Ride it home, or trailer it home?

professor gascan · March 5th, 2012, 04:15 PM

Hey all. I bought a ninjette a month ago and it's still at the dealer I purchased it from. The weather around here is supposed to be pretty nice by the end of the week and I was thinking about getting all the paperwork done and maybe riding it home thurs. or fri..
I'm just not too sure of my skills. I haven't ridden a bike since I took the MSF course last year. I mapped out a route of mostly B roads, but for how little snow the area has gotten there sure seems to be a lot of sand on the roads. I guess I'm just a lil' apprehensive about something unforeseen happening before I even get it home.
So I thought I'd see you guys could give me some insight if you wouldn't mind.

Thanks, Adam

Alex · March 5th, 2012, 04:24 PM

If you're the least bit concerned, have the dealer drop it off at your house.

Reswob · March 5th, 2012, 04:24 PM

How far is it?

(wait, I see you're in RI. In that case, anywhere in the state is close enough to ride home!)

iceknyght · March 5th, 2012, 04:26 PM

A lot of it would depend on how far of a drive it is...

When I bought my bike, I *could* have rode it back home, as it would have been mostly freeway driving, but since the only experience I had was at the MSF class (and a few miles on my wife's Vespa), I decided to strap it down in our truck and just get it home first, *then* practice a bit around my house...

If you have any reservations on riding it, I'd say trailer it... Better to be safe than sorry... It would suck to wreck the bike on the way home from buying it!

professor gascan · March 5th, 2012, 04:34 PM

Yeah I was leaning towards getting it trailered, even though it's only 30 miles or so. If it wasn't for the piles of sand at every intersection I don't think it would be a problem. It's too bad that they won"t start sweeping it until april. Thanks.

cmSAE · March 5th, 2012, 06:38 PM

I would trailer it home. i was in the same situation you were, except i had just finished my MSF courses. trailer it home, and ride it around your neighborhood before going out with cars...you'll be glad you did

thisisbenji · March 5th, 2012, 06:49 PM

I'd say if you have any doubts trailer it. I rode mine home, but I was confident in my ability to ride it back.

ajcadoo · March 5th, 2012, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceknyght

When I bought my bike, I *could* have rode it back home, as it would have been mostly freeway driving, but since the only experience I had was at the MSF class (and a few miles on my wife's Vespa), I decided to strap it down in our truck and just get it home first, *then* practice a bit around my house...

This is EXACTLY what happened with me. I towed it home and practiced on my own time. The thought of dropping the bike at the dealers driveway was just too much. Take it home to the roads you know and practice there. Take it slow, and slowly build up.

greenaero · March 5th, 2012, 09:04 PM

Take a walk on the wild side! What could go wrong???

JK

I concur with the others: If you have any doubts , get your bike delivered home. Congratulations on your new bike, enjoy it and ride safe.

Dano · March 5th, 2012, 09:04 PM

tow it

250rr · March 5th, 2012, 09:08 PM

Either have it delivered, or tow it. I towed mine on a Uhaul trailer. And am very glad I did! Not stressful (once I was sure it was secured in the trailer!)

leed · March 5th, 2012, 11:33 PM

If it makes you feel any better...

I took the MSF in November of some year, got my license in February, bought my bike in March and rode it home 75 miles. No riding between MSF and purchasing my bike. It was half back roads and half highway, and much of it was both A. cold and B. dark.

CZroe · March 5th, 2012, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leed

If it makes you feel any better...

I took the MSF in November of some year, got my license in February, bought my bike in March and rode it home 75 miles. No riding between MSF and purchasing my bike. It was half back roads and half highway, and much of it was both A. cold and B. dark.

Took my MSF course and then rode mine 680 miles home from the dealer starting with 0 miles of non-MSF experience.

leed · March 5th, 2012, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZroe

Took my MSF course and then rode mine 680 miles home from the dealer starting with 0 miles of non-MSF experience.

And we're both still alive, no problem! But we also live where there is no snow and thus no sand leftover.

koenigcitizen · March 6th, 2012, 07:39 AM

Make the dealership deliver it

Reswob · March 6th, 2012, 12:05 PM

Something to keep in mind - top speed is about 35mph during the first 1,000 miles break-in period.

Whiskey · March 6th, 2012, 02:10 PM

Do you plan on riding it any time before they clean the sand off the roads in April?
If so hop on

If not have it delivered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reswob

Something to keep in mind - top speed is about 35mph during the first 1,000 miles break-in period.

That depends on what school of breaking in you subscribe to

Break in with variable RPMs, plenty of cool-down time & regular oil changes (how aircraft engines are broken in) or break in at the factory reccomended 4k rpm for 1000 miles (which has been the same advice for all kwaks since the 70s)

250rr · March 6th, 2012, 02:34 PM

At the risk of sounding repetitive...

Whenever I am presented with a decision such as this, I look at upsides vs. downsides.

If you ride it home and all goes well, you'll have an enjoyable ride and an interesting story to tell, much like leed and CZroe! This is an excellent outcome! If you crash, you wreck your bike.

If you have the dealership deliver it: Upside, you get to put your first miles on the bike, with a bit less adventure. If they somehow wreck it, you get your second new bike in as many days!

There is your dilemma. Adventure, with more downside? Or the safe route, with adventure delayed.

It just depends on your personality. Personally, I'd go with the latter. But I'm a chicken!

lgk · March 6th, 2012, 03:11 PM

I would trailer it.
i rode home right after i bought it, and almost crashed two times.

get full coverage and gap insurance as well, since its new.

professor gascan · March 6th, 2012, 03:33 PM

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I spoke to the dealer today and I've decided to let discretion be the better part of valor and have the them deliver it. If it wasn't for all the sand I really don't think it would be that bad, it's actually a nice ride. Pretty mellow back road type stuff. Thanks again, Adam

killermase · March 22nd, 2012, 05:20 AM

Very Smart. When I bought my bike I had them do the same as I was new. When I got it home I took it to a parking lot and road for hours and felt much more comfortable. Now I ride like I stole it, lol.

CZroe · March 22nd, 2012, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leed

And we're both still alive, no problem! But we also live where there is no snow and thus no sand leftover.

The Great South Atlanta HD dealership in Newnan, GA is right next to some kind of quarry where people pick up truckloads of sand that spills out all over the roadway. Very dangerous.

bjorn240 · March 22nd, 2012, 09:14 AM

Ride it home. There is nothing sadder than a motorcycle in a pickup.

leed · March 22nd, 2012, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjorn240

Ride it home. There is nothing sadder than a motorcycle in a pickup.

I think he has already had it delivered! And there most certainly is -- a motorcycle on a tow-truck!

NikkitaNinja · March 22nd, 2012, 08:04 PM

Like they said, tow it.

headshrink · March 22nd, 2012, 08:30 PM

Sand in the intersections.... wow, that would makes me nervous even with experience. I think it is always good to have this figured out before you hand over the money. This way you can use it as your final bargaining leverage.

CZroe · March 22nd, 2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikkitaNinja

Like they said, tow it.

Bikes on bikes

exarch · March 22nd, 2012, 10:12 PM

I had mine delivered, but then again I didnt even have my temps when I bought it, lol. Hell I still gotta take the basic and the saftey course so my insurance rates can go down. Im taking the skills test next month so I can get the endorsement and be able to drive at night legally. and prob take the other 2 classes next year for insurance purposes. But ya, dealer deliver is a great choice, especially if your.uncomfortable on the roads.
Posted via Mobile Device

jmgrande · March 22nd, 2012, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koenigcitizen

Make the dealership deliver it

Most dealerships will happily deliver for free. If not trailer it home. You'll be very excited with you new bike, so have it delivered to your house safely and then you can take you time to be come aquatinted with the bike and easy into the ride.

headshrink · March 22nd, 2012, 11:27 PM

If they baulk at the suggestion of delivery, you can diplomatically let them know the service you receive now will factor into who will service your bike in the future.

jmgrande · March 22nd, 2012, 11:30 PM

They don't want you dumping the bike in the parking lot or worse...They'll want to you have you as a repeat customer. When I was looking at my bike, I mentioned cost of deliver/ if they could deliver, and they were moreeeee than happy to do it, without question or additional costs.

March 5th, 2012, 04:15 PM	#1
professor gascan ninjette.org member Name: adam Location: rhode island Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 Red Ninja 250r Posts: 45	Ride it home, or trailer it home? Hey all. I bought a ninjette a month ago and it's still at the dealer I purchased it from. The weather around here is supposed to be pretty nice by the end of the week and I was thinking about getting all the paperwork done and maybe riding it home thurs. or fri.. I'm just not too sure of my skills. I haven't ridden a bike since I took the MSF course last year. I mapped out a route of mostly B roads, but for how little snow the area has gotten there sure seems to be a lot of sand on the roads. I guess I'm just a lil' apprehensive about something unforeseen happening before I even get it home. So I thought I'd see you guys could give me some insight if you wouldn't mind. Thanks, Adam

March 5th, 2012, 04:24 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	If you're the least bit concerned, have the dealer drop it off at your house. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 5th, 2012, 04:24 PM	#3
Reswob ninjette.org sage Name: Josh Location: Richmond VA Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627	How far is it? (wait, I see you're in RI. In that case, anywhere in the state is close enough to ride home!) __________________________________________________ '08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R \| OES Swingarm Spools \| EBC HH brake pads \| reflector delete \| no-cut brake light modulator \| DIY fender eliminator

March 5th, 2012, 04:26 PM	#4
iceknyght Recalculating. . . Name: Jason Location: Colorado Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250 (sold) '12 Ninja 650 Posts: 353	A lot of it would depend on how far of a drive it is... When I bought my bike, I could have rode it back home, as it would have been mostly freeway driving, but since the only experience I had was at the MSF class (and a few miles on my wife's Vespa), I decided to strap it down in our truck and just get it home first, then practice a bit around my house... If you have any reservations on riding it, I'd say trailer it... Better to be safe than sorry... It would suck to wreck the bike on the way home from buying it! __________________________________________________ jasontracewell.com

March 6th, 2012, 07:39 AM	#15
koenigcitizen Russian Ninja :) Name: Andrei Location: Ocean City, MD Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2009 Yamaha FZ6, 2010 Kawi 250r (sold) Posts: 335	Make the dealership deliver it __________________________________________________ 2009 Fazer (2009 Yamaha FZ6), 2012 Triumph Street Triple R

March 5th, 2012, 04:34 PM	#5
professor gascan ninjette.org member Name: adam Location: rhode island Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 Red Ninja 250r Posts: 45	Yeah I was leaning towards getting it trailered, even though it's only 30 miles or so. If it wasn't for the piles of sand at every intersection I don't think it would be a problem. It's too bad that they won"t start sweeping it until april. Thanks.

March 5th, 2012, 06:38 PM	#6
cmSAE ninjette.org member Name: Connor Location: Hickory, NC Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 80	I would trailer it home. i was in the same situation you were, except i had just finished my MSF courses. trailer it home, and ride it around your neighborhood before going out with cars...you'll be glad you did

March 5th, 2012, 06:49 PM	#7
thisisbenji ninjette.org sage Name: Benji Location: Wadsworth, IL Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Sold), 2009 FZ6, 2015 Honda Grom Posts: 898	I'd say if you have any doubts trailer it. I rode mine home, but I was confident in my ability to ride it back.

March 5th, 2012, 09:04 PM	#9
greenaero Motorcycle Hypermiler Name: Vic Location: Livermore CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.	Take a walk on the wild side! What could go wrong??? JK I concur with the others: If you have any doubts , get your bike delivered home. Congratulations on your new bike, enjoy it and ride safe.

March 5th, 2012, 09:04 PM	#10
Dano ninjette.org sage Name: Dan Location: Perryopolis, PA Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' Blue Ninja 250R and 07' Honda 919 Posts: 605	tow it

March 5th, 2012, 09:08 PM	#11
250rr ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Mark Location: Portland Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.	Either have it delivered, or tow it. I towed mine on a Uhaul trailer. And am very glad I did! Not stressful (once I was sure it was secured in the trailer!)

March 5th, 2012, 11:33 PM	#12
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	If it makes you feel any better... I took the MSF in November of some year, got my license in February, bought my bike in March and rode it home 75 miles. No riding between MSF and purchasing my bike. It was half back roads and half highway, and much of it was both A. cold and B. dark.

March 6th, 2012, 12:05 PM	#16
Reswob ninjette.org sage Name: Josh Location: Richmond VA Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627	Something to keep in mind - top speed is about 35mph during the first 1,000 miles break-in period. __________________________________________________ '08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R \| OES Swingarm Spools \| EBC HH brake pads \| reflector delete \| no-cut brake light modulator \| DIY fender eliminator

March 6th, 2012, 02:34 PM	#18
250rr ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Mark Location: Portland Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.	At the risk of sounding repetitive... Whenever I am presented with a decision such as this, I look at upsides vs. downsides. If you ride it home and all goes well, you'll have an enjoyable ride and an interesting story to tell, much like leed and CZroe! This is an excellent outcome! If you crash, you wreck your bike. If you have the dealership deliver it: Upside, you get to put your first miles on the bike, with a bit less adventure. If they somehow wreck it, you get your second new bike in as many days! There is your dilemma. Adventure, with more downside? Or the safe route, with adventure delayed. It just depends on your personality. Personally, I'd go with the latter. But I'm a chicken!

March 6th, 2012, 03:11 PM	#19
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	I would trailer it. i rode home right after i bought it, and almost crashed two times. get full coverage and gap insurance as well, since its new.

March 6th, 2012, 03:33 PM	#20
professor gascan ninjette.org member Name: adam Location: rhode island Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 Red Ninja 250r Posts: 45	Thanks for all the advice everyone. I spoke to the dealer today and I've decided to let discretion be the better part of valor and have the them deliver it. If it wasn't for all the sand I really don't think it would be that bad, it's actually a nice ride. Pretty mellow back road type stuff. Thanks again, Adam

March 22nd, 2012, 05:20 AM	#21
killermase ninjette.org member Name: Chuck Location: RI Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 2504 Posts: 32	Very Smart. When I bought my bike I had them do the same as I was new. When I got it home I took it to a parking lot and road for hours and felt much more comfortable. Now I ride like I stole it, lol.

March 22nd, 2012, 09:14 AM	#23
bjorn240 ninjette.org member Name: Christian Location: Westchester Cty Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): EX250F and ~10 past ones Posts: 11	Ride it home. There is nothing sadder than a motorcycle in a pickup.

March 22nd, 2012, 08:04 PM	#25
NikkitaNinja ninjette.org guru Name: Tyler Location: Milwaukee, WI Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Nikkita - 2003 Buell XB9R Posts: 274	Like they said, tow it.

March 22nd, 2012, 08:30 PM	#26
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Sand in the intersections.... wow, that would makes me nervous even with experience. I think it is always good to have this figured out before you hand over the money. This way you can use it as your final bargaining leverage. __________________________________________________ Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned

March 22nd, 2012, 10:12 PM	#28
exarch ninjette.org member Name: Tom Location: Dayton, oh Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250r Posts: 72	I had mine delivered, but then again I didnt even have my temps when I bought it, lol. Hell I still gotta take the basic and the saftey course so my insurance rates can go down. Im taking the skills test next month so I can get the endorsement and be able to drive at night legally. and prob take the other 2 classes next year for insurance purposes. But ya, dealer deliver is a great choice, especially if your.uncomfortable on the roads. Posted via Mobile Device

March 22nd, 2012, 11:27 PM	#30
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	If they baulk at the suggestion of delivery, you can diplomatically let them know the service you receive now will factor into who will service your bike in the future. __________________________________________________ Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned

March 22nd, 2012, 11:30 PM	#31
jmgrande YEAH! Custom name tag. Name: Jon Location: CT Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R SE- SOLD to maverick9611 Posts: 525	They don't want you dumping the bike in the parking lot or worse...They'll want to you have you as a repeat customer. When I was looking at my bike, I mentioned cost of deliver/ if they could deliver, and they were moreeeee than happy to do it, without question or additional costs. __________________________________________________ Don't touch it. Don't even look at it. Go on, get out, you heard me. Don't look at me either. Yeah, you better walk on. I'll hit an old man in public. Last futzed with by jmgrande; March 22nd, 2012 at 11:36 PM. Reason: grammar fail.

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