Greetings from Socal!

dave... · April 30th, 2011, 01:06 AM

Greetings all,

Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm 28, 5'5", 150 lbs, and I'm looking to purchase my first bike soon. I don't have any riding experience other than a bicycle which I rode heavily growing up as a kid before I got a car. While I was heavily considering the SV650SF (love the streetfighter look, especially the SV1000s), I've decided to go with an 08+ Ninja 250R as my first bike and step up to a CBR600RR or maybe even an SV in the future. I'll primarily use it for commutes, about an hour each way at most hopefully. I've bought some gear (still looking for 30-32 over pants

) and am scheduled to take the MSF course next week. If I can get a used 250R for around blue book, I'll be happy. Do dealerships or CL'ers negotiate for that price? A lot of the ones I see are listed over a grand above blue book.

For that price, I'm tempted to get an 04-05 CBR600RR/GSXR600 (and there's even liter bikes at that price from time to time) on CL! But of course, I'll do my best to keep away.

Anyways, thanks for this great site, especially this wonderful DIY thread. Who knows, with gas prices being what they are, I may end up keeping the 250R for a year or two and add clip ons and rear set down the road to introduce myself to the SS style riding position before I make the leap.

Dave

Alex · April 30th, 2011, 01:13 AM

dave...! Glad to have you aboard...

phr3ek · April 30th, 2011, 01:49 AM

dont go by KBB value, go by NADA guide

whether you get a 250 or not, when you want a 600 i suggest the sv that you wanted for your commute
you want to be as upright as possible on long rides

clist values are priced to accommodate counter offers

MikeMihelich · April 30th, 2011, 05:01 AM

Welcome to the forums. I started on a KZ1000 many many years ago. It was a mistake for me to start on a bike that powerful. I did end up putting it down once. Starting on a smaller bike is a good idea for new riders. The 250R is quite a fun bike and certainly not a consolation prize. I bought mine as a second bike to ride around town and some short rides in the country. This time of year bikes are selling at a premium in some areas. Also, this bike gets great mileage and gas prices are high. Given all that it might be difficult to find a used one at an honest price.

Green Streak · April 30th, 2011, 05:16 AM

Welcome!

MrEmmortal · April 30th, 2011, 05:19 AM

Welcome

dave... · April 30th, 2011, 06:27 AM

Thanks all.

If I may ask, what do you think is a fair value to pay (dealership and CL) for 08, 09, and 10 250Rs?

And why is the NAND guide recommended over KBB?

slolane · April 30th, 2011, 07:34 AM

Welcome

dave... · April 30th, 2011, 05:41 PM

I understand it is their livelihood but man, salesman at dealerships straight up lie to your face... repeatedly after I call them out each time. lol. Why would anyone even bother trying to go to dealerships? 2011 sv650sf my ass. Different VIN? Uh huh. Seriously, there should be a funniest/lamest salesman tactics thread...
Posted via Mobile Device

speedgsx98 · April 30th, 2011, 07:35 PM

'08 $2800 CL...$3100 Dealer
'09 $3100 CL...$3400 Dealer
'10 $3350 CL...$3600 Dealer

As far as overpants, I'm 150lbs too, 5'10" and 31" waist. I use the Tourmaster Caliber pants in the 30-32" size. The legs are a bit short when on the bike but should fit you perfectly. Iwear them as a pant, not as an overpant, although I can fit my pants underneath. Really good stuff. Paid $120 for them. Removable thermal liner and adjustable knee armor and some nice hip padding and zips to many jackets.

I will also tell you that tires for the ninja 250 are cheap, even the 2008+ models if you shop wisely. I commute 50+ miles per day on mine and my tires cost $102 shipped for the set, I can mount/balance them myself and they last 15k miles. On my Zx-10R, they cost 2.5 X's that and wore out in 3k miles due to the power of the bike. If you're commuting, I'd highly rec sticking with the 250. It's definitely adequate. And if you're driving that much, I hardly see you wanting to get on the bike on the weekends and go for a ride. You may also look into the new CBR 250R as it's getting significantly better fuel economy. About 20-30% better to be exact.

dave... · April 30th, 2011, 07:48 PM

Is that OTD for dealers? The guys near me want to add like 2k in taxes, fees, and other crap.
Posted via Mobile Device

DR1300R · May 1st, 2011, 05:21 AM

dave... · May 1st, 2011, 09:37 AM

How much did you guys pay OTD for your 250Rs? CL or dealerships? Did the dealerships play games or cut to the chase for working out a deal?

Snake · May 1st, 2011, 02:01 PM

Hello and welcome.

Yasko · May 1st, 2011, 06:47 PM

KJohnson21 · May 1st, 2011, 07:33 PM

Mako · May 1st, 2011, 08:10 PM

Welcome sir!

dave... · May 2nd, 2011, 09:15 AM

Thanks all for making me feel welcome!

phr3ek · May 2nd, 2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave...

Thanks all.

If I may ask, what do you think is a fair value to pay (dealership and CL) for 08, 09, and 10 250Rs?

And why is the NAND guide recommended over KBB?

dealers need to make profit, thats where the extra "2k" you're finding

NADA has a better actual value of a vehicle and is used more than KBB

vnranger · May 2nd, 2011, 07:53 PM

dave... · May 3rd, 2011, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phr3ek

dealers need to make profit, thats where the extra "2k" you're finding

NADA has a better actual value of a vehicle and is used more than KBB

So I can expect to pay $5000 out of my pocket if I buy 08/09 250R?

phr3ek · May 3rd, 2011, 01:38 AM

i'd say you'll find an 08/09 around $3700-$4100
10/11 will be $4100-$5000

there was a deal awhile back that brought down the price of a new one to $3600, but then they add fees that will bring it back up to $4000

you shouldve went to the ticket to ride event this past weekend at the pomona fairplex, you get a $500 rebate on a new bike

dave... · May 3rd, 2011, 01:48 AM

Couldn't. I was working.

ducducgooseit · June 30th, 2011, 05:25 PM

Welcome to the 250 party.

kaiserz · June 30th, 2011, 07:03 PM

welcome

good taste on the sv's I love em too.

April 30th, 2011, 01:06 AM	#1
dave... ninjette.org newbie Name: Dave Location: Moreno Valley, CA Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet, but 250R soon I hope. Posts: 9	Greetings from Socal! Greetings all, Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm 28, 5'5", 150 lbs, and I'm looking to purchase my first bike soon. I don't have any riding experience other than a bicycle which I rode heavily growing up as a kid before I got a car. While I was heavily considering the SV650SF (love the streetfighter look, especially the SV1000s), I've decided to go with an 08+ Ninja 250R as my first bike and step up to a CBR600RR or maybe even an SV in the future. I'll primarily use it for commutes, about an hour each way at most hopefully. I've bought some gear (still looking for 30-32 over pants ) and am scheduled to take the MSF course next week. If I can get a used 250R for around blue book, I'll be happy. Do dealerships or CL'ers negotiate for that price? A lot of the ones I see are listed over a grand above blue book. For that price, I'm tempted to get an 04-05 CBR600RR/GSXR600 (and there's even liter bikes at that price from time to time) on CL! But of course, I'll do my best to keep away. Anyways, thanks for this great site, especially this wonderful DIY thread. Who knows, with gas prices being what they are, I may end up keeping the 250R for a year or two and add clip ons and rear set down the road to introduce myself to the SS style riding position before I make the leap. Dave

April 30th, 2011, 01:13 AM	#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	dave...! Glad to have you aboard... __________________________________________________ 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)

April 30th, 2011, 05:01 AM	#4
MikeMihelich ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Milwaukee Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2007 Harley Davidson ElectraGlide Ultra Classic Posts: 11	Welcome to the forums. I started on a KZ1000 many many years ago. It was a mistake for me to start on a bike that powerful. I did end up putting it down once. Starting on a smaller bike is a good idea for new riders. The 250R is quite a fun bike and certainly not a consolation prize. I bought mine as a second bike to ride around town and some short rides in the country. This time of year bikes are selling at a premium in some areas. Also, this bike gets great mileage and gas prices are high. Given all that it might be difficult to find a used one at an honest price. __________________________________________________ Keep the shiny side up!

April 30th, 2011, 05:16 AM	#5
Green Streak Ninjette Owner Name: Rick Location: Aiken County, SC Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, a puddle of Ninja ZX6 Posts: 520	Welcome! __________________________________________________

April 30th, 2011, 07:35 PM	#10
speedgsx98 ninjette.org member Name: Dave Location: San Diego Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 250 ninja 2002, 2008 ZX10-R Posts: 149	'08 $2800 CL...$3100 Dealer '09 $3100 CL...$3400 Dealer '10 $3350 CL...$3600 Dealer As far as overpants, I'm 150lbs too, 5'10" and 31" waist. I use the Tourmaster Caliber pants in the 30-32" size. The legs are a bit short when on the bike but should fit you perfectly. Iwear them as a pant, not as an overpant, although I can fit my pants underneath. Really good stuff. Paid $120 for them. Removable thermal liner and adjustable knee armor and some nice hip padding and zips to many jackets. I will also tell you that tires for the ninja 250 are cheap, even the 2008+ models if you shop wisely. I commute 50+ miles per day on mine and my tires cost $102 shipped for the set, I can mount/balance them myself and they last 15k miles. On my Zx-10R, they cost 2.5 X's that and wore out in 3k miles due to the power of the bike. If you're commuting, I'd highly rec sticking with the 250. It's definitely adequate. And if you're driving that much, I hardly see you wanting to get on the bike on the weekends and go for a ride. You may also look into the new CBR 250R as it's getting significantly better fuel economy. About 20-30% better to be exact. __________________________________________________ 90 EX250 Ninja, 92 FZR600, 86 CR125, 77 GS750, 73 RD350, 86 CR250, RD350 in SRX250 frame, 75 RD350, 99 RM125, 99 GSXR750, 07 Reflex, 02 250 Ninja, 02 GSXR1k, 08 ZX10R, 07 250 Ninja, 05 250 ninja

April 30th, 2011, 01:49 AM	#3
phr3ek meow? Name: kevin Location: I.E. SoCal Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2004 636 Posts: 587	dont go by KBB value, go by NADA guide whether you get a 250 or not, when you want a 600 i suggest the sv that you wanted for your commute you want to be as upright as possible on long rides clist values are priced to accommodate counter offers

April 30th, 2011, 05:19 AM	#6
MrEmmortal ninjette.org member Name: Mark Location: Viera, Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250r pearl se Posts: 120	Welcome

April 30th, 2011, 06:27 AM	#7
dave... ninjette.org newbie Name: Dave Location: Moreno Valley, CA Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet, but 250R soon I hope. Posts: 9	Thanks all. If I may ask, what do you think is a fair value to pay (dealership and CL) for 08, 09, and 10 250Rs? And why is the NAND guide recommended over KBB?

April 30th, 2011, 07:34 AM	#8
slolane Motorcyclist Name: James Location: Maryland Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.	Welcome

April 30th, 2011, 05:41 PM	#9
dave... ninjette.org newbie Name: Dave Location: Moreno Valley, CA Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet, but 250R soon I hope. Posts: 9	I understand it is their livelihood but man, salesman at dealerships straight up lie to your face... repeatedly after I call them out each time. lol. Why would anyone even bother trying to go to dealerships? 2011 sv650sf my ass. Different VIN? Uh huh. Seriously, there should be a funniest/lamest salesman tactics thread... Posted via Mobile Device

April 30th, 2011, 07:48 PM	#11
dave... ninjette.org newbie Name: Dave Location: Moreno Valley, CA Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet, but 250R soon I hope. Posts: 9	Is that OTD for dealers? The guys near me want to add like 2k in taxes, fees, and other crap. Posted via Mobile Device

May 1st, 2011, 05:21 AM	#12
DR1300R ninjette.org guru Name: Doyle Location: Quad Cities,Il Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Hayabusa 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 318	__________________________________________________ busastampede.com

May 1st, 2011, 09:37 AM	#13
dave... ninjette.org newbie Name: Dave Location: Moreno Valley, CA Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet, but 250R soon I hope. Posts: 9	How much did you guys pay OTD for your 250Rs? CL or dealerships? Did the dealerships play games or cut to the chase for working out a deal?

May 1st, 2011, 02:01 PM	#14
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Hello and welcome.

May 1st, 2011, 06:47 PM	#15
Yasko Texas Newbie Name: John Location: D/FW Texas Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 07 Ninja EX250, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.

May 1st, 2011, 07:33 PM	#16
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	__________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

May 1st, 2011, 08:10 PM	#17
Mako I'm a shark Name: Jordan Location: Mission Viejo, CA Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 Blue Ninja 250r, Bullet X-7 Posts: 70	Welcome sir! __________________________________________________ People are like slinkies...not good for much, but bring a smile when pushed down stairs.

May 2nd, 2011, 09:15 AM	#18
dave... ninjette.org newbie Name: Dave Location: Moreno Valley, CA Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet, but 250R soon I hope. Posts: 9	Thanks all for making me feel welcome!

May 2nd, 2011, 07:53 PM	#20
vnranger ninjette.org sage Name: Jonathan Location: Beaverton OR Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Candy Thunder blue 2009 kawasaki 250r, 2010 Dark Stealth Ducati Monster 696. Posts: 891

May 3rd, 2011, 01:38 AM	#22
phr3ek meow? Name: kevin Location: I.E. SoCal Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2004 636 Posts: 587	i'd say you'll find an 08/09 around $3700-$4100 10/11 will be $4100-$5000 there was a deal awhile back that brought down the price of a new one to $3600, but then they add fees that will bring it back up to $4000 you shouldve went to the ticket to ride event this past weekend at the pomona fairplex, you get a $500 rebate on a new bike

May 3rd, 2011, 01:48 AM	#23
dave... ninjette.org newbie Name: Dave Location: Moreno Valley, CA Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet, but 250R soon I hope. Posts: 9	Couldn't. I was working.

June 30th, 2011, 05:25 PM	#24
ducducgooseit Name: ... Location: ... Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): ... Posts: 999	Welcome to the 250 party.

June 30th, 2011, 07:03 PM	#25
kaiserz There's a limit to s2pdty Name: A.D. Location: NoVa the burg Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250r ninja (sold) Posts: A lot.	welcome good taste on the sv's I love em too.

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