How To Buy
Hello everyone!
I would have made a topic in the Introduce Yourself forum, but I decided to do a 2-in-1 topic here, since I had a burning question in my mind that I need help on!
So first things first, my name is Tara, and I found this site through Googleee :] I'm 19, 5"4', 118 lb, and I LOVE MOTORCYCLES. I'm sure you all understand when I say that. My dad has pretty much been the biggest influence, since he takes me out on rides on his Harleyy :D
SO...enough about me. I'd like for you all to help me out on this one, because I'm very lonely here at college (not to mention car-less). And I've decided long ago that I need a motorcycle. I've done a lot of reading, and I've already test-ridden a Ninja 250...I'm 99% sure that that's the bike I want. HOWEVER!!!! I have NO idea how I'm gonna afford it.
Yes, it IS only 3-4k if you buy used, but that's the problem. I've only got about $800 to $1,000 in my bank account at any given time for spending money. The rest is on rent, food, etc. I work part-time at a job that gives me about $800 a month. But I just can't bring myself to save up over time to get enough to plunk down cash at the dealer!!! :'( It would take at LEAST a year or more, and by that time, I would have really been able to have put a motorcycle to good use. I have to ride the bus to school, and get rides from my friends whenever possible.
So here's my question for you guys. What is the best way to go? I've thought about a loan or like, financing my bike. But I'm afraid I'll get really bad rates because I don't even own a credit card (only debit and cash). Hard to believe, I know. So if anyone wants to know my credit score, I honestly cannot tell them I even HAVE one. So if someone could explain to me how they were able to afford a motorcycle in my situation, I will love you forever!!!!
If you need any more info, just ask!
Thank you guys so much!!!! xoxoxo
Tara
stay away from loans. at your
stay away from loans. at your age and possible lack of credit history, you're gonna get hosed. if i was in your shoes, and saving money's too hard (it is hard to save money in college, costs are every where), make a deal with your dad since he rides and can understand the desire. have him help you buy the bike, you pay him back every month and get kick ass grades.
oh yeh, and welcome to the forums! :-)
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AFM #998
If there's anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now...
I'm not sure how financing
I'm not sure how financing works in America (ok, make that I'm not sure how it works anywhere) but would it be possible for her father to co-sign on the loan so Tara gets a good rate? He essentially takes the risk so the bank provides the loan at a decent rate and Tara gets to build up a credit history?
Don't forget you will need money for gear. That will easily eat up your $800 savings. But it is money well spent.
you probably could get a
you probably could get a parent to cosign, but parents that'll take responsibility for possibly 5k total loan are few and far between... at least no one's parents that i know would do it and my parents wouldn't do it. but for grades and a way low repay payment, my parents would do that... not for a motorcycle, but for something else for sure... hahaha...
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AFM #998
If there's anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now...
First of all, thanks for the
First of all, thanks for the warm welcomes!
So yeah, my dad's not likely to co-sign anything for me. He barely co-signed when I wanted a different cellphone provider a few years ago (when I was under 18)...
Is borrowing money from family really the only financially sound option? I don't really like borrowing money friends/family in the first place...The bank is a totally different story I'd say.
But at least I already have a full face helmet and a leather one-piece suit. Still need some boots. I've had them for a while, actually. They're simply collecting dust at the moment. All I need is a darn motorcycle :[
But like megaspaz said, it's tough saving money in college...
seriously, it's the best
seriously, it's the best option.
1. I doubt your dad would charge you interest. Nor the hidden fees and charges you'd find in a lot of loans.
2. I bet your dad would really rather see you get good grades than the money. although getting good grades and paying a bit of it back every month or so goes a long way in demonstrating your maturity and committment.
3. I'm sure your dad would want to get involved with his "investment" and would probably go with you to make sure you're not getting hosed on any deal.
Good on you for at least getting most of the gear before the bike. Make sure you take the MSF as well. Unless anyone else chimes in, I'm still going to say work something out with your dad/family. Or you could marry a rich guy really quick. :-P
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AFM #998
If there's anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now...
Ha! It's not as easy as it
Ha! It's not as easy as it sounds to marry a rich guy ;-]
But I guess I'll have to think of a convincing way to get my dad to loan me 5 grand XD
He's always a hard-ass about saving money and all, too. But that's a dad for ya. Still, I don't think he can deny that I need some personal transportation. Being without it is pretty lame.
I never got around to mention that I'm actually car-less because my car got TOTALED by some stupid drunk driver. I wasn't involved in the accident; it was some wasted frat boy that slammed into my lil' Honda Civic while it was parked outside my apartment and I was doing homework or something. Coward took off when I came running outside. :'[ Asshole. I wish I got his plate...
But this isn't about my car, I want my ninjaaaaa!!!! :P Oh and I've taken the MSF already! Hehe, I'm ahead of the game! But thanks for your comment :)
Alright, so you're set except...
...for money. Yeah, that's a pickle at your age. I shouldn't really be saying "at your age" because I'm not much older, but I'm referring mostly to the "money is absurdly tight" phase of life. Well, the college one anyway.
I'm telling you, though, the 'spaz is right: stay the F#$% away from loans as a student. You have a lot of expenses already and not a lot of income. That's just a huge recipe for disaster. Credit cards and loans are the reason that most college students leave school in thousands of dollars of debt ON TOP of student loans. Especially if you're just scraping by money-wise, a loan is a dangerous, dangerous proposition.
So what do you do? Well I got my '08 Ninja back at the end of '07 when I was finishing undergrad, and I paid for it in cash for precisely this reason. My income was unpredictable at best, but I'd been hoarding money from all my part time jobs like a fiend since I was 16 or so. The biggest problem I see is that you really want a motorcycle (don't get me wrong, I ABSOLUTELY sympathize with you!) and the idea of waiting 6 months to save up really aggressively seems like an eternity.
I don't know your dad, but I think you do have a shot at having him solve your problem for you. You just need to appeal to what HE wants. Different parents have different priorities for their kids, but some of them are:
1) Making them happy
2) Keeping them safe
3) Giving them more opportunities
4) Teaching them or allowing them to learn important lessons
5) Making their lives easier in a pragmatic sense
6) Having something over which to bond
etc.
I'm sure you can figure out what angle would work best and try to spin it that way. You think he's really going to object when he can go on Sunday rides with his daughter? Most dad's of 19-year-olds would probably kill for that kind of opportunity...then again, maybe you don't want that ;) Who knows. Point is, he's your dad, and (I hope) he loves you, so chances are he'll be willing to help.
The tact I'd take if he says no is the "match my contribution" approach. For instance, if you can save $250 every month out of your $800 and he matches that $250 each month as well, that's $500/mo towards a bike. In 6 months you'd have the money to pay for it right then and there. I know 6 months seems like ages, but the anticipation would make it all the better when you finally got it, knowing you'd worked hard for it, and knowing you wouldn't have to carry that debt around for the next couple years.
Alright, I've rambled enough. You know what to do :)
You're probably not going to like this...
"Yes, it IS only 3-4k if you buy used, but that's the problem. I've only got about $800 to $1,000 in my bank account at any given time for spending money. The rest is on rent, food, etc. I work part-time at a job that gives me about $800 a month. But I just can't bring myself to save up over time to get enough to plunk down cash at the dealer!!!"
$800-1000 for spending money, and you can't save some to buy the bike? That's just plain lack of discipline there. Sorry, harsh reality. If you're thinking of a loan, remember, you're only saving for a downpayment, not the entire amount. A $4k loan at 10% interest (a very good rate in your situation, and not likely should this be your first loan) would be about $85 a month for a 5 year term. Use this to check your payments on any given amount and rate: http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/mortgages/loan-calculator.aspx
And used Ninja 250's tend to settle at about $2500, unless it's almost new. I'd avoid dealers if you're going to buy used, and go with private party sales. Have your dad help you with that process.
I understand that what you're
I understand that what you're saying. Though, what I meant by spending money is that $800-$1000 is what I usually have in my account on average. It doesn't mean that I SPEND $800-$1000 a month or something like that.
Basically, how my life is at the moment, I'm slightly breaking even. I make just slightly more than I spend.
And I'm definitely not considering a loan anymore. I don't want to get screwed. I mean, that's the whole reason I avoided credit cards, so why would I get a loan? Makes sense now. I'm just gonna have to stick it out and save up little by little I guess. :[
It'll be worth it in the end, I suppose. I'll have a chat with my dad to see what's up. Thanks for your advice!
I have to second some of what
I have to second some of what has been said about driving experience in a cage. That dude that hit you car could have caught you parking a bike too . .getting your "radar" up is part of the game. Had I went full time on a bike at 20, I would most likely be dead today. (-;
As for the money . .only two legal ways to get money, barrow it or earn it. Less time = more hours worked.
You seem an attractive girl, if the hours will permit it, try waitressing at a local hot spot . . .friend of mines daughter makes around $600 a week at the road house grill on tips. Try Fridays, Alpebies, Hooters can be a money maker if your up to that place . . . . . . . those collage boys try to impress after a picture or two of beer. (-; I worked food service for a while, hard ass work really, and the hours just plain suck, got to have some really thick skin. But . . . in a collage town tips can be good.
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
From your posts you seem more
From your posts you seem more capable of expressing your thoughts in writing than most forum posters I've seen.
As to advice on riding a moto, I would take up driving a junker car for a while before you are more financially stable to afford a used bike around $2500-3000. Driving experience is not only limited to operating your vehicle, but exposure to idiot operators on the road can make you more aware of the possibilities to mishalp, prepare yourself to react when bad things happen on a moto.
Take up a second job, work in the library, participate in some clinical trials.. I supported myself through school doing all of that.. I was lucky to have been a limo driver in college, driving clients to airports, parties in all hours, did most of my studying in the back of the limo while waiting for clients... slept in limos, too.. It paid for my college tuition, got me plenty of driving experience and met some interesting people that got me my job 9 years ago.
I think that your first bike
I think that your first bike really should be a cash purchase. Work to save up more money until you can afford to spend about $2k on a used bike. It may not be the new model Ninja 250 you want but you can easily find an older pre-redesign one for that price. I wasn't able to get my first bike until I was 27 mostly due to financial reasons.
Best bet is this: blow your savings on the highest quality safety gear you can afford (jacket, helmet, gloves, riding boots, and some sort of underarmor to wear underneath your jeans). After you have all that stuff work your butt off to save toward the bike itself, which realistically a decent used bike should set you back in the neighborhood of $2k-$3k. I know its not what you want to hear because its not immediate, but it really is the best way to go about it.
I always recommend people buy the gear before the bike so that theyre not tempted to ride without proper safety gear on.
Kudos for not getting into
Kudos for not getting into debt to do this and putting aside the temptation to get one now. Looks like your old Dad has had more of an affect on you than you realized :)
Unless he helps you out it seems like waiting and saving is the name of the game. One thing that has not been mentioned is insurance and I don't think that will be pretty reading for a 19 year old. I guess the longer you wait the better it will be for you.
But the longer the wait the sweeter it will be when that day comes. Best of luck!
Ya know, just responded to
Ya know, just responded to another thread, dude has a 150cc scooter . . . more storage, less cost, better millage . . . . easy trainer . . . . . something to consider.
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
2 Things to Consider
I've been following this thread at work all day, but have not been able to respond until now. Two thoughts occurred to me, and Elwood beat me to one of them.
1- You may want to consider looking into a scooter. If you mainly need transportation to get around your college campus, a scooter could be perfect for that. You may be able to get a 150CC or 250CC scooter cheaper than that Ninja 250. It would give you reliable transportation, and give you the chance to get experience. It would also give you the opportunity to show your father your reponsibility, in which he may later be willing to help you get that real motorcycle.
2- Also, if you haven't already, you need to review the topic "It sucks to be a young male". It will open your eyes to the realities of the cost of insurance. In addition to the bike and the gear, insurance is an additional expense that you need to plan for.
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2004 Suzuki GS500F
$$$
Yeah I guess I'll just have to go with good ol' cash for my bike. I've considered a scooter, but it's just that it seems like an intermediate step that will prolong the amount I have to save for my Ninja. Although I definitely do understand that it will be better than nothing (which is what I have now).
And thanks for bringing up insurance...at least in Florida, it's not required, but I wouldn't want to be without it...I'd like to think I could ride a couple months before I get insurance, but that's probably the most crucial time period to actually have insurance. Arrgggghhhhh my dreams are slipping through my fingers.
Oh well. I'll get there, don't worry. I ALWAYS get what I want in the end! Hahaha. Only half kidding.
And as a little side note to "A"...clinical trials? I'd be too scared to come out with some horrible allergic reaction! But I guess you do what you gotta do! :P Sounds interesting to be a limo driver...
WeaponZero, I mentioned earlier that I have a good start on my gear; I have a one-piece leather suit and a full face helmet. I'm not too keen on gloves because it's very nice weather here all year round, but I may get them some other time.
The gloves are to help you
The gloves are to help you keep grip on the handlebars for extended periods of time and to protect your hands in the event of a getoff. Not for comfort =P
I've mostly thought gloves
I've mostly thought gloves would be for my hands not getting cold from wind-chill XD
Maybe I just haven't ridden for extended periods of time, so I wouldn't have known.
I am in Miami. (-; What part
I am in Miami. (-; What part of the state are you in? Remember insurance IS needed if not by law. Hit another car, and lack the cash to settle the event and you lose your license. Also, falling off motorcycles is an expensive event. Dont let the minor drops fool you, a serious crash will be a six figure event. My cousin was in a coma for 3 months before he passed . .it was in the land of "lottery" winnings. Hit that kind if thing with zero coverage and it will be life altering. And god forbid you give a friend a lift and have a spill and put THEM in the hospital . . . .
In short, buy insurance. (-;
As for the "scooter" . .for running around town it has more storage for books and the like, far more. It might lack the "cool" factor, but dont sell the idea short. One of the guys I know from work has a "big scooter", will run over 100 mph. LoL And will run 80 two up all day long . . dont totally sell them short. I have considered one just for running back and forth to work even.
Not trying to sell you at all. But right now underlining your post, you are going to make this your full time ride, something you do not have at all right now. (-; All I am saying is keep an open mind and think what best fills the "practical" issues of daily commuting best for you. A Ninja can do it . .but how do you carry your books? What do you need in accessory's to make that happen? Where do you keep rain gear? (It is FL, trust me, it will rain. LoL) What will the cost be of resolving those questions? Do a little on line shopping and fill in those blanks . .it will be part of the cost if you are to USE your Ninja. (-;
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
I live in Deerfield Beach!
I live in Deerfield Beach! That's like... 45 minutes away? Haha. You and I are lucky to have this weather, eh?
But yes, I sure do realize how crucial it is to have insurance. And I didn't totally rule out the scooter thing...
In some places (Taiwan, Beijing, São Paulo, etc.) there's scooters everywhere because they're usually faster than cars due to all the traffic. Scooters are like all pimped out over there, it's so cute.
Maybe even a 50cc scooter will do for me, I'm not going anywhere too far I guess. Other than the 20 minute commute to school everyday, I'm not going anywhere too far...
Oh and I would carry my books in my backpack. I can even put my longboard strapped on my back after I'm used to the motorcycles/scooter.
I used to live in Deerfield.
I used to live in Deerfield. Lived in Independence Bay near where 10th St becomes the Sawgrass. I hated it there LOL. Weather was decent but a bit too hot for me, and I hated that the roads had no curves, made owning a sportbike totally pointless.
Yep, pretty close. Someplace
Yep, pretty close. Someplace down the lines we'll have to cross paths at a bike night or something. I am afraid my days of running with 20 somethings on rocket ships has long ago past. LoL Always good to put faces to names when ya can however. Now that I have a full blown cruiser . .might have to look for that ride up to Munchs neck of the woods . .see how bad he spanks me in the twistys. (-;
Anyway . .keep us posted. Once a person gets this in there head, it isn't "if" it will happen, its a matter of when. (-;
Oh . .books and back pack . .you have not ridden in the rain yet, have you? LoL Be sure to look at how you keep them dry. My son is at FIU, working on his architecture master now . .just a tad older than you. Those books are EXPENSIVE! I keep thinking you must be able to roll the paper and smoke it when your done or something!! LoL Cant find any gold in them! ((-; Seriously, I commute daily, thunder storms and all in season. You learn fast to protect phones, camera, and anything else that does not like water . .add speed to rain and water finds its way into everything.
As for scooters . .as long as you are on surface streets . . and I would recommend one that can ride in 50mph traffic . . . which is most 30 mph zones. (-; Just be able to go with the "flow".
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
Look on Craigslist first
http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/mcy/1456792160.html
http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/mcy/1456713271.html
http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/mcy/1456658435.html <---- I'd buy this one right now if I didn't live so far away
That first one looks like the
That first one looks like the Hyosung . .that would be a good buy.
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
How to do it
Do this, and send me a picture of you on your Ninja:
Write out your goal in the present tense: i.e. I ride a plasma blue 2nd-gen Ninja.
Post this where you will see it: on your bathroom mirror, on a 3x5 card you carry around, on your laptop screen-saver. Ignore anyone who thinks this is dumb. This is your Ninja we're talking about; it has nothing to do with them.
Now you are reading this multiple times a day, and your lifestyle will come into line with your vision. I.e. when everyone else is ordering a $4 latte, you will skip it; carry your own water instead of buy bottled; pick up an extra shift at work; babysit kids; sell old books and electronics you have at home, etc etc etc.
Now turn off the internet, and get busy! Why are you still reading this???? GO!!!! ;-) LM
Awesome tip. I think I'll do
Awesome tip. I think I'll do that on my bathroom mirror in marker :)
One thing I just HAVE to
One thing I just HAVE to know. Why a sportbike? I know they look cool and all but living where you live there are no roads anywhere within like 2 hours ride that have curves. Its just a big grid with straight lines. Sportbikes don't really perform well under those circumstances because you can't make use of their fantastic handling, which is the primary focus of the bike, even above speed.
Now I'm a fan of sportbikes too, and I love them and own an SV650, but living in a place where all the roads are straight and flat I don't know why I would even bother with anything but a cruiser or a motard because you can't do anything with that sportbike that you wouldn't be able to do on a cruiser in more comfort.
Not trying to dissuade you, just curious is all.
To be fair, she wants a Ninja 250
..which is NOT a sportbike in any sense but aesthetics. It's a sheep in wolf's clothing, a standard dressed like a sportbike.
it's true what you're saying
it's true what you're saying about florida because i live in miami, but the extreme leaning angles are for the track. besides, what if you like speed? anyway, the street is just to go places not to drag the knee or trying to maximize your leaning. I own a gsxr 600 and I love it. like Bad Company song says "i can't get enough..." even though I'm full of sh*t because I ride it hard, I'm always thinking what I said. hopefully, I will be hitting the track soon.
If going fast in a straight
If going fast in a straight line is what you want to do then you'll find there are many bikes out there that can do it with far more comfort and practicality than a track-focused sportbike. Suzuki B-King? Kawasaki Z1000?
All I'm saying is that track-focused sportbikes make a lot of sacrifices in the name of performance and handling, and if your riding environment doesn't allow you to take advantage of that performance and handling, then really, why make those sacrifices in the first place when you can get the same straight line speed you crave from much more comfortable bikes?
I'm going to be brutally honest here. Buying a supersport bike if you don't plan on doing any track riding or have access to roads that can take advantage of the awesome handling capabilities of a supersport, then buying one is just outright stupidity. Why? Because a bike such as my SV650 can do everything you would ask of a sportbike outside of those scenarios, and getting much better gas mileage and being much more comfortable in the process. It can also keep up with a GSXR on a tighter windy road.
There's an old saying that you're probably familiar with if you've ever had to work with tools, and that is "use the right tool for the right job." Motorcycles are tools, designed for different jobs. Pick your bike based on the job you intend on doing with it, not because of how sexy it looks in the photographs or because it was featured in your favorite motorcycle movie, or even because it has a rich racing heritage. And the only situation where a supersport would ever be the right tool is if you have access to lots of winding roads or plan on doing lots of track days. This is a big portion of why I'm trading in my SV650 for a DR-Z400SM at the end of winter, because SM-style bikes are the ultimate "urban assault vehicles" when it comes to motorcycling. They turn urban riding environments that are normally nightmares for bikes into playgrounds.
Also, yes, the remark about the 250R being a standard not a sportbike is correct. So that one makes sense.
I absolutely see your point.
I absolutely see your point. But like the previous poster said, it's basically a standard dressed like a sportbike.
But in your argument you're addressing buying a super-sport, which we can all agree that a 250R is NOT. I'm not a speed-demon, since that's just asking to get in an accident, but I like zipping out of a turn and accelerating from a red light quickly. The 250 can handle that well enough for me, so I like that. It's pretty comfortable in my opinion, but I've never taken a 250 on a longer ride (over an hour). The most I've ridden a 250 for was about 30 minutes.
But I must admit that one of the bigger reasons of my attraction to the 250 is its styling. It's really nice. Most people wouldn't be able to tell if it's a 600 or a 1000. But it's not like I'm gonna act like it's a liter bike.
I'll concede that the 250R is
I'll concede that the 250R is a standard and not a sportbike so my earlier remarks about it not being suitable for your intentions were incorrect. But I still stand by what I said about supersports being stupid and pointless for anyone who doesn't take them onto curvy roads or the track.
Hang on a sec, my friend!
Now here we have to draw a line: stupidity is an unfair charge for the use of a supersport on the street, even in the absence of twisties. While it is clearly arguable that there are substantial and objective reasons to go with a different type of bike for that sort of riding, having personal taste in vehicles is not the same as being "stupid." Especially given the dramatic aesthetic differences between supersports and other types of bikes, it's easy to see why somebody would want to own such a bike. Like Tara, I was original drawn to sportbikes largely for aesthetics (since that's what somebody who hasn't ridden a motorcycle before will pay attention to). Your comment was concerned with function above all else, ignoring the very visceral aspects of motorcycle riding and ownership.
On the other hand, do I agree with you that it doesn't make much sense? Absolutely. While I have ridden plenty of street miles on my gixxer, I'm getting to the end of my need to do that. With more and more access to the track, I can keep my enjoyment of that beast where it belongs, and avoid uncomfortable rides to work. As Ben says in his articles around the site, these bikes were not meant for 20-40mph operation. Nor were they meant to be straight up-and-down all the time. Nor were they meant to make tight slow-speed maneuvers in parking lots or out of driveways. They are track animals. Other bikes (most notably standard/naked/streetfighter types) give 90% of the street performance with 10% of the comfort issues.
In fact, you and I might have very similar taste and opinions about bikes given what you said above and have said in the past. My GSX-R is getting the track bike conversion (i.e. will not be street legal) in a month or two. I'm selling my Ninja 250R to replace it with a DR-Z400sm within the next 6 months, and I'm going to have to try really hard to avoid owning a Triumph Speed Triple at some point. I think we see eye-to-eye on that ;)
Personally I think the Street
Personally I think the Street Triple R would be way more fun than the Speed Triple =)
Yeah...it's just that damn
Yeah...it's just that damn single-sided swingarm. If the street triple had that I wouldn't even think twice. It's so darn cool! Then again the normal swingarm is probably way more practical.
I'M SO EXCITED
So yesterday I visited my dad, and luckily it's almost my birthday. I talked to him and gave him my best bambi eyes ever and after about an hour of serious talking, I convinced him of paying half of my 250R!!!
Good thing, cuz I JUST got a fat paycheck that will let me pay for the other half. I can't express how excittedd I am!!! Ah!
Okay, I'm collected now. Hopefully I can get a green one with a white racing stripe. But I could care less what color it is right now, as long as its MINE! :D
Haha, thanks for your help boys! I'll see if I can post some experiences of me first owning it soon. We should be heading to the dealer next week sometime (maybe Monday).
<3
Awesome!!
Post pics when you get it. We want to see.
You mentioned you have a one piece race suit, what kind?
congrats! See, giving your
congrats! See, giving your dad a chance worked out. you got a loan for 1/2 the bike at 0% interest and no obligation to pay back. ;-)
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AFM #998
If there's anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now...
Grats!!!.....first paycheck
Grats!!!.....first paycheck if you can't get the dealer to throw it in for ya..... get those sliders you mentioned to the other member!
****We know yesterday existed because we remember it, the future we can not predict as it has yet to happen, and the moment you say now it becomes the memorable past...so WHEN in time do we exist?****
Heyo!
Success! Congratulations.
Grab some frame sliders while you're learning, or maybe learn to take the fairings off and ride around streetfightered for a bit. Just until you're comfortable with the weight and have learned your slow-speed maneuvers.
Man I'm excited for you! Def. post pictures when you have them.
Thanks
Yeah, I'll be getting the sliders for sure. I would buy a used bike, but I would just hate dealing with any issues that come with an out-of-warranty motorcycle.
Thanks for the advice, megaspaz. I think you and eternal05 were the first to mention my dad might find it in his heart to give his little girl a break ;-)
Oh and weaponzero, it's actually a jacket with a zipper on the bottom, but I haven't bought the pants to match yet! This is a pic of the jacket.
It's really nice, but I haven't found anything to match so far.
See Virginia...
...there *is* a Santa Clause... ;)
Congrats.
It looks like a nice jacket
It looks like a nice jacket but from the picture it doesn't look like it has sufficient ventilation for Florida heat. How does it feel?
It has some vents that you're
It has some vents that you're able to open on the sides, and I'll probably have it zipped down a little bit on the top as well. From the little riding I've done on it so far, it's fine with me. I also got white so that I won't get as hot as black.
+1 on used
I think you're very smart to go used on your first bike. The only thing worse than making a newbie mistake and dropping your bike is making that same mistake and dropping your brand-spanking-new bike. I know because I did it with the one and only new bike I've owned. It stings so much less to buff out a fairing or replace a taillight on a 5-yr-old bike.
Also, your mileage may vary, but I've had very good luck with the reliability of used bikes. If it's been running strong for the PO and maintenance has been done, it will likely continue on the same path. The fact that you're looking at the Ninja 250, rather than some exotic or street racer, should also help you avoid a lemon.
Happy hunting!
Yeah...
I would love to have a brand new model, but obviously, in the long run, it's probably better to go used. I just want to make sure the dealer can give us some sort of guarantee or warranty so I have some piece of mind. I haven't had good experiences with used stuff, let me tell you.
MY DREAM
I cannot believe my eyes every time I go into my garage and see this beautiful beast that is rightfully mine. I am broke now, but damn it, it's so satisfying. I've been riding my new 250r all day! My dad and I went to this mechanic who was selling his bike (my dad's a mechanic, so he knew if he was BSing him) and he gave us a great deal. $4000 after everything, and he threw in the center stand.
You can say what you want, but I love the mods he made to it. Saved me some money, since I was going to eventually do the same things. I would have preferred green, but black is great too.
Pictures!!!!!
Those were taken at the guy's house, so don't hate on the ugly house lol
Thank you guys for all your help, and getting my guts worked up to ask my dad to help me out <3
I've realized one of my dreams, only a few more to go!
xo Tara
Gorgeous!!! Like the accent
Gorgeous!!! Like the accent on the rims also! That thing is just purdy, even if it is a sport bike...lol..j/k.
Treat her like a best friend for life and she will return the favor.
****We know yesterday existed because we remember it, the future we can not predict as it has yet to happen, and the moment you say now it becomes the memorable past...so WHEN in time do we exist?****
way to go
Tara, I am so very happy for you, especially after test riding the 250 this weekend. Be patient with her, you have nothing to prove to anybody.
Nobody has said it but I am sure we all think it. "cute girl like Tara on a hot bike like that is going to have the freshman boys on campus at a loss for words".
Keep Rockin
Very very nice. Here's hoping
Very very nice. Here's hoping you keep it sunny side up. Seems like there have been a few drops on here recently.
That thing is sexy. Hope
That thing is sexy. Hope everything goes well with it!
Very nice lookin' ride!
Congrats on the new bike! It is very sharp looking and I hope it brings you many hours of fun! Best wishes...
2005 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic
Lynn C.
Congrats . . she is real
Congrats . . she is real purdy. Treat her well, take your time . .remember the bike is not the only thing that gets scraped up in a get off. (-; And watch yourself on I 95! See ya around sometime. Keep the rubber side down kid.
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
Gah...that is a looker!
That's one serious Ninja 250 right there. Enjoy the S@$% out of that thing! Man...just beautiful!
Also, make yourself a new thread over in pics/videos. This one's getting painfully long.
Congratulations!!
I agree, Eternal, this string is getting long. But it sure does have a happy ending!! I'm amazed at how quickly everything came together for you, Tara. Seems like just yesterday your joined the BBM community. Great looking bike, and well-taken photos. Ride Safe!
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2004 Suzuki GS500F
Thanks again everyone! I
Thanks again everyone! I still can't believe it <3
I'll make a new thread if anything else comes up, haha!
Congrats on the bike. I love
Congrats on the bike. I love the can on it. :)