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Motorcycle buying questions
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April 22, 2010 at 11:08 pm #3895BlitzParticipant
There is no doubt in my mind that I want to buy a used bike. If I do enough research, I can find a good deal on a nice bike, but my question is: which bike?
I really like the Suzuki GS500F (looking between 2005-2007), but it is pretty pricey for me as I only work part time and go to school full time, but I feel like the Kawasaki Ninja 250 is too cocky for me. It doesn’t fit my style or my personality. My price range is pretty much anything up to $3000 for the bike (I still need to buy gear and get my bike insured and all that jazz).
What do you recommend I look at? I’m only really familiar with those two bikes since they are the two top recommended bikes for a new riders.
Thank you,
-EricApril 22, 2010 at 11:21 pm #25912Gary856ParticipantLook for an older GS500 (2002 and before). They should go for $1,500 to $2,000 if maintenance are up to date and tires are in good shape, even lower ($1,000 to $1,500) if in rough shape. It’s a great first bike.
April 23, 2010 at 12:06 am #25914ApolloParticipantI was looking at the same bike, also brought to my attention by the articles here and a few other sites, but I had a few questions about getting an older bike what is an acceptable amount of miles on the bike I know it can handle fewer the a car engine but how much lower, what other signs of wear should I look for, are there any feature differences between the newer and older models?
Sorry for the overload of questions but this topic spiked my curiosity.
April 23, 2010 at 12:24 am #25915BlitzParticipantIt’s a good question. I’d like to know that as well.
April 23, 2010 at 1:11 am #25918owlieParticipantI’ll leave it to more knowledgable people about the old bike vs new bike question…
However- for Blitz- you say that the Ninja 250 doesn’t fit your style. Have you considered a Honda Rebel or a Suzuki TU250? Those are very different styles from what you have indicated, but still suitable for beginners… The Rebel is easy to find used, but the TU250 may be a little more difficult.
April 23, 2010 at 1:28 am #25923Gary856ParticipantMany bikes are crashed out of commission or die from neglect before their engines wear out. Also there’s the question of how it’s ridden – w/ tender loving care or red-lined upon start. Depends on make and model, a well maintained and regularly ridden bikes can go for 30k/50k/100k miles and beyond.
People have posted check-list for buying used bikes here and there on the web. Also, if you don’t know what to look for, it’s recommended to have a mechanic check out the bike before purchase. (I didn’t, and I got lucky w/ my bikes.)
You can check Wikipedia for GS500 model history and year-to-year differences.
April 23, 2010 at 11:46 am #25934CBBaronParticipantI’m just trying to figure out how the GS500F is perfect for you but the Ninja 250r does not fit your style? To my eye the styling of the GS500F fits right in between the older Ninja 250 and the newer one. However all 3 have sport bike styling with standard riding positions.
The older Ninja 250 especially has good value on the used market. Most are under $2000. You should not have too much trouble finding a GS500F for near $2000 and a used Ninja 500r can also be in this price range.
A TU250x is a nice small standard with a retro look. And you should be able to find some dual sports below $3000.
Craig
April 24, 2010 at 5:31 pm #25952BlitzParticipantThank you for all of the responses. I looked at the Rebel and the Tu250x, and they’re really standard bikes. Again, not exactly what I’m looking for, but will keep them in mind while looking for a bike. Ask for the GS500, I like it because it is a nice, sleek bike. My friend has one, and I think that it is very well-spoken, but the Ninja250 I find to be more of a “bad-ass” style. (Maybe not “bad-ass” but it’s too “bad-ass” for me.) After looking into it more, however, I found that I do like some of the earlier 2000 models and will continue my search there. My dad is a mechanic (marine, but he can pretty much do anything with any kind of motor), and his best friend (who was taught by my dad) is also a mechanic, and does more with motorcycles since he is a motorcycle enthusiast.
I am more and more thinking that the Ninja 250 is my best bet for my first bike because of price, and every time I ask someone I know who rides, they tell me that for me, the Ninja is the bike I need to get, and again, with the research I’ve done, I’m agreeing with them more and more.
How long do classes go for? How many days usually? In a row? I’m only asking because I want to take a class after I get my permit (soon, I hope) so that I can begin riding with my friend, but I’m never actually in NJ for more than 4-5 days at a time since I work and go to school in NY.
April 24, 2010 at 6:02 pm #25953CBBaronParticipantThe MSF basic rider course is 1 ~4 hour evening classroom and 2 ~5hour days or riding on a parking lot course. They are usually Thursday night class with Sat and Sun riding. See what is offered in you state.
Some states offer a free or reduced price class that can waive the riding skills test required for your license. In other states only private courses are offered.
Craig
April 25, 2010 at 5:28 pm #25962RabParticipantWhen I did my BRC there was quite a long waiting list to get on one, so you’d better enquire about that a.s.a.p.
April 29, 2010 at 3:03 am #26044BlitzParticipantIn NJ, you can take a class and get the skills test waived for a license.
I know they fill up fast, and as soon as it is set in stone that I’m getting a bike, I’ll get on a waiting list.
Thank you.
April 29, 2010 at 6:01 pm #26056Sunny123ParticipantLooking at purchasing a 2009 Vulcan 500 but the interest rate is high 13.95 % does anyone know how to get a decent interest rate on a new bike. This is what the dealer was offering. I would like to purchase a used bike but they do not finance. Any thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.
April 29, 2010 at 7:31 pm #26057SantaCruzRiderParticipantI think Kawi is offering 4.99% on all new bikes. Of course that’s subject to qualifying for that rate.
Generally, you best rate will always be a manufacturer incentive (like the 4.99% above). Next on the scale will usually be a local credit union, followed by banks. Many of these folks will offer financing on used bikes, but their rules vary and many are entirely subject to your credit scores. Keep in mind that almost all lending institutions are in some disarray right now and even well-qualified folks are having difficulty getting loans.Have you thought about getting an older bike that is within your budget? Having a bike with no payment will not only result in lower purchase price and no interest, it will also deeply cut your insurance costs. Just a thought.
Personally, I think it’s a poor financial decision to pay interest on any asset with decreasing value. I admit to having done so in my misinformed youth, but I’ve since learned that high interest loans on vehicle don’t allow you to afford them, they just hide the fact that you can’t afford it and add fuel to fire. OK- end of my fiscal sermon. Hope one of my earlier statements is helpful.
April 29, 2010 at 10:17 pm #26060Sunny123ParticipantYes I thought about going with Kawi for financing but my payments would be alittle over $ 200 month for 2 years and if you don’t pay it off within 2 years the interest rates go through the roof !! I would like to go with a used bike instead just for the obvious reasons, being a new rider and cost……i don’t have enough saved up for a good used bike and wanted to get riding this summer after i take my course so…the credit union route might not be too bad. I totally agree with you and have learned from my past in having high interest loans on cars in my younger days !!
April 29, 2010 at 11:02 pm #26061Jeff in KentuckyParticipantYou may want to check out Suzuki’s financing for 5 years:
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