Quote:
Originally Posted by covance
Questions
Lot of my research online points to buying used smaller bike like a Ninja 250 as a new rider. If I eventually plan to buy the Monster is it worth the cost of getting this type of bike first and then selling, or is it pretty easy to not take a loss on the resale?
Having never owned a bike before, if I do go with the option of buying a used Ninja, should I just go to a dealer to make sure I am not getting something damaged? In your experience what should one look out for when buying a used bike?
Final question - I have lower back problems from a accident several years ago. Is the riding position of the Ninja 250 much more uncomfortable than that of the Monster? Are you leaning forward quite a bit more?
Thanks for any insight!
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My first bike was a Kawi 636. Not the best decision. No huge regrets, but if I had to do it over again I would buy a used 250 in a sport riding position--not a supersport position. Something like 95% of people drop their bike in their first year. Whether that is a tip over or a crash, the statistics aren't good. I was hit lane sharing, and lost control another time on a bad road with gravel. Nothing more than a few stitches and a broken clavicle between the two, but lessoned learned. Part of it was the bike, and the inexperience. A 250 is much lighter and has a less aggressive riding position, besides less power. My buddy rides two up on his wife's Kawi 300 all the time even though he has a Kawi zx1400r. Power isn't everything. If you are interest in the Monster then you understand that. And don't worry, you will likely sell for the same price even if you add a few thousand miles on a used 250.
Just buy a low milage used 250. No worries. You can get a late model low milage for $2-3k or less if you go older. Just make sure it wasn't dropped. Check for replaced parts, road rash, odd noises, signs of fluids or odd wear. All the usual stuff.
You can get a Rebel or other bikes that have a more upright position. Go try them out. I can say that my Monster feels a hell of a lot better than my 636 did, even with the clip ons.
Just a note: I wouldn't buy a Ducati for a first bike, so get the 250. The 250 will have a smoother, more linear and more predictable power band. The monster will sound and feel better in every way, but you need tools to handle the midrange torque and quarks that it has. Also, if you live in a place like Sacramento like I used to, that is open and windy with long stretches of straight highways, you may want a bike with fairings. If you are like me who now lives in the wine country with miles of curvy roads everywhere that are amazing then eventually you must get the Ducati!
