September 25th, 2010, 07:10 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: JerZ
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 05 Ninjette Posts: 131
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Rant: Low-Mileage Bikes
So I go into my local jap bike dealer in to scout out potential upgrade bikes for next season yesterday evening. As I'm in the parking lot, I see new bikes inside and used bikes outside. Not really looking for anything in particular, and just wanting to get a feel, I start checking out the used bikes.
I saw an r6, gsxr600, another ninja250, concours, vstrom, zx6 and many others. They were all made no later than 08 and were in great condition. But as I'm going through all of them I start to notice they all have low miles. Reaaallly low relative to their year. For example, the r6 was an 07 with 2100mi, the 05 250ninja with 2300mi, the 07 zx6 with 1800, and even the 06 concours with 4000 and a goldwing with 5000ish. I understand if a 250 has low miles: the owner upgrades or its so cheap to keep around no reason to get rid of it. But F*S, I have 11k on my ninja, 2k put on in the past month alone when I got it, but these bikes were hardly ridden. Think about it: a three year old bike with 2100 miles= 700 miles a year. I know thats an r6, and its not usually ridden for long distance, but really, two hardcore touring bikes with under 5k miles? Whats up with that? And its not like the dealer only took low mileage bikes--my bike was welcomed as a trade in for a KLR. Maybe I ride too much. Maybe I expect too much of people. But it's crazy to think of spending $10k+ (with insurance) on a great bike only to ride it that little. |
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September 25th, 2010, 07:38 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jeff
Location: PA
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08 R6 Posts: 224
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With super sports some people get a 600 as there first bike, realize its fast as **** and scares them into selling it. Also some people get a bike just to show it off.
Another reason - there are a lot of new leftover bikes out there. I bought a brand new 08 r6 two months ago, so of course it has really low miles compared to its year cause it wasn't ridden until two years after it was made so that is another thing to think about. |
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September 25th, 2010, 08:40 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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people buy bikes for different reasons. just be thankful there are low mileage bikes for you to buy used when you need one.
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September 26th, 2010, 08:43 AM | #4 |
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Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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September 26th, 2010, 08:54 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Pat
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338
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I had this rant my first year of riding too. I met some guys at the local bike gear shop and they had less miles on 5 year old Litre bikes than I had on my 2009 Ninja. Everyone seems to ride for their own reasons. They seemed happy just to be out of the house
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2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate |
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September 26th, 2010, 11:39 AM | #6 |
Moroccan Gold Imports
Name: RJ
Location: MT
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): '03 ZX9R, '03 ZX7R & wife's '09 250R Posts: 136
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It's great when you are a buyer. These are exactly the kind of deals I am looking for- used/as-new for half off.
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September 26th, 2010, 12:21 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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At some point I may want to get a touring bike--so it's nice to know tat there are good deals out there. I think that around here the average is 3K a year. I already have 13K on my 08. No such thing as riding too much. The little Ninja makes a surprisingly good Sport Touring Bike.
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Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550 |
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September 26th, 2010, 12:39 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: JerZ
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 05 Ninjette Posts: 131
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I actually asked the dealer "what's up with all the used bikes". His response was the typical end-all, be-all, beaten to death answer nowadays: "the economy". Could be. Or motivation....who knows....but yeah plenty of deals for buyers.
Speaking of tourers, a guy near me is selling an 02(?) bmw r1200 tourer he rode across the country on for $3k. Miles are a little high (40k), but IMO, that's how a bike should be ridden. The guy probably cared for it and got so much enjoyment out of it! |
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September 26th, 2010, 06:41 PM | #9 |
I hate driving...
Name: S
Location: SW Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.
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I always wonder how some of these people can buy a bike and then a month later buy another one.
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09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast |
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September 26th, 2010, 07:16 PM | #10 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mike
Location: Gladwin, MI
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2002 XR200r Posts: 128
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Quote:
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September 26th, 2010, 08:05 PM | #11 |
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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September 26th, 2010, 08:38 PM | #12 |
motorcycle rider
Name: Bruce
Location: Victoria, BC
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.
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I read an article in Cycle World several years ago that claimed the average American motorcyclist only rides about 1000 miles per year. I can believe it: when I was in my 20s I rode several thousand miles a year. Now that I am in my 40s I still enjoy riding but not to the same extent.
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'14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) |
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September 26th, 2010, 08:51 PM | #13 |
I hate driving...
Name: S
Location: SW Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.
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I don't mean it that way, I meant money wise. Like if I were to go sell my bike right now I would put myself in the hole. That is what I am saying. I wonder how people get the money to keep trading in bikes every month like they are lego bricks on some little toy they have.
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09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast |
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September 26th, 2010, 10:19 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Calvin
Location: Quesnel, B.C
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R (sold), 2013 300SE Posts: 276
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September 27th, 2010, 06:09 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: JerZ
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 05 Ninjette Posts: 131
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September 27th, 2010, 06:35 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org member
Name: kenny
Location: nyc
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 77
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I got my bike in May and only 400 miles. I ride at most once a week. Public transportation is my way of commuting.
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September 27th, 2010, 07:55 AM | #17 |
ex-ninjette.org guru :o
Name: Trevor
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2003 SV1000 S Posts: 475
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i bought mine end of July and already have over 8000km (~5000 mi) on it.
my gf says she's forgot what i look like without a motorcycle helmet on LOL |
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September 27th, 2010, 08:47 AM | #18 | |
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Common sense and fiscal spending don't go hand in hand, though. I suspect that a lot of these people just keep running up their debt. |
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September 27th, 2010, 08:51 AM | #19 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Pat
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338
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Quote:
This season I did about 8k like you, but I started in March.
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2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate |
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September 27th, 2010, 09:09 AM | #20 |
Former ninjette rider
Name: Andy
Location: Hibbing, MN
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CB1000R Posts: 121
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I bought mine in April, I've got like 500 miles on it. Working two jobs sucks!
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We've witnessed your human capacity for war. It would absolutely bring more harm than good. |
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September 27th, 2010, 09:59 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Lee
Location: Naugatuck, CT
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Blue Posts: 150
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Bought my 08 in february with 1019 on the odometer. Just turned 5500 yesterday. Ninjette is my commuter.
Granted I have been eyeballing an R6 or CBR600 as a second bike but economy and my job outlook are causing me to hold off.
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Mmmm when gone down you have look so good you will not. |
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September 27th, 2010, 10:20 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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Only thing that bothers me about bikes my year or older with lower mileage is they hurt me when I go to sell. Same is true with cars. If you have a 2009 with 500 miles and you enjoy the 500 miles thats all that matters. If you have a 2009 with 10,000 miles then you must really enjoy it.
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September 27th, 2010, 12:49 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bill
Location: Tampa Fl
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninja Posts: 180
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Some of these bikes are for sale due to financial hardship issues. A motorcycle is usually the first toy to go...assuming its used purely for pleasure. However one persons loss is another's gain. I just bought a 2009 FJR for half of its new price. It only had 4800 miles and the transferable extended warranty expires in May 2013. Likely I'll never buy another NEW bike.
I'm not one to quickly turn over bikes, Sold my 99 Bandit with 62,000 miles on it. My trusty 98 Guzzi is pushing 120,000 miles. My 08 Ninjette closing in on 10K and I expect to keep it many years. Hey it might even outlast my FJR. Cheers, Bill |
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September 27th, 2010, 01:25 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Nate
Location: west virginia
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 633
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I ride but I'd say I've only road maybe 3000 miles since March and it won't be long until it goes into storage. I bought it as a fun toy much like I would buy a nice sports car. I usually ride when I feel like it, when the weather is nice, and I can really enjoy my time out. I live only 10 minutes from work but its all highway / interstate. Not to meantion how the weather changes and I have to wear dress slacks and shirts. I just hate getting all geared up to drive 10 minutes to get to work and have to change out of it for a 10 minute ride. I usually ride it into work every friday (dressdown) and on the weekends when I'm not catching up on work around the house. Sometimes I think its neglected, so I'll jump on it for a late night ride.
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"Riding a motorcycle is like playing sports, not everyone is cut out for it." - WVNinja |
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September 27th, 2010, 03:12 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Simon
Location: Linden, NC
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 81
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bought mine in december of 09...and i have 1200 miles on it lol
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Woodcraft~Area P~Zero Gravity~Dynojet~DDM Custom Paint by- ME |
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September 27th, 2010, 03:35 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mike
Location: Gladwin, MI
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2002 XR200r Posts: 128
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I've put on about 1500 miles since May. I wish I had a longer commute, but it's only a few blocks and most of the time I just ride my bicycle. It ain't easy being green.
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September 27th, 2010, 05:27 PM | #27 |
Internet Slut
Name: Jeff
Location: L.A.
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 04 FZ1, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.
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I have had mine 5 weeks i have 1100 miles on it. I drive my truck once a week when i have to get it off the street for sweeping so i take it to work that day. Other then that i ride the bike as much as i can. Learning new **** every day and working on skills skills skills. People ride fir there own reasons, some on Sundays, some to the bar and home and some as much as they can. The good thing is as has been pointed out is makes a great used bike market.
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September 27th, 2010, 08:21 PM | #28 |
I hate driving...
Name: S
Location: SW Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.
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I really like the ones where they mod the crap out of the bike then sell it after a couple months with only like 1000 miles on it. Now that is something I would jump on buying! But yet again I'm like man you people must really have a lot of extra money lying around, but I guess that makes used bike buyers real winners.
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09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast |
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September 28th, 2010, 06:49 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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^^ saw a ZX14 like that. 800 miles, aftermarket pipe, power commander, CF all over, and hideous windshield. I bet there were almost as many hours of modding as riding.
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September 28th, 2010, 10:05 AM | #30 | |
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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September 28th, 2010, 10:19 AM | #31 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Pat
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338
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Quote:
The ads start out talking about how much the bike was loved, and how much care and effort and expense was put into it... you know what's coming: BAM! $2-5k over market value price
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2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate |
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September 28th, 2010, 10:40 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Matthew
Location: Toronto
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 V-Star 950 Tourer (Deep Blue) Posts: 570
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I was hoping to have 40,000 on the ninja by the end of this season, looks like I'm going to have to settle for 35,000 ish
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September 28th, 2010, 08:49 PM | #33 |
I hate driving...
Name: S
Location: SW Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.
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Their loss lol Seriously though I remember I was out to buy a used mazda rx-8 and I got them to take off about 300 dollars because their was a short ram intake on the car(those can be bad in some cases for a rotary engine). I didn't buy it though and ended up getting my 250r instead half a year later. I like having all that crap on it, it gives me more ammo to get what I want cheaper or the same as what it should cost stock.
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09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast |
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September 28th, 2010, 09:04 PM | #34 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sean
Location: Mary Esther, FL
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Craigslist in my area has a few Ninjettes with low miles for a tad under $3k. One ad in particular the guy had a stock 08 with around 900 miles. Said he used it for "light commuting" |
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September 28th, 2010, 09:11 PM | #35 | ||
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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October 4th, 2010, 12:33 PM | #36 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: W
Location: Austin, TX
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (sold), 2012 Tuono V4R Posts: 512
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Quote:
(I've got over 9000 miles on my bike, and I've had her for 9 months now.)
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2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - "Aria" (sold) 2012 Aprilia Tuono V4R - "Perrine" Proof that Harleys and Ninjettes are friendly with each other |
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October 5th, 2010, 07:37 AM | #37 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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The motorcycle industry had a real high in sales when gas prices were super high. The motorcycle industry sold more bikes, new and used in a 8 month span than ever. People with little or no experience bought bikes bigger than they could handle both physically and financially. Accident rates went through the roof and so did insurance cost. A lot of riders were finding their insurance rates were higher than the actual loan payment. Throw in maintenance cost and a person was paying more for a bike, that they were only riding 6-7 months out the year, than they were paying for gas and a car. Look at the low miles on some sport bikes. My dealer told me they see a lot that have not had regular maintenance done if any at all or they were wrecked repaired and sold. Someone said it in an earlier post..."toys are the first thing to go in a financial hardship." Now because of the economy dealers are sitting on a lot of bike they can't get rid of.
Here is a bit of info about bike insurance; Every major insurance company in the U.S. that writes motorcycle policies offers a discount to graduates of this organization's training courses. Most, however, limit the discount to three years after completion of the course. When you think about it, this is not a bad thing. Take one of the MSF's street-riding courses every three years, have your techniques dutifully refreshed and save money. Most riders don't / didn't know this and were hit in their wallets bad. |
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October 5th, 2010, 10:39 AM | #38 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Franco
Location: Fairfax, VA
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2006 Ninja 636 Posts: 175
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i've had mine for a week and a half and i've put 400 odd miles on it... i ride it to work and school, and whenever I'm awake hehe.
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