Help Choosing a First Sport bike!!!!!?

[JimThompson]

I am looking to get a beginners sport bike (~250 cc). I am currently looking at a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R and a 2007 Hyosung GT250R. Any advice or opinions??? They are comparable in price. The Ninja is listed 150 dollars less on craigslist than the hyosung. Both look cosmetically sound and appear to have no mechanical problems. Any input helps! Thanks!

 

[Soundra]

The 250r ninja is rated as a good begginers bikes. I am not familiar with the Hyosung brand. Parts may be hard to get. If you can Honda just introduced a new cbr250 that will beat the pants off the ninja 250r. New it is 3,999. That should put the monthy payments less than $100 a month.

 

[chiddybang]

i wouldn't get a ninja cause it is one of the fastest sport bike in the world, so if you want a ninja wait till you are more experienced. this is not subject i like to discus cause one of my friends died while riding one. so i would get the Hyosung. But if you can find one a buell is a very good beginner bike.

 

[DimoJ]

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/new_vehicle_compare.asp?vehicle2=13201&year1=2007&mfg1=534&vehicle1=48729&go2=Go

I like light, my little 650cc cruiser is just 354 pounds dry. The Ninjette is just 304 pounds dry. The Hyosung 250 is a bloated 370 pounds, dry. You may not care, for me is lighter is easier to handle.

The the Hyosung is cheaper, even tho' it is newer and had more to cost when new? Ask yourself, why? Why does the newer bike bring in less money for sale? Could it be it not worth less?

You are looking at 4-6 year old motorcycles. May need service, parts, repairs. Who will be working on the bike, what parts are available, how much? Will you do your own service? Is there a Internet Forum that could help you?

 

[tycobb2000]

Her are a few tips on buying a used bike.
1) Ask how and where the bike was maintained. On most bikes the owner can change the oil and filter with the OEM tool kit. Coolant is a bit trickier, and done wrong can cause big problems down the road. If the owner does everything themselves, do they use a shop manual, or do they "know what their doing" because they've been doing it for years. I do much of my own work, but I use a shop manual. If they use a shop, get the name and call them and ask about the bike and it's history.
2) Find a local shop in your area, and ask them about their experience with these bikes. Go in and talk with them a bit so they know your serious about riding, and want to have a good safe bike to learn on. If they know they'll get some business from you they will be MORE than happy to help. Ask if they will look at the bikes for you before you buy, to make sure nothing is wrong with them, and how much they might charge. $50 is a small price to pay to avoid a bad bike.
3) Ask each seller if they will bring the bike to your shop to have it looked over, if they say no, walk away. If they say yes, make the arrangements, see if someone from the shop can take it for a test ride for you (they will know what to look for, listen for, and feel for more than you). Have the cash in hand so the owner doesn't have a reason to say no. And agree before hand to buy the bike only if the shop says it's a good buy.
4) As an extension of number 2, Find a good local shop, either a dealer or independent, and form a relationship with them. Even if you plan on changing your own oil, they will probably doing the big stuff (tire changes, valve adjustments, etc.). They will help you pick out riding gear, clue you in on some good rides and rallies, and it's a great way to meet other riders in your area who can help you become a better rider your self.

I personally own a 1988 Kawasaki Eliminator 250, same basic engine as the Ninja 250, with 20,020 miles on it. And although Kawasaki says the service life of the engine is 30,000 miles, many riders have put 50,000 or more on with no major problems. The reason you don't see these bike for sale with high miles is because we hang on to them ' till the last piston stroke.

Good luck in your choice, ride safe, and keep the shiny side up.