Im about to obtain my motorcycle license and want to buy a bike. Im wondering if it would be worth the savings to buy the 2008 bike, or If I should just go old school and save money. Would the bike be in the shop and would I end up paying more money anyways or would buying an older bike be benifitial? I like the looks of a new bike, but fear the pricetag and "putting it down".
Opinions are appreciated

 

hi
I think that you better buy the 2008 model...FIrst of all you'll have the guaranty..also it have the latest technology....and it is more beautiful than the older model is.
I either wanna buy the ninja 250r but propably i will buy it in 2010...Anyway..i hope i help you a little.

bye!!

 

Each to their own. I see nothing ugly on the old style, plus there are plenty of parts available just in case. I would save the initial cash on the new version and learn how to ride the older version. Welcome to KF

 

After having both the old school and new 250, I am on the fence about which one to reccomend. I thought my 95 was more comfortable and faster, but I also had it jetted and pod filters installed. The 08+ looks WAAAAY better IMO but at about twice the price of what you can find an old school one for. if you are just about learning and having more comfort, I would save your money and get an odschool 250. the only thing to watch out for are the valves. They have to be adjusted about every 6K miles and the bike will run like crap if not in spec. I think the older 250's are easier to service too. But the good looks of the new 250 almost outweighs all pros of the older one. its really what you want and how much you want to spend. I only got the 2008 because I got it at the beginnig of winter for a steal of a deal that I couldnt pass up.

 

Sweet. Thanks for the quick responses! Ill play my cards this spring and if my wallet allows I think ill go with the 08. If not.. Ive heard nothing bad about the older models.

 

Have you looked at the KLX 250? Street and Dirt!!

 

As a new rider I'd always suggest a used bike. There is the cost against the risk of putting it down, but the two main points are with less worry about the bike you'll ride more confidently, and secondly, on a used bike you won't be running to the dealer to get every little hiccough fixed under warranty, so you'll be encouraged to find your way around the bike.

If you plan to seriously use the bike as a learning bike it's a no brainer - get an older one, then get the bike you really want in about 12 months time. With that experience you'll be much better positioned to decide on the bike you really want as well. There's nothing more annoying than laying down a lot of money and realising after a couple of months that you've bought the wrong bike.

Rob

 

I have rode both. The 08' feels better IMO. The looks of the new design is awesome.
Not very fast, but a very good all round bike. Some stiffer springs and a few easy mods, it's a fun bike that gives riders a safety of not getting in trouble. But remember they with do 180KPH,

 

Real world top speed is about 95 mph. Plenty fast enough. 180 KPH is the result of a very optimistic speedo.

Rob

 

I went with a used 2006 because of the great price and for learning. I don't have to worry about the cosmetics because it is used and hopefully I'll just keep it once I am ready to upgrade. It seems pretty easy to work on and there are plenty of used parts available. Good luck!