ex250, ex500 -- first bike

Message

jjdesi4 · #1 Unread post by **jjdesi4** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:34 am

A newbie question, I've basically decided that I would get a bike a couple months back, took and passed the MSF last weekend, and now looking to purchase a bike locally.

I'm about 5'10" 160lbs, and almost had my mind set on the ex250, but then I saw a local listing for an ex500.

I've been looking around and saw a few places selling the ex250 for $2-$2.5g and that was ok, I planned to spend about $2000 on a bike and max about $1000 on gear. BUT when ex500 listing showed up, for about $3500 it made me double think, its about $1500 more and I thought maybe I would be able to use it longer (ie. not grow out of it as fast).

Wanted to get some opinions on buying an ex500 over an ex250, is $3500 too much for that bike (2000 model with 2700 miles), is it too much for a first bike?

Thanks for your help!

Mag7C · #2 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:01 am

Price sounds decent as long as it's in good condition. If you have a few hundred extra $, you may want to buy an old beater to practice on and drop instead of the ex.

Here's a cool article:

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mckaw/00ex500.html

I say go for it.

DivideOverflow · Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:43 pm

Personally, I dont think you would outgrow the 250 for a while. Especially not if you are serious about learning how to ride.

I have both a 250cc Alphasport and a 650cc Kawasaki, and generally I ride my 250 around town more because of the GREAT gas mileage, the light and easy turning, light weight, and easy clutch. I really dont care what anyone says, my 250 is a ton of fun.

I'd personally get the ex250 over the ex500... Both are good bikes though.

jjdesi4 · #4 Unread post by **jjdesi4** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 1:59 am

Thanks for the advice... I'll be going out today to check out the ex500 as well as an ex250 today. I guess if the price is right on the 500 I'll go for that ... but the only bikes I've ever been around are the nighhawk 250 (MSF) and some old scooters, what should I be looking for in used bikes so I don't get a lemon? I don't plan on riding them today ..

any ideas?

Thanks!

High_Side · #5 Unread post by **High_Side** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 3:10 am

Get the 250 for fun around town, or the 500 if you plan to do lots of highway. The extra power and weight will really help on the highway....

jjdesi4 · #6 Unread post by **jjdesi4** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:27 pm

well I ended up getting the ex250 for $2400 ('02 ~3200 miles) ... a bit pricer than what I hoped (although this has a cobra exhaust and also the fender eliminator) but in the ballpark figure i looked for... this still leaves me plenty of money for my gear and only goes over my budget by a couple hundred ...

I remembered seeing someone mention a good beginner riding book somewhere on the forums, can't find it now ... could someone suggest?

Thanks!

Aggroton · #7 Unread post by **Aggroton** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 3:36 am

post some pics yo.

High_Side · #8 Unread post by **High_Side** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 5:36 am

Aggroton wrote:post some pics yo.

jjdesi4 · #9 Unread post by **jjdesi4** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 5:46 am

errr sorry guys, there's been a slight set back. this being my first bike and all i was getting advice from my cousin who has been riding for 10+ years, and he said before you buy, ride it to see if its ok, and he offered to ride it also ... when i called the lady who was selling it she said no to riding because she only had liablity, and my cousin said then dont get it ... so i passed on that one

opinions on this? is riding it before hand something i should worry about? how about if they, the seller, just rides it or something?

i'm actually going to check out another ex250 this afternoon, 2001 w/2900 miles, muzzy "2 in 1" exhaust, jet kit (stage 2), and a new (wider) rear wheel ...

thanks

DivideOverflow · Sat Jun 11, 2005 9:34 am

I'd be careful with a wider wheel... different sized wheels change the handling characteristics of the bike, so it might have a detrimental effect on handling. If they let you try it out, and your cousin says it is ok, I dont see a problem with it. I would take the advice of someone riding for 10 years.

As for the riding it thing, beats me. I can understand her being worried about you dropping it, maybe watching her ride it would be ok? I would be suspicious of anyone not allowing you to try before you buy, but maybe she is just paranoid.

jjdesi4 wrote:errr sorry guys, there's been a slight set back. this being my first bike and all i was getting advice from my cousin who has been riding for 10+ years, and he said before you buy, ride it to see if its ok, and he offered to ride it also ... when i called the lady who was selling it she said no to riding because she only had liablity, and my cousin said then dont get it ... so i passed on that one

opinions on this? is riding it before hand something i should worry about? how about if they, the seller, just rides it or something?

i'm actually going to check out another ex250 this afternoon, 2001 w/2900 miles, muzzy "2 in 1" exhaust, jet kit (stage 2), and a new (wider) rear wheel ...

thanks