Looking for Experienced Rider

Courage

Courage

Banned
Forum Sponsor
Hello

I was going to purchase a bike (CBR 125 or Kawasaki 250) from a dealership

I am told (advised) that I should take an experienced rider with me - I guess there is no harm in getting a second opinion

If anyone has some free time and doesnt mind accompanying me - please message me - preferably someone with a solid

background with sportbikes (translation: 5+ years) - no newbies, sorry.

Thank you :)
 
Buying new or used? If you are buying new, you need not concern yourself with this. If you are buying from a dealership complete with safety certification, it's much less of a concern than with private sales.
 
Get the Kawi - 125 will too soon be outgrown for 99% and is horribly underpowered.
250 is a treat.
 
Honda also has a 250cc CBR now, but as a brand new model you won't find much deals anywhere on it.

Good option though, if you don't want to ride the Honda Civics of bikes (the Ninja 250, that is). ;)
 
MacDoc said:
...125 will too soon be outgrown for 99% and is horribly underpowered...
Click to expand...

OP. This is not necessarily true, or a fact. It's a great bike. Depends on what kind of riding you will be doing. And, what type of rider you are or will be. IMHO.
 
MacDoc said:
Get the Kawi - 125 will too soon be outgrown for 99% and is horribly underpowered.
250 is a treat.
Click to expand...

That's relative. Some ppl dig the 125's like no tomorrow, and have no desire to change, ever since they launched a few years ago...

Dude/Dudette may enjoy for a looooong time.
 
If I were a smaller man and sub 200lbs I would get a cbr125. The low running cost and insurance rates make it a winner and a solid city bike.

Its a cool little bike and I know Honda's got rebates on some leftover 2009's so there should hopefully be some bargains out there.

Of course, the 250 is good as well, just a bit more money.
 
125 for life. That's a bike, that if I should ever desire to sell, my post will read "ridden like a 125 should be". You can baby your bikes all you care for, but this is one bike meant to be pushed, and enjoyed open throttle.
 
Araqiels said:
125 for life. That's a bike, that if I should ever desire to sell, my post will read "ridden like a 125 should be". You can baby your bikes all you care for, but this is one bike meant to be pushed, and enjoyed open throttle.
Click to expand...

If you hopped off and actually pushed it you would likely go faster!

Sorry couldn't help it. They really are great little bikes though..
 
For a first bike I would always suggest buying used, but that's just me. Chances are pretty good that you will end up scratching your new bike by making a noob mistake . . . we've all done it! I would rather scratch an older bike than a brand-new one.

Also, my vote is on the Ninja 250.
 
VifferFun said:
For a first bike I would always suggest buying used, but that's just me. Chances are pretty good that you will end up scratching your new bike by making a noob mistake . . . we've all done it! I would rather scratch an older bike than a brand-new one.

Also, my vote is on the Ninja 250.
Click to expand...

This. I was dead set on a new bike earlier this year and then started reading this forum. Ended up with a used bike that I've already dropped twice. I would have been absolutely ****** if it were new, but being used I didn't mind having a few minor cosmetic scratches.

Viffer, do older bikes make for cheaper insurance?
 
VifferFun said:
For a first bike I would always suggest buying used, but that's just me. Chances are pretty good that you will end up scratching your new bike by making a noob mistake . . . we've all done it! I would rather scratch an older bike than a brand-new one.

Also, my vote is on the Ninja 250.
Click to expand...

Hmmm... Used can come with a big list of negatives with the biggest being the 'unknown' and lack of end-user support. So if you have the money for new, it will be a happier experience. And they say people with money aren't necessarily happier. In this case, I beg to differ. ;-)

Best if dealer/seller is close to you and has reputation for quality service, which means being professional and courteous while delivering on service agreements.

Cheers!
 
Nixel said:
This. I was dead set on a new bike earlier this year and then started reading this forum. Ended up with a used bike that I've already dropped twice. I would have been absolutely ****** if it were new, but being used I didn't mind having a few minor cosmetic scratches.

Viffer, do older bikes make for cheaper insurance?
Click to expand...

They can be cheaper on insurance, but it usually only affects your Collision and Comprehensive premiums. The difference in premiums by year doesn't tend to be very significant for motorcycles.
 
adamwest said:
Hmmm... Used can come with a big list of negatives with the biggest being the 'unknown' and lack of end-user support. So if you have the money for new, it will be a happier experience. And they say people with money aren't necessarily happier. In this case, I beg to differ. ;-)

Best if dealer/seller is close to you and has reputation for quality service, which means being professional and courteous while delivering on service agreements.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

A slightly-used Ninja 250 with 15,000 kms or so is very unlikely to give the OP problems. These bikes are very durable and parts are readily available.
 
Plus one 4 the 250. You will be happier.

If the saving are big, go used because there is a good chance you will lay the bike down. But around here, used bikes go for almost as much as new bikes. -o
 
If you do buy a new bike, get them to throw in a service manual (or you might be able to find them online). Once you've done a bit of service to the bike, you'll know what to look for on a used bike. With a new bike, you don't have anythign to worry about.

I'm > 200 lbs, 6'3, and started on a ninja 500 (I looked like a clown riding a tricycle). Great bike, but if your 200+ lbs, a 250 on the highway will be at its max. The 500 just had that extra little bit. If your just driving around town, you don't really need the extra bit of HP. But if your going on the 401 you want enough umph left to get yourself out of troublesome situations. I was 25 when I started, insurance was $720/year through SF wiht a clean record for the 500.
 
Wow - thanks gentlemen/ladies for the response -

I am a petite girl (110 and 5'7) so im sticking with the CBR 125 since the 250 would be too heavy if I dropped it - now to start - can anyone recommend me to a good dealership? Or, does anyone have any recommendations to a good dealership? The one I went to - I just got ignored.
 
Sounds tempting... :) Go to Kahuna. If no one says hi, grab a salesman by the sleeve and ask them "What does it take for someone to show me a 250R??"

The 250 I think is the perfect bike to start on. It will keep you entertained, I promise.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom