Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello! I'm obviously new to this fourm and have a question. I am looking to buy my first motorcycle, preferably a sport bike but I would like to keep the cost to under $3000. I would like to know what to look out for in used bikes, and also some suggestions of models would be great. I apprecaite any information, thanks!

sport bike, ~$3k, My pick would be a ninja 250. You could also try a Hyosung Comet 250, or maybe a ninja 500 if you can find a good used price. Ninja 250's are 3k new, so you should be able to find a used one a little cheaper than that... and hopefully come out around at around 3k after all is said and done (tax, tag, title, etc). I recently got to ride my friend's ninja 250, and I really liked it. I ride a cruiser myself, but I wouldnt be opposed to picking up a ninja for my twisty needs.

Please read the stickys at the top about new riders and bike choices. Stay away from 600+cc sport bikes, start with something smaller and cheaper on insurance, like a ninja 250. You will be glad you did (and so will your wallet).

Thanks for the advice, I didn't realize that there were any 250cc and 500cc sport bikes, especially new and at that price. I looked over the sticky's above, lots of good info for a new guy such as myself.

Now comes the fun of finding a used 500r in the color that I want in my area. I've looked on cycle trader on-line and eBay with absolutely no luck, anybody have other suggestions or a 500r they're trying to get rid of in the Albany, NY area??

http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/4/4/79188744.htm
A little older one... apparently the only one in new york!

I wouldnt discount the 250 so quickly either... It does 0-60 in 5.5sec, and the quarter in 15.5 and has a top speed of around 100mph (if speed and drivability is what you are worried about). I saw a new 500r here in florida..but that doesnt help you much. I have only seen one or two used 500's in Florida, and they were over 3k. Bikes hold their value very well.

I know everyone says to go used... but sometimes it is hard to find something used in your area, that you are even remotely interested in. I would check the local newspapers, or even take out an AD in the paper yourself... sometimes people dont know they want to sell unless they know someone is offering.

My bike was supposed to be $3800 new, but I found a yahoo group for my type of bike, and they put me in contact with a dealer selling them for $2500 new! Once I added shipping, I still got away with only spending $3k. The bike specific groups can be a huge help. I'd check out.
Here is what I have off the top of my head (or browser links):
http://forums.ninja250.org/

there are a few 500's for sale here:
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum ... a6f24&f=16

You are the best, thanks for taking the time to help me out. I'm a little on the larger size of human, 6'2" 220, and I can imagine that while the 250 would be a great starter bike I would crave more power within a couple months of owning it. I have read that the 500 will do about a 12.8 1/4 mile which is slightly more than I really need, but I'll grow into it nicely.

Not long before I saw your repost I found a 2002 500r about 20 miles away for around 2700, I'll let you know how it goes. I don't yet know the color or condition but my hopes are high. Once again, thank you very much.

One thing that MIGHT be a factor for you between the 500 and the 250 has to do with the seat. I am 6'0 225lbs myself, and I actually found the 250 to be more than adequate. The 500's tank flairs around the seat protrude a bit more than on the 250, and caused some discomfort for some people while sitting on it (forces their theighs out away from the bike). I did not ride the 500, and some say you get used to it, this is just something I have heard. I have also heard the the 500 is spaced out a little better for taller people, and that many people 6'2, and even 6'5 ride them with no problem.

At 225lbs, the 250 was just fine for me... the 0-60 was probably a little more than 5.5sec due to the extra weight...haha, but it was still a very quick and agile bike. The 500 has more power, but is obviously heavier, and has a taller seat height, which is nice for taller riders..

Not trying to sway you one way or another, just bringing to your attention issues I have heard about.

Also, you should look into the suzuki GS500, it is like the Ninja 500, but may be easier to find in your area? I hear great things about the suzuki. The ninja scored a little better in reviews I read, so if you find a good one, I would probably get it.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, PLEASE take the MSF in your area. I cannot stress the importance of the safety course for beginning riders. I am extremely pleased I took it, and I'm really happy I didnt have to find out all the proper riding techniques the hard way (or not at all).

I'm all signed up for the class, the first one that I could get into was in July. I figure I'll get a bike and practice with a couple of people I know in the area and maybe a little on my own in parking lots. Unfortunatly with my schedule I will only be able to ride on weekends, and due to the climate, for about 6 or 7 months out of the year. That's why I don't want to wait until after taking the class to get a bike, valuable time.

If you go with the 250 I guarantee it will be a lot more than a couple of months before you can ride it to its full potential. When you can ride the bike to its limits then it is time to move up, not before. I'm not trying to be harsh but you will actually learn more on a bike with less power. Not just on sport bikes, but on all types of bikes.

All comments are appreciated, no harm done. I'm sure the 250 would put a smile on my face for more than 2 or 3 months but I think I will be happier with a 500.

If you buy used, try not to get blown away by the initial excitement of seeing the bike. Look it over as if you've had it for years. Start at one end and do a systematic visual scan to the other. Bringing someone with motorcycle experience is a good idea since they'll know what to look for.

Anything excessively dirty, any cracks, dents, etc usually isn't good, but can be used as a bargaining tool if it's not too major. Worn tires are good for bargaining, as almost all used bikes need a tire replaced. If one side has all the scrapes and dents, it's probably been wrecked and is an instant no-go as far as buying.

Take a look at the seller's garage. A tidy garage and clean floor is a good indicator of how well they take care of their stuff.

Ask if they've had any problems with the bike, but phrase it as if you're planning to buy so they won't feel the need to hide anything. Such as, "now will there be anything I'll need to fix or get checked out on it before riding?" instead of a flat out, "any problems with it?".

After all the looking and talking, take another check underneath the bike to see if anything's leaked onto the floor since you arrived. And if so, ask what the fluid is. Sometimes the pipes drip a little water which is nothing to be concerned about.

Finally, start (or have them start) the bike. Make sure every button, knob, and/or switch works properly. Electrical problems are no fun trying to fix.

And the best part: take it for a test drive!