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After doing a lot of reading about various solid bikes for newbs I think I've decided on getting a Ninja 250; the big question left though is if I should buy new or used.

If I buy new then it's mine and only mine; I don't have to worry about a previous owner not treating it properly or "forgetting" to tell me that time they accidently tipped it over. It would cost right about 3000 bucks out the door.

If I buy used I'm probably going to only pay 2000-2500, saving a decent chunk of change. I also wouldn't feel quite as bad if I were to scratch it up a bit since it's a used bike and doesn't have the fresh from the factory look.

Either way I'd ride this for at least a year, and then see at that point if I want to upgrade to something with a little more power or if I'm happy with a zippy little bike.

Thoughts/opinions?

What level of mechanical repair skills do you or your friends and family have?

If you go used and the bike was mis-treated, like you mention, you could spend a good chunk of change and frustrations on repair.

If you can afford new, go for it. Like you said, its yours and you know whats been done to it (for example, I know I've downed mine once). Buying used isn't a bad idea, but if I were getting a used 250, I would get one from the late 90's, that way you can grab it for like 1800 or less.

Where are you from?

On lower costs bikes I think it's best just to go new. You know what your getting. You know the bike hasn't been thrashed or dropped and you follow the maintenance schedule you like.

Im gonna vote for used. First off...because its pretty common for people to buy a 250 for a first bike, and then end up wanting to upgrade after a season or two. As a result there are usually alot of low mileage, lightly used 250's on the market that are pretty good deals.

Second...because you have a good chance of dropping the bike while learning. It would be less painful on your ego if you dropped a used bike than a brand new one.

And third...you'll have to deal with the break-in period which can be a hassle.

Just be critical and wait for the right bike to come along. One that has a good maintenance history and hasnt been dumped.

Veda wrote:What level of mechanical repair skills do you or your friends and family have?

Currently low to medium. I'm going to pick up a book on it, but all I've done before on my car is change the oil, rotate tires, replace brakes, simple stuff like that.

ANDS! wrote:Where are you from?

I'm from Santa Clara, Cali; Bay Area just south of San Fransisco.

On a side note, I like how it's split 50/50, really helps me with the deciding process

I remember searching the bay for a ride. You either got a good deal, or a bad deal - nothing in between.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/351459417.html

Or how about cafe-style?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/mcy/342075980.html

Also, if you want new, I'd be VERY suprised if you actualy get it for 3K flat. . .ESPECIALLY if you live in California.

It's a tough reality, but EVERYONE drops a bike at some point, and that many times is their first bike (though I haven't dropped mine and my second is still looking good). I'd definitely go with a used bike. You may drop it, or you may not, but in any case, a used bike will save on the pocket book.

Also on the bright side of a used bike, you're probably not going to have to go through a break in period.

andrwhock wrote: Also on the bright side of a used bike, you're probably not going to have to go through a break in period.

And you'll never know if the first owner cared for it during the break in

andrwhock wrote:It's a tough reality, but EVERYONE drops a bike at some point,

32 years and counting. haven't dropped one yet.