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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?
Just came back from the bike shop after sitting on both a 250R and a 500R. I can't decide between the two. I like the 500 because its bigger and has a few extra features, not to mention its my favorite color (black). The 250 is nice and light, but at 6'2" 220lbs the suspension seemed pretty loaded. Having never ridden a motorcycle before they both intimidate me to some degree. Anyway, dealer quoted me $2,790 + title out the door for the '05 250 ninja and $4,580 + title out the door for the '05 500R.
Both are outstanding first bikes. The primary reasons for picking the 250 over the 500 would be size (and that shouldn't be an issue for you) and price. If price isn't a concern, go for the 500.
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You're never too old to have a happy childhood.
Yeah, those are both great bikes to start on. Both are going to have the rear preload set too light, so you can certainly stiffen both up so they don't squish so much when you sit on them. I'd say go with whichever you like better and can afford, and don't forget to budget in $500-1000 for gear to go with that new bike.
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I guess I could save myself the $1,800 and go with the 250R...that would give me some money to buy good pants and boots to go with my jacket and helmet.
Are these new '05 bikes that the dealer is still hanging onto? You might be able to talk him down a bit more, if so. The only difference between 05, 06, and 07 is the color selection, but it sounds like he's unable to move them.
You might try a package deal, like "I'll take the 500 if you'll toss in a free helmet and jacket," and let him counter.
Or you could do like my wife when she can't decide which of two items to buy. Buy both.
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1/2-Fast
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You're never too old to have a happy childhood.
Get the 500 if you think you will have it for two years...they are awsome bikes...I love mine and will prolly have it for sevral years to come...even though I bought it to just learn on...
Get the 250 if you plan on useing it to "learn on" and then move on...my reason for that is resell value...odds are if you dont drop it you can get rid of the 250 for far less of a loss then the 500...
so 500 if you plan to keep it for a few years and 250 if your just getting it to learn on and get some seat time before moving up.
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90' Zephyr 550 - SOLD
Cell phones are the biggest accident contributor since Tequila.~~ Check me on myspace
Posts: 9,393
Casino Cash: $60358
Sportbike: '02 Ninja 250 with More $ in Mods Than I Care to Admit
I'd go for the 250.
I'm currently in the market for a 250 myself...I know it's going to be a bit "less quick" than my current ride, but the fact that it's dirt cheap is what's the selling point for me...that, and the fact that I will be able to use the 250 as a track bike for some fun when I get another bigger bike is awesome.
I will probably keep the 250 as my primary commuter bike for a couple of years, then retire it as a possible track bike only when I move on to a 600SS in two or three years.
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In Life, Try To Be The Kind Of Person Your Dog Thinks You Are...
Colts, 49ers, Lions, 2008 Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, MSU Spartans, USC Trojans, LSU Tigers
2008 SBN CBS Sportsline Fantasy Football League Champion
2002 Kawasaki Ninja 250--SV-650 rear shock, Sonic Springs .80kg/mm front springs, ZX-2R graphics, flush mount front signals, tail pod rear signals, Kerker 2-1 race pipe, Factory Pro Stage 3 jet kit, UNI pod filters, ZG Double Bubble, Custom Creations soft vinyl seat cover, Kawi Green rim stripes, carbon brake fluid cap, carbon control levers, No Rear Fender, Yamaha R1 Style Mirrors, V-LEDs.com H4 HID Kit, Nelson Rigg Silver Streak Mini Saddle Bags, Rapid Transit Recon Tank Bag, Various Manufacturers Decals
Posts: 9,393
Casino Cash: $60358
Sportbike: '02 Ninja 250 with More $ in Mods Than I Care to Admit
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt500r
Better be ready to buy another dog
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!
Excellent use of the other thread!!!
You're right though...I'd probably have to think of something better than a puppy to get that one across...but who knows, maybe work chick will be the one that I'll be having to explain the 600SS to...hahahahaha
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In Life, Try To Be The Kind Of Person Your Dog Thinks You Are...
Colts, 49ers, Lions, 2008 Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, MSU Spartans, USC Trojans, LSU Tigers
2008 SBN CBS Sportsline Fantasy Football League Champion
2002 Kawasaki Ninja 250--SV-650 rear shock, Sonic Springs .80kg/mm front springs, ZX-2R graphics, flush mount front signals, tail pod rear signals, Kerker 2-1 race pipe, Factory Pro Stage 3 jet kit, UNI pod filters, ZG Double Bubble, Custom Creations soft vinyl seat cover, Kawi Green rim stripes, carbon brake fluid cap, carbon control levers, No Rear Fender, Yamaha R1 Style Mirrors, V-LEDs.com H4 HID Kit, Nelson Rigg Silver Streak Mini Saddle Bags, Rapid Transit Recon Tank Bag, Various Manufacturers Decals
You're right though...I'd probably have to think of something better than a puppy to get that one across...but who knows, maybe work chick will be the one that I'll be having to explain the 600SS to...hahahahaha
haha you never know
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90' Zephyr 550 - SOLD
Cell phones are the biggest accident contributor since Tequila.~~ Check me on myspace
I Can't Decide
