[Gregb102]

Im a junior in high school looking for my first bike. I have a budget of about $2800 and I was thinking about getting a 1-2 year old Grom or z125, or a 5-10 year old Ninja or CBR. I heard that the 125 bikes arent great to start on bc they can’t go on the freeway, but i am not good with mechanical things so i am concerned about the reliability issues of a bike that is a little older. Im a newbie at this so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gregb102]

Wish I'd started riding while still in High School, but instead waited until just after my 30 year reunion. But we do have one thing in common... mechanical inclination (or lack of). For that reason I opted for new over used.

How important is it to be no the freeway? If it's a requirement then a 125 won't meet your need so it shouldn't even be considered. If it's a nice-to-have then it's possibly a better choice since it sounds like you don't have a of extra cash for repairs/maintenance.

Freeway riding isn’t very important to me. It would be nice, but i mostly just was a bike that i get ride around town/to school.

 

[Gregb102]

First, welcome!

Buying a bike gives you three options regarding mechanical issues:

1. You have enough money to not worry about learning how to fix/repair anything because you can afford to have someone else take care of it.
2. You do not have much money and are willing to research/ask questions about how to fix things or do basic maintenance on your own.
3. You do not have much money and don't care to learn and will stop riding when your bike stops running.

Not being good with mechanical things is something I have to overcome every time I pick up a tool!

It can be overcome with practice, a willingness to learn, and patience. YT is a great resource for learning everything from basic maintenance to very involved jobs.

As for which size bike, I'd lean towards a 250/300 (Ninja/R3/CBR group) just for the flexibility of being able to ride on faster roads as you gain experience. Used prices are not much, if any, more than what folks are asking for a Grom... at least in my area.

Thanks! I am definitely willing to learn. Im just a little bit nervous about possibly getting stuck with a piece of junk 250/300 at my price point. I had a similar incident happen with a craigslist car so im trying to be super careful now lol.