Thanks alot

[MattH]

Thanks for locking my post. I got helpful advice from blues2cruise and a few other people. And some people were angered because of some people's "insensibility" towards me, but really I would rather hear that than hear of the absurd statement that I am "stupid" for my age. With all due respect, if you are going to say something like "this is fake", I strongly suggest that you back off and do something more useful with your time. To clarify all the confusion from some of the people, I will tell you more or less exactly what happened at the dealer and the condition of myself.

First, I guess I may be considered old, but I have never purchased a vehicle because my main means of transportation was by a bus pass. I have no idea what the regular cost of a motorcycle is and the dealer made 10 grand seem normal. When I went to the dealer that day, I told him my intentions were to get a beginner bike that is not too powerful, and reliable bike that would not fail me. He took me over to the "Race replica" bikes. Now hear me out, I just graduated from college and entered a grad school. If anyone here has been through that, it’s a time of real stress.

Sorry I have no more time to write but you get my point. I will just sell my R1 and get a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 250. Every beginner seems to be buying that bike. I will take the extra cash and spend it on adequate gear. I will be looking forward to my new bike and I will be back once I get it.

[Scoutmedic]

I think that's a very good decision Matt. Good Luck and I hope that you find a decent deal.

Wouldn't hurt to spend some of the money on a safety course as well. Most folks here recommend the MSF but, I would think that any reputable course with knowledgeable instructors will be worth the cost and time involved.

Be sure to read some of the other posts on safety equipment. Especially the Helmet Fit Guideline Sticky by Lion Lady.

Good Luck and Stay Safe Out There!

[KarateChick]

It probably was locked because one of the mods thought you weren't for real but usually when a post is locked, the mod at least indicates why it was done & identifies him/her self.

I'm sorry you ran into such a creep dealer who was looking after the $$ signs. I hope your sell/trade works out okay for you on the bike and that this experience doesn't turn you off m-cycling.

Glad to see you brought up the getting proper gear thing - you'd mentioned the hiking boots and GW jacket but definitely use the (hopefully) excess funds to get properly geared up.

And for so long as you have the R1 and are riding it - be careful.

[Lion_Lady]

It is unfortunate that whomever locked the thread didn't at least PM you as to WHY...

My guess is that there were probably two reasons. One being 'Is this guy for real?' and the other being that the whole discussion was heading off into Flame Wars between other posters.

Anyhow. Glad to see you're keeping a level head and have plans to try again.

That said, I'll ask, why buy new at all? Especially since you're already gonna take a big hit on dumping the R1. You should be able to find a decent, servicable used machine for less than a new Ninjette. And since you've proven fair skills at riding (hey, you get props from me for not getting yourself killed on that racebike) there probably is no need to stick with a 250... I bet a Suzuki SV650 will do you very well. Check out an older model. They've been around for more than a couple years so the SV has a proven record. There is LOTS of aftermarket support so you can customize it too.

Visit craigslist.org for the city nearest you and see what is available (and note the number of 'lightly damaged' R1s, GSXRs etc etc. that are available for sale. You aren't the only one in that boat.

P

[MotoF150]

Matt, buddy! listen to me! I live in a college town, its about the hot college babes, they love fast bikes, they hate nerdy bikes, these girls want to be seen riding on the back of a fast bike! Keep the R1, you can score!

[Shorts]

MattH, sorry your post was I locked. I feel I had a hand in that as I made several posted not directed at you. So I apologize for that.


It's good to hear that you are a smart guy looking for a way to make your riding experience better. It isn't easy making changes, but it's a solid step ahead by deciding what you need to do.

Stick around the forum, we're not all bad. Besides, riding starts SOON and us northern cooped up folks will be a lot less cranky!

[-Holiday]

Stick around the forum, we're not all bad.

but if you want an example of the bad, look no further than above Short's post.


good luck with the bike or whatever you do. just be extra carefull. seems like you already know you arent in the best situation with that bike. thats the first step.

[tchaftantouri]

I think the buy used suggestion is a very good one.
You will do things that will cause your bike to go over (even if it is not moving) until you get new "bike" habits.
2 examples; - putting the stand down on what you think is solid stable ground and having it sink in ....bike goes over.
- Trying to drive away with your disc lock stil attached....bike goes down.
There are many other possibilities but hopefully you get the idea.
(yes I have had both those things happen to me).
Get your habits together on something that has already lost value because of age and mileage and a few scratches won't be so bad.
Scratching/breaking nice shiny new fairings is only going to add to your grad school stress.

[intotherain]

Matt, I think the SV650 is DEF a good idea. If you can prove to not die on a R1 for two months, I think you should do just fine on a SV650 because a R1 with 180 HP more than twice the horsepower of a SV650 at 69 HP.