[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have been scouring the web trying to figure out average maintenance costs for a variety of motorcycles and am not able to hit even ball park numbers. Can anyone here chip in with what it costs to maintain a beginner motorcyle? Some of the bikes I am considering are (bought new):

2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2008 Suzuki SV650
2008 Yamaha FZ6
Buell Blast

Am I looking at a couple of hundred per year? Or is it closer to the 500s?

Also, how advisable is it to buy a (new) bike without having a proper garage. I live in an apartment and have a roofed, but open parking spot that is accessible from the main street. Am I looking to get the bike or tyres stolen? I am in a relatively safe area in San Jose, but stuff happens once in a while.

Also, I don’t really have a place where I can clean the bike, change oil or do anything that can spill stuff onto the floor. Is it a bad idea to get/hold a bike without having that kind of infrastructure?

thanks and I apologize if the questions are too naive!
V

[TheAbomb12]

don’t buy a new SV650 or FZ6… in fact forget the yamaha…

also something to keep in mind when buying new for your first bike… You will probably drop it, thus making it look like that used bike that you didn’t buy.

[Jiriki]

So far, the only maintenance on my 08 250R has been the first dealer service (at 625, i got it done at 750). That cost just under 200 bucks.

I have also paid about 30 bucks in materials for chain cleaning/lubing. I still need to buy a rear swingarm stand and swivel bolts for the bike before I actually clean the chain (doing this tomorrow, should be around another 160 shipped).

In another 1000 miles or so, I have to change the oil, guessing this will be 40-80 bucks.

That would also bring me pretty close to the next scheduled dealer service, need to decide at that point if I am going to do the work, or bring it in..

I’ve heard tires generally last 8-12k miles before they need to be replaced, faster if most of the riding is on highways…

to sum up… i’d expect closer to 500 a year…

plus, once you buy a bike… you are going to want to buy all kinds of extra stuff… like fender eliminators, tank protectors, more gear, magazines, etc… so you are going to drop some money on that too

[ShannonG]

I just paid $200 for a first service (600 miles). I may need one more oil change before I put my bike to bed in early Nov.
On on aside, after your first service be aware that you will be riding a whole new bike again. My clutch, throttle, front brake and choke are all very different feeling after having the cables tightened.

[AaronMerlot]

I try and do all the maintenance myself. I live in a condo with just a covered car port like you, so working on your bike is a pain. I try and do it late at night so not to piss the neighbors off. The largest expense is time! I am not much of a machanic so books and extra time is needed for me. Here is what I have spent in the last year – oil change $50 each + 1 hour (I change it every 3k miles, plus the first change after 600 miles, with Mobil 1) – Chain Cleaning and Lube $35(the can of spray seems to last forever) + 20 minutes every 600 miles – System Check, I check every cable, nut and screw, every 1k miles $? I have not had any broken parts yet + 1.5 hours – Gear $800 – No modifications yet but you can spend a lot

[Vas]

Thanks for all the replies!

TheAbomb12 : I will keep your advice in mind. Indeed, apart from the 250R, likely I will only be considering used versions of the others.

Jirki, Shannon: Useful numbers, thanks.

AaronMerlot: Why night time? Do they just not like to see you working on a bike? Any pointers on books, equipment and stuff? Your numbers were very useful. I didn’t get your “gear – 800$” number though…

[AaronMerlot]

I work on it at night so no one sees what I am doing, it is just a me thing and most likely would not matter.
Get “The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance” $20 on Amazon
Gear is Helmet, Jackets, Boots, ect

[Author]

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