that's right, i've fallen in love with a particular motorcycle. and no, i don't care what anyone else thinks.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Product-Specifications.aspx?scid=6&id=359
so go ahead, flame away, i don't give a damn. :icon_mrgreen:
it will be awhile before i own one, but one can dream eh? :cheers:
from a 500 to a 250? isnt that a few steps back?
oh, you don't know me....i'm the resident board member who doesn't currently own bike. :icon_mrgreen:
and by the looks of things, it may be yet another 2-3 years before i can responsibly commit financially. :mad:
oh i c will this be your first bike?
Ninja 650R baby, however that thing is soi sheittily made ... weld splatter and gaps and un painted openings and what not every where in its frame, it will turn into a rust bucket in no time.
Dealers here have a bunch of 07's they're trying to move for 5K, problem is, there are also used ones people trying to sell for 5K. More than 5k matter of fact.
Anyway better than that gladius IMHO, but its saying little, SV650 is better than both. Better quality all around.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: joshr08 on March 15, 2009, 03:49:17 PM
oh i c will this be your first bike?
yes it will. i learned a few years back on a rebel 250.
Quote from: joshr08 on March 15, 2009, 03:35:22 PM
from a 500 to a 250? isnt that a few steps back?
Sounds like what a squid would say.
:D
not even close to a squid and if it was a quid talking it would be "wtf do you want that little womans bike for get a 1000 or your a kitty cat"
i was just trying to figure out why someone would spend 4000 on a new smaller bike when you could buy a used bike like a sv650 or something along those lines for same price if not a bit cheaper.
I've always thought that was a sharp looking bike. One of my buddies got one last fall, but I've yet to see it in person.
Yeah i think its a sharp bike to. I tryed to talk my wife into getting one but she didnt want to spend the money.
Quote from: joshr08 on March 15, 2009, 04:58:42 PM
Yeah i think its a sharp bike to. I tryed to talk my wife into getting one but she didnt want to spend the money.
Yeah, they are pretty pricey being so new and all. Give 'em a couple years and you should be able to pick a used one up fairly cheap. Perfect timing for jserio
yep
i almost bought one back in november. she was so beautiful. blue. i sat on her in the showroom, man, it just felt so right you know? i did the credit dance and got approved. lady called me at work next day and said i could pick up my bike that night, i was stoked! until i walked past the bulletin board at lunch time. management had posted a letter saying, "due to the economical crisis, we are evaluating our staffing requirements." with that in mind, i decided not to burden myself with another loan. as much as it pained me, it was the right choice because in january, they lay-off monster called me into the office. :mad:
but, i firmly believe everything happens for a reason. :cheers:
GET A GREEEEEEEEEEN ONE !!!
Ya know, there is prolly several distress sales comming. The same econimic BS has bitten and Idiots who didn;t excercise the prudence you did are going to be getting rid of it.
Now of course there will be several that just get repoed, make their way back to the dealers and get put on the floors for near about MSRP.
Of course a few of the dealers will fail in every area and that will create a flood in the ones that are left standing. Then the fun begins.
BTW the other thing that could happen, is like in Iceland, range rovers are catching on fire, nearly 1 in 3 of them are going up in smoke. Surprisingly in the rest of the world and in US its much much lower, like 1 in 100 million or so. As in, like none cos range rovers prolly only 10 of them sell every year.
So I wonder which way ninja 250's go. Do they burn good ?
Cool.
Buddha.
sorry man a 250?......why not ride a lawn mower down the street? At least get the ninja 650.
My Goodness do you know how hard it is to live right behind a Kawi dealership. New PURTTY bikes every day I ride out no scratches or broken mirrors. I sat on one of those the other day. Go in everyother weeks to talk with the guys. If I ever got cross country tourer it would be a Victory. Man that is a very nice lookin bike!
Mary
there isn't a bike dealer for about a 45 minute drive from here. the wife is glad there aren't any closer, or i'd be there more often. ;) the sales people know me pretty much by name now. :icon_mrgreen:
Three motorcycle shops within a five minute radius how bad is that! An addiction very hard to keep under control lol! If you ever need a new pic of a honda, suzuki, yamaha, kawasaki, polaris, victory. The BMW dealer is twenty and Harley about 15.
And I ended up with a GS with all those choices!
Mary
I'd rock one because I'd never have to shut off for a corner!
That, and I'd have the trickest 250, with those rotors and that frame; totally worth the $4k. Plus, what I'd save on tires...and gas...and insurance...
are you mocking me scratch???? :icon_confused:
:dunno_white:
So, I'm a high school teacher, and my students are always checking out my bike and asking about what kind of bike they should get. With high school students, money is always an object, but they still want new and flashy.
With that in mind, I went and checked out the ninja 250. That bike just looks...well...fun. I sat on it, and it is VERY light feeling (flickable anyone?). For that reason, I don't think it would be great on the highway, but twisty riding could be a blast. Also, for younger people on bikes, this is very economical for a brand new bike. The fuel economy would have to be fantastic, insurance would be relatively low, the power would be more than manageable, and it would make a fantastic learning machine. :thumb:
That being said, if you already have the experience, I would recommend a slightly larger bike if the $ is there. But, do what you like. If you like the machine and you're having fun on it...what else matters?
i just feel that connection. i'm sure all of you have felt that way about something at some point in your lives. and it's also a level-headed choice for a first bike i think. not like i said i was gonna go buy myself a brand new ducati 848. :icon_twisted:
actually on the insurance side with the name ninja on the side insurance is really high for the size. my wife sells insurance and it was going to be more for the 250 ninja then the gs500f when we looked with all the companys that she can quote with.
bike insurance is weird i've found out. last summer i got a quote from my insurance guy for a vulcan 900. well, tried to get a quote from him. the bike was listed as restricted to riders under 30. :cookoo: i have not checked ins on the ninja 250 yet with them. we switched ins agents when we bought our house last spring because to cut our car ins. in half from what we were paying at state farm. :icon_mrgreen:
as a rule of thumb if a bike is faired it is more expensive to insure because if you drop it you have fairings to replace and they cost $$$. The gs500f actually wasn't listed as a faired bike when i first got it and was cheaper than both the EX500 and the Blast, which i ruled out after actually riding one. I thought that was funny because the ex and the blast both were not full faired but the gs was. go figure. I never quoted a 250 but i would have to assume that it will be cheaper than the gs or the ex500 but probably not by as much as one would like.
ill have a 250 ninja quote and gs500f quote price for me as a driver in a few mins my wife is pulling some numbers
every agency views certain criteria different as well. i don't understand why there is so much variance between the companies. i thought my state farm ins. was a good deal till i found this other place that cut it basically in half. :cookoo: if you're wondering who it's with, The Motorists Insurance Group. i go through a local agent. :icon_mrgreen:
Ok here you go guys little something to think about. 30 yrs old no tickets no points no claims. gs500f $480 a yr full coverage. 250 ninja $940 a yr same full coverage as gs. now in michigan we have a MCCA that we get charged for and thats like 105 a yr on bikes but thats what the price difference is for me to ride a 250 over the 500.
something's not right with that. i don't have exact numbers yet but i do know that 2 years ago i got a quote on a ninja 250 and it was the cheapest. geico and progressive seem to have the highest rates. :cookoo:
that price is for both 09 bikes as well
The name "ninja" is associated with sportbike. The name "GS500" is associated with mule. "Isn't the 250 now the 250r," too? You're going to pay more for the ninja 250 than a used gs500, you'll outgrow it, it will cost more to insure, and you won't be able to work on it as easily. Go with a gs500.
1)i don't want a used gs500.
2)it won't cost me more to insure
3)i'm not worried about "outgrowing" a bike, i'm not trying to be Rossi, I just wanna ride.
4)i'm not worried about "ease of do it yourself maintenance"
that's why we have choices in america, you buy what you want, and i'll buy what i want. :thumb:
Quote from: jserio on March 17, 2009, 08:35:35 AM
1)i don't want a used gs500.
2)it won't cost me more to insure
3)i'm not worried about "outgrowing" a bike, i'm not trying to be Rossi, I just wanna ride.
4)i'm not worried about "ease of do it yourself maintenance"
that's why we have choices in america, you buy what you want, and i'll buy what i want. :thumb:
... and you'll be sad later.
moo hah hah haaaaa
doubt it. :thumb:
Quote from: jserio on March 17, 2009, 03:45:16 PM
doubt it. :thumb:
... And that is why you fail...
[yes, he did just quote yoda]
:cookoo:
just because it may not be the choice YOU would make, doesn't make it a bad choice for me. ;)
Well, through Progressive I bought my bike "04 used full coverage. $398 a year with roadside assistance. I also had just gotten a ticket a month before because of that accident.
My bike picked me was walking along and his cute little antenna were like take me home PLEAAASE then my best friend named him. How could I not take him home then?
So yeah I know how you feel!
mary
Quote from: lawman on March 17, 2009, 08:26:34 AM
The name "ninja" is associated with sportbike. The name "GS500" is associated with mule. "Isn't the 250 now the 250r," too? You're going to pay more for the ninja 250 than a used gs500, you'll outgrow it, it will cost more to insure, and you won't be able to work on it as easily. Go with a gs500.
IIRC one is a supersport while the gs is not according to insurnace. can anyone back this up? that may be the reasoning
Random fact: Insurance on my SV1000 is $160 a year...full coverage. :thumb:
Dude, get what you like! If you want the 250r, go for it. You're on a GS500 site. :2guns: Of course they will flame the little ninja. If we were on the SV forums, the R6 forums, the Ninja 650r forums, the GSXR forums, etc., they'd tell you anything less than a 600cc sport bike is weak...including our GS500s, :icon_rolleyes: so go with what you want. The ninja is cheap enough to make a mistake. If you don't like it, you can always trade up. But, if you do like it, you'll have a great bike for little cash. 8)
Quote from: oramac on March 17, 2009, 08:43:02 PM
Random fact: Insurance on my SV1000 is $160 a year...full coverage. :thumb:
Are you serious? What company? I just bought an sv today, and I've only looked at Progressive.
Quote from: joshr08 on March 17, 2009, 07:34:27 AM
Ok here you go guys little something to think about. 30 yrs old no tickets no points no claims. gs500f $480 a yr full coverage. 250 ninja $940 a yr same full coverage as gs. now in michigan we have a MCCA that we get charged for and thats like 105 a yr on bikes but thats what the price difference is for me to ride a 250 over the 500.
I know you live in a different state, and I practially live in podunk, but it seems you might be overpaying for insurance. Mine is less than $200 through Progressive, and I totalled my first bike.
Quote from: bucks1605 on March 17, 2009, 09:04:25 PM
Are you serious? What company? I just bought an sv today, and I've only looked at Progressive.
Good for you! Enjoy it! ...and post pics and give us details soon!
Quote from: theUBS on March 17, 2009, 09:06:22 PM
Quote from: bucks1605 on March 17, 2009, 09:04:25 PM
Are you serious? What company? I just bought an sv today, and I've only looked at Progressive.
Good for you! Enjoy it! ...and post pics and give us details soon!
Thanks, I'll get some pics up tomorrow after I giver her a proper bath.
Quote from: bucks1605 on March 17, 2009, 09:04:25 PM
Quote from: oramac on March 17, 2009, 08:43:02 PM
Random fact: Insurance on my SV1000 is $160 a year...full coverage. :thumb:
Are you serious? What company? I just bought an sv today, and I've only looked at Progressive.
My insurance is through progressive as well. I'm 35, married, own my home, been with them for six years, and I've taken the ERC, though I don't know if that helped my rates or not.
Quote from: oramac on March 17, 2009, 09:08:43 PM
Quote from: bucks1605 on March 17, 2009, 09:04:25 PM
Quote from: oramac on March 17, 2009, 08:43:02 PM
Random fact: Insurance on my SV1000 is $160 a year...full coverage. :thumb:
Are you serious? What company? I just bought an sv today, and I've only looked at Progressive.
My insurance is through progressive as well. I'm 35, married, own my home, been with them for six years, and I've taken the ERC, though I don't know if that helped my rates or not.
My rates must be higher due to my age.
Quote from: bucks1605 on March 17, 2009, 09:07:50 PM
Quote from: theUBS on March 17, 2009, 09:06:22 PM
Quote from: bucks1605 on March 17, 2009, 09:04:25 PM
Are you serious? What company? I just bought an sv today, and I've only looked at Progressive.
Good for you! Enjoy it! ...and post pics and give us details soon!
Thanks, I'll get some pics up tomorrow after I giver her a proper bath.
...and change your signature! :cheers:
my insurance is a tad less than 300 a year full coverage with 250 deductibles across the board with progressive for my 05 GSXR 750.
in aus i think it is a bit different.
By law every vehicle must have (Third Party Medical Insurance) which is around AUD$250 p.a.
And then you can choos
third party damage
third party damage and theft
full comprehensive (Cover of everything)
But i pay AUD$1050 for full comprehensive via my dad. He technically owns the bike and i use his insurance rating (65% discount) to get it that cheap. For me to insure it myself it would have cost me $3200 a year. And that is ridiculous.
I won't flame the little ninja, it's just that I know it doesn't have enough muscle for the highway, and that will bother you at some point. Our GS is just enough for the highway IMHO, and it needs a 17-tooth sprocket to make it happen. I wouldn't encourage you to own a 250 as your only bike.
I would encourage you instead, after you find stable employment and get your debts under control, to find a used, low mileage, mid-sized Japanese street bike. There are many. The GS is only one of them. You won't out-grow it, you'll be happy with it, and it will serve you well. Most people buy bikes, hardly ride them, then sell. Anyone on a budget is foolish not to take advantage of that fact, and now that we have the internet and craigslist, it's sooo much easier than it was in the past!
I'm not looking for another bike, but if I was, my top pick right now is the ER-6n, and my lust is the Triumph Street Triple. I can't believe how much Triumph has improved. They were making turd burgers when I was your age. Yamaha is also making wonderful bikes these days, but for some reason I don't care for them much, which is strange, because 25 years ago I was in love with the XJ Seca and Maxim series. That was before the Honda Interceptor and Nighthawk were born. Man, that 750 Nighthawk is STILL WICKED! :thumb:
Don't think new is necessarily better. Like Buddha pointed out you need to look for good workmanship as well, and the Japs made a lot of bikes in the 80's and 90's with great workmanship, reliability, and design. Our GS 500's are one example of it. I lean toward air-cooled bikes because of their simplicity, but I don't want a damn cruiser. Bike makers don't offer a lot for me today.
Quote from: jserio on March 15, 2009, 04:05:04 PM
Quote from: joshr08 on March 15, 2009, 03:49:17 PM
oh i c will this be your first bike?
yes it will. i learned a few years back on a rebel 250.
NICE! i started out on one of those...
Quote from: bill14224 on March 28, 2009, 10:06:34 AM
I won't flame the little ninja, it's just that I know it doesn't have enough muscle for the highway, and that will bother you at some point. Our GS is just enough for the highway IMHO, and it needs a 17-tooth sprocket to make it happen. I wouldn't encourage you to own a 250 as your only bike.
I ran a 15 tooth sprocket on my '99, and it would do triple digits, no problem. How fast does anyone need to go on the highway? The thing I got tired of was the constant shifting in mixed riding. I never had a problem on the highway.
Are you kidding me, tached out on the highway, I can make it to 110 with my 14t no problem. Thats with the rest of the mods but still.
I have a friend with an 08 250r and another with a 09 250r they both seem to really enjoy the bike. Though they both kinda want something bigger already.
My friend with the 08 rode it 1000 miles round trip from lincoln to chicago... He swears he won't do anything like it again. So as long as you're keeping your interstate riding short the bike should be fine.
i would think it would be an around town vehicle only...250cc are just not enough for the highway. i think the top speed is about 65mph
Quote from: oramac on March 28, 2009, 06:03:29 PM
Quote from: bill14224 on March 28, 2009, 10:06:34 AM
I won't flame the little ninja, it's just that I know it doesn't have enough muscle for the highway, and that will bother you at some point. Our GS is just enough for the highway IMHO, and it needs a 17-tooth sprocket to make it happen. I wouldn't encourage you to own a 250 as your only bike.
I ran a 15 tooth sprocket on my '99, and it would do triple digits, no problem. How fast does anyone need to go on the highway? The thing I got tired of was the constant shifting in mixed riding. I never had a problem on the highway.
+1 Oramac
Quote from: frankieG on April 09, 2009, 05:06:00 PM
i would think it would be an around town vehicle only...250cc are just not enough for the highway. i think the top speed is about 65mph
Perhaps you were just being sarcastic and I missed it, but if I remember the Cycle World article correctly, I'm thinking it topped out in the mid to upper 90's. It weighs a little less, so I'd guess it might be slightly more subject to wind buffeting, but it does ride on the same size of stock rubber as our GS500.
I was in love with the 250r too. It was almost my first bike, but I was able to get a GS500f for $1000 less. Sure its not quite as pretty, but its good enough and you will never outgrow it. The 250 is prettier but that's about it. If that's what is important to you, I understand. Both are good bikes and I'm sure with a good rider the 250 could keep up just fine with a GS until the 60mph mark then its small engine shows.
But if you don't plan on touring, easily passing on the freeway or going up mountain passes get the Ninja. It can do all these things but you will know you are pushing it.