Motorcycle Forum banner
Cancel

It’s been a year and still no luck. Any advice?

351 Views 13 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  Steadfastly, 
M
Hi all,
Well, given that we’re in this channel, you guessed right, I’m a new rider. I had never touched a bike until the MSF class last summer, fell in love, and have been hunting for a bike ever since.

I’m based in NY and I thought it would be easier finding an affordable (~$3-4k) bike, but I haven’t had any luck. I’m looking for a small displacement bike (preferably Honda) with ABS. I’ve been looking at Craigslist, CycleTrader, FB, and dealerships, but either the seller changes their mind or the price for a bike is far more than what it’s worth (according to Kelly BlueBook and other issues with the bike).

Does anyone have any tips on what I could be doing better during my search? I’d like to keep my budget tight with this first bike because I want to 1) allocate some money to the inspection of the bike before purchase and address any problems, if they do come up, and 2) invest in quality gear as I might swap the bike not long after I become more confident riding.

thanks in advance for your help!
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
Eagle Six
When the lock down stopped production on new bikes, many riders turned to used, and as the market will, prices went up. They are still up, however the supply of new models is improving and I think some of the used bike asking price will come down somewhat. You are checking pretty much all the resources. I seldom ever check Kelly as prices usually run locally for as much as they can get. Keep in mind asking price isn't always getting price. If I found a bike I liked I would check it out and if happy make the owner an offer. All they can say is NO (well sometimes you can get run off if you are low balling). Talk with the owner, get to know them and them know you. If they say no, leave them your name and number and ask to call you if they decide to lower the price. Many of the used prices listed are based on what they see others asking. Good Luck with it, you are heading in the right direction.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 3
gunsmoker
10 months ago I found a Honda shadow, 1996 year, running but with a few minor issues, for $1000.


Around that Same time I looked at several other motorcycles on craigslist in the $1500-$2500 range. They were all older bikes, 15+ years old, but some were said to be in great shape, needing nothing, ready to ride.

I test-drove one, a Suzuki Boulevard C40, and it felt great. The guy only wanted
$1900 for it.

I suggest Getting an older used motorcycle, that is inexpensive but which runs well---which you can have a friend test ride or pay a mechanic to inspect it and test ride it.

Hopefully this older bike will already have a few scratches from falling over, and that's the main reason why it was such a low price.

Learn on it, and practice ever-increasing skill level maneuvers with the understanding that you take a risk of dropping it in the parking lot where you're doing your practicing. But accept that as a natural and probable bit of collateral damage.
You'll be Learning to Make good Omlettes, so expect to crack some eggs.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
FlipFlop
You may have to travel further west to find a bike. At least in this area (East Central Indiana) there have been a handful of the CBR400r and the Ninja 400's around.
Reply
Save
Like
Calculon
Motogal said:
I’ve been looking at Craigslist, CycleTrader, FB, and dealerships
Click to expand...
Did you try posting a wanted to buy thread here in the classified section? I'd bet any model or brand you're interested in have a forum where people have bikes for sale. As always the wider you can cast your net, like getting a trailer for a bike a few states over, the better chance you'll have to catch something.
Reply
Save
Like
D
A used bike that's not too old is usually good value. What you can do is set up automated searches on Craigslist, FB, CycleTrader, eBay so that when something matches, you get automated email. Saves tonne of time and you'll see bikes when they 1st get posted. Lots of great deals come up and disappear in less than 1 day.

Are you set on Honda CBR300? There's also many other great bikes: CBR250, Ninja 250/300/400, Nighthawk/Rebel 250/300, etc.

Here's cbr300r, maybe offer $4500?
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/d/lansdale-honda-2019-cbr-300r/7625303764.html

CB300F 2017 Honda CB300F - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

CB500 2013 Honda CB 500 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

CBR250
https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/d/vails-gate-2012-honda-cbr250/7619153203.html

Rebel 250 2005 Honda Rebel 250 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

GW250 https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2013-Suzuki-GW250-5026468310

Ninja 250, one of few bikes so good, I've kept for more than 5-yrs! 2005 KAWASAKI NINJA EX2 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

Ninja 400 https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2018-Kawasaki-NINJA+400+ABS+KRT+EDITION-5026467238

MT-03 https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2021-Yamaha-MT+03-5026429030

DRZ-400 https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2008-Suzuki-DR-Z+400E-5026452542

Maybe get something older and cheaper to get you on bike right now and out riding while you continue search for "perfect" bike. I've owned over 31 bikes in my 40-yrs of riding and there's never been "perfect" bike. But there's always "next" bike. :)
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
T
3 to 4k should be easy to find for a bike, just widen your search area.
Reply
Save
Like
cattzap
Drop the ABS requirement on your search. I don't think it's abs like a car. Its' usually just on the front wheel. And usually just higher end bikes have it. Learn to brake properly and you don't need it. There's tons of very affordable used metric bikes that will run forever out there that make perfect started bikes. Heck, my starter used metric Suzuki is still going fine and i can't come up with a real reason to change. I've made several over 1k mile trips on it and it's never misied a beat. Runs strong and there's nothing ever to fix.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 3
Traveller11
Unless you are a good mechanic I would find a fuel injected bike over a carb bike. Like @cattzap said ABS is not all that so don't make it a requirement, good tires are more important. Don't limit yourself to the small bikes, a good 650-900 may be perfect for you.
I would also suggest looking at Royal Enfield, they are making some great smaller bikes that have a low price point. For example you can get a brand new Hunter 350 base model for $4,000. You would still need to add tax tag and title to that price but they are affordable, fuel injected and have ABS. Hunter 350 Prices, Mileage & Colours | Royal Enfield
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
cattzap
I would find a fuel injected bike over a carb bike

Absolutely.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Jbcurt00
SearchTempest also does automated search results, IIRC, and checks craigs & facebook marketplace

Here's a Ninja 250 in Corinth
albany.craigslist.org

2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - motorcycles/scooters - by dealer -...

Experience the thrill of the ride with the 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250R! This bike is perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike. Just had a complete service, new rear tire, new rear brake pads...
albany.craigslist.org
Reply
Save
Like
M
DannoXYZ said:
A used bike that's not too old is usually good value. What you can do is set up automated searches on Craigslist, FB, CycleTrader, eBay so that when something matches, you get automated email. Saves tonne of time and you'll see bikes when they 1st get posted. Lots of great deals come up and disappear in less than 1 day.

Are you set on Honda CBR300? There's also many other great bikes: CBR250, Ninja 250/300/400, Nighthawk/Rebel 250/300, etc.

Here's cbr300r, maybe offer $4500?
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/d/lansdale-honda-2019-cbr-300r/7625303764.html

CB300F 2017 Honda CB300F - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

CB500 2013 Honda CB 500 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

CBR250
https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/d/vails-gate-2012-honda-cbr250/7619153203.html

Rebel 250 2005 Honda Rebel 250 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

GW250 https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2013-Suzuki-GW250-5026468310

Ninja 250, one of few bikes so good, I've kept for more than 5-yrs! 2005 KAWASAKI NINJA EX2 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

Ninja 400 https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2018-Kawasaki-NINJA+400+ABS+KRT+EDITION-5026467238

MT-03 https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2021-Yamaha-MT+03-5026429030

DRZ-400 https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2008-Suzuki-DR-Z+400E-5026452542

Maybe get something older and cheaper to get you on bike right now and out riding while you continue search for "perfect" bike. I've owned over 31 bikes in my 40-yrs of riding and there's never been "perfect" bike. But there's always "next" bike. :)
Click to expand...
Wow, thanks for this! I’ve been sticking to the NY area but looks like there’s some good options out in PA as well. I’m not set on the Honda CBR300, I just like the riding position since I felt that the Ninja was a bit too aggressive for me.
Reply
Save
Like
ChiefGunner
Motogal said:
Hi all,
Well, given that we’re in this channel, you guessed right, I’m a new rider. I had never touched a bike until the MSF class last summer, fell in love, and have been hunting for a bike ever since.

I’m based in NY and I thought it would be easier finding an affordable (~$3-4k) bike, but I haven’t had any luck. I’m looking for a small displacement bike (preferably Honda) with ABS. I’ve been looking at Craigslist, CycleTrader, FB, and dealerships, but either the seller changes their mind or the price for a bike is far more than what it’s worth (according to Kelly BlueBook and other issues with the bike).

Does anyone have any tips on what I could be doing better during my search? I’d like to keep my budget tight with this first bike because I want to 1) allocate some money to the inspection of the bike before purchase and address any problems, if they do come up, and 2) invest in quality gear as I might swap the bike not long after I become more confident riding.

thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
Your best bet all’s round is to LEAVE the socialist tyrannical state of New York!
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Steadfastly
I don't know how some of the searches are in the USA but in Canada, you can put in a distance, so perhaps you can pick that and if it goes into the next state, so be it.

The CB300R is a great beginner bike and a new one is $5000.00 in the USA so you should be able to find a good used one within your budget. Perhaps a new one could work. If you have the $4K, put that down and pay the rest off in 12 months or so. The payments on the remainder would be really low.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
Motorcycle Forum
A forum community discussing all bikes from Harley Davidson to Honda, Suzuki, KTM, Yamaha, and BMW. Come join the discussion about performance modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
🏍 General Motorcycle Discussion 🏍 First Bike / New Rider 🔧 Motorcycle Repair 🔧 Honda Vintage Forum
Top