Anyone had experience buying Motorcycles?

[Rgun]

Where did you get the informations that it revved to 12,000rpm with 35bhp. I was under the impression it revved to 14,000rpm with more like 30bhp. As far as a 500cc, I havent really looked at any, I like the looks of this particular 250, and maybe its just the few 500's I have seen but they dont look as good. Also, as I said before I dont care if I lose $500-1000 selling it later to buy a bigger bike, I would rather take the time to improve my skill. I know if I get a fast bike I will want to ride it fast. Also, insurance is an issue. As far as a 600.... even if I were to get a good deal on one and get insurance, thats a road I dont want to go down just yet.

[RC45]

Originally Posted by Rgun Where did you get the informations that it revved to 12,000rpm with 35bhp. I was under the impression it revved to 14,000rpm with more like 30bhp. As far as a 500cc, I havent really looked at any, I like the looks of this particular 250, and maybe its just the few 500's I have seen but they dont look as good. Also, as I said before I dont care if I lose $500-1000 selling it later to buy a bigger bike, I would rather take the time to improve my skill. I know if I get a fast bike I will want to ride it fast. Also, insurance is an issue. As far as a 600.... even if I were to get a good deal on one and get insurance, thats a road I dont want to go down just yet.

An excellent and mature approach to motorcycling. BRAVO!!!!

Jabba - this bloke deserves an award for this display of level headedness..

[Minacious]

Originally Posted by RC45 An excellent and mature approach to motorcycling. BRAVO!!!!

Exactly, and being part owner of a Motorcycle shop, I see a lot of the opposite. Good job.

[jz04r1]

I commend you on your maturity. But the bike will only go as fast as you want to go. I am not saying go get a gsxr1000 for your first bike, but some of the 600's out there are great bikes sv 650, yzf600r, f4i. But then again ins. does factor in like you said. And it doesn't matter what kind of bike your on. As long as you are having fun. You are thinking the way everybody should think about getting started, get out there and learn the basics. you sound like the type of kid I would want to ride with.

[gobs3z]

Well i was a bike salesmen for year, my opinion is tell me what kind of ride you're looking for. To be honest from everything i've read and everything i'e heard from customers and everything i've actually ridden. I'de tell you to find an Suzuki SV650. I understand you are worried about injuring yourself and such which is the most important issue with motorcycles. The thing is with the SV is that it doesn't have the kind of power CBR's and GSXR's because it's a v-twin instead of an inline. Your going to take your safety course on 250's also, and you'll get a grasp of what kind of power a 250 has(not a lot at all). 250's were built with the intention for getting around with just enough power, there's no sport intended. You could go with a Katana even, but you'll get a lot of crap for it but they are GREAT first bikes because they have a steel frame. It's uttertly impossible to damage that bikes frame on a fall which will happen to you. Not to be pestamistic but you'll drop the bike, everyone has and everyone will. Back to the SV650, it's great because it's very light and very agile(they race them in europe), but won't scare the hell out of you like GSXR-600 would. Good luck!!

[GT-R_R34]

INTRODUCTION The NINJA® 250R is one of Kawasaki’s best-selling motorcycles due to its sporty styling, agility, lightweight and excellent handling. Plus, the cost of owning this Kawasaki is minimal, making it irresistible for experienced riders and beginners alike. Power for the NINJA 250R comes from a high-revving, liquid-cooled, in-line twin-cylinder four-stroke engine featuring dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. It delivers smooth, predictable power that’s perfect for new motorcyclists, yet its 14,000-rpm redline and six-speed transmission will bring a grin to the face of the most experienced sportbike rider. Like its larger siblings, the NINJA 250R features an aerodynamic faring, Kawasaki’s UNI-TRAK® progressive rear suspension and high-performance disc brakes. It also has a low seat height for confident stability while stopped. Other features include an easy-to-read instrument panel, positive neutral finder, centerstand and pop-up bungee hooks. FEATURES Twin-cylinder 248cc Engine - Compact parallel-twin design is lightweight and high revving, with a broad torque curve - Good mass centralization for superior handling Liquid Cooling - Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use - Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running Four Valves per Cylinder - Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow to boost low end torque while providing better breathing for more power at high rpm High Velocity Induction Technology - Provides a smooth flow of air to the carburetors for maximum top-end - Carburetor and intake port diameters are sized for quick mid-range throttle response Silent Cam Chain - Low friction coating on chain guides reduces wear, increases power - Runs quietly, reliably - Automatic cam chain tensioner maintains precise timing without maintenance Six-speed Transmission - Allows engine’s full potential to be used - Provides excellent acceleration as well as relaxed highway cruising Positive Neutral Finder - A Kawasaki exclusive, just lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension - Lowers the center of gravity for better handling - Progressive rate provides a smooth, controlled ride Handlebar Mounted Choke - Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier Diamond Frame - Lightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity - No down tubes for lower engine placement and lower center of gravity - Good ground and cornering clearance Dual-Piston Front Brake - Balanced Actuation Caliper front disc brake for excellent feel and long pad wear Dual-Piston Rear Disc Brake - Powerful, reliable, controllable stopping power Centerstand and Sidestand - Permits easy parking, cleaning or servicing 4.8-gallon Fuel Tank - Long range makes it great for commuting SPECIFICATIONS Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve parallel twin Displacement: 248cc Starting: Electric Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 41.2mm Compression ratio: 12.4:1 Cooling: Liquid Carburetion: Keihin CVK30 x 2 Ignition: Electronic CDI Transmission: Six-speed Frame: Tubular diamond design Rake / trail: 27° / 3.3 in. Suspension, front: Hydraulic telescopic fork Suspension, rear: UNI-TRAK® system with single shock Wheel travel, front: 5.5 in. Wheel travel, rear: 5.1 in. Tire, front: 100/80 x 16 Tire, rear: 130/80 x 16 Brakes, front / rear: Hydraulic disc / Disc Overall length: 80.1 in. Overall width: 28.0 in. Overall height: 43.1 in. Ground clearance: 6.1 in. Seat height: 29.3 in. Dry weight: 304 lbs. Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal. Wheelbase: 55.1 in. Colors: Metallic Nocturne Blue/ Galaxy Silver, Ebony / Galaxy Silver, Galaxy Silver / Ebony * Price and specifications subject to change

http://www.kawasaki.com/admin/Flash/...50r_print.html
that the website btw the price was 2,999 msrp
and the other spec from here http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Kawasaki/2004/ZZR%20250/

[Rgun]

GT-R_R34

The information you have corresponds to what I have, it revs to 14,000 rpm, but it makes peak power at 12,000rpm. As for what everyone else is saying about buying a 500+. I may look into them, but I seriously doubt I can convince myself to buy one.

[GT-R_R34]

the main issue remain is that is your decision. we are on providing info in this wonderful hobby of motorcycles, you don't have to buy a new bike you could find a use bike for less money. i kind of like your approach on buying a bike, not to jump into a 1000, like i have seen before.

[jz04r1]

I bought a yzf 600r for my first bike. At first the bike was kind of scary feeling it accelerate so fast. But I just learned where the bike started to make its power and shifted before that. It took awhile to get used to it but I did. I am glad I got a 600 because it had plenty of power at the time, and was just the right size bike to concentrate on learning all of diff. aspects of riding. I don't want to push you do do buy a 600, but for me I deffinatly am glad I went with a yzf 600r rather than a r6 or gsxr. Just make sure you buy something that you want and like.

[assbyte]

go for zxr250 if there is one. zxr looks alot better than zzr.
zxr has a tacho meter that goes 21000 rpm. thats insane.
i guess in north america bikes are just for fun.
in asia we need to ride it everyday under hot sun.
zxr performed pretty well. my friend ride that bike (zxr) everyday and i never see him need any major repairs.

here is a pic of zxr