I plan on never selling my Ninjette but might be interested in a second bike...

[peterpayne]

Let's say you only have space for two motorbikes and your current ninjette has already stolen your heart... If you had to buy used with a $4000 budget what motorbike would you get to feel more complete and awesome motorbikewise...

I'm not sure I'll do track days and will probably just commute and eventually cruise a bit...

Also every time I want to do something to my ninjette I always feel rushed to get it done so I can go back to riding it.... so I'd be also buying peace of mind... If only the wife could see things my way... lol!

EDIT:
Oh well, It seems I need a dual sport something like a DR-Z400 and a sportier bike something like an sv650s... just two bikes will just not do....

[BlownWideOpen]

4k isn't much of a budget, but I'd buy a bagger. Something like a V-Star 1100.

[Bigballsofpaint]

The most obvious question, what TYPE of bike would you use that 4,000 for.

I would look into an older Z1000 or a older 636 most likely on that budget. That new honda crf250 or whatever dual sport with EFI would be up there too. Theres so many varietys its hard to pick without narrowing your search a little. I know the budget for my next bike a more than 4,000, and i have no plans of selling my current 2 either.

If i have my way i will have about 6 or 7 bikes at any point in time, dual sport, SS, my 250 since i just could never get rid of it, a naked, a touring bike, you get the drift....

[adouglas]

Live where there's lots of dirt and don't mind picking mud out of your fingernails? Dirt bike.

Does adventure riding interest you at all? Dual sport/motard

Do you want something stoopid-fun to carve canyons with? Used sportbike.

Do you want to see far-off, exotic lands? Bagger or sport touring rig.

Do you want to live the bad-boy lifestyle? Bobber

Does the hipster cafe racer thing float your boat? Kit, resto project or a Triumph


The Ninjette is a great everyday bike. So think about what you like to do that isn't an everyday activity.

The only real mistake you can make is to get a bike that does exactly what the Ninjette does -- fill the role of an upright, standard-type daily ride.

I ride a sportbike. What interests me as a second bike (which will not happen, because my marriage won't support two bikes):

BMW RNine-T or cafe racer for sheer style
New Honda VFR or something like it for comfy, boring touring
Ninjette for commuting
Track bike so I don't have to hassle with swapping out my street bodywork (what a PITA)

[Floki]

A 2005 Streetfighter R1 with 15K miles

[Worldtraveller]

I'd get something different in terms of what it's meant to do. So a more touring oriented bike, a more dirt oriented, or a cruiser.

My street ride is a CBR600RR, but I'm looking for an older touring bike. I'll probably get another Pacific Coast in the next couple years. I've been thinking about a dual sport though, to do some offroading, since there are a ton of great forest roads around here.

[peterpayne]

Thanks!! lol

I think a dual sport like a dr-z400 and a sportier than my ninjette sv650s might be what I'd be after....so I have to make room for 3 bikes....

Originally Posted by adouglas

Live where there's lots of dirt and don't mind picking mud out of your fingernails? Dirt bike.

Does adventure riding interest you at all? Dual sport/motard

Do you want something stoopid-fun to carve canyons with? Used sportbike.

Do you want to see far-off, exotic lands? Bagger or sport touring rig.

Do you want to live the bad-boy lifestyle? Bobber

Does the hipster cafe racer thing float your boat? Kit, resto project or a Triumph


The Ninjette is a great everyday bike. So think about what you like to do that isn't an everyday activity.

The only real mistake you can make is to get a bike that does exactly what the Ninjette does -- fill the role of an upright, standard-type daily ride.

I ride a sportbike. What interests me as a second bike (which will not happen, because my marriage won't support two bikes):

BMW RNine-T or cafe racer for sheer style
New Honda VFR or something like it for comfy, boring touring
Ninjette for commuting
Track bike so I don't have to hassle with swapping out my street bodywork (what a PITA)

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

I'd get something different in terms of what it's meant to do. So a more touring oriented bike, a more dirt oriented, or a cruiser.

My street ride is a CBR600RR, but I'm looking for an older touring bike. I'll probably get another Pacific Coast in the next couple years. I've been thinking about a dual sport though, to do some offroading, since there are a ton of great forest roads around here.

Thanks, yeah, a dual sport and a sportier than my ninjette are probably what I'll be after...

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by Floki

A 2005 Streetfighter R1 with 15K miles

I gotta admit I'm a sucker for streetfighters....

[csmith12]

+1 on the dr-z400, a good set of bars and a set of wheels/tires for street and dirt and you ya some real options.

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

The most obvious question, what TYPE of bike would you use that 4,000 for.

I would look into an older Z1000 or a older 636 most likely on that budget. That new honda crf250 or whatever dual sport with EFI would be up there too. Theres so many varietys its hard to pick without narrowing your search a little. I know the budget for my next bike a more than 4,000, and i have no plans of selling my current 2 either.

If i have my way i will have about 6 or 7 bikes at any point in time, dual sport, SS, my 250 since i just could never get rid of it, a naked, a touring bike, you get the drift....

Yeah, I think once I have two bikes I'll only want more....

now I'm thinking I need a dual sport and a sport bike, oh well, gotta put more money on the piggy bank...

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by csmith12

+1 on the dr-z400, a good set of bars and a set of wheels/tires for street and dirt and you ya some real options.

Your persuasion abilities are remarkable! I'll be after a dr-z400 and I'll see what's next....

[choneofakind]

If you love the ninjette, is not buy a second bike. If you do, one will become your more favorite and one will become your less favorite. You'll end up riding one more than the other. I'd spend the money on gear and track time. That'll hit two birds with one stone. Learn to ride better, fall in love even more with ninjette.

[NevadaWolf]

I too am interested in a second bike for, as much as I like my Ninja, she is not good off road.

If you had two similar bikes, the Ninja and a SV650 say, you might find yourself riding one heavily over the other.

But if you had two vastly different bikes, the Ninja and the DRZ400, then since they compliment each other vs compete, you would have a more balanced time between the two as some days you may feel like riding pavement and some days exploring dirt.

Just my thoughts.

[Roark]

If you like the DRZ400, then consider the KTM 690 Enduro R.. Much much more of a bike!

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

I too am interested in a second bike for, as much as I like my Ninja, she is not good off road.

If you had two similar bikes, the Ninja and a SV650 say, you might find yourself riding one heavily over the other.

But if you had two vastly different bikes, the Ninja and the DRZ400, then since they compliment each other vs compete, you would have a more balanced time between the two as some days you may feel like riding pavement and some days exploring dirt.

Just my thoughts.

You and I think alike. Only, I can not own more than one bike at a time for the moment. I say DRZ400SM

[LoneRonin]

Originally Posted by Roark

If you like the DRZ400, then consider the KTM 690 Enduro R.. Much much more of a bike!

for much more $$ too...

[Roark]

Originally Posted by LoneRonin

for much more $$ too...

But can you put a price on smiles?

[Bigballsofpaint]

Originally Posted by Roark

But can you put a price on smiles?

He put a 4,000 dollar price limit for his smiles.

[Jono]

Tough question... Can't go wrong with an SV650S or a dualsport/supermoto. Ask me how I know. Get both!

[Brother Michigan]

I'd normally say a Versys, but I might also go for something a little different like a decent-condition R90/6.

[Sirref]

I'd go for the drz400, my personal ideal is a road oriented sport bike (like my 300, or an sv650) and a supermoto (like the drz) as well as a track bike or two (currently my pregen)

straight up if you're looking with 4,000 the sv650 and the drz400 are likely the best bikes you'll be able to find in good condition, if you could only have one bike the sv would be the better option since it's easier to live with if you do highway mileage (the drz will still do it, but no fairings for weather protection) it's precisely because you intend to keep your 250 that I believe the drz is the better bike to get. Plus you can do mad jumps and wheelies on those bikes and on top of that you can go off road

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

He put a 4,000 dollar price limit for his smiles.

well, sometimes you have to get a second mortgage for smiles' sake...

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by Sirref

I'd go for the drz400, my personal ideal is a road oriented sport bike (like my 300, or an sv650) and a supermoto (like the drz) as well as a track bike or two (currently my pregen)

straight up if you're looking with 4,000 the sv650 and the drz400 are likely the best bikes you'll be able to find in good condition, if you could only have one bike the sv would be the better option since it's easier to live with if you do highway mileage (the drz will still do it, but no fairings for weather protection) it's precisely because you intend to keep your 250 that I believe the drz is the better bike to get. Plus you can do mad jumps and wheelies on those bikes and on top of that you can go off road

Where I live weather isn't much of a worry, so I'll be after a drz400 and try to have some fun with it...

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by Brother Michigan

I'd normally say a Versys, but I might also go for something a little different like a decent-condition R90/6.

Yeah I had been looking at Versys for a while but then the more I read about it the more it seemed like a just a ninja with a more versatile suspension but not quite dual sport so while I'm sure it's a very fun bike to ride, I think a drz400 will be less of an overlap with the ninjette and probably a bit more fun than the Versys.

[Proteus]

I'm in the same boat as you - I think I've settled on a Versys or V-Strom 650 because the one gap in ability I have with the Ninjette is longer trips with my wife on the back in comfort with luggage.

[tooblekain]

As said, $4K isn't much, but I can tell you that for your second bike, make sure it's a different TYPE of bike.

I.E--if you already have a Ninja 250, maybe get a Harley, or a Star Bolt. Maybe even a dirt bike.

It's pointless to have two of the same type of bikes. Ive met a lot of friends that had a 600cc and 1000cc sportbike and eventually they wished they got a naked bike instead. And then there are some friends that are loaded and have multiple bikes (many different type of sportbikes).

My many discussions with many motorcycle enthusiasts was and has been that a motorcycle connoseur needs 3 different bikes. For me, I have my Ninja 250 as a track bike, My Triumph Bonneville as my commuter, and I would either like to have a dirtbike, a mini (like a Honda Grom or NSR 50), or a dual sport bike...(I'm leaning more towards a dirtbike so I can do dirt tracks and go offroading).

But then again, it's your money and your decision in the end.

[csmith12]

Hey now... having the same has it's benefits. With 2 250's and 2 r6's, I have options for real fun with friends.

I can loan a bike to a friend for street or track ride (yes, I have loaned for both )
I can button one up for street and the other for track
I have a spare to take a part/tire until a new one comes in

There are positives, it just depends on your use and riding desires.

[Desmoluci]

1st gen KLR, baby.

It's no DRZ off road, but will cruise at 75-80 all day on the blacktop. Plus having a 6+ gallon fuel tank and great riding position makes it easy to put some miles down.
They're cheap to buy and insure, pretty much unbreakable and have a huge aftermarket behind them, and with a good rider, will keep up to the sporty bike guys on the twisty parts.

One of my favorite bikes evah!

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by Desmoluci

1st gen KLR, baby.

It's no DRZ off road, but will cruise at 75-80 all day on the blacktop. Plus having a 6+ gallon fuel tank and great riding position makes it easy to put some miles down.
They're cheap to buy and insure, pretty much unbreakable and have a huge aftermarket behind them, and with a good rider, will keep up to the sporty bike guys on the twisty parts.

One of my favorite bikes evah!

GODDAMNIT! It always comes back to the klr650!....

If I ask for a bike that's good for tall guys like me, If I ask for a do it all bike, if I ask for a reliable low maintenance bike, if I ask for a bike that's the equivalent of a tank... it's always the klr....

So yeah.... I'm leaning more towards the dr-z400 but the pregen klr650 looks really appealing to me...

[Roark]

KLR's are very good bikes.. Were it not for my beginner status, I would've probably bought a KLR 650 because they just DO IT ALL.

Couldn't wrong with that one, I think. Maybe just a little torquey for the smaller dirt trails and such, but that's it

[Ducati999]

great plan to buy a second bike, and an off road/dual sport is a good choice. Riding on the dirt will make you a better street rider. There is no better way to learn braking and sliding in low traction situations and even the pros ride in the dirt during the off season.

[Rifleman]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Live where there's lots of dirt and don't mind picking mud out of your fingernails? Dirt bike.

Does adventure riding interest you at all? Dual sport/motard

Do you want something stoopid-fun to carve canyons with? Used sportbike.

Do you want to see far-off, exotic lands? Bagger or sport touring rig.

Do you want to live the bad-boy lifestyle? Bobber

Does the hipster cafe racer thing float your boat? Kit, resto project or a Triumph


The Ninjette is a great everyday bike. So think about what you like to do that isn't an everyday activity.

The only real mistake you can make is to get a bike that does exactly what the Ninjette does -- fill the role of an upright, standard-type daily ride.

I ride a sportbike. What interests me as a second bike (which will not happen, because my marriage won't support two bikes):

BMW RNine-T or cafe racer for sheer style
New Honda VFR or something like it for comfy, boring touring
Ninjette for commuting
Track bike so I don't have to hassle with swapping out my street bodywork (what a PITA)

Gixxer 750... that will put a dent in the tank if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Should be a bunch that can be found used and in pretty good shape. May be a bit above that $4000 ceiling.

Ninja 250 = virgin bride on her wedding night.

Gixxer 750 = $1000 a night call girl, not afraid to be naughty and gets you there a lot faster

[Rustitution]

I'm looking at changing my stable up a bit.

I have a VFR750 Sport Touring Bike that has been my workhorse and my commuter

My new to me Ninja 250 I'm assuming this will fill a similar role of my VFR

and my XS1100 my classic muscle cruiser

I'm going to have to get rid of one of the commuters (because I don't really need the sport touring bike because I don't ride my bike for my commute any more due to carpooling) for something a little more dirt orientated I'm looking for more of an enduro bike but an adventure bike might be the way to go.

But if you have different bikes the best justification is if they suit different needs.

[leed]

SV650. You should be able to find one for ~2.5K and then buy dirt bike to go with it.

[buhsray]

636 yayyyy

[Kokosun]

I have a 2001 Ninjette, that I still ride AT LEAST once a week - usually more - even in the winter. I love it and will never sell it. I also have a Versys which I ride almost everyday - commuting and touring. I love it too. Completely different bike. Despite it's size, it's surprising nimble in traffic and very comfortable for hours on the highway. It'll even do some (basic) green-laning - with appropriate tyres.

[Klondike1020]

4000 will but a heck of a lot of bike. I never spent more than 1800 on a bike.

You wont get brand new. But you will get a solid bike at 4k. My friend just bough his KTM sumo 625 for that with 6k miles in mint condition.

You just have to find something you really like.

[eddiekay]

v strom 650
read all reviews on all bikes ever reviewed in the history of reviews

[Rustitution]

Well looks like fortune may be giving me a KLR650 for XS1100 not the trade I was hoping for but a trade that very well make me smile for years to come. any thoughts