Should I get the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 or a Ninja 300 ABS?!

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Seej95

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Hi guys,
I just got my M1 and have been doing a lot of research on bikes, and I'm stuck on whether I should get an brand new Yamaha R3 or Ninja 300, or a used 2011 Ninja 400.
 
(Seriously, I would get the larger displacement R3, but I don't think you can go wrong with either. ABS is nice but I don't consider it a dealbreaker in that category.)
 
Demo days are coming up. If you get your M2 you could test ride them both and see which one you like better.

For a brand new rider I think buying used is the best way to go, you can save a lot of money that way.
 
If I was in the market for a 300cc bike, I would look into an RZ350.
But of the above mentioned bikes, I would go with the Yamaha
 
Well, I initially wanted to buy a used one on kijiji, but with my lack of knowledge and experience, it would be hard for me to see if the seller is screwing me over or not. I've done research on what to look for when purchasing a used bike privately, but I am still not 100% confident. I think purchasing from a certified dealer with good reviews is the way to go.
Oh and also... When is the demo days and where is it that I can test ride them?
 
As you are a new rider I'd recommend you get a bike with ABS. I'm sure many will disagree, but I've got 10 bikes and 200,000KM of experience behind me and I think a significant number of new riders would find ABS very valuable, maybe a life saver.
 
Have you looked at the Honda 300? only a single cylinder but ABS available and silky smooth. Check out the youtube comparisons as for a new rider Honda is often the winner
 
My friend has an R3 and absolutely LOVES it. Have not seen one bad review on the bike yet, loved all around. Plus you can get them for about $6k OTD.
 
I would pick ninja300. Engine is proven. Also brakes feel very superior. Plus slipper clutch is a great bonus if you ever track it.
 
If I was in your boat, I could buy the bike flat out, and afford the insurance in order I'd go; Yamaha R3 Or Honda CB300, If you're leaning towards sporty for sure, go for the R3. If your not sure- go CB300.
 
I would get the R3 but since there is no ABS... I don't think that would be safe as a beginner who's never even ridden a bike before :(
 
That R3 is a sweet looking bike. I say go for it but check with your insurance company first.

If you're a little wobbly you might consider a used Ninja 300; you'll feel much less bad about dropping a used bike than a spiffy new one.
 
Yamaha R3 for sure..... ABS isn't really a big deal, you don't really need it. It's a fairly new thing on motorcycles. People have ridden motorcycles for a hundred years before ABS came along.
 
Seej95 said:
I would get the R3 but since there is no ABS... I don't think that would be safe as a beginner who's never even ridden a bike before :(
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How can you say it's not safe? ABS hasn't been around for the life span of bike. That is a silly comment.
 
Jay72 said:
How can you say it's not safe? ABS hasn't been around for the life span of bike. That is a silly comment.
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easy, he's a noob...


I thought the R3 front end looked weird in pictures but in person it looks good. Its a good overall bike with solid components. One thing other than my Kawi bias is the fuel tank capacity on the R3, its about 4L less which is a decent amount on a bike...I think its also the reason I felt the R3 had a slimmer tank feel more like a Ninja 250 whereas the 300 has a larger feeling tank although it's capacity is still the same as the 250 at 17L.

Oh yea the R3 also has those big *** ugly amber turn signals, where the hell are the flushmounts? Even the 7 year old 250 has sleeker better looking turn signals.
 
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If anything you should probably start with a non-ABS bike and learn to brake effectively without it. Then upgrade to ABS.

Maybe get a used Ninja 250 first, figure out whether you like it or not and go from there. These bikes are really easy to flip.

I've ridden a handful of ABS-equipped bikes and it's eerie how well it works, but you lose an element of "feel" over the bike's behavior.
 
There is nothing wrong with either one. IMO, if you are just getting into the game, buy something used and cut your teeth on that first. If you just gotta have something new and shiny, then pick that one that has the right color scheme or has a local dealer that seems to make a positive impression and go with it.

Everyone has their own preferences. If was just coming into the game, at this stage in life, I'd likely look at a Honda 500 of sorts. Not sure if there is much difference in cost of insurance from a 500 to a 300 or 250?

To me, it would provide a little more rounded performance for around town, out on the country roads and 400 series highways.

Then again, if I could pick up a little cbr125 to bomb around on, I'd be in heaven too. But, I'd pull the trigger on something a couple of year old with no visible scars or abuse and try and pick it up for cheap.
 
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