Getting a 300

[old3]

Is your area one of the high markup spots for new bikes? I paid $5400 OTD with tax & tags for a new 13 in white. With the usual type of people who buy these, (read no experience with motos), buying new is a nice way to be sure it wasn't shifted into 1st gear at 75 MPH or other things that you will never know till it pops.

Start new bike shopping IMO. At those prices, why not?

A used white one, 1300 miles IIRC, in NY was listed for $3300 a few months ago.

[antiant]

Do you need a 300 or do you want a 300? Is it your only means of transportation? If it is not, give it time. Based on what you've been telling us about these two people, I wouldn't feel comfortable. I can't imagine paying that much money, only to find out that more money needs to be put into it, especially when you could have essentially bought a whole new bike.

On the other hand... http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2...-300-111088738. You could probably get them down to 4,500, tell them you have cash.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by old3

Is your area one of the high markup spots for new bikes?

A used white one, 1300 miles IIRC, in NY was listed for $3300 a few months ago.

I think this is one of those areas. Not like California, but it's hard to find cheap bikes. Used 2008 250's regularly sell around here for high 2000's or low 3's.

Originally Posted by antiant

Do you need a 300 or do you want a 300? Is it your only means of transportation? If it is not, give it time. Based on what you've been telling us about these two people, I wouldn't feel comfortable. I can't imagine paying that much money, only to find out that more money needs to be put into it, especially when you could have essentially bought a whole new bike.

On the other hand... http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2...-300-111088738. You could probably get them down to 4,500, tell them you have cash.

I do need transportation, since we only have 1 car. Otherwise it's the bus, and in sometimes sketchy parts of the city, not to mention it kills any flexibility with your schedule.

I saw that posting, but you have to add another thousand with their sneaky fees and stuff. A new 2014 SE with ABS, at supposedly $5499, ended up being quoted a total approaching $7k.

They are shameless.

[antiant]

[old3]

I heard a radio ad for a new CBR250 at $3449 last week. Not a Ninja 300, but hey, I'd probably choose that new over a used 300 with questionable heritage. IMO, equal or better than the Ninja 250. Good, not great? Lots of potential there as it has the same deficiencies as our 300. A lil lighter, maybe better on gas. Top cruise speed is lower but it should be a decent bike to use a few years.

Suzuki has the new GW250 at $3999. Again, no Ninja, but suppose to be OK comfort and MPG.

Something to think about anyway.

I'd be walking into dealerships with a firm "no extra fees" attitude. Fair price, tax and registration. Not a penny more. They are making a good deal at MSRP. It is their right to want more, but you can walk out and go elsewhere.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by old3

I heard a radio ad for a new CBR250 at $3449 last week. Not a Ninja 300, but hey, I'd probably choose that new over a used 300 with questionable heritage. IMO, equal or better than the Ninja 250. Good, not great? Lots of potential there as it has the same deficiencies as our 300. A lil lighter, maybe better on gas. Top cruise speed is lower but it should be a decent bike to use a few years.

Suzuki has the new GW250 at $3999. Again, no Ninja, but suppose to be OK comfort and MPG.

Something to think about anyway.

I'd be walking into dealerships with a firm "no extra fees" attitude. Fair price, tax and registration. Not a penny more. They are making a good deal at MSRP. It is their right to want more, but you can walk out and go elsewhere.

There are actually about 3 or 4 cbr250's in the local market, 2012 and older, and most expensive is around 3500, not bad.

I really don't like the single headlight look though, and that exhaust looks like someone stuck a trumpet on there.

But yes, they are considerably cheaper. ....

I just don't want to make an expensive mistake.

[Han Solo 1]

The hell.....????

http://www.hondaabq.com/m_vehicledetail.asp?pov=3578019

[old3]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

There are actually about 3 or 4 cbr250's in the local market, 2012 and older, and most expensive is around 3500, not bad.

I really don't like the single headlight look though, and that exhaust looks like someone stuck a trumpet on there.

But yes, they are considerably cheaper. ....

I just don't want to make an expensive mistake.

That was for brand new, not used. I'm not nuts about the looks either but behind the bars it looks better than a bus seat!

I think you need to hit a few dealerships and seriously talk to them with a strong set of rules you put on yourself. No fees being one of them.

Get a ride on the CBR too. Why not. Try to ride them all if you can. Looks aren't as important as the things you feel when riding the bike.

[old3]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

The hell.....????

http://www.hondaabq.com/m_vehicledetail.asp?pov=3578019

There ya go. probably expect some BS fees to be on top of that, but it isn't a bad starting point. They will want them gone for the new CBR300 on the way.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by old3

There ya go. probably expect some BS fees to be on top of that, but it isn't a bad starting point. They will want them gone for the new CBR300 on the way.

Yeah, but do I want it?

I just called and they said 3600 out the door.

But do I want it?

[antiant]

Eww Honda.

[old3]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

Yeah, but do I want it?

I just called and they said 3600 out the door.

But do I want it?

Well, it is a new bike that is cheaper than a used bike, with plenty of potential to do just about anything. Ultimately, only you can decide what you want. I could live with it if I had that dangled in front of me when I bought mine OTD at $5400.

That is a lot of modding $$$.

Pipe, tuner, tires, suspension, brakes... No brainer to me.

It'll never be a Ninja 300 power wise, but everything else besides appearance is about the same.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by old3

Well, it is a new bike that is cheaper than a used bike, with plenty of potential to do just about anything. Ultimately, only you can decide what you want. I could live with it if I had that dangled in front of me when I bought mine OTD at $5400.

That is a lot of modding $$$.

Pipe, tuner, tires, suspension, brakes... No brainer to me.

It'll never be a Ninja 300 power wise, but everything else besides appearance is about the same.

Yes, I see your point. . . I don't know. I have to sleep on it

[allanoue]

take a looksee at the white ex300 then decide

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by allanoue

take a looksee at the white ex300 then decide

And test ride the cbr250.

[old3]

You might want to register at the CBR250 forum and look around a bit too. I went over to take a peek myself. You could do much worse than a new one OTD at that price.

[Xtina]

Look at both and see if they are worth the price. If not, wait. Nothing worse than buyers remorse.

[eddiekay]

Jim...been a punk for the past 2 months.....havent ridden 300 miles( even with my 'lectrics) How far are you from that highest park in jersey....somewhere near 23 i think....tiny raods from peak down to deckertown pike.

[old3]

About 45 minutes Eddie. That is High Point State Park. Nice views. It isn't far from Hawk's Nest and all the great roads out beyond that to the north and west into Pa. and further into NY. I'll guide you up there when everything melts.

All good county roads up there. You can't go wrong really.

I haven't been on mine in a few months now myself. Not like me really. The 300 is waiting for a new brake caliper bracket to match the 320mm rotor, and before that, it has just been too icy up here. I still have 3-5' of snow in my yard.

[Han Solo 1]

Cbr250 forums, unsurprisingly, opine that the Honda is better suited for me. And at a thousand dollars less and no hassle of driving far away to get a bike, my logical brain agrees.

But I love the look of the green SE Ninja, and the idea of more hp, even though I will rarely need it (99% of my riding is commuting with no highway).

But is it worth another thousand?..

Ugh. I could use that extra thousand on tires for the cbr, camping equipment for the summer, etc.

Ach! I hate being human.

[old3]

Both have the same deficiencies in common, i.e. tires, seat, brakes, suspension. Either will need all the same parts you would throw at the other. So, I'd say, given your actual needs, the CBR leaves you more room to make it better fit you right away.

Popping around locally, no high speeds? Sounds like a slam dunk.

My brother walked into a dealership about 2 years ago. They had a KLX250 on sale for about the same price as this CBR. He didn't need a bike, but he bought it. He now uses it as his primary street bike. He said he couldn't afford to pass up that much of a deal.

New bike at used bike price. We should all be this lucky!

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by old3

Both have the same deficiencies in common, i.e. tires, seat, brakes, suspension. Either will need all the same parts you would throw at the other. So, I'd say, given your actual needs, the CBR leaves you more room to make it better fit you right away.

Popping around locally, no high speeds? Sounds like a slam dunk.

My brother walked into a dealership about 2 years ago. They had a KLX250 on sale for about the same price as this CBR. He didn't need a bike, but he bought it. He now uses it as his primary street bike. He said he couldn't afford to pass up that much of a deal.

New bike at used bike price. We should all be this lucky!

I know. I could throw on some pirelli's, SS brake lines, new brake pads, and I would still be out ahead.

I'm on my way over to the dealership with my friend as I type this.

They are letting me test ride it and it was just uncrated today, it's ready to go.

[old3]

Good luck, hopefully you fall in love with it, save some cash AND be happy.

If you don't like it, nothing lost but a lil time looking at bikes. Always fun anyway.

[oblivion007]

I remember costco has something to do with Kawasaki and no stupid fee's and what not. Got a membership or one near you? If so I'd check if the 300 is available through them.
Nevermind, just read the CBR250 discussion.

[Han Solo 1]

Just picked up a new cbr250, red. 3650 out the door.

Love it!!

[dcj13]

Cool! Post a picture or two.

[dcj13]

Thumpers are nice because of the low-down, right-off-idle torque.

[allanoue]

I payed more for my year old 2009 250 w/400 miles on it

[dcj13]

It does sound like he got a good deal!

[JohnnyBravo]

Congrats on the new ride!

[old3]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

Just picked up a new cbr250, red. 3650 out the door.

Love it!!

Well, there ya go! Best of luck with it! Nothing better than a new bike rolling home! Enjoy!!!

[Aggrotech]

Have yet to find anyone whos liked their cbr250 purchase.

iamdisappoint.

[ForceofWill]

Originally Posted by Aggrotech

Have yet to find anyone whos liked their cbr250 purchase.

iamdisappoint.

Guess that's why they're so cheap.

[old3]

There is a big CBR250 following on advrider, and they seem to love them. Between that and the CBR250 forum there is plenty of positive reports from very satisfied riders.

Enjoy it.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by Aggrotech

Have yet to find anyone whos liked their cbr250 purchase.

iamdisappoint.

Lol, visit the cbr250 forum and you'll find a bunch!

Seriously, for my style of riding (all commuting, not even on highway), it's perfect.

I honestly didn't expect to like it, but I really do. It's got more of a mid range nice torque that I wasn't really expecting, and got up to 60 (which is the fastest I go on my commute) smoothly and without any buzzing.

I love the Ninja styling and find the Honda looks a bit boring, but the fit and finish of the body was surprisingly great.

Throttle response is excellent, and the braking was better than on my 08 Ninja 250, although that might be because it's brand new.

I even really dig the red color.

All in all, I think I made out like a bandit, and you just can't beat a great deal like this, for a brand new bike that fits my needs perfectly and looks good. I prefer the Ninja's headlight, but that's about it.

I'm very happy with my purchase.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by old3

There is a big CBR250 following on advrider, and they seem to love them. Between that and the CBR250 forum there is plenty of positive reports from very satisfied riders.

Enjoy it.

Thanks!

[Yakaru]

We'll still love you, even on a Honda. Heck, my 4-wheeled-bike-hauler is a Honda :P

Congrats! Now update your profile's motorcycle list

[dcj13]

And post a pic!

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by Yakaru

We'll still love you, even on a Honda. Heck, my 4-wheeled-bike-hauler is a Honda :P

Congrats! Now update your profile's motorcycle list

Originally Posted by dcj13

And post a pic!

Thanks guys! I will post a pic later today for sure.

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

Lol, visit the cbr250 forum and you'll find a bunch!

Seriously, for my style of riding (all commuting, not even on highway), it's perfect.

I honestly didn't expect to like it, but I really do. It's got more of a mid range nice torque that I wasn't really expecting, and got up to 60 (which is the fastest I go on my commute) smoothly and without any buzzing.

I love the Ninja styling and find the Honda looks a bit boring, but the fit and finish of the body was surprisingly great.

Throttle response is excellent, and the braking was better than on my 08 Ninja 250, although that might be because it's brand new.

I even really dig the red color.

All in all, I think I made out like a bandit, and you just can't beat a great deal like this, for a brand new bike that fits my needs perfectly and looks good. I prefer the Ninja's headlight, but that's about it.

I'm very happy with my purchase.

Congrats!

The little Honda isn't for everyone, but from what you described, it should work well for you. It's strengths are stronger low-end and mid-range at the expense of less high-end and overall power. So if you are stopping and starting, and not running high speeds, it should work great. Mileage numbers are usually better than the Ninja also (as would be expected).

There is a guy on www.cbr250.net that has ridden one from Florida to the Arctic Circle - so highway cruising and sport touring aren't out of the question either.