Getting a bike
 

I'm pretty much decided on the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. It sounds like a good starter bike, and it's got a pretty good price. I'm not sure what color I want to get, though. It comes in these colors:

Metallic Diablo Black:
http://www.picaroni.com/Black.jpg

Sunbeam Red:
http://www.picaroni.com/Re2.jpg

Candy Thunder Blue:
http://www.picaroni.com/Blue.jpg

Special Edition Lime Green / Metallic Diablo Black:
http://www.picaroni.com/Green.jpg

I'm pretty sure I don't want the red or the blue, because they're too common. It's a tie between the Black and the Green, to me. I'm probably leaning toward the Green, but I'm not sure. Help me decide!

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/pro...?id=359&scid=6

Oooh, pretty blue...

If blue and red are to common then black has to be everywhere.. go green.

I don't ever see blue where I live. It's all either black or red...

Green - you don't see enough lime green bikes around.

What are the technical specs of the bike, out of interest?

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/pro...?id=359&scid=6

Put the link in the OP, as well. I meant to to begin with.

Black power!

Black by far. The 250 should be a good starter bike, as you've said. A couple of my buddies disagree as I tell them I've been thinking just as you have, and they've all said just get the 600 as i'm going to get bored with the 250 within a month or so, lol.

Well the 650 is almost $3000 more than the 250. I don't know if I can even afford the 650 right now. Seems best all around to go with the 250 for now. If I do get bored with it, I might get a used 650 or something.

Yah, as I would do as well. Same scenario basically, the 250 should be plenty for any never-before-rider. Have you gone and test ridden any of them yet? Gotten your license? You know I think all states now require you have to get your license before they will sell you a bike from the dealer so you've gotta get that first (atleast in FL)..

any gear you plan on getting along with the bike?

I've just decided today to get it at all. I'm planning on taking a safety course that is essentially the same as the road test, where I'll get some in-class experience and some on the road experience. Once I do that, I get my motorcycle endorsement, and I'll hit my bank and see about getting a loan. Once I get a loan, get the bike.

Sounds like a good plan, for sure. Good luck with getting the loan as well.

The loan shouldn't be much of an issue. I'll probably put up $1000-$2000 up front, and just pay off the remainder over a couple of years.

Green looks cooler than black.

Jesus H CHRIST! A 250! Slooow down big man! You might want to start off with a pocket bike...

What a panzy.

Better on a 250cc than a red skid mark. Only idiots and guys who are lacking start on something more powerful.

Really, I'm not looking for something to go crazy on. I'm looking for something to learn on. I'll probably end up getting a 650 down the road if I decide I even like having a bike. I don't see much reason to spend 3 grand more for a bike that's too powerful for a beginner.

What's your total cost looking like? Including the safety course. (Do you pay for that?)

The bike is $4000, the course is $180, but I'll need stuff like a helmet and that kinda stuff as well. I'd estimate $5000 after all is said and done.

Black if you want to look like you're trying to be the next "Blade". Green/black looks good. Black/blue would look great.

Def. go with the green/black. I agree that blue seems to be the most common colour. Black is dull and red is nice, but the green will stand out as different and most likely more unique.

I'm pretty much decided on the green at this point.

Your a moron KA. If you cared about price you wouldn't be getting a brand new one. If you cared about getting a beginner bike, you wouldn't be getting a ninja. Your just a pussy who wants to look cool. Try a Honda CB500. Unless you weigh a 125 pounds and are 5ft 6in a 250 is to small.

I'm actually now considering getting the 650 used.

Pictures of any in mind? The used bikes are great because they ususally will have like 500-3000 miles on it, and still in almost perfect condition.

I'd still be getting the Kawasaki Ninja. Probably try to find a green one, too.

Check ebay and shit. My brother got a bike that he redid for like $200 and made 1,000 off of. Some people will sell it cheap after they've been wrecked.

The problem with getting a bike that's been layed is that something important could have been damaged that wasn't repaired properly. With a car, I would take that chance, being as that I am enclose. On a bike, I'd pass.

!King_Amazon!: I think you will be happier with the 650. EVERYONE I have talked to that bought a bike ( I worked in a bar on Rt. 66... so that's alot of bikers) said that you should always buy the next size larger than what you think fits you. That way, you aren't trying to trade it in a month or three, when either you grow in size, or you just want more power. Also, when inspecting a used bike, look for paint that is bubbling or peeling. That could be an indication that the bike was layed down, and rather than fix the problem, they just sprayed something over it and now rust is forming underneath. Especially on a Ninja, the engine is suspended. Not like a cruiser, where it sits nestled in the frame. If that 'backbone' was bent, or otherwise damaged and not repaired properly, that could be deadly. Also, check the forks/handle bars. Make sure there is no play in the movement. ANY amount of play, could result in you turning one way and the wheel going the other. Not a good thing. Check the condition of the throttle cable and see if it snaps back when twisted. You don't want to go to stop and the throttle stick open. Check the drivechain and see if the teeth on the rear wheel is damaged. Obvious dangers if they are, to say the least.

Hope this helps, I was lookin' to get a bike too, and these are some tips they had in "Cycle World" and a couple other magazines I bought.

Sweet info dude, +rep.

Any updates on le bike?

Yeah, I meant to post it yesterday :P I think I might be deciding against the bike afterall. Lime green sport bike is badass, but it doesn't fit the "sensitive guitar player" image. I need to drive a Prius or something.

Now that's funny.

Personally, if I was going to buy a hybrid, I'd wait for the Volt next year.

Def, or the Dodge Circuit EV.

I'm thinking maybe a VW bus. :P

My friend has a '68 that's completely lowered and say "PaddyWagon" on the side, it's fuckin awesome. Air ride 'n all, well he did have it.. now it's wrecked.

I'd tie-dye it up, hippiefied.

Or... you could be the "Badass Guitar Playing Rebel with a sensative side"?