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New Rider ForumsJust joining the motorcyclist hobbie? Looking to get some information about a first bike? Or have some newbie questions. Are you new to the website?
If the 01 is in super good condition go for that one, otherwise get the 03.
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"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
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"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
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Sportbike: 2008 KTM Super Duke
both prices are kinda in line with the NADA. I would personally go with the 03.
Secondly gear.
Helmet :HJC is fine, I would read up on helmet tests before I went and bought one.
Jacket: Get leather and look for one without a ton of seams and with nice protective armor. I personally have A*s, Spidi and Dainese jackets and all are good
Gloves: Again, look for something without exposed seams and durable materials in the impact spots (knuckles and gauntlet).
Boot: Honestly, it depends on your foot. I suggest trying boots on before you order them. I have a wider foot and like my A*s.
One other thing, Spine protector. A good one is important.
Since you're on a tight budget, check out newenough.com for gear.
Everyone that deals with them likes them very much, they have great deals for the budget minded rider, and their customer service gets a great recomendation.
True for newenough.com, their customer service is top notch.
I'd go for the second option for 2K... I too am a tight-budget student and I went with the Ninja 500 too, but an older one (1994) in excellent condition.
those bikes are pretty much identical in build for those 2 years, if the first one is in good condition and maintained I'd go for it, but either seems fine. I am assuming they are also different looking color wise so what do they look like?
as for gear:
1. Helmet - If you grab some HJC's and they fit you well, then grab one. Buy what is going to fit you, not the brand name or looks...
2. Jacket - seems fine, what kind of riding are you going to be doing? Do you need rain gear? Are you in a super hot climate? if you are you might wanted some perforated leather.
3. Gloves - I'll just echo what people have said here.
4. Boots - try some on, I have a cheap pair of Matrix which are good, but I would move towards getting a boot that doesn't have laces.
newenough is great. and I got a good deal on a leather from the Motorcyclesuperstore for their Shift jacket closeout.
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2006 Ninja 500r - SOLD - 2005 Honda CBR F4i - 9000+ miles and counting "You can't carry a gun with you while you are riding your motorcycle... because you can't carry enough ammo to be satisfied." - Anonymous Proud supporter of DC UNITED!!!VAMOS UNITED!! GO CAPS!!!
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I got my 01 with 11000 miles on it for $1500...so theres a number for you to crunch...
I got a nice helmet, or what I think is nice, but its not a big expensive brand or anything...its a fulmer apache...it almost matches the purple color too...you can kinda see it there in my picture... about the cover, I just have a $15 job from wal mart that gets the job done fine for me!
those bikes are pretty much identical in build for those 2 years, if the first one is in good condition and maintained I'd go for it, but either seems fine. I am assuming they are also different looking color wise so what do they look like?
as for gear:
1. Helmet - If you grab some HJC's and they fit you well, then grab one. Buy what is going to fit you, not the brand name or looks...
2. Jacket - seems fine, what kind of riding are you going to be doing? Do you need rain gear? Are you in a super hot climate? if you are you might wanted some perforated leather.
3. Gloves - I'll just echo what people have said here.
4. Boots - try some on, I have a cheap pair of Matrix which are good, but I would move towards getting a boot that doesn't have laces.
newenough is great. and I got a good deal on a leather from the Motorcyclesuperstore for their Shift jacket closeout.
+1 TRY the helmets on. When I first went helmet shopping I was looking at HJC. Came to find out they did not fit my head at all. KBC fits my head much better. Helmet fit is very important. Also, just because one model/size of brand X fits your head doesn't mean they all will.
__________________
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
~Abraham Lincoln
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
~Edmund Burke
I'd go with the $2000 bike. The depreciation has already started to level out and then you would have more cash for better gear.
Newenough.com will help you get your riding apparel at a good price.
You have to try helmets on to get a good fit. Look at HJC, AGV, Z1R, and Icon, Shoei.
It is easy to do but don't buy a helmet that is too big. Arai says something like 67% of helmets sold are the wrong size. Usually too big. Have yours fitted by the dealership.
In jackets and pants look at Joe Rocket, Fieldsheer, Icon, Tourmaster, Alpinestars, Olympia.
Boots to look at include Sidi, Joe Rocket, Alpinestars, Diadora, Tourmaster.
Gloves from Joe Rocket, Alpinestars, Olympia, Tourmaster are good.
2001 Ninja 500 for $2k or 2003 Ninja 500 for $3k
I love the Ninja and found two pretty good deals. Wanted your advise.
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