Thinking of getting a ninja205r

z1ggy

Lifer
May 17, 2008
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Im tkaing my MSf course in August and I need a good starter bike. the 2009/2008 ninja 250r's look amazing. Also I saw a similar build made by "QLINK". Has anybody ever heard of them? Also..if I figured I woudl keep this bike for more than 1-2 years, would I be able to puts mods on it? Fendler elim, 240 tire kit..custom exhausts.. etc?
 

z1ggy

Lifer
May 17, 2008
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Body is much dif looking. I looked at a 2001 205r and the 2009..the 2009 looks much more sporty I didnt even know it was a 250r, I thought it was a 6r for a minute.
 

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
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The new one actually does have a good bit of differences over the old one, but the markup on them right now is hideous. Kawasaki bumped the MSRP up $500 twice to get their cut on the dealer markup. Don't expect to get one out the door for under $4k, and expect to haggle to get one under $5k.
 

jlarsson

Golden Member
Jul 31, 2001
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Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
The new one actually does have a good bit of differences over the old one, but the markup on them right now is hideous. Kawasaki bumped the MSRP up $500 twice to get their cut on the dealer markup. Don't expect to get one out the door for under $4k, and expect to haggle to get one under $5k.

Depends on where you live. I got mine OTD for $4050 (MSRP plus $50 "documentation" fee). Most of the other dealers in my area had $400-$500 of markup over MSRP. With a 250r, you can expect to get most of your money back on it when you decide to sell it (there's always a good market for people looking for either first or fuel-efficient/commuter motorcycle).

The 250r is a perfect starter bike. I took my MSF course in April, bought my '09 250r a week later and have since put on 2000 miles on it.

As far as mods, the '08-'09 models are starting to have more and more mods coming out to market. There are several fender elimination mods out already, as well as exhausts.
 

Saga

Banned
Feb 18, 2005
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Originally posted by: angry hampster
There is absolutely zero reason to get a new 250R. They have been basically the same since 1988.

Uhh? I'd venture to suggest many (see: most) people buy a bike for a particular styling and look. Your statement seems rather ignorant.

2007 and before EX250

2008 and after EX250

These bikes are, however, going for a lot higher than MSRP in many places due to the high demand for the new look for a learners bike. The wife just picked a 2008 Black EX250 up for her beginner bike (and of course dropped it once already before she let me install the frame sliders) with 800 miles for $3550. Many dealers could still get $4100+ for the same bike.
 
May 13, 2009
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Why would u want one of those bikes! They are garbage. Try a sv650 or an old suzuki bandit. No way should you mod or add on to a trash bike like that. I recently got 01 zx6r 5800 miles 1 owner for $3200
 

z1ggy

Lifer
May 17, 2008
10,009
65
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^^Maybe because I am a complete novice and anything more than 250cc will get me killed?
 

MiataNC

Platinum Member
Dec 5, 2007
2,215
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Buy used!!
Buy used!!
Buy used!!
Buy used!!

People buy new 250Rs all the time, and sell them within a year at a huge loss to get something bigger.

I also would recommend a used SV650.

The SV650 has a V-twin motor. The torque curve gives it a great pull in any gear. It is loved by newbies, advanced riders, and racers (Ben Spies praised it after tearing up the track on one at a Schwantz school). Don't let the engine size fool you. The SV650 is NOTHING like a 600CC Supersport.
 

Saga

Banned
Feb 18, 2005
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Originally posted by: OILFIELDTRASH
No way. those r trash bikes. Get a sv650 or a suzuki bandit

Outside the fact that you just spammed the hell out of this thread (ZV can you clean that shit up or something?), you've also shown yourself to be relatively ignorant. People buy bikes for lots of different reasons. A 250 is an EXCELLENT starter bike because it's very lightweight and easy to manage for a novice who isn't quite comfortable enough with balancing two wheels, in addition to not being so powerful that a mistake like twisting your wrist accidentally through a turn doesn't have the potential to kill you.

My wife is five foot three inches and weighs 105 lbs. A fucking SV650 or Bandit would be monstrous and downright uncomfortable for her. The EX250 is a perfect beginner bike for her and for all I know she might ride that indefinitely because her idea of fun is having a sporty looking bike with a non-aggressive upright position and she doesn't need it to go 90+MPH - probably ever. I ride a ZX10R on a daily basis and even I found the EX250 to be an amazingly comfortable bike, even if it felt like it had the power of a scooter. It is what it is.

Don't come in here and rag on peoples decisions for what they spend their money on like you're their fucking parent. And for fucks sake, stop being so fucking lazy, adding two extra letters to spell the word "are" isn't fucking rocket science. Go leave that shit in L&R with retards like Xstatic1 where it belongs if you're going to type like a 12 year old sending a text message.
 
May 13, 2009
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Sorry about reposts im on a smartphone 4 1st time. By the time u get use to riding u will loathe the day u spent $4k on a 250. You control the throttle and control of the bike its not the other way around. You could safely ride a zx14 just as safe as a 250. Now if you start riding like a idiot thats ur fault.
 

Saga

Banned
Feb 18, 2005
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As stated previously, you should not be buying one of these bikes new. If you shop around and wait for the proper deals (like we did) you can sell the bike after for more than you bought it for three thousand miles later. These bikes are in constant demand because they fill a very important niche of safety for new riders.

Trying to say a ZX14 is as safe to learn on as a EX250 is absolutely unbelievably fucking retarded. Not only is there a 250 lb weight difference but the amount of "oh shit" mistakes that can be made on a ZX14 is probably ten times that of an EX250. Not to mention dropping a $4,000 bike vs. dropping a $13,000 bike is a no brainer since most new riders will experience at the very least one driveway imbalance in their lifetimes.

Unless you're some trust fund baby where money is no object then who gives a shit what you do anyway.
 

z1ggy

Lifer
May 17, 2008
10,009
65
91
I dont get really the difference between buying a new or used 250r..Im pretty set on I want this bike. I have read great reviews. However woudl it be possible in sept. to buy a used 2009 250r? Im not opposed to an '08 either, as long as the body and style are the same. The reason I woudl buy it new is because I would only keep it for a year tops..uunless I LOVED it, in which case..it would still be a good investment to keep it for a long time. Keeping it for a year and putting 2k miles on it... I highly doubt it will lose a ton of value. Like its been said, they are basically in demand all the time, I am sure I coudl resell a one year old bike with min. miles on it for only $less than what I got it. Is it going to make that big of a deal if I buy used??
 
May 13, 2009
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Originally posted by: Saga
As stated previously, you should not be buying one of these bikes new. If you shop around and wait for the proper deals (like we did) you can sell the bike after for more than you bought it for three thousand miles later. These bikes are in constant demand because they fill a very important niche of safety for new riders.

Trying to say a ZX14 is as safe to learn on as a EX250 is absolutely unbelievably fucking retarded. Not only is there a 250 lb weight difference but the amount of "oh shit" mistakes that can be made on a ZX14 is probably ten times that of an EX250. Not to mention dropping a $4,000 bike vs. dropping a $13,000 bike is a no brainer since most new riders will experience at the very least one driveway imbalance in their lifetimes.

Unless you're some trust fund baby where money is no object then who gives a shit what you do anyway.

Your an a hole. Your the guy that when he turned 40 he had a midlife crisis and got a bike. I have been riding motocycles since I was a kid. Ive ridden and owned twice the bikes you have. You're a poser.
 

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
My cousin and a friend both have Ninja 250s and are very happy with them. The bike my cousin has his eye on would be a Triumph Street Triple. But he has no problem at all enjoying his 250.

Link.
 

MiataNC

Platinum Member
Dec 5, 2007
2,215
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81
z1ggy....

If you buy new, be prepared to lose $1500-$2000 (Bike/Tax/Title/Fees/etc) when you go to resell. Also be prepared to be heart broken when you drop it and scratch/break something.

If you are ok with that, then no harm no foul. Just don't say you were not warned.

Happy motoring and keep the rubber side down.
 

Saga

Banned
Feb 18, 2005
2,718
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Originally posted by: OILFIELDTRASH

Your an a hole. Your the guy that when he turned 40 he had a midlife crisis and got a bike. I have been riding motocycles since I was a kid. Ive ridden and owned twice the bikes you have. You're a poser.

Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

Thanks for that, you made my morning. :thumbsup:
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,541
920
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Originally posted by: OILFIELDTRASH
Sorry about reposts im on a smartphone 4 1st time. By the time u get use to riding u will loathe the day u spent $4k on a 250. You control the throttle and control of the bike its not the other way around. You could safely ride a zx14 just as safe as a 250. Now if you start riding like a idiot thats ur fault.

Are you fucking kidding me? :confused: You're suggesting a ZX14 for someone who has never ridden a motorcycle and hasn't even taken the MSF course yet?

I'd recommend the OP get the Ninja 250 but I would buy used unless you are paying cash for it and are prepared to lose $1500-2000 on it in the first year.

Definitely do not mod it...it's not worth the money and you'll outgrow it in 3-6 months and want something new anyway.
 

ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
7,449
0
0
Originally posted by: OILFIELDTRASH
Originally posted by: Saga
As stated previously, you should not be buying one of these bikes new. If you shop around and wait for the proper deals (like we did) you can sell the bike after for more than you bought it for three thousand miles later. These bikes are in constant demand because they fill a very important niche of safety for new riders.

Trying to say a ZX14 is as safe to learn on as a EX250 is absolutely unbelievably fucking retarded. Not only is there a 250 lb weight difference but the amount of "oh shit" mistakes that can be made on a ZX14 is probably ten times that of an EX250. Not to mention dropping a $4,000 bike vs. dropping a $13,000 bike is a no brainer since most new riders will experience at the very least one driveway imbalance in their lifetimes.

Unless you're some trust fund baby where money is no object then who gives a shit what you do anyway.

Your an a hole. Your the guy that when he turned 40 he had a midlife crisis and got a bike. I have been riding motocycles since I was a kid. Ive ridden and owned twice the bikes you have. You're a poser.

I doubt you'd find very many motorcycle enthusiasts who share your insane views on life and riding. Enjoy life in your universe, must be quite a place.
 

jlarsson

Golden Member
Jul 31, 2001
1,050
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Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I'd recommend the OP get the Ninja 250 but I would buy used unless you are paying cash for it and are prepared to lose $1500-2000 on it in the first year.

Before I bought my '09 new, I spent a long time looking for a used '08. Most people were asking $3500-4000 for them (they retailed for $3500 in '08). I'm not saying they won't depreciate, but you'll probably lose a lot less than if you bought a bigger bike. There are always new riders looking for them, plus if gas prices keep going up, you'll have even more people looking for them for commuting (I've been getting roughly 60-65 mpg).

 
May 13, 2009
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Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: OILFIELDTRASH
Sorry about reposts im on a smartphone 4 1st time. By the time u get use to riding u will loathe the day u spent $4k on a 250. You control the throttle and control of the bike its not the other way around. You could safely ride a zx14 just as safe as a 250. Now if you start riding like a idiot thats ur fault.

Are you fucking kidding me? :confused: You're suggesting a ZX14 for someone who has never ridden a motorcycle and hasn't even taken the MSF course yet?

I'd recommend the OP get the Ninja 250 but I would buy used unless you are paying cash for it and are prepared to lose $1500-2000 on it in the first year.

Definitely do not mod it...it's not worth the money and you'll outgrow it in 3-6 months and want something new anyway.

I'm not suggesting a zx14 for him. Im just saying that if you ride with some sense and self control it doesn't matter what you ride. The rider is the one ultimately responsible for how fast or safe he/she makes the ride. If you act like a jack ass even on a 250 your gonna be roadkill.