Ninja 250 or 300ABS?

mushynoodles · June 10th, 2013, 04:51 PM

I am about to buy my first motorcycle, am new to riding, and I need some advice. I am on a limited budget (intl. student), and expected to spend $3000 max on a bike. I decided that I really like the ninja 250 however, the opportunity has risen where I could buy a Ninja 300 ABS that has been laid down for $3750 USD. So including tax & title this would end up at about $4000.

The 300 ABS appears to be in good shape for being laid down. It has 1300 miles on it and the title in clean and clear. He had the bike repaired after the accident. However, the owner never tagged or insured the bike. (He did pay all of the taxes).

I will be using the bike for commuting 4 days a week (15 minutes), within the city limits, to my internship rain or shine. What I want to know is how much better would the Ninja 300 ABS suit my needs than the 2008/newer 250 -so for me in this particular scenario? Would it be worth the extra money or will the 250 suffice for all season commuting? I have also found a Ninja 250 that is in good shape for $2200 (2500 inc tax/title) and am now having the hardest time deciding whether to spend the (considerably) extra money or not.

Help? Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks in advance!

-Mushynoodles

tfkrocks · June 10th, 2013, 05:09 PM

If the 300 is mechanically sound and the overall damage isn't too bad, I would take it at that price. ABS would be more helpful since you plan to ride in the rain.

CycleCam303 · June 10th, 2013, 05:10 PM

The 250 will be fine for your intended uses. Sounds like the 250 also fits your budget much better. The 300 is a moderately better bike. So cosmetically speaking the 300 is repaired correct? If you could show us a link or post a picture that might make it a little easier. If the 300 is in good riding condition then your gut and how much you're willing to spend will be the deciding factor.

fishdip · June 10th, 2013, 05:12 PM

Well is the extra 1k going to stop u from Geting good gear? You all ready decided on a max budget id stick with it or hold of and save more tell you can get a better bike also FYI I just sold a 300 for 4k only 3k miles and was like new still. So you can find better deals on a 300 if that's what you want.

Alex · June 10th, 2013, 05:34 PM

Fish makes a great point. Figure out what your entire motorcycling budget is, with the bike + insurance + gear + bodyguard to fend off all of your new crushes that chase motorcyclists.

mushynoodles · June 10th, 2013, 05:42 PM

I don't have a good picture of the 300. There are no scuffs on the engine case, the forks are straight, and and the front wheel was replaced. The fairings on the top right by the handle bar are cracked and light scrapes down the side. I couldn't find any damage underneath.

As for gear, I have yet to purchase anything for winter. (Our winters are mild) I am unsure how much all that will set me back.

fishdip · June 10th, 2013, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mushynoodles

I don't have a good picture of the 300. There are no scuffs on the engine case, the forks are straight, and and the front wheel was replaced. The fairings on the top right by the handle bar are cracked and light scrapes down the side. I couldn't find any damage underneath.

As for gear, I have yet to purchase anything for winter. (Our winters are mild) I am unsure how much all that will set me back.

A lot once you start adding it up summer gear rain gear winter gear. Also since it is you first bike I'd take some one that really knows bikes and have them look it over it suck if you get this "good deal" then find you need to spend x amount to keep riding it and you don't have x amount.

Aggrotech · June 10th, 2013, 06:16 PM

get the 300. superior to the 250 and you have that little extra boost in power, which most ppl cry about on the 250.

hirubhaiambani · June 10th, 2013, 06:28 PM

Buy your gear first, and then depending on how much funds you got, decide on your bike.

I'd suggest, going to your favorite motorcycle retailer website, add all the essential gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, pants) to the shopping cart that you'd like to have initially for riding in the summer/fall. That will give you a good estimate of how much money you'd have to spend on the bike.

I am an international student as well. I started riding (bought my bike) in Feb 2012 but my preparation started long before that. I started buying gear online from June/July 2011 and took the MSF course in October 2011.

az3200 · June 10th, 2013, 07:16 PM

don't forget you're going to need to insure and register the bike, get and get your motorcycle endorsement. that's an easy $500 plus right there, not to mention gear...and if you're getting a used bike you're probably going to have to replace some things. maybe not right away but in the future. If $3k is your max how are you springing the extra $1k for the $300? lol. get the 250, buy gear, insure your bike, etc. Then see if it's for you.

insurance $100-$200 up front
MSF course $150-200
Registration $230 (for me in FL anyway)
Having the endorsement put on your license $30
Helmet $100 (at least)
Jacket $80+
Gloves $30+

that's and easy $1k

tnr4 · June 11th, 2013, 05:52 AM

Another cost of the 300: if it were me, I wouldn't buy a crashed bike without taking it to a trusted mechanic to do a once-over. Most mechanics will do this kind of service for one hour's labor (so $80-100ish).

I love my 300, but since you are planning urban commuting, and you're on a budget, I'd say the 250 may make the most sense for you. That extra power boost on the 300 is most beneficial at higher speeds, which you won't need.

Good luck.

allanoue · June 11th, 2013, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

If the 300 is mechanically sound and the overall damage isn't too bad, I would take it at that price. ABS would be more helpful since you plan to ride in the rain.

dailowill · June 11th, 2013, 06:32 AM

If its consistently cold around where you live (maybe 45 degrees or lower), I'd consider the 300. The 250 is a cold blooded machine and for a 15 minute ride, I don't feel that it sufficiently warms up in that amount of time.

Also, do you mind learning how carburetors work? Because most likely you would have to after owning one for a while.

Don't get me wrong, the 250 is an awesome bike, but EFI is also a great thing!

Jiggles · June 11th, 2013, 10:00 AM

250 is the best choice for you.

ally99 · June 11th, 2013, 03:00 PM

Or you can buy my 250 that's been laid down on the track once or twice for 2k and let me buy the 300 with ABS!

Tigerpaw · June 11th, 2013, 03:14 PM

Ninja 250 + gear + incidentals.

Have fun!

bkh2 · June 11th, 2013, 03:27 PM

What was the nature of the crash? The front wheel had to be replaced but the forks are straight? That seems odd to me.

CC Cowboy · June 11th, 2013, 03:30 PM

Your noodle must be mushy. There is no comparison. Besides the cost of the 300 at $4000 is right in your $3000 budget.

ChaoSS · June 11th, 2013, 05:24 PM

Buy the 250. If you are new at all of this, you don't want to start out on a bike that still has the crash gremlins. You want to get out and ride, and not start out by learning how to fix the gremlins.

June 10th, 2013, 04:51 PM	#1
mushynoodles ninjette.org newbie Name: Marieke Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): not yet Posts: 2	Ninja 250 or 300ABS? I am about to buy my first motorcycle, am new to riding, and I need some advice. I am on a limited budget (intl. student), and expected to spend $3000 max on a bike. I decided that I really like the ninja 250 however, the opportunity has risen where I could buy a Ninja 300 ABS that has been laid down for $3750 USD. So including tax & title this would end up at about $4000. The 300 ABS appears to be in good shape for being laid down. It has 1300 miles on it and the title in clean and clear. He had the bike repaired after the accident. However, the owner never tagged or insured the bike. (He did pay all of the taxes). I will be using the bike for commuting 4 days a week (15 minutes), within the city limits, to my internship rain or shine. What I want to know is how much better would the Ninja 300 ABS suit my needs than the 2008/newer 250 -so for me in this particular scenario? Would it be worth the extra money or will the 250 suffice for all season commuting? I have also found a Ninja 250 that is in good shape for $2200 (2500 inc tax/title) and am now having the hardest time deciding whether to spend the (considerably) extra money or not. Help? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks in advance! -Mushynoodles

June 10th, 2013, 05:12 PM	#4
fishdip ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Fish Location: co Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.	Well is the extra 1k going to stop u from Geting good gear? You all ready decided on a max budget id stick with it or hold of and save more tell you can get a better bike also FYI I just sold a 300 for 4k only 3k miles and was like new still. So you can find better deals on a 300 if that's what you want. __________________________________________________ Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied...

June 10th, 2013, 05:34 PM	#5
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Fish makes a great point. Figure out what your entire motorcycling budget is, with the bike + insurance + gear + bodyguard to fend off all of your new crushes that chase motorcyclists. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

June 11th, 2013, 10:00 AM	#14
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	250 is the best choice for you. __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs

June 11th, 2013, 03:00 PM	#15
ally99 Ninja chick Name: Allyson Location: Athens, GA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 4 MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15	Or you can buy my 250 that's been laid down on the track once or twice for 2k and let me buy the 300 with ABS! __________________________________________________ Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson

June 10th, 2013, 05:09 PM	#2
tfkrocks ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rebecca Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13	If the 300 is mechanically sound and the overall damage isn't too bad, I would take it at that price. ABS would be more helpful since you plan to ride in the rain.

June 10th, 2013, 05:10 PM	#3
CycleCam303 King Hamfist Name: Cameron Location: NorCal East Bay Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Crf 150R, 2011 Hypermotard 796 Posts: 940	The 250 will be fine for your intended uses. Sounds like the 250 also fits your budget much better. The 300 is a moderately better bike. So cosmetically speaking the 300 is repaired correct? If you could show us a link or post a picture that might make it a little easier. If the 300 is in good riding condition then your gut and how much you're willing to spend will be the deciding factor.

June 10th, 2013, 05:42 PM	#6
mushynoodles ninjette.org newbie Name: Marieke Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): not yet Posts: 2	I don't have a good picture of the 300. There are no scuffs on the engine case, the forks are straight, and and the front wheel was replaced. The fairings on the top right by the handle bar are cracked and light scrapes down the side. I couldn't find any damage underneath. As for gear, I have yet to purchase anything for winter. (Our winters are mild) I am unsure how much all that will set me back.

June 10th, 2013, 06:16 PM	#8
Aggrotech ninjette.org sage Name: Justin Location: Fresno CA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 12' Ninja 250 Posts: 831	get the 300. superior to the 250 and you have that little extra boost in power, which most ppl cry about on the 250.

June 10th, 2013, 06:28 PM	#9
hirubhaiambani Ninjette Fanboy Name: HB Location: Missouri Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja250 Posts: 307	Buy your gear first, and then depending on how much funds you got, decide on your bike. I'd suggest, going to your favorite motorcycle retailer website, add all the essential gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, pants) to the shopping cart that you'd like to have initially for riding in the summer/fall. That will give you a good estimate of how much money you'd have to spend on the bike. I am an international student as well. I started riding (bought my bike) in Feb 2012 but my preparation started long before that. I started buying gear online from June/July 2011 and took the MSF course in October 2011.

June 10th, 2013, 07:16 PM	#10
az3200 ninjette.org member Name: AZ Location: Orlando FL Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja 250 Posts: 213	don't forget you're going to need to insure and register the bike, get and get your motorcycle endorsement. that's an easy $500 plus right there, not to mention gear...and if you're getting a used bike you're probably going to have to replace some things. maybe not right away but in the future. If $3k is your max how are you springing the extra $1k for the $300? lol. get the 250, buy gear, insure your bike, etc. Then see if it's for you. insurance $100-$200 up front MSF course $150-200 Registration $230 (for me in FL anyway) Having the endorsement put on your license $30 Helmet $100 (at least) Jacket $80+ Gloves $30+ that's and easy $1k

June 11th, 2013, 05:52 AM	#11
tnr4 ninjette.org sage Name: Travis Location: Washington, DC Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664	Another cost of the 300: if it were me, I wouldn't buy a crashed bike without taking it to a trusted mechanic to do a once-over. Most mechanics will do this kind of service for one hour's labor (so $80-100ish). I love my 300, but since you are planning urban commuting, and you're on a budget, I'd say the 250 may make the most sense for you. That extra power boost on the 300 is most beneficial at higher speeds, which you won't need. Good luck.

June 11th, 2013, 06:32 AM	#13
dailowill ninjette.org member Name: Will Location: CT Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 54	If its consistently cold around where you live (maybe 45 degrees or lower), I'd consider the 300. The 250 is a cold blooded machine and for a 15 minute ride, I don't feel that it sufficiently warms up in that amount of time. Also, do you mind learning how carburetors work? Because most likely you would have to after owning one for a while. Don't get me wrong, the 250 is an awesome bike, but EFI is also a great thing!

June 11th, 2013, 03:14 PM	#16
Tigerpaw ninjette.org guru Name: Tom Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 '09 Boulevard C50. '08 250r(TOTALED BY DEER) Posts: 467	Ninja 250 + gear + incidentals. Have fun! __________________________________________________ CHEERS!!!

June 11th, 2013, 03:27 PM	#17
bkh2 ninjette.org guru Name: Ben Location: R'lyeh Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 GSXR 750; 1983 CB750SC Posts: 277	What was the nature of the crash? The front wheel had to be replaced but the forks are straight? That seems odd to me.

June 11th, 2013, 03:30 PM	#18
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Your noodle must be mushy. There is no comparison. Besides the cost of the 300 at $4000 is right in your $3000 budget. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

June 11th, 2013, 05:24 PM	#19
ChaoSS ninjette.org sage Name: Tim Location: Goshen CA Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 red 250 ninja Posts: 740	Buy the 250. If you are new at all of this, you don't want to start out on a bike that still has the crash gremlins. You want to get out and ride, and not start out by learning how to fix the gremlins.