April 28th, 2011, 02:06 PM | #1 |
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
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Predicament: Advice Needed.
Hokay. So. Here's teh earth.
Anyways - I am stuck in a pretty tough situation. So I have been looking for a Ninja for the past 2 months - and 8 out of the 9 bikes I have gone to check out have been bought out from under me before I even had a chance to physically LOOK at the bike itself. The most recent one (#9) was flawless...except for a rusted tank and the seller wasn't even going to offer a price drop. Yeah, no. Now, my situation goes like this: Every week I don't have my bike, I lose more money. (Gas is now $4.26 and my truck, '89 Tacoma only gets 13mpg which equates to me spending roughly $65-$75 a /week/ on gas.) I have been suggested/told/convinced to buying a used bike over buying one from a dealer since I even started saving up for one, yet I am actually losing more money per week and I can't afford to keep spending so damn much on gas. So, basically I am asking your guys' (and girls) advice and or experience with purchasing a bike from a dealership. (Also, if anyone has experience from purchasing with Mission Motorsports). One thing that could make it or break it for me is, I am 20yrs old, and need to start building credit. A small auto loan should help right? Thank you in advanced for even reading this. - Jordan
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People are like slinkies...not good for much, but bring a smile when pushed down stairs. Last futzed with by Mako; April 28th, 2011 at 06:45 PM. |
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April 28th, 2011, 02:16 PM | #2 |
Always.
Name: Alex
Location: Calgary, AB
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '05 GSX-R600 Posts: A lot.
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Hey man, personally as you have been already doing, I would go for used, but I udnerstand that finding one isn't too easy.
Anyways the thing you should remember is that a bike from a dealer will be reliable because they will not lie nor sell anything with problems, atleast without telling you; it is illegal since they are known as a qualified trust dealer or whatever you call it! The ONLY thing you have to remember is that you will be paying MUCH more than you can...should. I mean if you have the money; do it. But my story is that I bought an '08 with 15000 km (NOT miles) for 3000 CANADIAN, and it runs perfect. It only has the side lights plastic cracked from being dropped. But it doesnt bother me. Everyone complains oh too much mileage, but the truth is they will last (even stated in kawa manual; maybe they say 35) easily over 40000km if you do regular maintenance! At my MSF there was an 02 ninja zzr with 104000 km and it was running fine. So take that into consideration too! Maybe you'll find a used one but the only thing being a bit iffy is the mileage, remember that mileage isn't a concern if its running well and has been cared for! Goodluck! |
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April 28th, 2011, 03:35 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dave
Location: Lorain,Ohio
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 14
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They probably won't finance you.a motorcycle is considered a leasure type vehicle. Falls into same category as a boat. To finance that you need pretty much a1 credit and a good job to cover expenses.best bet is keep looking and you'll find a decent bike.
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April 28th, 2011, 04:05 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.
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If your looking for a ninja 250 you may as well get it from a dealership, unless your looking for the older style. It seems around here the 08s and up hold their value very well. I dont see why you wouldnt be approved for a loan, even with not the best credit, you may just pay a higher interest rate. At the price of a new ninja, its really not that bad anyway. Like you said, the mere savings in gas could end up being your bike payment and then some.
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April 28th, 2011, 05:56 PM | #5 | |
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
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Quote:
Thanks for your input - I'll keep my eyes open for another week or so for a used one, but I'm not sure I can wait any longer than that =/ haha. Thanks guys
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People are like slinkies...not good for much, but bring a smile when pushed down stairs. |
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April 28th, 2011, 06:10 PM | #6 |
Wartown, USA
Name: Bryan
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.
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This may not suit you, but if you arent attached to the truck, why not take it to a dealer and do a straight up swap? If the value is there they might consider it.
Of course youd have to go purist two-wheels only. Also, if you tell the dealer what you want (used 250r), they will likely find one to sell you. It might be worth the extra on the retail to have them find one for you. |
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April 28th, 2011, 06:19 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: aristurtle
Location: Bodymore, Murdaland
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja 250 Posts: 10
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Broaden your horizons a little bit: the Ninja250 is great and all, but so is the Ninja500, the Buell Blast, the Yamaha WR250X, the Kawasaki KLR650, etc. etc. Surely you can find something in that range cheap.
And don't finance your first bike. The insurance will be bad enough with just liability. If you finance you'll need to pay for collision/comprehensive as well; it'll bankrupt you. |
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April 28th, 2011, 06:31 PM | #8 |
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
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The 250R really seems to hold it's value. People keep paying more for these bikes than I personally believe they are worth. It seems like buying one new is a good way to go. As for financing and insurance like was suggested here, it might be a bit harsh. Talk to the dealer to see what kind of financing they can offer you or talk to a bank or credit union. Check around on insurance also. Maybe check with who you insure your four wheeler with. I personally use progressive because they offer very great rates for me. There is no question that this is a good bike and you have found personally that they do sell on the used market. In that respect there is not TOO much financial risk in buying new.
Good luck and hope you get out on the road soon! |
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April 28th, 2011, 06:36 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Naked
Location: Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (RED) Posts: 59
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It's basically summer now so used prices go way up and the bikes go very quick. If you could wait until fall you will once again find a whole slew of bikes for sale at bargain prices - but not in the summer, cash in hand and you will be almost guaranteed to pay well over blue book.
When I was selling mine, one buyer (19 yr old) really wanted it but was in the middle of a loan process. I held for him until the bank finished up and offered to loan him $500... And this was from a bank that gave MC loans. Even if you did happen to find a bank that would actually cut you a loan, I hope you have plenty to pay the difference. If I was looking for a bike at this time of year and desiring a loan a dealer is really the only way I see that going. When you calculate "savings" in fuel don't forget you may be making payments on the bike 4-6 months of the year that you are NOT riding for winter but it still may be worth it if you are spending $300 in fuel now. |
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April 28th, 2011, 06:44 PM | #10 | |
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
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Quote:
As for insurance, I've done the whole "Get a quote" from multiple companies and progressive seems to be the least expensive for the most coverage for me. Thanks again for the added info! I will definitely keep looking around =)
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People are like slinkies...not good for much, but bring a smile when pushed down stairs. |
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April 28th, 2011, 07:04 PM | #11 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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I've never had a car loan in my life, never felt the need to buy a brand new car with a loan, when plenty of quality used cars can be found for under $3000 or even $2000 if you know what to look for.
Right now is not a good time to look for a used motorcycle, at least in my area. When the weather is becoming nice lots of new or returning riders are looking for a used motorcycle. I bought my first Ninja 250 in the month of November, my current Ninja 250 was purchased back in Feb. Both purchased for under $1000. |
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April 28th, 2011, 07:04 PM | #12 |
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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Go used. If your primary concern is to save money then save as much money on the initial cost of the bike too. Go pregen 250. No point in counting all of the money you save on gas if you're just going to finance a new bike.
Edit: also...stop being so damn picky |
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April 28th, 2011, 08:10 PM | #13 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
Im no expert on Toyota's, but with 13 mpg, Im going to assume you have the 3.0L V6 and not the 2.2L I4, correct? Even with the V6 something is wrong for you to be getting 13 mpg. If youre squeezing 13 mpg out of the I4, something is VERY wrong. Anyway, you're motor is way in need of a tune up. Take the weekend, go to Autozone and buy a set of spark plugs, a new air filter, some 10w-30 high mileage mobile 1, a new fuel filter, and inflate all your tires to correct pressure (Im guessing ~32 psi). This should cost you $50-$60 and a couple of hours under the driveway. I almost guarantee you a 5 mpg increase. If you got extra time and money, do a tranny and differential fluid change, and perhaps even a new set of spark plug wires or ignition (another $100 or so altogether). Again, I dont know Toyota's, but an 89 Tacoma is a highly desired truck, especially the 4x4s. Google "89 Tacoma tune-up" for some instructions. I think with $150 or so and a Sunday's worth of work, you can get a whole lot better mileage out of your truck. For reference, my 4,000 lb 1995 Ford Bronco gets 13mpg with a 5.8L. I know this is a Ninjette board, but can we get a pic of your truck? Anyway good luck with the truck AND the bike. |
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April 28th, 2011, 08:13 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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By the way, what are your requirements (yr/color) and what is your budget?You've picked the absolute worst part of year to get a Ninja 250, but you should still bepatient and squeeze the trigger on the right bike and not just go willy nilly on something out of frustration.
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April 28th, 2011, 11:58 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Domagoj
Location: Rijeka, Croatia
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2009 Posts: 396
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If you use the truck to transport yourself and a lot of junk on daily basis you need your truck. If you drive to work and back with nothing except yourself and air in it, sell the guzzler and buy the ninjette. Weather is not so terrible problem, you can cope with everything except ice, really, but...
If you want to have both the truck and the bike, and if your budged is strained with just trying to save up for it, maybe it is not the best time. Recently I have found in 50000km test of Kawasaki er-6f (ninja 650) that maintenance, averaged, without fuel, costs about 9 euro cents per km. This is something to think about. After that, I did approximate for my expenses with the 250r, and it turned to be something like 7 euro cents per km. This is only the maintenance, not counting in extras and gear. Take that value, and divide by 2 for prices in America. See where that gets you. You are young. Get a better job, fix your truck as Eric suggested, and buy a bike in November when most people want to get rid of them. Don't take a loan. |
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April 29th, 2011, 08:23 AM | #16 | |
Always.
Name: Alex
Location: Calgary, AB
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '05 GSX-R600 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Also what my buddy did he looked around other cities within a lets say 200-300 km radius! The drive there will be fun, bring a buddy who will drive your truck home and take that bike for a nice ride! |
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April 29th, 2011, 08:37 AM | #17 |
Smoker
Name: Bob
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): Guess.... Posts: 556
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If you weren't stuck on the new body style, you'd be set. Plenty of 07 and older 250s all around LA and OC for decent prices.
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April 29th, 2011, 08:54 AM | #18 |
GDTRFB
Name: Drew
Location: SE PA
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 - sold 2005 EX500R project Posts: 496
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If you do your math...the money you save in gas over a year I doubt would hardly come close to the cost of the bike and added insurance. Adding a loan to that with interest? Really you just want a ninja and who can blame you
Once your honest with yourself you will figure out a way to get what you want. I would go with the tune-up on your truck, and perhaps sell it for a more economical car. Posted via Mobile Device |
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April 29th, 2011, 10:25 AM | #19 | ||
ninjette.org guru
Name: David
Location: Burlington, MA
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250 (sold); 2008 Plasma Blue Ninja 250 Posts: 364
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Quote:
Quote:
There is also the prediction that gas prices will continue to rise which would make it even more savings in gas costs. |
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April 29th, 2011, 12:28 PM | #20 | |
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
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Quote:
I am still going to be looking for one privately sold, and I have one I am going to be looking at from a friend's friend who contacted me yesterday - he's not even going to put it up on craigslist or anything yet until I see it (Woo!) I'm checking it out on Sunday. Going to bring my "Used Bike Checklist" and a buddy of mine who has been riding for about 9 years to help look over the bike with me. It's an 09 with only 4300 mi. registered till May 2012. New tires put on 270 miles ago. Has had 500mi, 1500mi, and 3500mi maintinance checks as well as his own checks every couple hundred miles. Only mods he has done are a hotbodies fender eliminator, and shimmed the carb needles. Says it has some minor scratches on the left fairing from his girlfriend's car (or maybe he's just blaming her! haha) scraping against it in the garage, but never dropped. He's asking $3400. Thoughts?
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People are like slinkies...not good for much, but bring a smile when pushed down stairs. |
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April 29th, 2011, 12:33 PM | #21 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
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April 29th, 2011, 11:54 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Sam
Location: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Kawasaki Ninja 250, 2000 Kawasaki Super Sherpa Posts: 79
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PLEASE include the price of gear in these calculations.
Ball park figures (loose and fast), helmet, $100-$400, jacket - $75-$300, gloves $40+, pants, $150+, boots, $100 plus. Yeah, its a lot of money, but that investment can save you thousands if you have an accident and require medical attention. Even bottom of the barrel low quality riding gear is orders of magnitude better than regular shirts and blue jeans. Add title and registration fees, and insurance, and in some situations people would actually save money just buying an affordable used econo-box. Honestly, the only way I have read of people saving money with motorcycles is if they do all their own maintenance and ride with an eye towards economy. If you are going to do your own maintenance, you are going to need tools. I probably have close to a grand that I have invested in tools over the past 8 years, but that investment prevents me from being gouged by shop fees. One of the things I love about my old Ninja is that I can buy a pair (front and rear) set of tires for less than the front tire for many "sport bikes". Oh, and DO NOT trust a dealership to sell you a bike that has been "gone over and perfectly tuned". Some of the worst maintenance stories you will ever hear are with bikes having all sorts of broken or missing or mis-adjusted parts, FRESH from a dealership. |
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April 30th, 2011, 03:02 AM | #23 |
Wartown, USA
Name: Bryan
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.
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Heres my cost for last year...
$1920 in gas - 8000 miles/50 mpg average/160 fillups at $12 average. Changes out tires and brake pads -cost $260 Oil changes- $90 for 3 oil changes at $30 each For an "econo box" $12000 in gas - 8000miles/30 mpg average/266 fillups at $45 average Oil changes- $90 for 3 oil changes at $30 each Even against an econobox....the savings is substantial You can even figure in insurance $58 a month for full coverage insurance on 250r $87 a month for full coverage insurance on "econo box" Or how about ad valorum taxes $50 for 250r $137 for econo box Or how about payments on a loan $70 a month for the 250r $257 a month for an econobox No matter how you look at it...the ninja saves bukoo bucks |
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April 30th, 2011, 03:33 AM | #24 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
Are you trying to say your Econobox has a 1 gallon gas tank, or that gas is $45 a gallon,or that you wouldpay $12K to drive 8K miles? |
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April 30th, 2011, 08:02 AM | #25 |
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
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Already have all my gear, haha I've had all my gear for about 6 months now. Hence my signature =P
And yes I will be doing my own maintenance, I have an ungodly amount of tools and I have multiple friends who are willing and able to help me and teach me.
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People are like slinkies...not good for much, but bring a smile when pushed down stairs. |
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April 30th, 2011, 09:49 AM | #26 |
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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Run to Wheels in Motion down in Chatsworth with what money you presently have saved and they'll make a deal on a used 08 with you. Remember that 5 year old ninjettes are going for what the owner paid for them 5 years ago, and with upto 15,000 miles on them. Go make a deal at Wheels dude.
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April 30th, 2011, 10:40 AM | #27 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Cuong
Location: San Diego
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Your math is interesting . Just so people arent confused: 8000 miles at 50mpg = 160 gallons 8000 miles at 30mpg = 266 gallons Difference is 106 gallons at $4 a gallon (as an average) = $424 in gas savings. Unless your car gets awful mileage or gas goes to like $8/gallon, a bike doesn't really save you anything (chances it'll cost you more). You will probably get gear which itself will most likely cost more than any of your gas savings. Tires have to be changed more often than cars as well at 6k-15k miles depending on how your ride, but most likely under 10k so every year. Then you'll get the "mod itch" to add things to your bike. But in the end, it's worth it . Last futzed with by Cuongism; April 30th, 2011 at 01:04 PM. |
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April 30th, 2011, 01:01 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: David
Location: Burlington, MA
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250 (sold); 2008 Plasma Blue Ninja 250 Posts: 364
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Ya but remember he said his currently gets 13, even with a tune up he's maybe looking at 20 mpg.
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April 30th, 2011, 08:24 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dave
Location: San Diego
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 250 ninja 2002, 2008 ZX10-R Posts: 149
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For $3400, the thing should be pristine, not have scratches like it does. If you actually put down $3,400 on the title, you'll be paying $350 or so for tax and license. You can get a brand new 2011 for $4,500 OTD...basically $750 more with a 1 year warranty included. Def try to get it for $3k or a hair over if necessary. Be sure to tell the guy if he tries to hold firm on the price that what people ask for them and what they sell for are 2 different prices.
I used to sell bikes at a dealer a few years back. So, trust me on the numbers. Oh, and if you do buy new, try to get them to do the first service for 1/2 off or something. I just sold my car and bought my bike recently. No need to own a car with gas prices like this. On the few days a year that it rains, I can call enterprise rent-a-car. They'll pick me up and it'll be $30 a day or so =) Or I'll just call in sick ;-)
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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 |
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May 1st, 2011, 08:05 PM | #30 |
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
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K, so I just got back. . . without a bike =(.
This thing had more than "a couple scratches from his girlfriend" it looked like he had ridden it through one of those narrow alleys in london. Also, he may have done a bunch of maintenance on the thing, but I took one look inside his gas tank and there was a full lining of rusty/deposit-y gunk. Didn't look like the bike had been moved in about a year. And it took 4 tries to start. Oh, and get this; so after all of the stuff I found wrong with the dang thing, I offered him 3k even and he refused and was set on the price. Oh, and the "new tires" were completely squared off. My friend estimated they had roughly 1200 miles on them. Looks like the hunt is still on haha. Found this one and this one today. Worth checking out I think?
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People are like slinkies...not good for much, but bring a smile when pushed down stairs. |
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May 2nd, 2011, 06:46 AM | #31 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Quote:
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May 6th, 2011, 07:47 AM | #32 |
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
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Bought a 2010 Blue yesterday with only 1825 miles on it, pristine condition. For only $3500 =D.
Will post pics when i get off work!
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People are like slinkies...not good for much, but bring a smile when pushed down stairs. |
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May 6th, 2011, 08:01 AM | #33 |
Ninjette CPT
Name: Vince
Location: jacksonville, fl
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 08 250r Posts: A lot.
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congrats! search over.....ride safe
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May 6th, 2011, 08:09 AM | #34 |
ninjette.org member
Name: David
Location: DFW
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Red Ninja 250R Posts: 167
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Congrats on the purchase!!! looking forward to pics
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May 6th, 2011, 08:39 AM | #35 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Eric
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa! Posts: 388
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Congrats on the bike prchase! Ride safe. We (just me) also want to see pics of the truck.
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