Forum Replies Created
2016 Honda CB500X ABS: Another Perfect Beginner Motorcycle
-
AuthorPosts
-
RupmiscParticipant
Congratulations and good luck with your bike. I also live in the Tax Me State.
RupmiscParticipantIt could be a rip off, or some other dealer nonsense, but just as I was about to call one dealer (who has been incredibly helpful) to put a deposit on the 2007 Ninja 250, I received a call from another dealership. The salesman there said that his manager had just located 2 2008 Ninja 250s, due in the shop within 7-10 days (new, in crate, no problem, 2008). So, I put down a deposit and agreed to pay sticker plus set up (about $350) plus “documentation” (documentation means their paperwork, not my plate, at $150), plus a “kicker over sticker”. I’m willing take the hit on instant depreciation if this is the best way for me to learn, and still be comfortable. It will just be interesting to see if they make good, or if I let a perfectly good 2007 get away. The bike is black, which is OK with me, and I’m going to try not to get my hopes up.
To all who helped with my decision, thanks. I’ll let you know what happens.
Dealer behavior puzzles me. These folks know that, if I like the sport, it is very likely that I would be buying one or more different bikes within the next few years. I will also need gear (on which there is a much larger markup), and service. In this part of New England, reputation means a lot, and word of mouth matters. All that being true, why the prep fees and the markup? Obviously, if they don’t produce the specific motorcycle, I will be unlikely to shop there again. If they do produce it, they will have to be extremely good, just to overcome my discomfort with the extra nickle and diming. It just seems foolish to risk what could be a huge amount of future business (I am a desirable customer from a marketing perspective) for under $750. But maybe that’s the business. Although I must say that if they could have found one, I would have gone an extra 30 miles to the dealer I liked better.
RupmiscParticipantOk, thanks. If my physical size isn’t an issue, I’d rather do the smart thing. I guess I’ll see if I can get the 250. Really appreciate your time and help.
RupmiscParticipantI have just gotten my license and have yet to decide to buy a bike, or which bike, but I am close. I have looked for information everywhere on the web, and at at least 6 dealers. So far, your advice seems the most unbiased that I have found on the web. In fact, you sound very similar to the instructors at the safety course. I certainly don’t think you make motorcycles seem too safe. As information goes, you are the most conservative that I have found, which makes for an excellent contrast with all the “go big, go fast, no big deal” folks.
Except for the first year that I had my driver’s license, the most scared I have been when driving a car was driving home from a Skip Barber Racing School. As you have pointed out, the level of awareness and mental preparation of the average driver is inadequate. I can’t control other drivers from inside my car, and being on a motorcycle simply makes one more vulnerable. Preparation and awareness are the best you can do, but it is inherently more dangerous. That is fair to say.
But you have also pointed out that many of us do other things which are inherently dangerous (I have jumped horses cross country), and have to decide on the level of risk we are prepared to accept. How could you be fairer than that? IMO, the site is quite good, as is your advice.
Would like a review of the Ninja 650 though.
RupmiscParticipantIf it is better to buy smaller, and then upgrade, I am prepared to do so. I would probably buy new and upgrade, simply eating the depreciation. The question is, which would be the better bike to learn on- the 500 or the 250 (assuming that they still are around tomorrow). With gas getting expensive, there is a real shortage of smaller bikes around my area.
Megaspaz, I suppose I could live with dropping a bike, it is the being on it when it drops, that worries me. It does sound like “handful” might be pretty much the same as “too much”, but I don’t want to put words in your mouth. Am I likely to drop anything, or the bigger, the more likely?
RupmiscParticipantJust as I was pretty much deciding on a ninja 250 vs. 500, and was writing off the 650 as too much too soon. . Which it probably is. I am more comfortable learning slowly.
I would be interested in any more impressions as you have them. Meanwhile, congratulations and enjoy your bike.
RupmiscParticipantAnd I thought you were the one that convinced me that the Ninja 650 (which is quite comfortable) was a little too much bike. . I will probably do what you say, and not what you do.
Is the 250 easier than the 500? Sometimes I think that I had trouble trusting the lean on the nighthawk because the size of the bike made me feel closer to the ground. But the lighter weight is tempting. Do I need to worry that the low end of the 2007 250 is sufficiently weak that I will always have to keep the revs up? Would it be a pain starting on and incline? I regret that I can’t find a 2008, which seems to cure a lot of problems in the former 250 (or I suppose the current 500).
Is there a general consensus that the Ninja 500 would be better than the Suzuki 500 (the one with the full fairing)?
Anyway, I am not concerned about outgrowing either bike. If I like riding, I’ll be happy to get another bike, or bikes, when I’m ready. I want to find the best chance of learning, and of enjoying it.
Thanks again megaspaz.
RupmiscParticipantThere is no way I am going to find a 2008 ninja within the next 3 months. I sat again on the 500 and on the 250, as well as a 250 Nighthawk. I may or may not be able so sit on a Suzuki 500 (sport configuration). Megaspaz was right, I am conservative. So, one last time, am I better off with the 500 or 250 or is it a draw. Lighter weight vs. a little extra size. Assume that I will replace either if I do outgrow them, and assume that the price doesn’t matter.
Assuming that both are still at the dealer for 24hrs (500s not a problem, 250s could be), I’d like to make a decision within 24 hours.
RupmiscParticipantI keep hearing that the Ninja 650 was designed to be less aggressive, that it was designed for beginners, that a flick of the wrist will not send you flying. I’d love to believe it. As they say, wishing won’t make it so. But I dislike that my knees come up higher than the indentation on a 2007/8 Ninja 500’s tank. Still, I too would rather be a live Teddy Bear.
I can’t find an older Suzuki 500 (without the plastic) but might be able to find one with the plastic (the sport 500). I saw one a while ago and it seemed very heavy compared to the Kawasaki 500, but then my memory could be way off.
I am 6 feet, 32 inch inseam, 190lbs.
Again, thanks.
RupmiscParticipantIt would be nice to have the option to subscribe to a thread or forum, and receive emails when new posts are made.
RupmiscParticipantBased on that review, (poor steering, weight, poor at low speeds), I guess that there is a reason that these things aren’t selling like hotcakes. Nearest Buell dealer is a long haul, and couldn’t wait to try and talk me into a “beginners” Harley. Not sure he actually had any Blasts. Also, highest seat height on the Blast is 27.5 inches. Knees in chin again.
RupmiscParticipantThanks. I thought about the Buell, but don’t seem to have a dealer anywhere near to me. At least on the web, all harley dealers were not necessarily buell dealers, but I will check again. Upright is good for me. I’d be happy to pay for a new one, if I could find it and have somewhere in the area to get it serviced. I live north of Boston.
I went to a dealer today who was slightly more helpful that some of the others I’ve seen. Even better, there was a 2006 Ninja 250, a 2007 500R and a 2007 650 for me to sit on.Ninja 250s before 2008 are just not comfortable for me. I am 6 feet 190 pounds. It feels like I’m perched on a rail. The 500 was better, but my knees came up above the indentation in the tank (which would be unpleasant) and I felt that the position was more forward and I felt pressed into the handlebars. The 650 felt very comfortable and not that much heavier than the 500. Would you recommend going with the 500 anyway, on the theory that it is the least uncomfortable of the 500s?
Reviews and forums are interesting and consistent. There seems to be a divide between those who think the 650 ninja, with its upright posture, is a light maneuverable bike for a beginner. Then there are those that say “it can bite you”, ride a smaller bike for the first 5000 miles. It’s hard not to see the conservative side of this. Certainly, I appreciate the advice from the more experienced riders. Salespeople keep pushing the 650, even when there are 500s around, but I assume that they just want a bigger commission (but is giving bad advice really worth and extra $100?).
Perhaps I should just wait until next spring and see what comes along. Come fall, any bike will go into my garage. I’ll keep thinking. Learning is key. Being safe (or at least as safe as possible on a motorcycle) is key. I am pretty much cost indifferent (although another week like the last one and that could change), and would buy a $12,000 BMW with anti-lock brakes if I thought it was a better choice. But it is hard to see going very far on a nighthawk.
Other question, I sat on a Kymco 250CC bike that’s much larger than the nighthawk. It is a cruiser style. Is it any good? I’m not fond of having my feet forward of my hips, but it seems that I’m running out of options.
Thanks again for the help, I’ll let you know if anything happes
RupmiscParticipantThe new ones are both comfortable for someone my size, and totally unavailable. The older ones are less comfortable, seem not nearly so well regarded, and almost equally hard to find. If I want 250 it looks like nighthawk is only standard option. Could get a 250 cruiser?
I appreciate the advice and it is well taken. I just may have to try and find a 500, either a ninja, or a GS sport (lots of plastic). There is a used CB500 around but it has custom handle bars, looks beaten up for a 2006 and the asking price is $6100 US. I have no experience buying used, but I’ll see if I can find some help. I’ll also see if there are any used ninja 250s, but I’m not getting my hopes up.
Are cruiser style bikes as good to learn on as anything else?
RupmiscParticipantI wasn’t suggesting I’d try top speed, but control. As an analogy, my good weather car is a 2002 BMW M5 (400 BHP) manual. I have no trouble driving it in city traffic or accelerating slowly if I want to. But there is no trouble going from 30 to 90 in third gear, fast (controlled conditions, track, legal…). When I let a trusted friend drive the car, they tend to need time to adjust to the throttle/speed.
I am worried about not being able to control the bike at low speeds, or about the risk of unintentionally goosing the throttle. I am less concerned about being tempted to go to fast on purpose. I am more worried about an abrupt throttle goose, or some other newbie mistake sending we flying. I want to be able to practice at low speed. With the smaller bike, it didn’t take much lean to put me real close to the pavement.
So, it is a comfort/balance thing, plus a desire to be able to maneuver a lighter bike. I can restrain myself from intentionally going quickly. I am also curious if, based on my extremely limited experience, that the more forward bikes are easier to turn precisely.
Anyway, no ego. Yes, I am cautions. I am less concerned about money than some, so can get the right bike. Does that help describe my issue. I’m pretty sure I could find a Ninja 500 (which everyone seems to think will be redone next year, and doesn’t seem to like), or a 650. But if a 250 is the right bike, I’ll do it. I can easily upgrade in a year if that would be better. I do wonder if, mechanically, the Nighthawk is as good as some of the 250 cruisers (Yamaha for example), and whether I should avoid the Nighthawk.
RupmiscParticipantHorses-jumped ’em. Bicycles, sure. But I was one of 2 people in my MSF course (MA) that had never ridden a motorcycle. They really do a good job of making you comfortable. Mine even let me (I am the conservative type) book a couple of hours privately to work one on one with an instructor. That was great. I suspect that whether it is a mentor, or an instructor, getting advice from experienced riders is incredibly helpful.
-
AuthorPosts