It would be my first bike. I know, I know.. everyone says DO NOT buy new for your first bike. But I haven't found anything used in my area (northern CT) that fits my price range. Also, I am beginning a new job pretty soon, and won't have a lot of cash on hand at the start of the summer, which is why I was looking for new so that I could finance. The 250 is, of course, regarded as the best beginner sport bike. I'm not looking for anything crazy fast, just something fun that I can cruise around town with. Also, I imagine the new 250s will hold value quite well, and since I am planning to move out west in about two years (after completion of my master's degree) I figured if I got a 250 it would serve me well as a learning bike for two years and then I could get a decent return on it before heading out west (where I would hopefully upgrade to something like a 600 or 650 and enjoy the year-long riding seasons).

A concern I do have is that currently I live with my parents (I'm 21 still in school) in their condo, which does not have a garage. So the bike would be outside all of the time (covered, locked, chained). I imagine this can't be great for the bike's exterior even if it is covered whenever I'm not on it, but I have no experience as far as bikes go. I do have friends that ride that have garages that I would most likely be able to store the bike in for the winters. Failing that I could always buy one of those little storage units to house it when it starts to snow.

So, am I being an idiot, or is this a reasonably well-formulated thought process?

 

You may feel the need to upgrade to a faster bike sooner or later, but the 250R is a very good bike all around. Just be careful when starting out.

 

i say go for it! i just bought me a blue 08 ninja 250 and couldn't be happier. its great on gas and very fun to ride. plus it wont get u into too much trouble if u make a mistake. i've gad it for three weeks and cant stay off of it. just had its first service done at the dealer, so i am almost done with the break in period. good luck on what ever u decide.[sm=signs003.gif]

 

Go For it, but you should save the cash and pay for it at once, with the accumulated interest the loan for even a $3500 bike can grow to even $5000

also have you considered the "Classic" 250r it is not as cool but it is a proven ride that can be gotten for a cheaper amount of cash.

 

I can't stand the look of the old 250Rs... I know looks aren't everything but if I'm riding a sportbike I want it to feel like a sportbike, ya know?

And as for the cash.. I wouldn't have the full amount until July.. and well, I'm very impatient.

My other option of course, is to find a used bike and get a loan to pay for it. I found a YZF600R and I made an offer on it, but the guy has not e-mailed me back. A 600 is a little much to start with, but I fear that the 250 won't keep me happy in terms of power.

A 500 would really be great, but again, I can't stand the look of the ninja 500, and GS500F's are hard to come by around here.

 

power is all in how you use it, if you want straight line power than a 250 is not enough for you, but a machine that is powerful in skill and agility is something else.

 

and it sips the gas - i want to add an 08 250 to my stable

 

Yep I ride about 150 miles a week and it cost me around $8 to fill her up at the current prices....

 

My favorite part of riding is in fact the twisties.. but there are a lot of straight roads around here that might be fun to open up on.

 

no garage? watch it dude those new 250 are so nice thieves would not hesitate make sure you get a good insurance for it.