I'm thinking pretty hard about trading off my current commuter bike, a 1987 BMW K75. I have poured more money and time than I care to remember into this bike to keep it roadworthy. The K has been an awesome performing machine, but the previous owner didn't keep up with the maintenance, and I've played "catch-up" for the last three and a half years. I've literally spent as much maintaining it as I did buying it. ($1,500, fwiw.)
I was recently in a local Kawasaki dealer, and they had two leftover Ninja 250s from 2006 with zero miles. Odd, I know. They were leftover inventory from a dealer that had filed for bankruptcy. There was a slight paint chip on one, and a small tank ding on the other, from transport. Priced at about $2,500. Full warranty will be given on both.
Would you do it? I'm thinking I can get one of these bikes for a song if I trade in the BMW, and have basically a brand new bike that is cheaper to operate. Better gas mileage (by far), cheaper maintenance, cheaper insurance, and local dealer support (nearest BMW dealer is about 80 miles away!)
Philip P: The BMW is mainly used for commuting. Were I touring extensively, I'd keep it. But it's rare for me to put on more than 100 miles in a day. Normally, I put on slightly less than 50 miles per day.
I ride mostly backroads to work-- max speed limit is 55 mph, which is about half the Ninja's claimed top speed (99 mph, according to Kawasaki). Shouldn't be too buzzy.
I'm mostly looking to get a ride that will be cheaper and a lighter while getting better mileage. Something I don't have to wrench on every weekend after I commute all week on it.
And BTW, the BMW saddle actually pains me, to be honest. Previous owner fitted it with a "low" seat, which I didn't need, but I can't force myself to pay $300 or more for a new "high" seat.
I was recently in a local Kawasaki dealer, and they had two leftover Ninja 250s from 2006 with zero miles. Odd, I know. They were leftover inventory from a dealer that had filed for bankruptcy. There was a slight paint chip on one, and a small tank ding on the other, from transport. Priced at about $2,500. Full warranty will be given on both.
Would you do it? I'm thinking I can get one of these bikes for a song if I trade in the BMW, and have basically a brand new bike that is cheaper to operate. Better gas mileage (by far), cheaper maintenance, cheaper insurance, and local dealer support (nearest BMW dealer is about 80 miles away!)
Philip P: The BMW is mainly used for commuting. Were I touring extensively, I'd keep it. But it's rare for me to put on more than 100 miles in a day. Normally, I put on slightly less than 50 miles per day.
I ride mostly backroads to work-- max speed limit is 55 mph, which is about half the Ninja's claimed top speed (99 mph, according to Kawasaki). Shouldn't be too buzzy.
I'm mostly looking to get a ride that will be cheaper and a lighter while getting better mileage. Something I don't have to wrench on every weekend after I commute all week on it.
And BTW, the BMW saddle actually pains me, to be honest. Previous owner fitted it with a "low" seat, which I didn't need, but I can't force myself to pay $300 or more for a new "high" seat.