Thinking about riding | GTAMotorcycle.com

Thinking about riding

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NotANinja

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Hi there,

Recently, I've been thinking about starting to ride and I need some tips/advice. I plan on taking a MSF course next spring. I'm thinking of riding a Ninja 250 or CBR250. If buying used, what is a good price and how do I check if the bike has been mechanically damaged. I wouldn't care about cosmetics because I'd probably drop it a few times when learning. Why does racing a bike lower its value? I see ads on kijiji with comments such as "NEVER BEEN DROPPED/RACED". Aren't bike supposed to be raced and unless they were dropped, that wouldn't make a difference?

Also, regarding gear. Do people upgrade their gear like they upgrade bikes or do they stick with one set? I've seen helmets from $50 to $600 and heard about brands such as Shoei. What's a good cost/safety tradeoff price?

Do you guys use bikes as a main method of transportation? Any of you have cars or take public transportation during the winter? I see more bikes as a pleasure hobby. It sucks we don't live in a place like California. Which leads me to think, should I buy new since I don't see myself upgrading to a 600 any time soon.

I'm sure I'll have further questions. Thanks.
 
NotANinja said:
Hi there,

Recently, I've been thinking about starting to ride and I need some tips/advice. I plan on taking a MSF course next spring. I'm thinking of riding a Ninja 250 or CBR250. If buying used, what is a good price and how do I check if the bike has been mechanically damaged. I wouldn't care about cosmetics because I'd probably drop it a few times when learning. Why does racing a bike lower its value? I see ads on kijiji with comments such as "NEVER BEEN DROPPED/RACED". Aren't bike supposed to be raced and unless they were dropped, that wouldn't make a difference?

Also, regarding gear. Do people upgrade their gear like they upgrade bikes or do they stick with one set? I've seen helmets from $50 to $600 and heard about brands such as Shoei. What's a good cost/safety tradeoff price?

Do you guys use bikes as a main method of transportation? Any of you have cars or take public transportation during the winter? I see more bikes as a pleasure hobby. It sucks we don't live in a place like California. Which leads me to think, should I buy new since I don't see myself upgrading to a 600 any time soon.

I'm sure I'll have further questions. Thanks.
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Take someone who knows more about bikes with you or read up on what are signs of bikes being dropped.

Racing lowers the value of a bike because the bike is ridden a lot harder, usually goes for a couple tumbles here and there, good chance it has a salvage title and is not street legal. You might get 100,000km out of an engine thats ridden on the street, same engine might not make 5,000km on the track...

Gear is like everything else. You pay for the luxury, brand name, weight of the helmet etc...
For example a 200 dollar hjc might have the same dot rating as a 700 arai, but the arai might be lighter, more comfortable, better build quality etc..

Some use for pleasure while others use as daily drivers.
Id say buy used and save some cash, odds are you'll drop it a few times anyways.

And welcome to the site
 
Don't buy new unless you want a newer styled bike. If you're not going to use it to commute and don't plan on tons of long tours an old bike will outlast your needs. You will want a different bike probably much sooner than it breaks down. It's also good to know your bike and work on it rather than let a warranty take care of any minor problems.

Someone was just selling a cbr250, 2011 for $2500 which imo is a steal, but it's sold already. expect to see them for around $3300 (less for a ninja)

Yes people upgrade their gear. They will add gear to their collection. People have multiple sets of jackets, pants, gloves, helmets, etc. All for different looks, or different weather (rain, cold, hot, short trips, long trips, day, night, etc.). Just make sure whatever you buy is something you would actually wear and is comfortable.

I commute on my bike everyday, rain, cold or shine. Up until mid-november usually (I only have summer shorty gloves, so it really sucks when its cold. Yes they are the top priority on my list to grab). I have a car but I use it to buy groceries, drive the gf around, etc. I'll bring it to work if I'm running late so I don't have to gear up and all that. I love commuting on the bike, but that may be because I don't have to sit in a lot of traffic (and don't lane split like crazy).

Anytime I am on the bike, I am happy. Every time I'm in the car I wish I took the bike instead.
 
NotANinja said:
Hi there,

Recently, I've been thinking about starting to ride and I need some tips/advice. I plan on taking a MSF course next spring. I'm thinking of riding a Ninja 250 or CBR250. If buying used, what is a good price and how do I check if the bike has been mechanically damaged. I wouldn't care about cosmetics because I'd probably drop it a few times when learning. Why does racing a bike lower its value? I see ads on kijiji with comments such as "NEVER BEEN DROPPED/RACED". Aren't bike supposed to be raced and unless they were dropped, that wouldn't make a difference?

Also, regarding gear. Do people upgrade their gear like they upgrade bikes or do they stick with one set? I've seen helmets from $50 to $600 and heard about brands such as Shoei. What's a good cost/safety tradeoff price?

Do you guys use bikes as a main method of transportation? Any of you have cars or take public transportation during the winter? I see more bikes as a pleasure hobby. It sucks we don't live in a place like California. Which leads me to think, should I buy new since I don't see myself upgrading to a 600 any time soon.

I'm sure I'll have further questions. Thanks.
Click to expand...

NotANinja said:
Hi there,

Recently, I've been thinking about starting to ride and I need some tips/advice. I plan on taking a MSF course next spring. I'm thinking of riding a Ninja 250 or CBR250. If buying used, what is a good price and how do I check if the bike has been mechanically damaged. I wouldn't care about cosmetics because I'd probably drop it a few times when learning. Why does racing a bike lower its value? I see ads on kijiji with comments such as "NEVER BEEN DROPPED/RACED". Aren't bike supposed to be raced and unless they were dropped, that wouldn't make a difference?

Also, regarding gear. Do people upgrade their gear like they upgrade bikes or do they stick with one set? I've seen helmets from $50 to $600 and heard about brands such as Shoei. What's a good cost/safety tradeoff price?

Do you guys use bikes as a main method of transportation? Any of you have cars or take public transportation during the winter? I see more bikes as a pleasure hobby. It sucks we don't live in a place like California. Which leads me to think, should I buy new since I don't see myself upgrading to a 600 any time soon.

I'm sure I'll have further questions. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hi There, welcome to the community!

You've asked some really great questions. As for bike recommendations, there's a wealth of knowledge available on this site and by searching dedicated forums for both the Ninja and CBR. You can also ask around about bike inspection services some independent technicians may provide.

As for gear, make sure you include the cost of your gear in the overall cost of getting on the road (bike, insurance and gear). helmet wise, your first priority should be to find a helmet manufacturer that has sizing compatible with your head! A medium in a Shoei may not fit the same as a medium from another manufacturer. Be sure it fits right. For the other gear components, try to go with the best you can afford at the time. Knowing you will always be able to upgrade at a later date.

Many people commute on their bikes, it's a pretty efficient way to get around. And free parking at pay and display in Toronto is a big plus.

Hope you have fun!
 
hello when it comes down to how long you are going to keep it for a 250 is a very good bike
 
kevin_ said:
hello when it comes down to how long you are going to keep it for a 250 is a very good bike
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A 250 might be a great bike, but some people do get bored with them eventually, and want to upgrade to a larger bike. Though there's nothing saying you have to. It's all in personal taste. The answer to a lot of those questions are all personal taste.

Most people don't replace their jacket because they have to, could be they find it too hot, or uncomfortable, maybe they put on 10 lbs and it doesn't fit anymore.

Though to answer at least one of OP's questions, I own a car too. I will be driving the car in the winter, and bike is more for funzies, and commuting on nice days.
 
What is the msrp on that bike? $6000 for 39 hp seems a lot to me, esp used.

Just a tidbit, prices fall now and get jacked in the spring. If you can buy in late Oct you may find someone who doesn't wanna store it for the winter. Bargain with them etc.
 
On the Kawasaki website, the MSRP is $5799 (I'm guessing USD?) so that's why I asked if it was overpriced or not. I don't know how much taxes and other costs are and what the FINAL cost will come to.
 
So imo that's overpriced.

The 300 is an "odd" bike to me, nothing wrong with it but not sure where kawi was going with it since there are the 250s. I imagine the 250s sold more, so the market should be opening up with a ton of those. I'd look for a 2fiddy.

My main point was pricing is cheaper in the fall.

Good luck
 
That website you checked seem to be wrong, the Canadian one seem to have it listed at $5399, check the link below.

http://www.kawasaki.ca/product/ninja-300/

But if you aren't looking to upgrade to a 600 anytime soon, maybe also look into the CBR500R, seems like a great bike which will last you longer and you will probably enjoy riding on it for quite some time.

http://motorcycle.honda.ca/sport/cbr500r
 
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Otay said:
That website you checked seem to be wrong, the Canadian one seem to have it listed at $5399, check the link below.

http://www.kawasaki.ca/product/ninja-300/

But if you aren't looking to upgrade to a 600 anytime soon, maybe also look into the CBR500R, seems like a great bike which will last you longer and you will probably enjoy riding on it for quite some time.

http://motorcycle.honda.ca/sport/cbr500r
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I just checked again $5799 is for ABS. $5399 is without. Considering that the CBR500 is $6299 new, I don't understand the pricing of the 300 Kawasaki.

Also, how much does aesthetics play a role when purchasing a bike. For example, I definitely think that the 2013 300 Kawi looks a cooler than the previous 250's; something to do with the lights. They look more like angry eyes.
 
NotANinja said:
Thanks for all your replies.

Hopefully, people will be selling used Ninja 300 for next spring and I'll get that for around 3k-4k. I'm 5'10, 186 pounds. Btw, what is insurance like? I emailed State Farm but haven't gotten a reply. I'll be 23 in October, full G with no accidents.

EDIT: Is this overpriced? http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...saki-ninja-300-abs-all-blk-W0QQAdIdZ527041266
Click to expand...

I just got a quote for a Ninja 300 and its $21 more a month for me vs a cbr125.
1 minor ticket + 1 accident. I'm 22, GM
Contemplating on a new bike myself, just gotta figure out where that money is going to come from for the new bike lol

Keep in mind to tack on another $800ish to the MSRP of bikes you see listed from dealers for tax, freight, and pdi.

NotANinja said:
I just checked again $5799 is for ABS. $5399 is without. Considering that the CBR500 is $6299 new, I don't understand the pricing of the 300 Kawasaki.

Also, how much does aesthetics play a role when purchasing a bike. For example, I definitely think that the 2013 300 Kawi looks a cooler than the previous 250's; something to do with the lights. They look more like angry eyes.
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Size of the engine does not necessarily determine the price of the bike.

I would also suggest buying a used bike as a first bike as most people say, "You're probably going to drop your first bike". Then again, it's your choice.
 
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PLau said:
I just got a quote for a Ninja 300 and its $21 more a month for me vs a cbr125.
1 minor ticket + 1 accident. I'm 22, GM
Contemplating on a new bike myself, just gotta figure out where that money is going to come from for the new bike lol

Keep in mind to tack on another $800ish to the MSRP of bikes you see listed from dealers for tax, freight, and pdi.
Click to expand...

Clearly it'll be coming from your food or entertainment expense =P
 
PLau said:
Size of the engine does not necessarily determine the price of the bike.

I would also suggest buying a used bike as a first bike as most people say, "You're probably going to drop your first bike". Then again, it's your choice.
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I'm just determining what is a good price for a used bike. The MSRP is $5799 but the guy on kijiji is selling his for $6000. Still, I think that Kawasaki out-priced their 300 bike.

I'll buy used for sure since I WILL drop it (probably many times).
 
NotANinja said:
I'm just determining what is a good price for a used bike. The MSRP is $5799 but the guy on kijiji is selling his for $6000. Still, I think that Kawasaki out-priced their 300 bike.

I'll buy used for sure since I WILL drop it (probably many times).
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Well maybe you should look at others instead of that one, I've seen ninja 300 on kjiji going for $4500 which is a very reasonable price, like for example!! this guy! probablyi should jump on it, lesser KM and cheaper by $1500 ahaha, either way good luck with your search.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...-Ninja-300-Special-Edition-W0QQAdIdZ524785305

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...ng-2013-Kawasaki-Ninja-300-W0QQAdIdZ522043787

Both seems to be in pretty good shape and low KM, and if you are looking to ride next season, I say it is probably best to pick one up now, people dont' want to store it and they are letting them go cheap =), do it!
 
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Otay said:
Well maybe you should look at others instead of that one, I've seen ninja 300 on kjiji going for $4500 which is a very reasonable price, like for example!! this guy! probablyi should jump on it, lesser KM and cheaper by $1500 ahaha, either way good luck with your search.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...-Ninja-300-Special-Edition-W0QQAdIdZ524785305

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...ng-2013-Kawasaki-Ninja-300-W0QQAdIdZ522043787

Both seems to be in pretty good shape and low KM, and if you are looking to ride next season, I say it is probably best to pick one up now, people dont' want to store it and they are letting them go cheap =), do it!
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I saw both of those before. I really like the 2nd one but the guy lives in Kawartha Lakes. I'm from Newmarket.

I really want to ride but I'm going to take a motorcycle course first. I don't have insurance either nor M1. LOL. Right now, price is the biggest and only factor. I still have 22k in student loans to pay off :D.
 
I'm one of those commuter types. Generally commute March to mid November and then use the cage for the months between. Be aware that using the bike for a daily ride is not for everyone and good gear will become important very fast.
 
Also, would you guys recommend buying used from a dealer? Would I need to get an independent mechanic or whatever you call those guys to check if the bike is in good condition?
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