Moving down from a 650 to a 250

[r311music]

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

[bob706]

22%??? Have you ever ridden a 250?

[saxnbass]

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.

[r311music]

Originally Posted by bob706

22%??? Have you ever ridden a 250?

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.

[bob706]

If the 650 is a drain then I would move back up to a 250. Bet that 650 is a blast though

[saxnbass]

I like how you said UP TO 250 Sean. Nice touch

[r311music]

Originally Posted by saxnbass

I like how you said UP TO 250 Sean. Nice touch

Haha I guess I should rename my thread to moving "up"

[Jiggles]

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!

[cuong-nutz]

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.

["A"]

Originally Posted by r311music

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.

-Rob

Why not just use the cash to pay off the 650?

[coondog]

Originally Posted by r311music

Haha I guess I should rename my thread to moving "up"

I had a 650r for 18 months for a commute of over 100 miles daily. Never sold the 250, or used the 650 on days off. Sold the 650 as soon as contract was up, still have original 05 250.

[nickjpass]

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

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.

Why was it falling apart?

[akima]

Maybe you should borrow/rent/test-ride a 2 fiddy for a while. Get a reminder of how it feels.

[Cazper]

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

[matha028]

Originally Posted by N Ja

Why not just use the cash to pay off the 650?

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.

[akima]

Originally Posted by Cazper

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

I don't know how the other Ninjette riders here feel, but personally I feel that for stop and go city traffic the Ninjette isn't that great either. 1st gear is annoyingly useless. I suspect the CBR 250R might excel over the Ninjette for that purpose. Last time I was riding in London it felt like I was working much harder than the scooters and small engine (125CC) bikes that were stopping and starting with me. My Ninjette doesn't half make a performance when taking off too. She lets off a big RAWW from just a casual acceleration from some traffic lights

[Cazper]

@akima,
understandable... however, you could always do a regearing of the sprockets to fix the low end problem

[Sailariel]

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.

[r311music]

Originally Posted by N Ja

Why not just use the cash to pay off the 650?

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.

[Lil_Green_Demon]

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.

[withoutequal]

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.

[cuong-nutz]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

Why was it falling apart?

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.

[karlosdajackal]

Originally Posted by r311music

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

If 22% is the issue, go get a loan at a better rate, 7% should be easy to find, and use that cheap loan to pay off the 22% loan. Then don't borrow at 22% again.

[CynicalC]

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?

[r311music]

Originally Posted by CynicalC

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?

Haha yea it's not technically a loan...it's a credit card. And that's HSBC's standard rate on the card for used bikes. I have pretty good credit overall too. New bikes typically have the better introductory rates, but I didn't know. Again, I was just happy to finally get a bike. Hopefully some other noobs are reading this and don't make the same mistake.

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.

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by r311music

To those who have "downgraded," why did you downgrade? Do you regret it?
-Rob

I started on a 600 and moved down to a 250 and realized how starting on a 600 was a mistake. It was also one of the best decisions I've made because not only did it teach me about entry & exit speed, cornering, engine braking or lack of, BP, throttle control, etc. it also helped rejuvenate my love for riding. When I threw my legs over my baby (2000 EX250) I knew I made the right decision because it felt like the heaven's clouds had opened up and the sun was beaming down on me with a shout of glory!


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.

[Mikey408]

I liked my 250, I put an area p full exhaust and it feels quick. Very happy with the 250

Originally Posted by r311music

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

[ninjaprof]

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 !!!

[setasai]

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!

["A"]

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.

[coondog]

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.

[NYC Diesel]

Originally Posted by coondog

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.

please explain

[Socal5646]

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...

["A"]

Originally Posted by coondog

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.

Never heard of ways of paying off debt that would hurt your credit, what's the deal?

[burningscooter]

Originally Posted by N Ja

Never heard of ways of paying off debt that would hurt your credit, what's the deal?

its called late payments. ZIIIIIIIIING

[cbdallas]

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.

[Socal5646]

Originally Posted by cbdallas

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.

Exactly....no matter how much "reassurance" you get...(this being a 250 board and all) you're gonna miss the 650. I just got off a 250 and have been on a 650 for about a month now. Test drove a new gen last week (was conidering buying it as my daily commuter). the difference is night and day. Granted my pregen was the first and only motorcycle experience I have to compare to. In car terms your 250 is a civic and the 650 an accord. Just a better bike all around.

[Jinx250]

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.

["A"]

Originally Posted by burningscooter

its called late payments. ZIIIIIIIIING

When you ask the bank for a payoff date, they will never give you a late date.
Therefore "paying off debt" by definition means making full payment early.

[Lionheart831]

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!