycle until you sell it. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-06-2012, 05:06 PM	#6
spacejunkiehsv Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 375	Just make sure that you know the 250 Ninja was redesigned in 2008 to look a lot "slicker", and it got lots of changes. Here's the wiki link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_250R __________________ Red 2009 Ninja 650R, 48mpg, 12.1s in the 1/4 Last edited by spacejunkiehsv; 07-06-2012 at 05:14 PM.. Reason: I was wrong about something

07-03-2012, 03:47 PM	#4
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	Alright, I think i've settled on a 250. I've been looking on cl for used bikes and found an 08 ninja with 7000 miles. Only drawback is that it has been laid down. Damage isn't too bad but the left side fairing is pretty scratched up. Assuming a clear title, etc what is a good price for it? 2000?

07-15-2012, 12:38 PM	#7
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	Thanks for the help guys. I think I've found a good deal on a 03 ninja 250. What are the necessary steps when buying used from a private seller? The seller needs to sign the title over to me along with a bill of sale, correct? Anything else? I just want to make sure I don't miss a step and end up with a bike that I can't register.

07-15-2012, 01:32 PM	#8
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,843	Make sure it's a clear title without liens on it. Make sure that the seller signs the title and that the person signing is the person listed on the title. Make sure the motorcycle's frame number matches the VIN on the title. A few states require that the license plate stays with the motorcycle and that it is up to date on the current registration. In such a case, you may be liable for back registration fees to get it on the road again if the registration has lapsed. If you aren't sure about these rules, check with the DMV first. A bill of sale is usually not required, but it's good to print one up and have them sign it anyway. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-15-2012, 01:52 PM	#9
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	Thanks. What do you guys think about this deal. 03 ninja 250, 7500 miles, clear title for 1500?

07-15-2012, 02:01 PM	#10
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,843	Trade in value is around $1000 and full retail is $1525. I'd say the price is in the ball park as long as it runs very well and doesn't need any work. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-27-2012, 07:46 AM	#11
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	Deal fell through on the 250. What do you guys think about the price on this? 06 ninja 650r, clean title with 26k miles. He is asking 2500.

07-27-2012, 09:52 AM	#12
bajakirch Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 307	Ninja's a good choice for a beginning street rider. Good reputation for reliability, easy to work on, tons of them out there (for parts availability). Plus, the more standard riding position often means you don't have to pay sport-bike insruance rates. Speaking of which, a 250 will cost a lot less for insurance. I'd hold out for another 250; there are enough of them out there that another will pop up soon. And a Ninja 250 will do just fine for you, even on the open road. Ride it for a couple of years, then sell it for about what you paid and move on. __________________ 98 Kawasaki Concours

07-27-2012, 01:25 PM	#13
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	On the way to look at an 04 ninja 250!!!

07-31-2012, 06:39 AM	#14
xXmyst3ryXx Newbie Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 3	I was told to start small. A 250 Ninja is always the best beginner bike.

08-07-2012, 12:28 PM	#15
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	Still looking for a 250. How many miles is too much for one if the older style ninjas? Like an 02?

08-11-2012, 02:41 PM	#16
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	Well guys I finally got one!!!! Its a 99 ninja 500r. Only 8000 miles on it! Tried to post pics but it wouldnt let me, haha I'm pumped. Rode it a while in a parking lot and its a blast. The power is good but definitely not uncontrollable.

08-11-2012, 03:35 PM	#17
goalie Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fairfax, Virginia -- near Fair Oaks Mall Posts: 1,596	Congrats!

08-19-2012, 09:23 PM	#18
stanton3 Motorcyclist Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 9	Finally got the tag and insurance squared away and rode it a good bit today. Put about 150 miles on it. I did notice one problem, though. As I putting it into gear I pulled the clutch in and shifted to first, and it immediately died. At first I thought I might had just not pulled the clutch in enough, but it did it 4 or 5 more times in a row. I let it cool down and came back and it did fine. It also died when I was pulling in a parking spot. I pulled the clutch in because I was coming to a stop and before I had stopped it died. Any thoughts? It did fine the rest of the time. Really hoping the clutch is going out on it.

08-21-2012, 12:19 AM	#19
Massey Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 252	I would start simple and run a good fuel system cleaner through the engine a few miles. I recomend Lucas Fuel system cleaner. It sounds to me like the carb may be causing some of your problems. A new couple of spark plugs could not hurt either. Dont trust the previous owner's statement on when the last tune up was. Massey __________________ Remember: Freedom is never Free.

08-21-2012, 01:53 PM	#20
Squisher Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Franklin, IN Posts: 238	Massey's got a good idea, SeaFoam, Berryman's B-12 chemtool, etc. don't cost much, and are easy to use. Did the bike sit much before you got it? If you need more hands on help and are close to central IN I'm willing to take a peek, even if it's just to get another set of eyes/ears on it.

08-21-2012, 04:05 PM	#21
traderfjp Verified Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Smithown, NY Posts: 19	I paid 3,500 for a Kawasaki Vulcan. It was light and petty fast for a 900cc. You might want to sit on a cruiser too before making a decision.

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