"Tell me what bike to buy!" The good, the wrecked, and the rusted

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > Cycle Asylum > "Tell me what bike to buy!" The good, the wrecked, and the rusted

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

I'm thinking about picking up a CBR250R as a first bike. I took the MSF course and got my M1 a few months ago, but kinda put off going out and getting a bike.
I'm 5'10 and 145 lbs with short-ish arms and legs, so I think a small bike should be fine for me. I also like the idea of getting a light bike that's easy to handle.

Any thoughts on the pricing of this one?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/2596019779.html

quote:

2011 Honda CBR250R Black NON-ABS with ICON Patrol Gear - $4000 (napa county)

Date: 2011-09-13, 1:42AM PDT

2011 Honda CBR250R Black NON-ABS with ICON Patrol Gear

Where I bought It: Saint Helena, Honda Motorcycle Dealership (Parriott Motors)

Total Mileage: 1179 Miles, I got the motorcycle at 7/12/2011 therefore it is relatively new as I have only used it for 2 months.

Reason To Selling: I will be moving to New York in 2 months time and due to weather conditions in upstate New York (Snow), it is not advisable for me to ride my motorcycle and have decided to let it go and sell it.

Condition: I have dropped the motorcycle when I was going up a hill and lost power when I did not roll the throttle enough and have tipped at the bike when it was stationary as I lost balance during the first few weeks after getting the bike. Therefore, there are visible scratches but luckily, not on the painted areas. Srcatches are on the side of the leg pegs, side of handlebars and the muffler guard. The left side of the clutch lever is also bent when I tipped it but can be bent back and will look like new again.

Additional Notes: The silver stickers that you see on the bike are SOLAS tape, which is the brighest reflective tape in the market at the present moment. It was purely for safety reasons as I ride a lot at night after work and needed to make sure I will be seen by other motorist. The good thing is, if you do not want the stickers on the bike, it can be easily removed and will not strip the paint of anything as I have pasted them on NON-painted surfaces.

Additional Goods: ICON Patrol Waterproof Jacket Small (Priced $370), ICON Patrol Waterproof Pants Small (Priced $250) and ICON Patrol Waterproof Boots Sized 10.5 (Priced $130). I bought these items at motorcycle-superstore.com. It would be great if I can sell these items with the motorcycle as I have no use of them anymore. The items are still clean as I have only used them a few times and are in very good condition.

P.S: I have sent the bike for the 600 mile service and paid a good $200+ to maintain it in tip-top condition. I have also paid for registration. I bought a motorcycle cover so the bike is covered well when I am not using the bike.

Modification: Nothing has been tweaked or modified. This is the original Honda Model.

Please feel free to e-mail me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank You!
James

It seems high to me considering a brand new one goes for $4k, but a good deal might be had if the seller can be talked down? If the gear all fits me, I'd be happy to take that too.

# ¿ Sep 18, 2011 21:31

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# ¿ May 22, 2013 19:39

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Yeah, the Ninjette is definitely on the list. The reason I was considering the CBR is the recent magazine comparisons that praised the handling, lightness, fuel injection, and torque. I'll mostly use the bike for getting around San Francisco, so I'm not that worried about freeway performance.

# ¿ Sep 18, 2011 21:42

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

epswing posted:

I need the safety certificate to get the license plate. But I need a license plate to drive the bike to a garage to get the safe certificate.

...

I don't know how it works in your state/country, but sometimes you can get a temporary tag that's good for like 2 days just to move the vehicle to a garage, etc.

# ¿ Sep 20, 2011 05:50

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2612011845.html
Is this priced about right? Seems like a good buy to me.

quote:

2003 Kawsaki Ninja 250 **Super Low Mileage and Clean** Royal Blue - $2200 (Excellent Condition)

I don't want to part with this sweet bike but I have two others and just don't ride it enough. So I'm putting it on the market for some lucky person to have. It's a in excellent condition, never been downed/dropped, and always garaged and meticulously cared for. It has a newer battery, recent oil/filter changed, tires like new. Bike is ready to ride, and has clean title. It has 2000 miles on it, 400 over break in mileage! I know whats out there when searching for bikes and based on the condition and mileage of mine you won't find a nicer ride for the price! First come first serve.

Price based on: Condition/Mileage and service
Carbs cleaned by SF Moto $200 included
Complete technical service manual on disc $40 included
Current Registration till 4/12 included

$2200 FIRM (no trades), test rides with cash in hand and must have M1 license.

# ¿ Sep 23, 2011 06:27

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Ah, I guess I'm mentally comparing against 2011 Ninja 250s which are MSRP 3999. Also everyone wants loving $3800 for their 2008+ 250s.

# ¿ Sep 23, 2011 06:50

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

infraboy posted:

If you're looking for a beginner bike...

Thanks. I'll think about it. I thought 27k was a lot of miles on a bike though. How should one factor mileage into the price of a bike? (i.e. comparing a Ninja with 2k miles versus your bike with 27k miles).

# ¿ Sep 23, 2011 15:41

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

A friend of mine has a 2007 Ninja 250R with 1300 miles; he's offered to sell it to me, but we'd like to determine a fair price for it.
He paid $2700 for it in 2009 (with 200 miles). It's in great shape and has never been down.
Looking around Craigslist and also based on what you all have said so far, I'm thinking that something like $2300 would be right?

# ¿ Sep 26, 2011 01:56

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Mcqueen posted:

Wrong thread

You mean I should post in the Ninja 250 thread?

# ¿ Sep 26, 2011 02:50

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

invision posted:

honestly, $2500 is pretty fair IMO. I mean, 1300 miles is pretty much brand loving new.

I'm hearing the complete opposite as well...

http://forums.somethingawful.com/sh...4#post395898563

http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250...inja-250-a.html

Any thoughts?

Hog Obituary fucked around with this message at Sep 27, 2011 around 03:23

# ¿ Sep 27, 2011 03:20

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

On a different note, does this one seem worth pursuing? http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2617640662.html

# ¿ Sep 27, 2011 05:41

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

What middleweight sport-standard or sport-touring bikes have the least vibration in the seat? I've been finding my EX250's vibration to be hard on my already-bad back (one of my lumbar discs is in bad shape). I suppose I can look at gel seats, but i hesitate to start spending lots of money on the 250. I'm currently looking at SV650s and Ninja 650s, but I don't know how harsh or smooth those are.

My own personal issues aside, how do these look? What are good prices to offer?

2007 Suzuki SV650S ABS - $4200 // 11,8xx miles
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2916171616.html

Perfect condition 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650 w/ high quality gear // 9,400 miles
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2914224474.html

IMO the Ninja guy is asking way too much and is probably trying to recoup some of the maintenance cost. It seems like prices in the bay area are all way above blue book. Is KBB even useful for motorcycles?

# ¿ Mar 23, 2012 22:53

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Z3n posted:

Those both seem kinda expensive, keep an eye out on BARF, and if I have some free time I'll check out bikes with ya. Gotta move quick on CL deals though.

Well I'm not obsessed with getting a screaming deal. I just want a reasonable price - what's reasonable for bikes like the ones I posted? I feel like the problem with the market is that people can price things high and wait because all they need is one sucker to pay their high price.

# ¿ Mar 24, 2012 01:24

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

So I've noticed the Kawi Versys doesn't seem to be moving as fast as the SV650s and Ninja 650s on Craigslist.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2918146280.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/mcy/2923208987.html

How are these pricewise?
Note, I do like the luggage.

# ¿ Mar 31, 2012 19:27

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Yeah, it's also posted on BARF
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/f...ad.php?t=395571

# ¿ Mar 31, 2012 20:23

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Hog Obituary posted:

Yeah, it's also posted on BARF
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/f...ad.php?t=395571

Hah, and just my luck it sold today.

# ¿ Apr 1, 2012 02:05

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Sagebrush posted:

Is the headlamp stock?

Probably, BMW loves asymmetrical headlamps:

# ¿ Apr 25, 2012 17:21

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Thoughts on this SV? I generally like the modifications assuming they're well done. I do wonder if the upright bars with the SV650S footpegs will make for a weird position though (the footpegs are different between the S and the naked right?)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2980260142.html

quote:

2005 SV650s - $4350 (marina / cow hollow)

I'm selling my 2005 SV650s with 6,000 miles on it.
Runs excellent and has never had any problems.

List of upgrades:

-New Bridgestone sport tires
-Mirror Extensions
-Smoked Windshield with adjustable lip
-Heated Grips
-Frame Mounted Sliders
-Regular SV bars mounted to triple clamp for upright seating position. Nice in the city. I also have the stock clip on's if you want to change it back.
-After market fender eliminator

Always garaged and well maintained.

# ¿ Apr 26, 2012 21:04

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

the walkin dude posted:

Price's too high. I bought a pristine 2005 SV650 last year with quadruple the amount of mods as that one, for $3500. It should be like, $2700-3100.

Perfect, thanks. That's what I thought, but I never see SVs on craigslist (even during the winter) going for that cheap.

# ¿ Apr 27, 2012 14:59

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

On the subject of the street triple - just how unreliable are they when compared to the Japanese bikes?

# ¿ Jul 1, 2012 15:38

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Safety Dance posted:

You could ride a Japanese bike, or you could diagnose electrical issues on a British bike.

Well he did say he's an electrician.

# ¿ Jul 11, 2012 15:06

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/3140284257.html

quote:

2005 suzuki sv650s 15k miles 3000 obo - $2750

blue 2005 sv650s with 15k miles. NEVER BEEN DOWN!!! Stock everything. just put m3 tires on front and rear on and has less than 30 miles on them. Brother screwed me out of this deal so i am selling it now. registration is past due (this september will be two years) pink slip in hand. the bike has not scratches, anything you see in the pictures are bugs. more pictures upon request. includes ALPINESTAR riding jacket, two black helmets one of which is bluetooth, two pairs of riding gloves, waterproof riding pants, and a cargo net.

Owner seems like an idiot and there's back fees, but the price seems right? I suppose it depends on if it's a clean title, right? I've never had to deal with back fees... seems like it shouldn't be more than a few hundred right?

# ¿ Jul 18, 2012 18:24

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

XYLOPAGUS posted:

After >3000 miles on my Ninja 250, I find myself browsing local Craigslist listings.

I haven't sat on one, but I've heard excellent things about the CBR600 F4i.

Here's one for sale in my backyard.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/an...3148389558.html

The unfortunate thing I've found about the F4i is that it has near super-sport insurance costs while SV650s and Ninja 650s have insurance similar to your 250. Check with your insurer and see if that matters to you.

# ¿ Jul 19, 2012 21:47

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

FZ6 or FZ1?

# ¿ Jul 28, 2012 05:37

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

So I've posted a few times asking about SV650s and other middleweight standards, but I still don't know what I really want.

I've been puttering around on a Ninja 250 for about 3000 miles, and I'm happy to continue doing so for a while longer. I'm mostly just thinking/dreaming about what I want next.

The more I've been riding, the more I think I want something super practical that can do it all. I have actually started to look at Wee-stroms now. I want comfort in the city and on the highway. Easy riding, comfortable ergos, and as much sporting character as I can get without giving up the former.

So I guess my options are like...
Wee-Strom
FZ6
Versys
Ninja 650
F800ST
Triumph Sprint (maybe?)
VFR800
Bandit 650

or give up some comfort and go for a Street Triple, Monster, or SV650

or Multistrada comedy option

# ¿ Aug 4, 2012 09:15

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

I had no idea there was a faired version of the Shiver!
e: oh the Shiver GT is not sold in the US, is it?

quote:

Just kinda curious why you think the street triple is giving up on comfort, over say a Ninja 650? I want one of those bad, and was under the impression it was a good all rounder, unless you mean the fact that it's naked.

Yes, the fact that it's naked to me is giving up comfort. I *love* naked bikes, but on the highway I feel that wind does detract from comfort some. FWIW I haven't ridden a naked bike for any real length on the highway - just one quick ride on my buddy's GS500. The air is certainly clean when it hits you (not like my 250 which buffeted like crazy until I got one of Mike's huge touring screens).

Hog Obituary fucked around with this message at Aug 4, 2012 around 18:37

# ¿ Aug 4, 2012 18:30

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Pissingintowind posted:

are there any standard go-to bikes that are commonly recommended for newbies?

Ninja 250 is usually what is commonly recommended.

Hey, I'm in SF too and made a switch similar to you, except I don't commute on my bike. I had a number of cars that were all pretty much for pleasure since I rode Muni to downtown (and still do, or sometimes bicycle). I've been riding a Ninja 250 for a year and some things that still trouble me about the highway are the general feeling of edginess and fear, the effects of wind on such a light bike, and being able to brake in a reasonable distance with two wheels and no ABS. While I understand that most accidents happen at intersections and in the city, I'm still more scared on the highway simply because of the speed and the need to be alert.

That said, the motorcycle is awesome for getting through Bay Area traffic and, yes, you will start lane splitting as soon as you feel even a little comfortable.

Anyway, while a small cruiser might be fine they don't have as much power as a Ninja 250 and you might feel them lacking on the highway. I'd actually just do what everyone recommends and get a Ninja 250 unless you are on the bigger side... you might be fine with a Ninja 650 (which is also an okay starter bike, just bigger). I haven't ridden one personally, but it's my understanding they make excellent commuter bikes.

The thing to think about with commuting is that you'll be at the mercy of the weather. You probably want something with fairings that you can put hardbags on, etc. I think the Ninja 650 fits the bill.

Of course, all this depends on *when* you plan to start commuting. If you have time to putter around in the city before having to jump into your motorcycle commute, then you have the luxury of being able to get an easy low power cruiser or standard to get started and then get the bigger bike when you start commuting.

# ¿ Sep 19, 2012 18:20

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# ¿ May 22, 2013 19:39

Hog Obituary: Jun 11, 2006; start the day right

Pissingintowind posted:

Anyone want to ride/otherwise transport a bike from Larkspur to the Mission in SF for me at 11:45 today? $50 in it for you.

edit: I could pick you up an hour before if you're in SF or otherwise on the way to Larkspur.

In this weather? haha

_{e: sorry for the snark - i'd volunteer if it were a nice day, but man, I'd probably total it in the rain}

# ¿ Dec 1, 2012 18:24

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > Cycle Asylum > "Tell me what bike to buy!" The good, the wrecked, and the rusted