Grant-KS Posted June 1, 2007 Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 In light of currently fluctuating gas prices, mostly in the upward direction and youthful ambition, I'm in the market for a motorcycle. I'll definitely be buying used, and looking to get a crotch rocket (pardon me if that term is bad, but I don't know what else to call 'em) in the 250-350CC or so range (I want a 600, but they're too expensive and I've never ridden a bike before) for under $1500 if at all possible. FYI I'm 5'7", 180Lbs., and will basically be using it to run back and forth to work on pavement 21 miles one way, running around to various activities, etc. I would also like to be able to take at least a relatively small rider occasionally. My "li'l sisters" told me that if I get a bike I have to give them rides on it. LOL I have been looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 250s with some fairly significant interest, and am interested on your input on them as well. A friend who rides a '91 Yamaha 600 said that he has seen numerous 2004 Ninja 250s advertised in classifieds for $1500. Anyway, any input you guys have would be great! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiganbowhunter_SQ2 Posted June 1, 2007 Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 have you ever ridden any type of bike before? dirt bike or anything? if you have any friends with dirt bikes i would recommend asking them to take one for a spin to get the hang of it. thats how i learned (even though i have no motorcyce i learned anyways ) some of them may not have to power as a sportbike, but at least you'll get the hang of it. as for which bike...i know a few people who started off with a ninja 250, worked pretty good for them, never heard any complaints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popgun Posted June 2, 2007 Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 My opinion... You're too big and a 250 is too small. Within a few short months you will have to look for something bigger. Look at cruisers. The insurance on a sport bike will eat up your gas savings, and insurance on a cruiser is a little cheaper. Be careful and always wear a helmet. Think more than twice before giving anyone a ride, because accidents just happen so quickly. You will never forgive yourself if something happens to your passenger and it is your fault. I'd recommend a 600cc Honda Shadow VLX with shaft drive. ....popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted June 2, 2007 Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 My opinion... You're too big and a 250 is too small. Within a few short months you will have to look for something bigger. Look at cruisers. The insurance on a sport bike will eat up your gas savings, and insurance on a cruiser is a little cheaper. Be careful and always wear a helmet. Think more than twice before giving anyone a ride, because accidents just happen so quickly. You will never forgive yourself if something happens to your passenger and it is your fault. I'd recommend a 600cc Honda Shadow VLX with shaft drive. ....popgun Could not have said any better! When I got my first bike it was a 450 Nighthawk, two weeks later, I wanted a bigger bike! Respect the bike, respect life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted June 2, 2007 Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 sorry. no support here. i'll encourage you to get at least 4 wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant-KS Posted June 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 Michi: No, nothing but a pedal bicycle. Sounds great, but the only person I know that miiiight let me try out his bike is the one with the 600CC sport bike, and I'd be really nervous riding around with that thing, which wouldn't be conducive to getting a good feel for the bike. Popgun: Thanks for the advice! I realize that as soon as I get used to the bike I'll want more, but at this point I want to get something that I can easily become familiar with, gets good gas mileage, looks halfway sporty, and most importantly, is something I can afford. As far as insurance, I'm a little puzzled, because the two guys that I know that have sport bikes are both paying under $60/YEAR for liability insurance! The one is the dude with the '91 Yamaha 600, and another with a 1000 of some sort. Also, yeah, if I do give rides, it will be a long time until that happens, that's for sure. I anticipate eventually getting a bigger bike as soon as I can afford it, but I have the feeling it'll be next year before that happens. As of now I have nothing with 4 wheels that I call my own, but I can drive mom's van here and there if need be, but dad's freakin' out about gas bills, I hate having him pay that much, I drive 21 miles to work one way on pavement, and I think that getting a bike can help to do my part in saving money. Meanwhile, I will need to buy a car this fall to drive during the winter, so I need to watch my $$$. I'm more or less planning on getting a new, bigger bike next summer. A little background...I was going to buy my boss's neighbor's '75 Suzuki GT250 (I think that's what it was) for Terry thought under $300, but the neighbor (old guy who will probably never ride again) decided he didn't want to sell it yet. It had been parked for the last 20 years, ran fine when parked, but just never rode it again. I saw a couple of the maintenance guys at the college riding their bikes to work (cruisers) and thought they looked nice etc., but the price of them makes me nervous. My boss pointed out a bike at the Coop for sale...'04 Harley I believe, $10,500. YIKES! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlott89 Posted June 2, 2007 Report Share Posted June 2, 2007 yepp they really get up there with price depending on what yr and specs are on it like my 06 r6 was $9,700 brand new just stock.and my r1 i got a month ago was $ 12,000 brand new but that was with the aftermarket exaust.and i agree with Michiganbowhunter_SQ2 , my friend went out and bought a new honda 1000 never has rode a bike before got it home thaught hed take it for a spin in the road quick got out in the road tryed to shift to second and flipped it backwards.so yeah if u know anybody that has one i would see if u could take it for a quick ride to see what they are capable of(like shifting).on my r1 and r6 if u try to shift to 2nd gear and give it to much gas it will stand up on ya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntinDiva Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 uuhhhhhh.... this kind!!!! haha lol jk!!!! maybe this kind... haha lol jk;) HD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted June 3, 2007 Report Share Posted June 3, 2007 uuhhhhhh.... this kind!!!! haha lol jk!!!! maybe this kind... haha lol jk;) HD LMBO!!!!!!!! :cool: I know a few guys who would love that chopper/mower! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QDMAworks4me Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 If you want my suggetion don't ride anyone elses bike, get your own and learn on that. If you ride someone elses bike and you tip it over or crash it you are now going to be buying their bike or fixing it. I have a cbr 600 f4 which I love but feel the 600 sportbike is way to much for a beginer. There is one class of bike that you may not have thought about. My fiancee and I were looking at motorcycles for her and looked at the 250 Ninja, she did not like it as she felt she would outgrow it very fast. As we were at the dealer there was a Ninja 500 sitting right next to the 250. She sat on that and after we talked we dicided that this would be a much better buy and actually the 500 fit her much better. There are used 500 sportbikes out there that you might want to take a look at. As far as insurance goes if you were to get full coverage the sportbike woud be expensive but basic liability is usually not anymore than a cruiser. My bike A picture off the internet that looks just like her bike (I don't have any pics on my computer of hers) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 Grant, my son who is 15 has a 250 Ninja, he is about your size, and it fits him fairly decently. First thing I would do, is look into a riding class before you go out and buy one. Nick and my wife went through the class so they could get their license, and it proved to be VERY VERY helpful to them. Not sure what they paid for his, but I think it was around $3000 for an '05, but I could be wrong. One thing you need to look for, is there is a recall on the 250 Ninjas, they used to long of a bolt, and it went into the gas tank, causing a leak. Just be aware of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 sorry. no support here. i'll encourage you to get at least 4 wheels. Word, Word, Word, Word, Word.... I have an uncle that has been comatose for over 20 years because someone else wasn't paying attention. A short time later the guy who pulled out in front of him killed himself because of it. I hear about deaths a lot due to Murdercycles. Personally I like them but I like myself and my family to much to buy one, ever...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 Well, since you asked..... I think you should really sit down and think about what you are doing and why. If you want a motorcycle, that's one thing. If you are going to buy a $1,500 motorcycle and associated equipment AND pay motorcycle insurance (which can be hefty) and risk your life to avoid high gas prices, you have lost it man. The math doesn't work friend. My advice is to avoid motorcycles....you have never ridden one and if you don't kill yourself someone else will probably do it for you. Think about all the times you were rear ended while sitting at a light or stopping fast in traffic and then think about what would have happened if you were on a bike. Or think about all the times you hit debris on the road (rocks, interstate aligators, sand, oil, water) and then think about what hitting those things would be like on a motorcycle. IMHO, not worth your life. You are young and probably think you will live forever but all it takes is one second to take your life. I had a friend killed on one.... Don't do it. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 My advice is to avoid motorcycles....you have never ridden one and if you don't kill yourself someone else will probably do it for you. My wife's cousin was killed his first time on one. He drove to Tulsa (45mi), bought the bike, and headed home. He lost control and was dead before he could ever reach home for the first time. Ive seen to many people I know and locally put under with those things. The worst part, again, isnt how you drive. Its how everyone else drives. You can puddle along at 45mph from now on but all it takes is that one moron reading the paper, answering the phone, or dropping something in the floor and its all over..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 My wife's cousin was killed his first time on one. He drove to Tulsa (45mi), bought the bike, and headed home. He lost control and was dead before he could ever reach home for the first time. Ive seen to many people I know and locally put under with those things. The worst part, again, isnt how you drive. Its how everyone else drives. You can puddle along at 45mph from now on but all it takes is that one moron reading the paper, answering the phone, or dropping something in the floor and its all over..... Right, like the original poster, I would love to have one if you could guarantee me that someone else wouldn't hit me while I was riding it. We are all talking about deaths but I would also like to point out the catastrophic injuries that happen as a result of riding. Remember, if you hit something on the interstate or road that causes you to lay it down...there are a lot of moving cars around, usually anywyay. My friend came off late one night and was hit by several cars....lived long enough to know what was going on. I would hate to never walk again because of riding one of those machines. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidd Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 i really enjoy my kaw. vulcan 750 i learned on a honda 400 sport would recommend going to a class ie abate jmho i like to ride as long as you are safe---wear a helmet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricfirefighter Posted June 4, 2007 Report Share Posted June 4, 2007 Take a class first and learn to ride i have a 1100 cc goldwing that i love but hate riding up here week of the Sturgis rally to many people that never been on a bike before and dont know what there doing. bikes are a blast but be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DU_man_84 Posted June 5, 2007 Report Share Posted June 5, 2007 how about a shcwinn or a huffy, LOL jk, i dont know nothing bout crotch rockets or dirt bikes, use to love my harley sporster 883 for the 8 months i had it, just no time to ride it, hope to get one sometime down the road again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant-KS Posted June 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2007 If you want my suggetion don't ride anyone elses bike, get your own and learn on that. If you ride someone elses bike and you tip it over or crash it you are now going to be buying their bike or fixing it. I have a cbr 600 f4 which I love but feel the 600 sportbike is way to much for a beginer. There is one class of bike that you may not have thought about. My fiancee and I were looking at motorcycles for her and looked at the 250 Ninja, she did not like it as she felt she would outgrow it very fast. As we were at the dealer there was a Ninja 500 sitting right next to the 250. She sat on that and after we talked we dicided that this would be a much better buy and actually the 500 fit her much better. There are used 500 sportbikes out there that you might want to take a look at. As far as insurance goes if you were to get full coverage the sportbike woud be expensive but basic liability is usually not anymore than a cruiser. My bike A picture off the internet that looks just like her bike (I don't have any pics on my computer of hers) Funny you should mention it...I was just drooling over a bunch of Ninja 500s on Ebay Motors, which brings me to my next question...how many miles is too many on a used bike, and what sort of repairs would I be looking at beyond that? I've been looking at some mid-90s Ninja 500s, which can be had for around $1500-2000 if you do it right. Also, what exactly do you look for in how the bike fits you? I know one thing is comfortable seat height for standing when stopped, but I'm sure there's more. As for the class, that is certainly an option, but unfortunately it's a $200 option. I may just have to do that... work more hours, work more hours. Relating to money concerns, I have no vehicle of my very own right now, and the purchase of a bike will let me put off buying a car until fall/winter, so throughout the summer I'd be paying insurance on the bike only. I can still drive one of my parents' vehicles occasionally if I need to. I'm getting alot of nods in the Kawasaki Ninja bigger than 250 smaller than 600 direction...looking like Ninja 500 is a winner. Are there any others that would be good to look into? Marlin hasn't had any problems with his '91 Yamaha FZR 600, which makes me hopeful that even an older bike would suit me well. However, I don't know how many miles it has. Anyway, I'm open to any other suggestions that you may have, as well as input on age/miles of bikes. For those who have repeatedly tried to convince me not to get one, thank you for your advice. I think at this point I'm still planning on getting one. I don't think I'm invincible, in fact my shoulder was hurting me a bit today reminding me of that. I realize that there are some quite significant dangers in riding a bike, but I think I'm willing to take that risk. I consider myself a very cautious driver which should help, but I also realize that many motorcycle accidents are not the rider's fault. And, I live in the country on the plains of Kansas where there aren't too many people, and the roads are straight, which could make a significant difference in the level of danger involved. Once again, thanks for your advice, and you have been heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant-KS Posted June 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 Sorry for bringing this thread back up, but didn't want to make a new one... So I see a Suzuki GS1100L in the classifieds for $500. I haven't talked to the guy yet, but left a message on answering machine today. Here is the matching bike (year/model) for interest's sake. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-SUZUKI-GS1100L_W0QQitemZ260127821142QQihZ016QQcategoryZ133177QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Anyway, I saw 1100CC and freaked, but is there any way this would work? It's a cruiser so it should be a bit easier to ride than a sport bike I think is right, but...that's massive. Also, what sort of gas mileage does a cruiser with big of an engine get? Is it worth getting something that big for saving on gas? Like I said, I haven't seen it, and know next to nothing about it, but curious what input you guys have assuming it's in decent running/driving condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popgun Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 Good Luck Grant... Price is not always a factor, but the old saying that you get what you pay for usually is true in motorcycles. I would expect that bike to run about $850. and up. If you get a price of $500. I would highly suspect that it isn't in as good of shape as the one shown on Ebay. I would think that for $500. you will find one that has been in a substantial crash, or has some serious problems. When looking at a used bike I pay a lot of attention to the way it handles as well as the dents and scratches. Pay attention to the pipes, especially the header section that is connected to the bike. With a lot of machines a black tailpipe can mean excessive oil use or too rich a mixture, but if the chrome is blued near the front of the pipes it can also mean that the bike has been running too lean, and that is worse for wear and tear that running rich. 1100 is a little large for a starter bike, but you could probably handle it. Take a friend with you that knows motorcycles before buying it. As for gas mileage....It is all in the wrist. If you keep the rmp's down, you can get good gas mileage, but if you wind it out between shifts, or gear down before stops, your gas mileage will suffer. I can get 40 mpg with my Valkyrie, but I don't, because I can't keep from twisting that throttle. Keep the rpm's down and your gas consumption will also stay down. Also, tires do not last as many miles on a m/cycle as they normally do with a car, and the tires need to be in really good shape. You must learn to use both the front and rear brakes, or you will not stop when you want to. This is even more important on heavy bikes. Remember that even the best of excuses will not get you out of the hospital any quicker. There is no such excuse as,"I laid it down to avoid a wreck." You've heard of defensive driving, and you will get plenty of practice in it. You must ride as though you are paranoid that everyone is out to get you....Because they are. If we can't talk you out of it, be sure to have a lot of your friends praying for you while you ride. I found out that I spent a lot more time talking with the Lord while I was riding than when I was driving in the car. ....popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant-KS Posted June 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 Thanks alot popgun! That's exactly the kind of info. I was looking for! Unfortunately, I don't really know anyone that knows alot about motorcycles. The one that I would have asked, my cousin, died of Leukemia about a year ago. The problem I've got right now is that I don't have a motorcycle license, so I can't even take one for a test drive on the roads, and even then I wouldn't come anywhere close to riding a bike that I don't own already, because I have no idea how to ride them. Okay, some idea, but you get the picture. Another question...what is the top end on mileage that you would buy used? I know miles count for a whole lot more on a bike than a car. Also, what kind of expenses can a person expect as far as maintenance, what needs to be watched, repaired, etc.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popgun Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 Thanks alot popgun! That's exactly the kind of info. I was looking for! Unfortunately, I don't really know anyone that knows alot about motorcycles. The one that I would have asked, my cousin, died of Leukemia about a year ago. The problem I've got right now is that I don't have a motorcycle license, so I can't even take one for a test drive on the roads, and even then I wouldn't come anywhere close to riding a bike that I don't own already, because I have no idea how to ride them. Okay, some idea, but you get the picture. Another question...what is the top end on mileage that you would buy used? I know miles count for a whole lot more on a bike than a car. Also, what kind of expenses can a person expect as far as maintenance, what needs to be watched, repaired, etc.? Grant, the reason I am quoting your last post is because you may delete it again and it looks like I am replying to a post that isn't even there. In answer to some of your added questions... I have owned a lot of bikes and it depends upon the bike as to the expected mileage life of the motorcycle. I've seen really good Touring motorcycles that have as much as 50K and have a lot more to go. Most riders don't ride as many miles as they do in a car or truck. 5K per year is heavy usage for most m/cycles. I have put more than that on them in a year, but that would be average. I would not buy a used sport bike because the owners of sport bikes have a tendency to ride them hard. Usually young sport bike riders will go through the clutch, transmission, and brakes along with two sets of tires in the first 15K miles. I do know a couple of guys that have put as much as 10K on a bike in a year, but have a tendency to let off once the new is gone, and they get rained on enough. If you could find a m/cycle that is "adult ridden", and well cared for, and garage kept, you're better off. Look for rust in the tank, water in the oil, oil leaks, bald tires, etc.. If a bike has bald tires and only 5K miles, someone has been dogging the heck out of it. There are a lot of bikes out there to choose from, so don't get too anxious to open your wallet. As far as a test ride... I have sold a few bikes in my time, and I will tell you right now that I will not offer to let someone take a test ride unless they show up at my house riding something at least as big and powerful as the bike I'm selling. I'll take them for a ride, but I will not let anyone ride it until I have the cash in hand. Expenses, as far as maintenance and upkeep.... If you can do it yourself you will save on labor charges at about $65, per hour. Parts for m/cycles are like gold, diamonds, John Deere parts, or boat motor parts. Most dealers will skin you alive because they know they are the only pony show in town. Before you buy any model, do a search on the web for parts like bearings, filters, tires, brake pads, cables, even body parts. Some bikes are easier to fix than others, and less expensive. Just the side cover that could fly off on the freeway that is not on securely can cost $110, and the bike looks like trash without it. Everything needs to be watched and maintained every day, every time you ride. You never get on it without checking. My advice.... Think, think, think,,,,,and then buy yourself a small truck. We don't want to loose you. ....popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant-KS Posted June 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2007 Okay, update. My friend Marlin that I mentioned earlier is selling his '96 Yamaha FZR 600. 9,000 miles, hasn't had any problems for him or the previous owner(I know both of them and live within 3 miles of both). Cons: May need new tires, which will bring down purchase price, but not ending cost. Starts a bit hard when cold. If sitting for 4 days, etc., but everyday driving starts pretty easily. If I read and remember right, this is commonly a carburation problem (varnish buildup, etc.) I've rebuilt 2 small engines and carbs, so I think with a manual I should be able to do it myself. This may also bring down price, but how much is reasonable? He's asking $2300, which is what he paid for it. I think I'll offer something like $1900 or so and see if he'll bite. That would be figuring in several thousand miles that he's put on it, new tires, and cleaning carbs. What do you think? This was his first bike, and he did quite well learning on it and is quite comfortable with it after about 6 months of owning it. Reason for selling, he wants something more comfortable/powerful for he and his wife to go riding on. He's thinking a 1200 cruiser or so. Anyway, whaddayathink? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popgun Posted June 17, 2007 Report Share Posted June 17, 2007 Hey Grant, I've been wondering where you've been lately. "]http://w1.bikepics.com/pics/2003/06/15/bikepics-50504-200.jpg "]http://w1.bikepics.com/pics/2001/04/27/bikepics-1691-full.jpg "]http://w1.bikepics.com/pics/2001/04/27/bikepics-1688-full.jpg The above links will guide you to some photos of the bike with the previous owner. Well….maybe not…but it could be. Tires worn out. Shocks worn out. Transmission worn out. Clutch worn out. You’ll be at least the 3rd owner. Has it ever been laid down? Remind him that the bike is 11 years old and start at $1600 and go up to $1800. If you can afford $2300. + tires, why not find a small car or truck? ....popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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