When should I buy new bike

SansFenders · 04-07-2008, 10:49 PM

Hi all. I just introduced myself the other day and received a warm welcome. Thanks. I have a question. I plan on getting a new Ninja 250R (go figure) and I hear they're in high demand (duh). My conundrum is that I can't take the MSF course until mid May, once school is done, but I don't want to wait until I'm able to actually ride to get a bike in case there's a big wait on the new '08's. But at the same time, I don't want to buy the thing early and have to A)let the thing sit at the dealer (even if they'd let me do that) B) watch someone else ride MY new bike home C) be ready to ride and waste a month waiting for a bike. I plan on having my permit by next week, gear a week later. I also don't want to have to ride the bike home before having taken the MSF course. What would you guys do or recommend that a newbie do. You can prolly tell I'm a bit excited to get riding. Thanks for the input

Anthonyd5189 · 04-07-2008, 11:04 PM

Buy the bike, have someone you know that rides ride it home for you...let it sit until you complete the MSF.

tendy30 · 04-07-2008, 11:09 PM

coming from a guy who has never owned a bike...

i would say get your license and take the course before you spend any more money. i doubt this will happen but what if you decide you dont like riding?

also, are you looking to buy and keep the 250 for a long time. if so, then i guess it would be good to buy new and put all your own miles on it. but if you plan on selling and moving up after a few months, it may not be cost effective to buy new, knowing that you'll probably drop it once or twice. get a nice used one and sell it for the same price you bought if for.

anyway, good luck in whatever you do.

Jay

VermillionX · 04-08-2008, 12:34 AM

I would ride the 250 for at least 4-5k miles. That way you get some time on it. I know guys that can do that in a season no problem. But I would keep it for one season. Then if you think you are ready step up. But only you know when to do it.

binx_19 · 04-08-2008, 01:54 AM

i would get it, heck i am getting one for my GF once our dealer gets one in, they are in high demand right now, especially the blue.

Anthonyd5189 · 04-08-2008, 02:30 AM

There in demand cause they're so damn sexy!

binx_19 · 04-08-2008, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthonyd5189

There in demand cause they're so damn sexy!

definately not like a fat chick, i would let my friends see me on the new 250

DaleCaliente · 04-08-2008, 10:39 AM

I believe they are in demand more because they are just inexpensive, not because they are some technologically superior machine.

Unreal · 04-08-2008, 12:48 PM

I agree with take class first. What if you can't pass the class, or hate riding? What if it scares the crap out of you and you don't want to do it? I've seen this several times at MSF courses. I've seen people come in that just bought brand new bikes, and cannot pass the MSF, have no skills on a bike, and just can't handle it.

Aceldama · 04-08-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unreal

I agree with take class first. What if you can't pass the class, or hate riding? What if it scares the crap out of you and you don't want to do it? I've seen this several times at MSF courses. I've seen people come in that just bought brand new bikes, and cannot pass the MSF, have no skills on a bike, and just can't handle it.

It means a cheap 2nd hand Ninja for someone else who can handle it.

Take the MSF first before you buy anything.

Dr. D Gas · 04-08-2008, 04:24 PM

with demand being as it is, even if you decide riding is not for you, i dont see you having a problem with selling the bike for what you paid for it

Liquids · 04-08-2008, 05:14 PM

You'll have to make this decision yourself. No one else knows what kind of skill set or ability you have. MSF course is a good thing to take but it is not the be-all end-all to learning to ride a bike. Some people just get their permit and tool around their neighborhood, then go take the riding test at the DMV. That's what I did. The MSF way is surely better but I have ridden with people who passed MSF that scared the crap out of me. I don't know where your house is in relation to the dealership, but if it's any considerable distance you'd be better off trailering it, or getting someone experienced to ride it home. Then just keep it to 1st and 2nd gear in your neighborhood until you take the MSF course. That would be better than taking the MSF with no riding experience at all and then thinking you can just go out on any street cause you have your license.

Anthonyd5189 · 04-08-2008, 06:38 PM

FWIW I took the MSF first and bought my bike a couple weeks later.

SansFenders · 04-08-2008, 09:02 PM

Well, I just set a date for the MSF course for May 22. One of the locations was booked until July. Holy crap. You guys bring up some good points. Another thing I didn't want to happen was for my first time ever riding a bike to be when I'm riding the thing home. That would suck if I dropped it. I understand that I may drop the bike. I'm willing to take that risk. I also don't want to buy a used bike that I don't like either. I'm certain I'll keep the 250 for at least two years, probably more, so I definitely don't have to worry about only having it for a short time. I think what I'll do is work the dealers a little bit, take the MSF course, and just try to time it right. I may be able to work something out with a good friend I have whos husband teaches the MSF course. Maybe I can tool around on one of their loaners, doubt it but worth a shot. We'll see. Wish me luck.

Anthonyd5189 · 04-08-2008, 10:26 PM

First time I rode any bike other than the one in the MSF class was riding my bike home from the dealership. I was a little nervous since it was a brand new bike, but...I made my way home just fine. As for keeping the bike, that's how I am with my GS...at the beginning of the past two seasons I keep telling myself I'm going to sell it and get a new bike, but once I hop back on her I throw that idea out the window.

Try and make dealerships compete with each other for your business. Go to one get a quote, then have a different one quote you lower, then go back to the other and so on. Whatever one will go the lowest, that's who you buy from.With whatever you do, good luck and have fun with it.