MattLikesBikes said:
I'd look for one on ebay or cycle trader, they pop up there all the time.
Yeah, I've been looking around, but I'm VERY wary of buying something so expensive/etc off of Ebay. I also don't like the thought of my life being in the hands of some stranger a couple thousand miles away...
Also, thanks for the link. Good info there, I'm probably going to sit down and read through it today.
Samurai Jack said:
Have you considered a GS-500?
While I HAVE considered buying a GS500F, I decided that the Ninja was superior for two reasons.
1: I can flatfoot it. I'm relatively short (5'6"), and I can get the balls of both feet down on the GS500, but I can flatfoot the Ninja 500 and 250.
2: I want to start as small as I can, while actually getting experience that will be useful in riding other sportbikes. I may or may not "outgrow" this bike, as many others have claimed that I will. I'm less worried about outgrowing my bike, than starting too big and punching through the envelope. I can always get a 500/higher cc bike later, so long as I can still ride. If I hurt myself bad enough on a high-displacement bike, I can't downgrade.
sjlee said:
Just take someone who knows bikes with you when you go shopping for a used one, so they can look it over and also test drive it. Don't be tempted to jump at the first one that is within your price range. Make sure that it is mechanically sound before buying it, otherwise, you may end up having the thing in the shop more than on the road.
Thank you for that advice. I've got a friend (read: roommate) who has been riding for 13-some-odd years, and is more than willing to go check out prospective buys with me. Anything I buy, I'm going to have taken to a mechanic to have checked out before I agree to anything.