December 10th, 2011, 07:17 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Orlando, FL
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX6R Posts: 147
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Moving down from a 650 to a 250
As the title states, I'm considering moving down from a 650r down to the 250r for financial reasons. My 650 is on the kawi card with 22% interest. I can buy a used 250r in cash and get rid of the 650r with just a little negative equity. I have discussed it with some of the Orlando members on this forum, but I figured I'd see what others had to say.
To those who have "downgraded," why did you downgrade? Do you regret it? -Rob |
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December 10th, 2011, 07:27 PM | #2 |
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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22%??? Have you ever ridden a 250?
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December 10th, 2011, 07:28 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
Location: Nashville, TN
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 CBR600rr Posts: A lot.
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He had one, but then upgraded. He says all the time he misses his 250. He can give you the details.
Rob, you already know my opinion in this matter. |
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December 10th, 2011, 07:31 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Orlando, FL
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX6R Posts: 147
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Yea as Eric stated I owned one for 2 weeks ha. Had some carb issues, so I ended up trading it in and got a good sales pitch for the 650. As for the 22%, that's the going rate for used bikes on the kawi card. I didn't read the fine print when I signed up, so that was my mistake. We all live and learn.
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December 10th, 2011, 07:35 PM | #5 |
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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If the 650 is a drain then I would move back up to a 250. Bet that 650 is a blast though
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December 10th, 2011, 08:11 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Orlando, FL
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX6R Posts: 147
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December 10th, 2011, 08:42 PM | #8 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
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Well sure you are downgrading the hp, but you are also downgrading the weight, the turn radius, the gas consumption, the cost of tires, etc.
Sure sounds like an upgrade to me!
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If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
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December 11th, 2011, 01:51 AM | #9 |
RIP Alex
Name: Cuong
Location: Houston, TX
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 2
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I downgraded from a 6 hundy. Sure I miss being able to keep up with everyone on the highway and straights but the 250 keeps me honest. Oh and the 600 was falling apart fast.
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HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days |
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December 11th, 2011, 06:19 AM | #10 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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Why not just use the cash to pay off the 650?
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December 11th, 2011, 11:07 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812
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December 11th, 2011, 12:13 PM | #12 |
#squid
Name: nickypoo
Location: Five Guys
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jul '16
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Why was it falling apart?
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December 11th, 2011, 01:20 PM | #14 |
ninjaholic
Name: Dustin
Location: Oceanside, CA
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' SE 250R (sold), 03' ZX-6R, 99' XL1200C SP Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 3
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The 250R is a great bike in it's own right... it really depends on what you are trying to use the bike for. Technically it can do anything, I just wouldn't agree it's a capable long distance commuter. In CA the average freeway speed is 80 (the speed limit is typically 65 but noone goes that slow) and although the 250R can do 80 without much issue... if you want to be able to pass a vehicle at that speed it takes a considerable amount of work.
So again, you need to think about what you plan to use the bike for. As long as you don't need to 2up or do long freeway commutes... the 250R is pretty much the go to bike
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09' SE Ninja 250R $2,547.83 worth of mods installed... come on Unregistered, you know you want to know what? Check my Blog "Modification List" |
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December 11th, 2011, 01:22 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Adam
Location: Orlando FL
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R red/black SE <-- totalled now '11 650r BLACK Posts: 334
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I agree. That seems like a decent plan, or go to a credit union and refinance. There your interest will be much better than kawasaki card. And use the cash as a down payment on the refi.
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Proud to stand by the fact that I saved my life by laying my bike down and sliding away from it, to avoid a T-Bone collision with a red light runner. |
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December 11th, 2011, 01:24 PM | #16 | |
Nooblet
Name: Akima
Location: England
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '13
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Quote:
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December 11th, 2011, 01:31 PM | #17 |
ninjaholic
Name: Dustin
Location: Oceanside, CA
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' SE 250R (sold), 03' ZX-6R, 99' XL1200C SP Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 3
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@akima,
understandable... however, you could always do a regearing of the sprockets to fix the low end problem
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09' SE Ninja 250R $2,547.83 worth of mods installed... come on Unregistered, you know you want to know what? Check my Blog "Modification List" |
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December 11th, 2011, 02:12 PM | #18 |
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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I UPGRADED from a 1971 Norton 750 to a Ninja 250R. The truth of the matter is that the Ninja is on a different planet. It is one of the finest bikes built, in my opinion.
I changed to an NT-700 because I got injured in a fall. I also intend to do some serious long range touring. The NT is a touring bike. The 250R can be made into a Sport/Tourer as well. The gearing can be changed (15T Sprocket), Top box, Tank Bag, Tail Bag, and Soft Luggage from Twisted Throttle. In my case, I would have to do some serious handlebar modifications and suspension work. If I were not a month and a half away from my 70th birthday, I would have gone that route. I did get a great trade in with the Ninja. Just for a reference point; In the 60s and 70s there was no bike made in the 650-750 class that could beat a 250R. The only exception was the 1000cc Vincent. Food for thought. There is no reason that anybody on this forum should have to say, "It is just a 250". Watch Cafe Racer on TV and it will give you an appreciation for what you have.
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Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550 |
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December 11th, 2011, 02:21 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Orlando, FL
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX6R Posts: 147
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If I had 7k, I would haha. Looked into a credit union but since I owe more than what's worth, I'll have to take a personal loan. Interest rate drops to about 9-10% but still the payments only go down about 20 a month. So basically my only real options are either buy a bike that's worth about 3k or less, or look into Suzuki as they are offering 72 month fixed rate at 4.99 for the GSXR. But then I'd be further in debt, and as American as credit is, I hate being in debt to anyone ha.
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December 11th, 2011, 03:58 PM | #20 |
Winging It In Life
Name: Umar
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R; 2011 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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I love my 250R, but with my commute, I think a 600cc+ bike would be better. I ride 34 miles one way, and at least 31 of those miles are all highway! I think once my 250 is paid off, I'll look into buying a second bike to use as a commuter, but keep the Ninja on the side.
I can understand why you'd want to downgrade, though, OP. Good luck and let us know what happens.
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2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (Bought - Apr 22, 2011; Sold - Feb 17, 2015) 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (Bought - May 01, 2017; Current) |
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December 11th, 2011, 04:07 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: noel
Location: Urbana,MD
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 ninja250, 05 ninja 250 Posts: 34
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I started on a 250, and moved up to a 600 after a month. Now im back on a 250 and I must say you learn so much when you are forced to take it slow. I will be getting back on 600 for commuting and such come spring though. The wind shake and no passing power is dangerous on 270I.
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December 11th, 2011, 10:48 PM | #22 |
RIP Alex
Name: Cuong
Location: Houston, TX
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 2
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It had a hard previous life from the previous owners. Ran hard, wrecked, mismatched parts, etc. I bought it as a project bike but got rid of it before I went over my head on it. I learned the hard way that motorcyle parts are very expensive.
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HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days |
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December 12th, 2011, 01:45 AM | #23 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Karl
Location: Ireland the Hawaii of Europe!
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Fuel Injected Model 2009 Posts: 357
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Quote:
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December 12th, 2011, 01:56 AM | #24 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Colin
Location: Bay Area
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '96 EX250 Posts: A lot.
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Haha I thought 22% was a typo. I didn't know loans like that even existed. So how do you figure you can buy a 250 for cash after selling your 600? You still have to pay that off after you sell it. How much cash to you expect to have left over?
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December 12th, 2011, 04:06 AM | #25 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Orlando, FL
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX6R Posts: 147
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Quote:
As for cash, I should have about 3k saved up after the holidays. I can get anywhere from 4-5k for my 650. So I would be under about 3k, so I was thinking about using the 3k to payoff the card, and then take a loan through my credit union at a much better rate on a used 250. Second idea is to use the 3k as a down payment on a gsxr600 as that would negate my negative equity and they are going for about 9k before fees down here. They are also doing a 4.99% financing for up to 72 months...tempting. Although I still don't know if I'm ready for the supersport, so I'm trying to be smart and look into the 250 again. |
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December 12th, 2011, 08:56 AM | #26 | |
CVMA #74 WSMC #750
Name: Nemesis
Location: On the track
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Do I regret it...nah, I still have the 600. From time to time, I'll ride the 600 just to see how much the 250 has taught me. And each time I get on the 600 my times just get better so I know all this riding/racing on the 250 IS making me that much of a better rider/racer. Best decision ever.
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December 12th, 2011, 10:56 AM | #27 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mike
Location: Santa clarita
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 ninja Posts: 54
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I liked my 250, I put an area p full exhaust and it feels quick. Very happy with the 250
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December 12th, 2011, 11:16 AM | #28 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Kevin
Location: Oklahoma City
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300SE Posts: 47
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650 to 250
I sold my 2007 650R in April and bought a 250R and I am VERY happy. In terms of fun, for me it was an "upgrade". There were three main reasons why I did it.
1. To me, the 250 looks much better than the 650. 2. The 250 is lower and I can flat foot it when stopped. 3. The 250 is more fun because it revs high and requires a lot of shifting. Besides all that, they are practically indestructable and so inexpensive that I can buy a new one every few years if I want to. Can't get any better than that !!! |
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December 12th, 2011, 11:32 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.
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This isnt really a decision at all. Sounds like you're just looking for justification and you'll get that seeing as this is a 250R forum.
If you love the 650 enough and you want to keep it, figure out a way to pay it off and/or get that interest lowered somehow. I think it might have been a mistake to purchase the 650 in the first place knowing you cant pay it off quick enough but no biggy, we all make mistakes. It seems you are learning from it which has earned you more respect over someone that ignores his/her mistakes. Kudos! If on the other hand, you're not that attached to the 650, a well tuned 250R has sufficient power..........(long list of qualities that everybody's heard of)...... that you'll "enjoy" it regardless. All complaints about the 250R can obviously be minimized by a few mods. I've modded as much as I can to make my 250R a sport tourer bike. Personally, owning a bike is about freedom and fun. It doesnt look like being in debt because of the bike is much fun so this situation is a "fail" in my motorcycling book. Good luck!
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2009 Ninja 250R SE Green Sport Touring Style: ZG ST; Symtec heated grips; RAM GPS w/ mUSB; DIY reshaped seat; DIY Givi E21 Sidecases; 15T sprocket |
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December 12th, 2011, 11:46 AM | #30 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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Personaly, I would put paying off the 22% intrest loan as first priority.
Whatever you want to ride next is secondary to paying off debt. |
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December 12th, 2011, 08:41 PM | #31 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812
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I would prioritize paying off a 22% debt as well, however there are ways to pay it off and hurt your credit and ways to pay it off (pretty quick as well) but give your credit a high score.
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December 12th, 2011, 09:41 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Shak
Location: NYC
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Ninja 250 Posts: 20
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December 12th, 2011, 10:07 PM | #33 |
ninjette.org member
Name: John
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 150cc chinaman scooter Posts: 226
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For $3k you can get an 07 650r with pretty low miles (3-5k mi), this time of year. Even less if you look a little harder...
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December 13th, 2011, 04:48 AM | #34 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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Never heard of ways of paying off debt that would hurt your credit, what's the deal?
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December 13th, 2011, 06:09 AM | #35 |
clutch
Name: nameless
Location: Maryland
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): L1 GSXR600 Posts: 543
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December 13th, 2011, 07:24 AM | #36 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Charlie
Location: Wylie, TX
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 650R Posts: 317
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As much as I love my 250, I'll always feel that my 650 was a better overall bike. I still miss it. I'm on a 250 because it's cheaper in every way, and I love them for their nimble personality, and I'm familiar with the mechanics of them. (I'd likely never attempt a valve adjustment with the shim & bucket setup on the 650). But if I'd never wrecked my 650, I'm sure I'd still have it. It was a fantastic highway bike, for the times that I just want to go somewhere besides to and from work. It was the first bike I've owned that seemed to do EVERYTHING well....there wasn't anything I didn't like about it. F.I. is THE BOMB.
If you can find a way to keep it, do it. Check your local credit union for re-finance rates. I re-financed my car 2 months after I bought it for a MUCH better rate than Chase gave me. |
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December 13th, 2011, 08:35 AM | #37 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: John
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 150cc chinaman scooter Posts: 226
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Quote:
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December 13th, 2011, 09:24 AM | #38 |
Smoker
Name: Bob
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): Guess.... Posts: 556
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My 2 cents is that you should get the 650 paid off before anything. You're going to have a hard time finding a buyer when you don't have the title in hand.
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December 13th, 2011, 09:44 AM | #39 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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December 13th, 2011, 11:05 AM | #40 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Christopher
Location: Lancaster, Pa
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 01 Ninja 250R; 09 Ninja 500R Posts: 7
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Another Thought
If you don't mind the gen1 body style a 500 wouldn't be a bad option either. Don't know all the differences between the 650 and 500, but I would assume it would hold many of the advantages of the 250 while allowing you to keep the speed and stability that the 250s can't give. Especially in the wind. Though I love my 250 for simple commuting too!
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