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Buell Blast or Ninja 250?
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:56 am
by kabob983
Well, it's come down to this. I was about to buy an '02 Buell Blast for $2500 when I saw a new ad in the paper for a '94 Kawasaki Ninja 250 for $1500. The Blast is listed as having "many accessories" but I dunno...the Ninja 250 only has 3000 miles.
Also, if the bike only costs $1500, I'm curious about exactly what I should be interested in insurance-wise. I mean, the lower my deductible, the more I pay yearly, but if I opt for the highest ($1000 deductible) for collision, comprehensive, etc...it'll still tack on quite a bit to my premium ($150+/yr each), and if I do crash I'd be paying for 2/3 of the bike cost anyways.
What do you think I should do?
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:31 am
by ZooTech
I'd at least go check out the Ninja and see what shape it's in. If you're gonna end up spending the $1,000 difference on tires and repairs then it makes sense to go with the Blast, unless it needs stuff, too.
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:52 am
by kabob983
crap, nevermind. They sold it yesterday (what I get for reading Sunday's paper today). Lady I talked to said they put 3 bikes in the paper yesterday and sold 2 yesterday, the 250 early in the morning.
Well, looks like the Blast is still there though...
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 6:27 am
by Scoutmedic
You can buy a brand new Ninja 250 for around $3000 I think. Not sure what a new Blast costs. No Buell dealers in my area.
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 11:18 am
by kabob983
Yeah, but I'd rather buy used so I can pay less and not worry as much if I drop it...
And with the extra $$ I can get better safety gear.
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 11:26 am
by CNF2002
$2500 for a 2002 Blast isn't too bad if it doesn't have alot of miles on it. Thats what I paid for mine a few months ago with 1,500 on the clock.
A new blast will run you $4,600.
Neither the Blast or the 250 has great resale value, but I think you'd get a better resale with the blast.
Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:14 am
by Kal
kabob983 wrote:Yeah, but I'd rather buy used so I can pay less and not worry as much if I drop it...
And with the extra $$ I can get better safety gear.
I like this man's thinking!
Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 2:57 pm
by jmillheiser
I haven't heard anything bad about the blast other than reliability issues on some of the older ones. Definately one of the better starter bikes out there (supposed to be really easy to ride).
the Ninja 250 is also a good bike though it is suited for someone who wants to get into sportbikes, its supposed to have great handling and good canyon carving abilities and is probably just as fast if not a little faster than the blast.
the ninja 500 and GS 500 are also good bikes to learn on and pack a bit more power than the blast, though they tend to cost a little more than a 250.
Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 8:16 am
by DustyJacket
I took the Rider's Edge class (H-D dealership) MSF class which uses the Buell Blast. I bought a used 2002 Buell Blast for $2500.
I added a windshield and bags, and had a great time. I rode it 1,600 miles before my wife took her class, and then the Blast.
See my web page for photos.
I heartily recommend it at a learner's bike, and an all around commuter. That 70 mpg looks great (I only got 69 mpg on the average).