Buying and Selling Every Season? Every Move?

[BlueHairSar]

Hey guys,

How many, if any of you, buy a bike at the beginning of the season and sell at the end?

Do any of you move regularly. How has that been working with you?



And now a story about my situation:
I'm a freelance artist based (at the moment) out of NYC. I travel. A lot. And I work constantly (80 hr weeks are pretty normal. I don't remember my last real day off...) I'm also pretty poor (yay, being an artist). And, there's this whole thing called WINTER in NYC that drastically limits my riding season (yea yea, I know you can ride in the winter, but it kinda takes the fun out of it. Especially in a city)

I also just took a job in the Bay Area that'll take me out there from Apr - Nov. I'm subletting, so I'm not taking too much with me (couple suitcases and my cat), and it's proving to be RIDICULOUSLY expensive to try to get the bike out there with me. Like, close to her value.

SoooooOOOoo I just spoke to by cousin who rides and lives in New England and it sounds like I'll be selling to him.

I'm really sad! Having a bike in San Fransisco would be AMAZING and I could ride the whole time I'm there. I'm not sure if I can really afford a new one when I get out there, and then I'll have the whole problem of what to do when I head back to NY again.

... how does a poor geographically unstable artist balance life and a love of motorcycles?!

UUGGGHHH

[dcj13]

Sounds like you're doing the right thing for your situation.

All the same, bikes are lees expensive if one buys in October and sells in April or May...

[BlueHairSar]

Originally Posted by dcj13

Sounds like you're doing the right thing for your situation.

I know, I'm just really sad and pouty about it right now. And secretly hoping someone magically has a solution. Stupid sacrificing everything for my stupid career.

All the same, bikes are lees expensive if one buys in October and sells in April or May...

... This will be the opposite of what I'm doing. (Minus the selling to my cousin part, but he'll get a family discount and I'll get visitation rights)

[CC Cowboy]

Unfortunately, the only answer (even though Obamacare lets you work as an artist) is to get a real job (40 hours and a check every week), or wait until you're a rich and famous artist and then buy every and any bike you want while you live in 3 or 4 differents states throughout the year (following the weather).

[BlueHairSar]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Unfortunately, the only answer (even though Obamacare lets you work as an artist) is to get a real job (40 hours and a check every week)

a real job, eh?

...

or wait until you're a rich and famous artist and then buy every and any bike you want while you live in 3 or 4 differents states throughout the year (following the weather).

Yup, workin' on it. Maybe after my first Tony...

[allanoue]

http://www.uship.com/
ship it

[Sirref]

hmm, you could get away with it by purchasing cheaper models. Pregen 250s an sv650s or supermotos are probably the way to go. Basically craigslist deals are your friend, luckily the bay area has a lot of people who ride year round. Unluckily the average outright cost of bikes appears to be higher there, though you should get most (if not all) of your investment back when you sell (assuming it's in similar condition)

[Skullz]

Have you thought about using PODS?
Instead of filling it with furniture you put you bike in it and have it shipped to your location.
I have not personally used one to know if it has places for hooks to strap the bike down with but if you can find someone who has used one they might be able to provide some useful information.

http://www.pods.com/

[BlueHairSar]

PODS are RIDICULOUS in cost. 3k from NY and almost 2k from CO (my dad can tow to CO, but can't afford the time to get all the way to SF). Also, they have a rule about no combustible engines in the pod...

I looked into Dependable Auto shippers - almost as much as I could get for the bike if I sold her, I'll look into uShip, thanks!

[old3]

Everybody missed the obvious advice.

Ditch the cat.

[Sirref]

^not even an option to any animal owner/lover.

[greenaero]

An alternative to think about is to not sell your moto. See if someone will keep it stored for you while you are in the SF Bay Area. Focus on your work while you are away. The time will pass quickly and you will have yor moto to look forward to when you return to NYC. There is lots to do and enjoy here in the Bay Area besides riding. Definitely get a bicycle.

If it was me, I'd strap the cat cage on the back and ride it out!

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by greenaero

If it was me, I'd strap the cat cage on the back and ride it out!

I was thinking the same thing, but figured the cat might not appreciate it.

[old3]

Why don't you maybeeeeeeeeee...











RIDE IT???

It has wheels, no?

The cat goes USPS fixed rate in whatever box you can jam it into.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by old3

Everybody missed the obvious advice.

Ditch the cat.

Better yet, work the pussy! I hear there is a lot of money in that.

[old3]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Better yet, work the pussy! I hear there is a lot of money in that.

And that can be done in an "artsy" and tasteful way too!

[c-dog]

Originally Posted by greenaero

An alternative to think about is to not sell your moto. See if someone will keep it stored for you while you are in the SF Bay Area. Focus on your work while you are away. The time will pass quickly and you will have yor moto to look forward to when you return to NYC. There is lots to do and enjoy here in the Bay Area besides riding. Definitely get a bicycle.

This sounds like the best bet and you would be happy to still have a moto when you return. You would need to find storage. Maybe a friend with a shed or extra garage space? I don't think I'd sell if I wasn't sure when/if I'd buy another bike to enjoy.

It sucks wanting to ride and not having a bike. Did that for 2 years recently and did not like. I just wouldn't want you to be without a bike at all.

And definitely get a bicycle to use in SF.

[Insan3guy]

get a pickup from uhaul and put the bike in back. you were going to make the drive across the country anyway

also: I wouldn't try and do the drive across the states on a 250. been there, done that, got a t-shirt, would not recommend. your ass will not forgive you.

[BlueHairSar]

Originally Posted by Insan3guy

get a pickup from uhaul and put the bike in back. you were going to make the drive across the country anyway

You can't rent pickups one-way, or can, but not without ridiculous drop fees going with non-moving rentals. Or at least I haven't been able to find one yet...

[jenkem]

Sell it and buy a beater for your time in california. Maybe a type of bike you normally wouldn't own. If you're going to sell it when you leave anyways, you might as well experience something a bit different

[Insan3guy]

Originally Posted by BlueHairSar

You can't rent pickups one-way, or can, but not without ridiculous drop fees going with non-moving rentals. Or at least I haven't been able to find one yet...

how were you going to get out there?

[csmith12]

Have a great time out there Sarah and good luck with the photos.

[vman1313]

My two cents: If you sell the bike now, buy one for the same price or cheaper when you get out there. Don't limit yourself to a certain kinda bike, limit yourself to how much you CAN spend. I bought a street legal 200cc Dual Sport P.O.S. for $700. Thought to myself, it it last me one season Ill be happy....the thing is still kicking and running and having a good time. I bought my Ninja 250 for less then 1500 bucks and it still runs great and mat soon become a track bike. Deals are out there to be had and no I am not very mechanically savvy so its not like I can go out and buy project bikes or junkers. There are plenty of good peeps on here and in the area you are moving to that I am sure would be willing to see a bike with you to make sure it is mechanically sound.

Be safe, be smart, but also have fun and enjoy life cause its the only one you were given (unlike your lucky cat that gets 9).

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by Sirref

hmm, you could get away with it by purchasing cheaper models. Pregen 250s an sv650s or supermotos are probably the way to go. Basically craigslist deals are your friend, luckily the bay area has a lot of people who ride year round. Unluckily the average outright cost of bikes appears to be higher there, though you should get most (if not all) of your investment back when you sell (assuming it's in similar condition)

Not to derail the thread, but I see a lot of sv650's for sale in my area for comparatively cheap prices. How are they, comparable to a Ninja 250? I mean, I know it's going to have more power, but is it a lot more torque, heavier, etc?

I'm a bit worried about the torque. I don't consider myself a noob, but also not a master race specialist. If I hit a pot hole or something happens that makes my wrist twist slightly, am I going to find myself wrapped around a tree?

[tfkrocks]

Are you going to actually live in SF or just near it? If you're directly in SF and won't have a chance to ride much, it might be safer for you to just not have a bike to avoid the theft threat and rent a bike for fun rides once in a while. Riding through SF ain't fun anyway.

If you know you'll be living somewhere with a safe bike storage space and riding a lot though, pick up a cheap working bike. So much fun riding to be had around the Bay Area Yeah you'll be buying at the wrong times but luckily prices don't fluctuate to the extent that it does in areas where it snows so you shouldn't be losing too much.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

Not to derail the thread, but I see a lot of sv650's for sale in my area for comparatively cheap prices. How are they, comparable to a Ninja 250? I mean, I know it's going to have more power, but is it a lot more torque, heavier, etc?

I'm a bit worried about the torque. I don't consider myself a noob, but also not a master race specialist. If I hit a pot hole or something happens that makes my wrist twist slightly, am I going to find myself wrapped around a tree?

they're not insane, they're designed as commuter bikes. They're the direct competition to the ninja 650 except the power curve is more linear (read: user friendly, read: newbie friendly) I feel as if it's a reasonable first bike if you ride a lot of highway just as a 250 is a better first bike if you don't ride as much highway and ride more back roads. It doesn't have crazy supersport power or brakes so it's definitely manageable. I almost got one (test rode one and everything) but then I realized that the way I ride a 300 would be more fun for me since it's lighter and it has a shorter wheelbase for better handling.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by Sirref

they're not insane, they're designed as commuter bikes. They're the direct competition to the ninja 650 except the power curve is more linear (read: user friendly, read: newbie friendly) I feel as if it's a reasonable first bike if you ride a lot of highway just as a 250 is a better first bike if you don't ride as much highway and ride more back roads. It doesn't have crazy supersport power or brakes so it's definitely manageable. I almost got one (test rode one and everything) but then I realized that the way I ride a 300 would be more fun for me since it's lighter and it has a shorter wheelbase for better handling.

Thanks for the info.

I'm leaning towards a 300 myself. . .

[Sirref]

the best bike for each person is different, think of your skill and confidence levels as well as what kind of riding you do. Dual sports and supermotos are mad fun since riding offroad is balls to the wall when you do it right. Sport touring bikes like the 650 class are excellent choices as well since they're more comfortable and are great for highway riding and commuting. Supersport/superbike classes are overkill for the streets but can be done. Nakeds are the fastest proper street bikes outside of the supersport/superbike class and work much better for street riding due to their ergonomics. Another 250/300 could be a great option, hell that's the option I went with myself when my engine blew. Cruisers can be pretty cool too though but that's an entirely different style of riding. I'd have seriously considered yamaha's bolt if it had a rear seat and would be considering a triumph cruiser if their street triple wasn't so

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by Sirref

the best bike for each person is different, think of your skill and confidence levels as well as what kind of riding you do. Dual sports and supermotos are mad fun since riding offroad is balls to the wall when you do it right. Sport touring bikes like the 650 class are excellent choices as well since they're more comfortable and are great for highway riding and commuting. Supersport/superbike classes are overkill for the streets but can be done. Nakeds are the fastest proper street bikes outside of the supersport/superbike class and work much better for street riding due to their ergonomics. Another 250/300 could be a great option, hell that's the option I went with myself when my engine blew. Cruisers can be pretty cool too though but that's an entirely different style of riding. I'd have seriously considered yamaha's bolt if it had a rear seat and would be considering a triumph cruiser if their street triple wasn't so

Yeah, I test drove a Sportster this past weekend and wasn't too impressed. I don't like the riding position at all.

[Sirref]

^ as I said, to each his own. personally I'd love to have a star bolt with a rear seat for cruising around. It looks awesome and for a cruiser it handles well, the only problem with it stock is that it doesn't have a rear seat/pegs for passengers

[Ducati999]

I have a SV 650s which is pretty much modified. I would recommend the SV as a bike for you. As they have said above the power is more than the 250 but it is no where near the 600ss class. YOU WILL LOVE THE SV!! I have both the 250 and the SV and they both are great bikes. The sv turns in like the 250 just with more pull. Just don't open the throttle all the way super quick and you will be fine. Lots of power down low (torque) so no need to rev it high and it will be no harder to handel than the 250

[tfkrocks]

There have been other reviews of the SV650 on here that say how it sounds like the perfect all-around bike in theory, but the bike itself just isn't exciting.

[Sirref]

^ jack of all trades, master of none. It is definitely the most practical and one of the most modifiable bikes out there but because it is not good at anything in particular it is a bit dull. That's the reason why people mod them though, you can make them into crazy good bikes over time.

[CycleCam303]

If you're serious about getting a bike in the Bay Area I'm in that hood and I'm selling my 250. When I was working in sf I rode that thing everywhere. The 250 shines in sf city slicking.

Ps sv's are hella ugly.

[CycleCam303]

Buying and selling is a pain in the ass by the way.

[BlueHairSar]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Are you going to actually live in SF or just near it? If you're directly in SF and won't have a chance to ride much, it might be safer for you to just not have a bike to avoid the theft threat and rent a bike for fun rides once in a while. Riding through SF ain't fun anyway.

I'll be living near Alamo Sq and working in ... I think Civic Center? ... it's like a mile away from my place. I know a lot of people in Oakland, so I'd probably be riding her our there and back, and then hitting up the state parks on my days off. My place has a garage that my roommate will let me share with her.

Originally Posted by csmith12

Have a great time out there Sarah and good luck with the photos.

I'm actually going out there for the lighting design half of me (I'll be working at the SF Opera), but be bringin' my cameras with me. Thanks Chris!

... Also, this whole avatar swapping thing is driving me crazy. I think I missed that happening, I'm guessing a result of a member of the month request?

Originally Posted by Insan3guy

how were you going to get out there?

Still in the works, but at this point probably fly or train.

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

If you're serious about getting a bike in the Bay Area I'm in that hood and I'm selling my 250. When I was working in sf I rode that thing everywhere. The 250 shines in sf city slicking.

Ps sv's are hella ugly.

... interesting...

[tfkrocks]

Originally Posted by BlueHairSar

... interesting...

There are cheaper POS's to be found

[CycleCam303]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

There are cheaper POS's to be found

Hey heeey! My pos runs very well thank you very much. I'll cut miss Sarah a deal. Unlike my Craigslist friends....

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

Ps sv's are hella ugly.

Pregen Ninjettes won't win any beauty contests. I never realized it, but I guess I have ugly (but functional) bikes all the way around. But I'm OK with that.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

Ps sv's are hella ugly.

I will take every one that you don't want.

Pregen beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You like the old school lines or you don't.