Specific Bike Info

[Power81]

After alot of reading this site and doing my own research i have decided to go with a Ninja250(insert joke about a small bike here). It is my first bike and i haven't rode before so i thought this would be a good beginners bike. Not something that will overpower me and scare the living s**t out of me. Now the hard part...which one do i get? Were any years better then others that i should look into? Should i just get a new one? They r only 3000$. Are there certain ones i should stay away from? Thanks in advance guys. You have been a great help.

[Hagios]

You're on a good track already. I'd go used just for the difference in insurance costs.

[donkeyman]

Get used. Less hurt on your wallet when you do upgrade.

I got the 500 only because newbs buy SS bikes here. And the ones that have a 250 keep theirs forever.

[Power81]

So now everyone is saying get a 500. This and another thread. Do the ninja500's come with full fairings cuz some don't i saw.

[Its Sparks]

Can someone please sticky ScuffedKnees thread that says, LOOK HERE BEFORE ASKING WHAT BIKE TO GET...

[Power81]

Originally Posted by Its Sparks

Can someone please sticky ScuffedKnees thread that says, LOOK HERE BEFORE ASKING WHAT BIKE TO GET...

I am not asking what bike to get. I already have one in mind. I am just looking for specific model info.

[Ride.]

They've pretty much been the same bike since early '90s. Might as well find a mechanically sound one that's a few years old that's been pre-dropped for you. Save some cash for gear.

[scuffedknees]

Get any year . Make sure its clean, an been kept well. most first time riders get rid of them after 3000 miles or so , becasue they "think " they are ready to move up.

[donkeyman]

Originally Posted by Power81

So now everyone is saying get a 500. This and another thread. Do the ninja500's come with full fairings cuz some don't i saw.

Take the 3-step Ninja process to become a good rider.
Step 1: Ninja 250 for 1 season.
Step 2: Ninja 500 for 1 season.
Step 3: Ninja 650 for 1 season.

For me, the hardest part of riding is learning how to turn, clutch slipping, u-turns, uphill starts, and general throttle/brake control. Less power = quicker learning curve.

By the way this is my Ninja 500 with full-fairing...

[Power81]

Originally Posted by donkeyman

Take the 3-step Ninja process to become a good rider.
Step 1: Ninja 250 for 1 season.
Step 2: Ninja 500 for 1 season.
Step 3: Ninja 650 for 1 season.

For me, the hardest part of riding is learning how to turn, clutch slipping, u-turns, uphill starts, and general throttle/brake control. Less power = quicker learning curve.

By the way this is my Ninja 500 with full-fairing...

Nice bike. Did u have to special order it? I can't find a single full faired one on the net other then special ordered. Its not necessary, just a preference i guess.


And won't switching a bike each season get expensive? I am also having a hard time finding used Ninjas in my area. I even looked 2 towns over and you would think i would be able to find some in Denver but no luck. I did however find one in Texas LMAO about 900 miles away. Anyone up for a road trip? Lol.

[donkeyman]

Originally Posted by Power81

Nice bike. Did u have to special order it? I can't find a single full faired one on the net other then special ordered. Its not necessary, just a preference i guess.


And won't switching a bike each season get expensive? I am also having a hard time finding used Ninjas in my area. I even looked 2 towns over and you would think i would be able to find some in Denver but no luck. I did however find one in Texas LMAO about 900 miles away. Anyone up for a road trip? Lol.

Yeah, you won't find too many Ninja 250/500's in my area too. I bought the bike used with those fairings on. They are aftermarket that you can purchase online. Switching a bike every season won't get expensive as used bikes barely depreciate in value. I can probably sell this bike and make more money than I paid for.

[Ride.]

Originally Posted by Power81

And won't switching a bike each season get expensive?

Used bikes hold their value pretty good. A good example of this is what I went through with my first bike.
I bought it as a 4 year old, slightly road rashed bike. Payed $3k for it (was worth a little more than that at the time, but the seller couldn't afford the bike and the brand new truck he had just bought at the same time. This is a very common situation with people who get bikes. They just buy it as a "toy", then buy a different toy and lose interest. That's where the good deals are to be had). I rode that bike for 2 years. The only thing I ever did to it was put a new set of tires on it (which you will have to do anyway, regardless of which bike you buy. It's a regular expense with motorcycles) and change the oil. Anyways, 2 years later I sold the bike for.......$3k - the exact amount I payed for it.

On top of that, its thrilling and exciting to get new bikes (or new-to-you used bikes). It kind of renews your spirit, especially if you're a new rider.

[Power81]

I found this in craigslist. I have no idea what year it is so no idea if it is worth the money. Let me know your thoughts please.
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/348838245.html

Edit: I did find out it is a '99 with 2006 fairings..O.o He said the back fairing is cracked but they fiberglassed it and you can't notice. It needs a tune up and the back tire is new and the front has 80% tread left. Whatcha think?

[donkeyman]

That looks like a 2005 or 2006 model. I can't remember which one came with that blue. I would call him up and go see the bike with somebody that knows about bikes. Seems like a decent price to me.

[Oni]

He doesn't say how many miles, but it doesn't look beat to hell. He doesn't state what year either? If you have a friend that rides, take them with you.