So I’m thinking it’s about time to buy my first motorcycle. I’ve found one I like, a Kawasaki EX 500 Ninja, used, $3400 out the door. I wish I could find one a little cheaper, but I don’t have the cash on hand to do a straight cash purchase off of Craigslist and I’m a little wary of that place, anyway. Frankly, it’d be easy to fool me into thinking I was getting a steal - I don’t know enough about motorcycles to know if I’m getting a dud or not, and I don’t have any friends who own one that I could bring along with me.
Anyway, I obviously need a helmet. I want this one:
Now, my question is this: I can measure my head, no problem, but is it absolutely stupid to buy a helmet without first trying it on? This just seems like a bad idea, buying it off the web, but the price is way, way better on the net.
Fitting a motorcycle helmet is like fitting ski boots. If the fit is not right, sure it will work, but you will be miserable and your performance will be impeded.
What I’d recommend is to go to your local motorcycle shop and try on different helmets to get the right size and brand. Your size in one brand will fit differently in another brand.
As far as the bike, personally I wouldn’t get anything under 600cc.
Also, as a new rider, go and take the motorcycle riders course offered in your area. It will help you develop good habits and teach you things about riding that might save your life down the road.
Just off the top of my head, with no real recent research to back it up, this sounds waaaay too much for that bike, especially in this economy. I’ve been out of the business for a while, so I could be wrong. Its not a bad first bike, but I would think you should be paying around $1k for one of those.
Thanks for the responses, guys. I’m very appreciative of your expertise.
Gatopescado, I wish I could find one for $1000. I’d take a 250 instead of a 500 if I could find it for $1000, actually. Maybe I’m just looking in the wrong places - there’s a large used dealer near me, and I’ve also looked on Craigslist, Cycle Trader, and eBay Motors. Is there another source you can think of that I could look at?
In 1994 a new EX500 had an MSRP of $4,399, so $3,400 sounds a little high. FWIW my Yamaha XJ600 was $3,500 when I got it new. Granted, it’s not a sportbike; but according to one article I read the EX500 had a top speed of 118 mph. I cruised on my old 600 at 120. Got it up to 125 before a high-speed shimmy set in and scared the hell out of me. Actually, it’s more comfortable at 70 mph. (Poor thing never gets ridden, now that I have an R1.)
A half-dozen years ago when I was still in L.A. bikes were reasonably priced. They seem more expensive up here in Washington. I’m guessing that that’s because L.A. is more amenable to year-round riding, so there are more bikes available. Something similar might be happening in Georgia. Maybe they’d be cheaper in Florida?
What year is the bike, and how many miles are on it? The EX500 is a good starter bike, but the price is a bit ridiculous.
What do you intend to use the bike for? Commuting, pleasure riding, touring? Is Atlanta traffic as horrible as I’ve heard?
Don’t skimp on gear! A helmet is not enough, you need a quality jacket, probably a textile jacket with armor inserts for riding in the Georgia heat, and boots that go over the ankle. Ideally you should wear riding pants as well, denim is very poor protection from abrasion, which you will get if you have a get-off at street speeds.
Finally, and most importantly, take the MSF RiderCourse. Check out Motorcycle Safety Program - Registration for information. What you learn here just might save your life someday. You ride their bikes (250cc Honda Nighthawks or EX250 Ninjas, usually), they will even provide a helmet.
Here’s a couple of options from Craigslist… You definitely do NOT want to finance your first bike, for a couple of reasons. One is that you may have to carry full insurance which will be sky high for a new rider, the other is that if there’s a problem, you’re still paying for the thing… Check these out:
And here I was thinking I was getting a good deal. It’s a 2004 EX500 with 5200 miles on it, listed at $2980 and out-the-door at $3400. The place that I was looking at getting it from has other EX500s listed closer to $3700, but this one was marked down because of some slight cosmetic damage.
Honestly, I kinda want a EX250. It’s smaller, yeah, and I’m a bigger guy (6’1" 235), but the max speed of the 250 is like 105, isn’t it? Where the heck am I going to go over 75 or 80? I live in Atlanta, fer cryin out loud.
Atlanta traffic is bad, but I’m self-employed and work from home so literally none of my driving time is spent in peak hours. And I don’t have a commute - basically, I’ve just always always always wanted a motorcycle and would just be scooting around town. I want a man-toy.
As far as gear, I was looking at this jacket:
And a pair of boots and jeans with kevlar lining at a nearby (different) brick and mortar shop.
Thanks for pulling up those Craigslist listings! I’ll have a look at them and make calls today.
I disagree. A sport bike at 500cc is plenty for a beginner. Maybe too much. They hold their resale well so if in couple years you want bigger, switch up and you won’t loose much on the deal (if you’re not ripped off at the beginning).
I highly, highly, recommend the MSF course as a learning tool. It’s worth every penny and most states accept the certificate from it as proof of passing your rider’s exam. You get your “M” endorsement by just walking in and giving them the proof of passing the class (and paying $3 in my case).
I also saved a bit on my insurance for passing this class.
Since you’re looking at a Kawasaki. I’d invite you over to these boards for advice. They’re a great group of folks and very knowledgeable.
I don’t really think you’d want an EX250. One of my exes had one and I felt a bit too big. Yes it did have the power to get me up there, but it was just too small. I’m basically your size so I’m sure you’d have the same experience. The problem is not the top speed, it’s getting up to speed and not being shaken to death. Though the EX250 will not have that much of a problem. I don’t think a 500 is too much. I don’t know what they sell for though as I don’t keep up with prices.
Glad to know your looking for good gear right out of the gates. I’d also look for either the Idiots Guide to Motorcycles, if it’s still in print, or Proficient Motorcycling buy David Hough. Both will give you a lot of good information.