okay chomping at the bit ... when DO I get the bike?

[tanitatt]

So, I'm all rev'ed up. I signed up for the local MSF course last year for a slot this Feb ... already got my Helmet, and have found, what I think is a good deal on a '03 Ninja 250 (in my fav colour no less ... yellow) .... but wait a minute ... I don't even know how to ride, let alone a license plus I'm still three weeks away from taking my MSF course ... am I jumping the gun here?

I need some sane advice here. The bike is 2200.00 and is in great condition and even better the guy lives only 10 minutes away.

Thanks
Thomas

[Loonette]

It's a tough call. I waited until after the course, but only because my husband was taking the course a few weeks after me, and we wanted to choose a bike we were willing to share. In your case, I'd say... if the bike is in good shape (have someone check it out for you - maybe even test ride it if they can), and if it has a high-appeal factor for you, then go for it. If worse came to worse, you could probably resell it for the same price. Most likely that won't have to happen - you'll love riding, you'll do fine in the MSF course, get your license, and then have a great practice bike waiting for you at home. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers,
Loonette

[Sev]

I've known a couple of people who have bought a bike, then taken the course and decided they didn't like to ride. Now they're stuck with an expensive bike, and no will to ride. $2200 is a lot of money to spend on something you aren't going to play with.

[safety-boy]

That will be a reliable bike, though a 2007 won't be much more $-wise.

You might decide a 250 is to small for you, but if you ride around town you'll be happy until you are ready to move up to a bigger bike. Highway speeds will be a disapointment (the Ninja 250 will do 100mph, but I imagine that is full throttle + knowing how to get there gear-wise).

Ask the guy if he's had any offers/interest yet. If not, let him know you want to take the course first. If people are inquiring about it, and you can afford the bike, and like it already, you might want to go ahead. If he sells it before you are ready, you could find another 250, or after the course you may want a 500

--Dave

[isnowbrd]

I've known a couple of people who have bought a bike, then taken the course and decided they didn't like to ride. Now they're stuck with an expensive bike, and no will to ride. $2200 is a lot of money to spend on something you aren't going to play with.

That would really suck. I knew that I wanted to ride so bad I didn't even think of that possibility and bought my bike a couple weeks before I took the MSF course. If you are sure this is something you want to do, I would just go ahead and buy it. I'm sure you'll be really happy with that bike. Even if you change your mind later, it shouldn't be too hard to sell.

[tanitatt]

considering I'm only 5'5" ... I think 250 is good enough for a while and plus, I really do only see myself riding about town and not on the freeways.

One thing my wife did say was that at 2200, if I sell it again I'm sure I could get close if not all of that back.

Any thoughts on how much that would be about to insure?

Thomas

[Dragonhawk]

So, I'm all rev'ed up. I signed up for the local MSF course last year for a slot this Feb ... already got my Helmet, and have found, what I think is a good deal on a '03 Ninja 250 (in my fav colour no less ... yellow) .... but wait a minute ... I don't even know how to ride, let alone a license plus I'm still three weeks away from taking my MSF course ... am I jumping the gun here?

I need some sane advice here. The bike is 2200.00 and is in great condition and even better the guy lives only 10 minutes away.

Here:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

I built that webpage for people in your exact situation. Lots of motorcycle websites gives good advice to beginners, but I've never found any that tell you step-by-step which order to do things in. So, I built a site that does. Check it out.

[safety-boy]

Any thoughts on how much that would be about to insure?

Your insurance company should be able to give you a quote, but you might look at another company altogether. I hear some companies are not motorcycle friendly.

My insurance company goes by purchase price rather than displacemtn (engine size/power), which can be a good thing.

If you don't have a garage, look into theft insurance. I was glad I did when my 636 got lifted.

A Ninja 250 should be pretty cheap to insure all-round.

--Dave

[Scott58]

I'd get it, but i'm a huge 250 fan.

[Lion_Lady]

Thats a sweet deal on a very reliable bike. Come spring, it will disappear.

If you can afford it, BUY IT! If you change your mind come spring, I'd be willing to bet you can get what you paid at the least, possibly MORE.

If you know someone who rides and can give it a run around the block to make sure there is nothing wrong thats a big plus.

P