[J.R.]

Im trying to decide if I should get 2007 kawasaki ninja 500R with 5700 miles on it, or the 2004 suzuki Gs 500 with 6000 miles on it? also im a newbie

[SantaCruzRider]

Seriously, I already posted to your earlier hijack message. Hope that and others here can help.

[J.R.]

seriously what? all i have is a question and you cant even answer it then dont respond at all. oh my god a hijack? its just a question

[SantaCruzRider]

The “seriously” comment was in ref to the headline to choose whichever bike is red — it was a feeble attempt to be funny, but was obviously lost.

Sounds like you’ve had a bad day, figuring out this whole website posting thing — so apologies for adding to the pain.

As for your question: There is little to separate the two bikes. I’m assuming you’ve sat on both and determined that they offer the same or similar levels of comfort.

Did you take both for a ride? If so, did one handle more naturally–then get that one.

The mileage on both is nothing, so I’d look to be sure that they were maintained properly and not abused.

Good luck

[J.R.]

im stressed trying to make sure that i buy the right bike on my first attempt and so i didnt notice the funny, but a new bike has arose, i found a brand new 2009 kawasaki ninja 250r for $3,300. So im thinking of leaning towards that one bc its never been abused

[briderdt]

“im stressed trying to make sure that i buy the right bike on my first attempt…”

If you’re going to be riding for a long time, then this is only your FIRST bike, not your last. Relax a bit. The two bikes you put up here have very little difference, so I think you’d be good to go either way (assuming equal attention to maintenance).

[SantaCruzRider]

No doubt that a new bike has its benefits. But I wouldn’t necessarily walk away from a 5 yr old bike with 6k miles on it, especially if it can save you some decent $$$. 6k is just broken-in in my book.

There are no guarantees, but bot the 500s you listed are reliable bikes, and ones that are not really at the top of the list for street stunters. There is a good chance that both bikes have the original tires, so checking the tread for uneven wear can tell you a lot. Fairings, pipes, pegs and handlebar ends are the first thing to show if the bike has been dropped — so if they are clean, the bike likely has at least remained upright.

Do you like the ergo of the 250 compared to the two 500s? They sit a bit differently and one may be more comfortable than the other.

But as brider says, there is no perfect answer. All three sound like great choices, so try to relax and not worry too much about making a mistake.

[Ixecapade]

personally i wouldn’t buy a brand new bike for a first bike- newER yes but not brand new- to much stuff to go wrong- I bought something way nicer than I should have (04) and I am terrified of the day I drop it- I’m going to be PISSSSSED. My roommate on the other hand has a bike 4 years older- had a been clearly dropped once at a stand still or off the kickstand itself (no slide marks whatsoever) and a few other little dings here and there but clean otherwise.

Mine is pristine for a ’04.

And the OH SHIT OH SHIT OH SHIT factor is overwhelming sometimes when you get a little unstable.

Go slightly more used you won’t sweat dropping it and potentially make a bad judgement call that could save your butt cause you are more worried about dropping it. my minimal .01 cent there for ya.

and welcome.

[owlie]

Heya, J.R.

+1 on looking at smaller bikes for your first bike.

My 2cents worth:
1) be sure to take the MSF class. It is worth every minute and every dime.
2) the new v used question is a personal opinion. If you find a new bike that you like more than a used bike, all else being equal, go for it.

Every thing else I have to say is redundant to the rest of the thread.

welcome to the group!

[Author]

Posts