Well, Someone needs to say it…
First, I need to preface this post by saying — I try my hardest to deliver any news, advice, and information that has to do with the Ninja 250R — Good or Bad — And I try to do it as open minded and objectively as I can, and in return I let y’all respond with the same respect as I don’t moderate comments in any way.
That being said, there is one truth that might upset some people for me saying it — but I haven’t heard it yet — and I think people want to hear it because of the emails I have been getting lately so I’m just going to do it: (Y’all really do email me about some of the craziest stuff… Don’t get me wrong, I love it.. But the emails need to include more pictures of chicks, puppies, chicks with puppies, and fire! )
Here is the jist of about 4 emails I received this weekend with the name “John” used instead:
Dear Mr 2Fiddy,
[… blah blah … ] I went into my dealer this weekend looking at a new bike, should I trade in my 250, or wait? Is $x,xxx for a Ubermoto 10000 a good price? is $x,xxxx a Good price for a trade in? [ … Yadda, Yadda… ]
Thanks,
John
And now, here is my open response to the community:
Dear John,
If you’re thinking about trading in your lil’ Ninja for another bike, Now is the time to do it.xoxo,
Mistah 2Fiddy
There, I said it… You pissed yet? Okay — Fine.. Lemme explain myself.
First, as we all know the 2009 is coming soon. Even then, stocks are not guaranteed and we’ll most likely still see a trickle of bikes come in over the next few months. Waiting lists at most dealers are at 10+ people, and it’s rumored thats some dealers aren’t even taking pre-orders to do the “Highest Bidder” sales approach. [Super Laaaaame…] But, with more bikes does mean more stock available for people and more options available for buyers. And when teh bikes actually start shipping, people will be a little more willing to wait.
With the MSRP going up 500$ you just got a minor equity boost in the bikes value. Because of this boost, dealers are salivating to get in Used 2008’s. Why? Well they only made ~$120 on the actual sale of the bike ( Plus any OTD markups you got pinged on…) in the first place. By getting the bike back they have a chance to sell it again, and up their profits on selling that bike, while at the same time getting another bike out the door. The markup does help separate used bikes from the new ones, You can trade the bike in / sell for more now since the dealers can get more for the bike. (Rumor has it, dealer profit on the bike stays the same on the 09 despite the extra 500$… meaning OTD’s will go up just as much… )
Dealer stocks still contain 07’s and lots of 08’s of ‘other’ bikes… And the 09’s are about to start knocking on their doors… You can practically STEAL these bikes. If you march into a dealer with a Gem like a 250R, and offer to take a back stocked ZX-6R, You have both upper hands in the deal.
That is what it all comes down to. Having the upper hand. Very rarely do consumers have the upper hand in the automotive markets. But think of this way — it’s the same as as trading in a Prius for a Dully Diesel… Something that is so hot dealers can barely get (and very easily resell), for something that dealers have sitting on their lots like Ninja yard gnomes…
Me? I’m keeping mine. Don’t think I haven’t thought about trading it. (I think we all have once…) Heck, I even went by the Kawi dealer this weekend. But, at the end of the day, I love my bike too much to give it up. It’s perfect for me, my skill set, my style, and where I ride. And I love the community… I Mean common, look around.. 2FIDDY is how I roll!
So In conclusion, if you want to get a new bike, there is no better time than now. But, before you take my advice above, you too need to make sure you’re ready. Don’t step out of your comfort zone too quickly if this is your first bike, and don’t get pressured into a larger bike if you are not 120% sure you’re ready… Sure, I’d hate to loose you as a reader, but only because you’re over in the Gixxer forums having a pissing contest, not because your road sushi.
And, as far as prices for your trade in. I don’t know in this case. That is all relative. Value is nothing more than what someone is willing to pay for something, and price is nothing more than what someone is willing to sell something for. You really need to be the judge of that based off of your area and local demand. Try one of the many Kawi forums which will be your best bet for an answer — because I just don’t know in every case.
Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?
Nevar Said,
August 11, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
I agree whole heartedly, now is the time to trade in if your ever going to look at doing so. I think this goes double for Aussies. Here the example of where I live. One Kawi dealer in the State (ACT is a very small state), so they have a monopoly and jacked up the price of the little Ninja by the price it was to change the rego from another state. So all in I paid $7500 AUS (don’t get me started on import taxes). A little too much, sure. But as soon as they sold mine (first show room model), their price went up another $250 the next week. Asked the other week how much I could get for her, $7750 trade in (more with the Ventura Rack attached). Basically they would pay me around $100 (first service was about $150) to have kept it for them. The demand for the bike is that great. They ain’t even selling that many of the little 125’s I have seen (suzuki’s? Oh wait did I just swear?).
Now add to this the possibility of a zx6r update for 2009 (Kawi updates bikes every 2 years from what I can see), and you have a perfect upgrade path and opportunity.
Me however. I am with Mr 2Fiddy, you won’t get me off this bike. Not for a while yet. Still have a lot to learn, and its great for the riding I do. Lastly if its all about just proving to others you can ride with the big boys I suggest saying the following “Want to head out to the twisties?”.
- Nevar
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Kirk Said,
August 11, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
Your point is quite well taken actually. I have given some thought to selling my little Ninja, even though its a great bike I will probably always want something bigger.
However I will be keeping mine because I simply can’t afford the insurance on anything bigger.
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250E Said,
August 11, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
At 5′9″, 130 lbs, my Ninja and I are right where we should be. By this time next year I’ll have modified in time for my new comfort level. It’s perfect.
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Jack Reply:
August 12th, 2008 at 8:18 am
I’ve still got my deposit on an ‘09 and the dealer keeps asking me, “are you sure you don’t want a 600 ? I’ll give you a great deal.” Their showroom was FULL of 600’s and the like. I’m waiting out the 09’s for two reasons: 1) insurance difference between the 250 and 600 in Massachusetts if roughly $700/year, and 2) no desire for a bigger bike even though I’m 6′0″, 210 lbs. However, from strictly a business standpoint, it’s a wise decision to sell your ‘08 250, but if I had one, you’d wouldn’t catch me trading it in…
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Jasen Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 8:40 am
I thought about waiting untill next year to sell my 250R…I would like to keep it just b/c it’s fun and all…but I think I’d get the most bang for my buck if I were to sell it now! I don’t want to wait too long and miss the money train (trust me didn’t get this bike to make money)…but due to the current demand for this bike you could almost break even. Bike has under 2K Mi…Full Yoshi…K&N…Jetted…LEDS…I think someone is waiting on a list somewhere wanting to do everything I’ve already done to my bike and would pay a pretty penny to take it home. Plenty of people tell my how there buddy or girlfriend wants to learn to ride and that my bike would be perfect and to give them a call if I ever sell it…I’m still on the fence. I can handle a bigger bike…only reason I got the 250R was b/c everything was out of my price range or it was a junker. And the 250 was priced perfect…looked good and I saw that they were selling like hot cakes out West. Didn’t want to be bike-less until next year so I grabbed one early and never looked back. I’m gonna hold out a little longer and see what happens with the ’09s…but there might be a For Sale sign on my 250 before next year…
[Reply]
Erik Said,
August 13, 2008 @ 1:37 am
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a candy plasma blue 250 three months ago and I have completely fallen in love with it. I added a two bros slip exhaust, flush mount turn signals, tapeworks rim stripes and a bikelitez fender chop(thanks 2fiddy for the inspiration!). However… I am very tempted to sell now due to the high demand for this bike. At 6′2″ 195lbs. I feel I am almost too big for this bike and probably would be better suited on a 600. I hate to say goodbye to such a gem but I’m thinking about testing the waters… The bike has a little over 1,000 miles on it with the first serving already taken care of…. how much should I ask for it???
[Reply]
Jack Reply:
August 13th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Erik,
Just out of curiosity, what makes you say you are too big for the bike ? Is it a matter of you’ve reached your riding limit and are ready to move up, or is it because you simply want more power/speed ? I keep seeing people say they are ‘too big’ for this bike. It will do 100 mph, so speed shouldn’t be a problem. At less than 40 hp I can see the desire for more power… I’m 2 inches shorter than you and have about 15 pounds on you, so I want to get your feedback…
[Reply]
Erik Said,
August 13, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Jack,
I apologize that I was not clear on what I considered to be too “big” for the bike. The more appropriate word should have been that I am too “long” for the 250. At 6′2″ I have a long torso and a 6″5″ wingspan which makes the riding position uncomfortable for me. I use my 250 for commuting in the city so there is no need for more power/speed in a bike for my riding purposes. I love the agility of the 250 but just wish that there was something I could do to make riding feel more natural. So now I am left with a serious decision… to get a bigger bike that feels more “natural” but lose the swiftness of the 250… or stay with the 250 and remain uncomfortable. Does anyone have any suggestions to my problem??
[Reply]
Bryan Thornhill Reply:
August 14th, 2008 at 1:28 am
I think you need to go with a bigger bike personally. The reality is the 250R is a little smaller machine where I am 6 ft, 185 lbs and I get cramped on it as well from time to time, but I’m a little smaller so I can live with it. I just can’t afford to go with a bigger machine anytime in the near future and that includes the added insurance. Anyways, I think I will keep this bike for a long time even if I get a bigger and faster bike as its such a great value for 3499.
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Bill Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
Eric, Take a look at the dual sports or supermoto’s. The have some nice 250cc choices that have a more comfortable rider triangle for the longer frames. I’m 5′10 and most of them were too tall. They are I think a more versatile choice (except the super slab) in many respects.
[Reply]
DJAZ Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 1:29 am
Well…this is about the most honest article ever.
I quite frankly…would trade the 250r (I call ‘er “blue”) trade blue in an INSTANT for a 2006 650r in Silver. Or a zzr possibly.
I just love the 250r. But I paid a bit more *blushing* than some of you less emotional folk and don’t have the title so it would have to be a direct trade or refinance. Which is no big problem.
Cause I’m not gonna do it.
But I would. (pssst:call me 650r dude…)
[Reply]
Bard Fosse Said,
August 22, 2008 @ 2:32 am
I am getting my 09 next month, yeah I live in Thailand where they’re made so we get them now, I’m looking forward to it.
I am 5′11″ and 200 pouns plus I am now 38 years old, money for a bike is not a real biggie for me either. So why the hell did I go for the 250, I’m heavy have 22 years motorbike experience and money to buy the 1000 if I want to.
My bike history, My first ever bike was a Suzuki 125, nice enough ride for the moment and I liked it. After that I bought the Honda NSR 250, yes the 2 stroke 250, and I loved that bike to death, unfortunately due to the 2 strokes limitations it was great in manouvering, but it was no power whatsoever until 7k and then it was a bit uncontrollable after that. Anyway moved up from there to a Kawasaki 750 Turbo which they made for a limited time. I almost killed myselft on that bike so many times I have no record of it, my best friend got killed when we road raced against eachother. Anyhow I then bought a CBR 600 which in many peoples eyes is a good bike. Well yes and no, I loved the power, but I love twisties, and again the 600 was not the coolest bike to bounce through traffic jams. It all ended pretty crap when one evening I was driving fast on the freeway and a stray dog ran in front of me, nedless to say I ended up with a ruined bike, rebuilt collar bone and numerous fractures. I was lucky to survive it actually…
I borrowed my friends Ninja 250R for a little while when he was on vacation, and it’s my kind of bike. I did not need to look any further, it’s manouverable as it comes, you can bounce through traffic jams as a 125, nice controllable power. I don’t see the need for more speed, i’ve been there done that and almost died doing so, all I want is a fun bike to enjoy on twisties, beat the traffic jam and enough power to get where I want to go. This is all I need, so for all who see Hayabusa suicide drive videos, think long because even though they’re extremely fast they are also extremely easy to die on. Lastly which is my experience with bikes, it is boring as hell to drive a 600 or more slowly than driving a 250 fast. With a Hayabusa you break any speed limit in first gear, so you will eventually drive it fast as you gain confidence, and if you’re lucky loose your license and impounded bike, or jailed or crippled or even dead. So believe me I been on the fast train, I loved it but luckily for me I realized it is to dangerous. And it is just as much fun doing a 250 in the twisties, and let’s face it 100mph is fast enough for road driving…
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