Baught a used 05' 250r 3 ago from ebay. The bike was in perfect condition minus a small cosmetic scuff on the front fender and windshield. I chose a 250 as I was in your situation (never rode on 2 wheels above a bicycle) and wanted to give myself the best learning conditions. I took an MSF/DMV approved class (4 days) and really did my homework. I noticed after that how confident I was getting on my 250 and taking it to the streets. I notice from the class introducing good habbits to me that I practice good habbits without even thinking about it anymore. I am extremely happy with my decision to buy a 250r to learn on safely and build my confidence and skill on a bike. The gas mileage, cornering and low cost made this the perfect bike for me and if you are buying a bike for the same reasons; a commuter to work/school and to have fun on windy roads, the 250 is probably your best bet. If you prefer something that does better on highway driving and has more torque then the 250, but less mileage and less forgiving, than a 250is not for you.

I've been riding only since Monday outside of the neihborhood but it's been a blast and I hear above 9k rpm this bike is another monster which I haven't awoken yet.

 

hey the 250 is a great bike specially if you are starting out, I have ridden bigger bikes before and they honestly scared me of motorcycles for a while, until I got my 250. Which is a blast to ride, it is easy to handle and you can definitely feel a jolt when you accelerate it

 

this may have been the most helpful post ive read on the forum,
glad to see im not the only noob out here.

im not looking to make a bike go ***** to the wall all day long,
i jsut think that the total package of the 250 best suits me..
and if i ever wanna get a little more ballsy,
there are bigger bikes out there.
Thanks alot Jab

 

while contemplating going new or used,
i came across this on craigslist.

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/mcy/365474043.html

it looks like its in good shape and im gonna go see it on friday or saturday.
anyone wanna give me some pointers as to how to get the best possible deal on this?
im looking up prices on nada and kbb now.

edit :
alright, nada says a perfect 2006 is worth $2,415. and a low retail $1,835.
looks like id get a helmet outta the deal. but still feeling pretty good about this.
but since ive never rode before, my haggle ability is a minimum... ANY advice = awesome.

 

I don't think thats an 06 I think it's a 03-04 when did they go to the flame decals?

I have the same dcals on my 04 and i think 06 had the flames on it.

 

Im pretty sure its an '05, but it could be '04 they looked similar. Likely an '05 bought in '06. Its definately not '03 or '06 flames started in '06.

Anyway its worth right around $2000- $2100 depending on mileage, Im figuring under 5K. If its more than 5K then somewhere under $2000.

The helmet is not a value to be added to the cost. Fine if they throw it in but it may be complete crap, sweaty, stinky and you dont know if its been dropped on the ground or not fit right.

Go low on the $ and get a good new helmet that fits correctly and some good gear, pants, boots, gloves and jacket. If it has stock dunflop tires then figure $150-200 for a new set. Even if they arent worn out they start to loose traction after 2 yrs. theyre quite crappy and can ruin a riders confidence.

Youll also want to plan for a valve adjustment unless they can give you a receipt showing it was done at 500 miles and again at 6000 miles if theyre that high.

Its hard negotiating when all you want to do is ride. I do it for a living and Im not very good at when it comes to things I really really want.

Good luck and be patient.

 

man, tires are SO key in bikes,
more so than cars.

i cant imagine how bad those tires must be if you are telling me they an crush confidence.

 

I definitely would not pay the $2700 when you can get a new one for just $300 more. Take mnosbar's advice, I'd say.

 

i hear you,
and i found an older katana as well,
i know its not a kawa, but its still a starting point for me...
(ok everyone, point and laugh at the noob)

 

make them an offer - people list things for what they would LIKE to get for it and expect people to make offers. I got my 95 zx6r for 2100