The_Head

Went looking at the dealership for a 125-250 cc motorcycle to replace my Honda Elite 80 this weekend. I love my scooter, but it just doesn't have the punch that makes me feel comfortable on the street.

So, what should I get? Which 250 cc bike is the best combination of economy, power, reliability, and price? Looks like to me the Ninja 250 kicks everybody elses ***... but is it expensive to maintain/insure? I also think it is kind of ugly.

Plus, I don't really care about performance that much for a little bike like this, just as long as it can get up to about 55 mph fairly easily. I am also considering the Yamaha Virago 250. The dealership I went to also had a used '05 Rebel for $2400. It has the same engine as the Nighthawk 250.. I had one of those 11 years ago and it was bulletproof.

They also were willing to give me a much higher trade-in value on my scooter than I thought it was worth... $1900

My writing is kind of disorganized, but I welcome your opinion or any other choices I am overlooking.

ricepapertiger

My Dad's Virago 250 is pretty sweet. Nice little v-twin burble. super gas mileage too.

marmaladedad

Why not a 250 scooter?

The_Head

I think once you get to about 125 cc's the scooter advantage goes away... they get too expensive, and stat to get really heavy.

I've been researching the Ninja 250, it is starting to grow on me. I wonder if these "tribal" graphics are easily removable.

sup gurl

I'm pretty sure you can get a new Ninja 250 in all black, looks pretty good IMO

.Ash

cagiva mito

marmaladedad

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by The_Head &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think once you get to about 125 cc's the scooter advantage goes away... they get too expensive, and stat to get really heavy.

I've been researching the Ninja 250, it is starting to grow on me. I wonder if these "tribal" graphics are easily removable.

</TD></TR></TABLE>
Those almost look like radial brakes on the deuce-fiddy...

Are you still planning to make deliveries with the new bike?

god.loves.ugly

I like the ninja.

smithenhiven

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by The_Head &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Looks like to me the Ninja 250 kicks everybody elses ***... but is it expensive to maintain/insure? I also think it is kind of ugly.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

No offense, but you think the Ninja 250 is ugly when you ride one of these:



I think the Ninja is light years ahead of the Elite as far as looks are concerned.

The_Head

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are you still planning to make deliveries with the new bike?</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, I stopped doing deliveries back in September. My job now won't allow me to have another job due to their company policy. They call it the "24-hour Lifestyle", meaning you have to be available to work at any time.[QUOTE=smithenhiven]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No offense, but you think the Ninja 250 is ugly when you ride one of these</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah that's true, but I was comparing it to other 250's. I think the Virago 250 is way better looking.

integrator43

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why not a 250 scooter?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Honda PS250 Super Ruckus

The_Head

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integrator43 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Honda PS250 Super Ruckus </TD></TR></TABLE>

PS250 = $5499
EX250 = $2999

Like I said, once you get past 125 cc's in the scooter department, you might as well get a motorcycle... IMHO.

Gotcha

I love my Ninja 250. It's a 2003 but seriously not much has changed over the past 10 years. I wouldn't buy a brand new one. You can get a slightly used one for $1800-$2000.

The_Head

Yeah I know, but they aren't many used bikes to choose from in my neck of the woods, let alone any EX250's. I would probably have to travel hundred's of miles to find one. Also, Kawasaki doesn't finance used bikes.

knockout

go with the ninja 250, gas mileage and insurance rates are awesome.

but if you can find a cbr250rr, ****** it up.

The_Head

The kawasaki finance people approved me for $10,000, lol. 7.99% for 2 years, then they rape you after that if you still have a balance.

I'm thinking I might call the first dealership about that used Rebel. It only has 1,000 miles and my payment would only increase from $89.20 to $125.72. The Ninja payment would be $167.17 for 24 months.

I'm not too sure about my current job situation, so I don't want to get a huge payment.

ragnaroek

hyosung gt250?

sup gurl

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by knockout &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">go with the ninja 250, gas mileage and insurance rates are awesome.

but if you can find a cbr250rr, ****** it up.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

They never manufactured those in the U.S. right?

knockout

nope, import only.
ive only ever seen two in my area for sale.
at around $7000

but that 19,500 rpm redline sounds oh so formula one like.

The_Head

I'm bored tonight guys. Here is a pic of the Rebel I am looking to get.


The local dealer here has a red Ninja coming in March. I want a black one and he told me he didn't think he'd be able to get another one , don't ask me why.

Gotcha

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by The_Head &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm bored tonight guys. Here is a pic of the Rebel I am looking to get.


The local dealer here has a red Ninja coming in March. I want a black one and he told me he didn't think he'd be able to get another one , don't ask me why.</TD></TR></TABLE>

One of my friends used to have a Rebel. I didn't ride it any, but it didn't really seem all that fun to me. I financed my bike, but through a local credit union. $2200 and I paid it off in a year. I wouldn't recomend financing if you can avoid it. How much is your current ride worth when you sell it? You can't save the difference between how much you'll get and how much you're looking to pay?

sup gurl

My mom had a Rebel 250 when I was little, it lasted forever.

I'd still opt for the Ninja, however.

...rohit

have you looked at the buell blast?

Chief Brody

You can "upgrade" to my Aero 125....

ScareyH22A

125cc of terror! College student price!