zoomspeed3zoom
Member
I love my ms3, however I'm looking for a new toy. I live just outside of Detroit and plan on buying a sportbike (crotchrocket) soon. Is anyone selling a bike or know of anyone in the near area that is? Thanks
Looking for something a little different!
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look into CBR F4's if this is your first bike. Its a good beginner bike, its a Honda, and it does well up against their R series. Pref a 2000+ model with only 1 previous owner. Buying used street bikes can be tricky, since most people beat on them. Good luck, and I will post something if found.
ask on a reputable sportbike board like www.cycleforums.com
You'll get educated responses from people who have been riding for a long long time.
I'd get a GS500 or EX500 as a first bike. They are solid, reliable, and won't get you into too much trouble when you start gaining confidence.
You can also find them for less than $2000. With parts all over ebay, they are easy and cheap to fix if you have a parking lot mishap. Ride one of those for a season or 3, get the basics nailed and then shop supersports.
You'll get educated responses from people who have been riding for a long long time.
I'd get a GS500 or EX500 as a first bike. They are solid, reliable, and won't get you into too much trouble when you start gaining confidence.
You can also find them for less than $2000. With parts all over ebay, they are easy and cheap to fix if you have a parking lot mishap. Ride one of those for a season or 3, get the basics nailed and then shop supersports.
The SV-650 is a good beginner's bike....
It's not as ball-sy as some out there, but then - like Swampy's suggestions, it's less likely to kill ya. Not only that, but when you drop it (and you WILL drop it), there aren't all those 'spensive plastic pieces to replace.
It's not as ball-sy as some out there, but then - like Swampy's suggestions, it's less likely to kill ya. Not only that, but when you drop it (and you WILL drop it), there aren't all those 'spensive plastic pieces to replace.
montrealms3
Member
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- 2008 True Red MS3
+1 for the SV . . . 'cept they're also fun for the experienced guys . . . quick nimble litle things. An SV 650 is something you can ride for a few seasons, once you outgrow, you go to something with more power, but you'll never forget how much fun the SV was . . . I still think of my friends one . . . man that was a fun ride . . . kinda made me want one as well.
silverspeed03
Boost Junky
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- 2008 MS3
I know this sounds crazy but you might want to look at the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, While it isn't the fastest bike it is affordable at about $3,500 brand new. 5.5 sec. 0-60, 50-60 mpg. Might be something to think about as they have come a long way in terms of looks.
+2 fo rthe SV. It's a V-twin, so it's got a no surprises powerband but still has plenty of oomph. I like the idea of a 250, but if you are taller than 6" or weight more than 200, forget it. It might be great to start on, but you'll outgrow it in 6 months. If you want to go 250, get something used for 1500-2000 and sell it for about the same when you are done.
That said, I'm endurance racing a Ninja 250 with some friends this year.
That said, I'm endurance racing a Ninja 250 with some friends this year.
silverspeed03
Boost Junky
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- 2008 MS3
True, you will get used to the power but it would be a great bike to have solely for commuting. If that doesn't fit the bill then yeah I'd go with the Honda F4i.
silverspeed03
Boost Junky
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- 2008 MS3
Is there good potential with new/revised motor in the 250R?
silverspeed03
Boost Junky
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- 2008 MS3
Kawasaki claims the 2008 250R gets 50 mpg from the 4.8 gallon tank.
"Rounding out all of the improvements that make this little Ninja feel like a big bike is the newly engineered 249cc parallel-Twin motor. Although its based on the previous engine, Kawi says 70% of it has been re-designed, including new cams and a revised cylinder head, to result in a claimed 30% bump in mid-range power." - Motorcycle.com
Might be why there is a drop in mpg's.
Probably so. I rode my wife's 97 250 back and forth to work. BTW, I'm just a hair under 6 and 225lbs.
I'd still go with the 500 over the 250. The 250 is great if you're short. The 500 is a better learners streetbike IMO. The 250 requires too many revs to maintain 60mph. (it rev'd about 7000 IIRC)
The 500 is a little more spunky, but still linear enough.
I'd still go with the 500 over the 250. The 250 is great if you're short. The 500 is a better learners streetbike IMO. The 250 requires too many revs to maintain 60mph. (it rev'd about 7000 IIRC)
The 500 is a little more spunky, but still linear enough.
Just remember...
You WILL drop this bike! I dropped mine (it was my only vehicle for more than a year), and it was a relief to only have to pay $70 for new brake or shifter pedals instead of having to live with scratched/broken fairings - or Sidd forbid, replace the expensive plastic.
I don't know how the Viagra/cruiser set can stand to ride their garage jewelry without constantly worrying about messing up their chrome bits.
OT, but I saw a chromed out BMW the other day...do they have a 'cruiser' type boxer model out now? Anyway, it looked odd, odd, odd, and it made me vomit in my mouth a little bit.
You WILL drop this bike! I dropped mine (it was my only vehicle for more than a year), and it was a relief to only have to pay $70 for new brake or shifter pedals instead of having to live with scratched/broken fairings - or Sidd forbid, replace the expensive plastic.
I don't know how the Viagra/cruiser set can stand to ride their garage jewelry without constantly worrying about messing up their chrome bits.
OT, but I saw a chromed out BMW the other day...do they have a 'cruiser' type boxer model out now? Anyway, it looked odd, odd, odd, and it made me vomit in my mouth a little bit.
FWIW, you will always get used to the power. I rode my Hayabusa for about 25,000 miles. I traded with a friend one afternoon and I rode his 2000 R1. He goes.. HOLY BALLS this thing is fast. I hit his in 6th @ about 60mph and was like....uh, GO GO GO GO!
I think it's the same motor. Not much to do about that but carry alot of corner speed.
The biggest improvement to the 2-fiddy is the chassis and *finally* 17" wheels you can buy slicks for.
zoomspeed3zoom
Member
Damn guys. I wasn't expecting this many responses but thanks!
I miss my Ninja EX500 :'( It was such a good beginner bike. Bought it for $2000 sold it for $1900 18 months later with another 10k miles on it. Parts are cheap and plentiful and it can cruise at highway speed and not feel like it's gonna vibrate apart. Got right around 60mpg and that was getting on it everyday.
Once your used to all of the idiots around you and more confident in your riding ability upgrade to something bigger. You definitely won't lose as much as buying a used 600cc then selling it when you want a 1000cc
lol, and you thought the car community was tight.
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