First bike. How long do you own it for?

[sadza]

Hi everyone,

I'm relatively new, decided to try my hand at biking after seeing the sexy new Ninja at Big Boys Toys. I have ridden a dirt bike before about 5 years ago, but not really a road bike; so I'm not a complete newbi, but I don't have a lot of experience either. I just got my learners this afternoon

Anyway on to my question... How long would you expect to own a 250 for? The reason I ask is because I would like to buy a new bike, but it doesn't make sense if I am just going to sell it rather soon (i.e. after restricted or full). I would mainly be using the bike for commuting to the city pretty much everyday and a bit of weekend riding close to home.

I'm 6ft and about 115 kgs, so would a 250 not be a great choice in the long run? I don't intend to do cross country/touring, but would like a bike that rides comfortably. I've read that the Ninja 250r is quite fiesty for a 250 and fairly comfortable even for bigger blokes.

I'm still undecided what to buy, I just like the look of the ninjas. I need to go and try out a couple first.

Any thoughts on Keeway? Or imported used bikes?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

[breakaway]

Apply for an exemption on the grounds that you are too big for a 250 and get a 600. For information on how to do this, do a few searches for 'exemption'.

Also, stick to the major Japanese brands (Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda etc). If you don't, you will almost certainly have trouble.

[Hitcher]

Piece of string. How long do you cut it?

[Swoop]

I'm relatively new, decided to try my hand at biking after seeing the sexy new Ninja at Big Boys Toys.

What is it with the 250 Ninja's?
One of my students has had this ingrained into her psyche... "must have"-itis.

[sadza]

I've just been reading up about exemptions, thanks for suggesting that breakaway. I didn't even consider applying for an exemption.

@Swoop: I've always wanted to get a road bike, it's kinda just been at the back of my head. The ninja looks the part and is affordable. I guess it was the combination of those factors

I suppose the crux of the issue is this: I can afford to buy a new 250, and I would rather only buy once. But if the consensus is that I would probably (I know you can't give definitive answers on the very little information provided) be best suited with a bigger bike 400/600 I would try just buy a cheap 250 and upgrade later.

Looking at TradeMe though, there isn't too much of a difference between getting a brand new 250 v secondhand. New being 7k and secondhand being 4 - 5 (post 1998 models).

I definitely don't know much about this subject so any advice is appreciated.

[PrincessBandit]

Hi everyone,



Anyway on to my question... How long would you expect to own a 250 for? The reason I ask is because I would like to buy a new bike, but it doesn't make sense if I am just going to sell it rather soon (i.e. after restricted or full). I would mainly be using the bike for commuting to the city pretty much everyday and a bit of weekend riding close to home.

Going by your height and weight it sounds to me too that an exemption is the way to go. Do the search as suggested, but just a sneak preview - go on "safety" issues in relation to your size vs a 250cc.

In answer to your question I've quoted, it obviously depends on lots of things - budget, different uses, your attention (read "boredom") span with one bike, physical limitations. I still have my first bike (the mighty ginny) as my husband and son have since used it to get their licences too. Besides, I'm sentimentally attached to it despite pretty much only riding my bandit now.

If money weren't an object for me I'd have a lovely wee stable, complete with a nice cruiser. (But I'm not about to cross over to the dark side yet!)

[blairh]

Looking at TradeMe though, there isn't too much of a difference between getting a brand new 250 v secondhand. New being 7k and secondhand being 4 - 5 (post 1998 models).

This was basically my choice. Buy a 2nd hand 250 for $5k - $6k, or get a brand new Ninja with a warranty for $7k... not a tough choice really!

I only weigh about 70kg, but I can get the Ninja up to 150kph when passing no worries, so I'm sure it would pull you along no worries =)

[sadza]

Thanks for all the replies...

It seems that I should just accept that I should get a 250 and sell it later. Sticking to the well known brands also seems to keep retail value up.

In regards to the exemption, would the fact that I have limited experience make much of a difference? I was sort of budgeting around 7 for a bike + gear on top. If I were to get an exception what make/models should I be looking at?

Thanks for the replies thus far. It's not an easy decision and at the moment I am car-less & bike-less; so trying not to rush into anything.

[discotex]

If you buy new you will lose a grand or two when you trade up but no biggie. Second hand you can probably sell for what you pay as they've all depreciated already.

Are you over 25 sadza? Personally I don't think an exemption is really worth the hassle if you are because you'll be able to get your full in 9 months.

[sadza]

Yeah, ideally I'd like to get a fairly new bike for that grand or so cheaper :P I see a couple of 250r's have been sold as seconds for 6. I don't like the idea of buying 4 or 5+ year old bikes for marginally less than new; but a barely used 08 model for 1k cheaper is appealing.

I'm 20 actually so I have to do the full rigmarole. Are there any other 250 alternatives to the ninja besides the hyosung? (comparable in price and being NZ new)

I have sat on a ninja 250r and the hyosung, didn't really like the more forward riding position of the hyosung on the faired version. The naked version felt a bit better and is slightly larger than the ninja. However I'd prefer to stick with a name brand & the fact that hyosungs require twice as much servicing compared with the kawas (according to Mt Eden Motorcycles).

Decisions, Decisions!

[RantyDave]

Contemplate getting a Yamaha Scorpio. They're a (very) basic first bike and substantially less shitty than a GN250. Nowhere near as much fun as a Ninja 250, or not as cool looking but it does have the advantage of preserving cash for the "real" bike a year later - I believe they are $4k+OTR.

Aha, for instance - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-188771168.htm

FWIW I started with a second hand Yamaha SR250. It was fine, and hardly depreciated at all. Don't buy a Hyosung.

Dave

[discotex]

Personally I'd go with the Ninja for peace of mind. Mt Eden sell both if I rember right so should be able to give you an idea of relative warranty issues etc.

Whichever you get it's well worth asking them to swap out the stock tyres for something better. Should be able to get a good deal on some of your gear as well. That's one of the big bonuses for buying new.

[sadza]

Thanks Dave I will check out that bike. It definitely appeals to the student within.

When buying new from a dealer, how negotiable is the price? For instance Mt Eden has the ninja at $7500 cf $7000 at some other dealers. Does a bag full of cash induce discounts like when one purchases a car?

If I go secondhand, you obviously don't get dealer discounts on gear so what is the best way to get gear in that case?

Finally, no one has mentioned anything about used Jap import bikes? I know some dealers can "source" used imports that come with 6 month warranty or something. Anyone have any experience?

And finally, very off topic: Does anyone commute to work (on a bike) where one has to wear a business suit? Is this feasible? Any tips?

[HTFU]

Spend your time sorting out an exemption, 6ft and heavy is not going to be good on the 250cc. My gpx is pefect for me at 5'9" and 75kg but wouldn't want to be any bigger.

Then get something like the Suzuki 500cc twin cylinder sports bike that was selling for $7800 new a few months ago. It has the more upright bars like the naked hyosung but is faired like the ninja.

edit - . Black or Blue
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-124400699.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-130923190.htm

[discotex]

My gpx is pefect for me at 5'9" and 75kg but wouldn't want to be any bigger.

Someone needs an HTFU pill.

I'm 6' and fit on my old ZXR250c fine. Admittedly only 80kg but still. Plenty have done it without issues on Hyosungs or Hornets.

Bike shops will negotiate for cash in hand. Probably especially now with finance harder for people to get. If they don't cut you a mean deal on the combined bike/gear then walk away and try someone else.

If you go 2nd hand then Cycletreads or Motomail are the place to go for gear. Cycletreads have more reasonable priced gear and Motomail have more top end depending on your taste. Motomail outlet shop is worth a look too. Often have great deals on old stock.