- This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 9 months ago by JtownJJA.
Newbie rider. Some Bike purchasing questions.
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July 8, 2009 at 2:47 am #3116ACarmineParticipant
Hey Guys,
Been lurking for a couple days now and thought i’d say Hi. I’m 24 and about to take the MSF this weekend. Mom and Dad used to ride when I was little but quit before they got in any major accidents because me and my sister were still young. Dad finally got mom to let him buy a bike again and he’s got me interested in learning to ride now. I’ve ridden my dads Honda Sabre 750 a couple times now but i can definitely tell that’s still too much bike for me to handle. I keep to parking lots and wouldn’t dare step out in traffic at this point.
I definitely appreciate all the articles and advice for new bike riders and will be sure to try and use as much of it as I can.
I have a few questions about purchasing a bike for a first ride. Everyone seems to be in agreement of the opinion “get something small, cheap, and used”. I’ve been looking on craigslist, ebay, cycletrader, and dealer websites and i’ve come across a small conundrum.
It seems that small bikes (250cc-500cc) are keeping their value so well it almost makes sense to buy a new bike and get the warranty/service packages along with the ability to finance. In particular i’ve been looking at the ninja 250R’s since they seem to be the hot item right now. All of the used 250R’s in decent shape ready to ride are all listed at over 3000, and it seems like an easy choice to just go ahead and spend the extra bit to get new model. I really like all the reviews about being easy enough to ride for a beginner yet still has enough umph for the highway. I have yet to sit on anything yet, plan on going over to a dealer next week after the MSF and just sitting on anything decently priced within a reasonable size and see what i like. Going in with an open mind though and not about to get screwed by a dealer by going in with starry eyes for the 250R.
If anyone has any buying tips or other ways to find a great deal on a bike please share!
July 8, 2009 at 4:00 am #20436MunchParticipantBest advice I ever got was from my highschool shop teacher. Go , look, sit, feel , touch and talk til your hearts desire. Then go and grab you something at a decently priced sit down restaurant so you can have time to think things through without all the sales atmosphere around you.
July 8, 2009 at 9:36 pm #20442zeppelinfromledParticipantWhen I bought my bike earlier this season, the dealer wouldn’t lower the price for me, but they were willing to give me a gift certificate (ended up about $500) for their parts/accessories department. So I got some clothes, frame sliders, a tank bag, a cover, and various other accessories for free.
Don’t assume that the financing through the dealer is the best way to go. You might be able to find a third party financing option that is better for you (like a bank or another vehicle financing company).
I definitely agree with Munch’s comment. Don’t be in a rush to buy anything. Take some time to make sure it’s the right choice. I like to sleep on decisions for at least one night. I also like to put down any hesitations that I have in writing. It helps me to list them out and make sure that I fully acknowledge them before doing something. That’s just me though.
July 8, 2009 at 10:54 pm #20444ACarmineParticipantThanks for the comments so far. I definitely don’t plan on buying anything in a rush. More than likely I’ll wait till the end of the riding season (nebraska) and see if i can find any good deals then or possibly wait till next spring to make a purchase. I think after taking the MSF this weekend i’ll have quite a bit more confidence in handling my dad’s 750 and can ride that till the end of this season to get the experience under my belt.
Has anyone else noticed these trends i mentioned with used small bikes keeping value so well in their area also, or is this just a current economy effect?
July 9, 2009 at 12:17 am #20451MunchParticipantThey almost always hold their value well as their is always someone wanting to learn. Last year and even the year before was somewhat of an oddity as some used ninja’s were being sold at a profit above what the purchaser paid due to the demand and gas prices. Now that things are calming down a bit it should start gravitating back to a normal gap.
July 10, 2009 at 2:25 am #20477JtownJJAParticipantI just got my first bike about a month ago. I kept my eye out there for new and used, until I found just want I wanted, at the price I was willing to pay, at the time I was able to afford it. And, yes, I got a used bike in practically new condition. However, since I got it from another private party, I did not have to pay any additional dealer fees, which can add up quickly. Before I purchased, I must have been on cycletrader, craigslist, and e-bay almost everyday, reviewing my saved searches. Lots of new bikes on Cycletrader, and great used ones on craigslist and e-bay. Just think you should look at all your options.
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