CBR125 or a beater

[Tweak2010]

definately the 125 cbr is the way to go then at least your always guarenteed to ride for the cost you bought it for..>GUARANTEED is a big word for me lol

[Shawn]

I suppose you want to stick around 2000.  You can buy an 03 Suzuki GS500 for around 3500..  Then at least you can get out on the highway for a short trip somewhere.. 

[Gosha]

I suppose you want to stick around 2000.  You can buy an 03 Suzuki GS500 for around 3500..  Then at least you can get out on the highway for a short trip somewhere.. 

Oh yeah!  That's a great bike, was one of my first, easy to ride, low seat and very forgiving!  and if you don't get the F one don't have to worry about damaging the fairings, that's always a plus.

[Cloud]

http://www.sasksportbike.com/forum/index.php/topic,19592.0.html

[aveldina]

I learned on a CBR 125R and am just starting to look to upgrade this year. Wanted to upgrade last year but the funding just isn't there... yet. I'm so glad I started on the 125, I didn't have friends that rode (yet... they do now lol) and had almost no experience. I was really intimidated by the bigger bikes, the weight is an issue for someone my height/strength. Now my 125R has well over 4000km on it and I'm checking out bikes I'm interested in moving up to with confidence. Both my sister and my boyfriend's brother are talking about learning so I'm sure my 125R will happily find a new owner. Plus it's a great bike for just riding to/from work, cheap to plate and even cheaper to run.

Though I'm still dealing with the seat height issue lol, I seem to have discovered that something like a monster might be my ideal bike.

The 125Rs really do suck on the highway though, be warned. I've taken mine on 3 hour trips and it just isn't fun fighting to keep the bike up to speed. That said, I wouldn't have gone with a bigger, heavier bike given the choice. It was just great to learn on something so light and affordable.

[Smugly]

I  would buy the CBR 125, Have her take the motorcycle safety course and PSRA is having a track school May 1st. She should attend that and be part of the women's invitational bike race this year. I want to break last years record.

[antichrysler]

Is there a reason you haven't considered a Ninja 250?  I mean I know they're Kawi and carbed.... but I mean it seems to be the perfect mix of something between the 125 and a beater.  You might even get a couple seasons out of it.

[Smugly]

Is there a reason you haven't considered a Ninja 250?  I mean I know they're Kawi and carbed.... but I mean it seems to be the perfect mix of something between the 125 and a beater.  You might even get a couple seasons out of it.

  the 250 is another great starter bike

[minner]

  the 250 is another great starter bike

It's not just a great starter but a great bike period.  Not everyone needs to accelerate 0-60 in 3-4 seconds and have a top speed of 250km/h+.  0-60 in 6-7 seconds and 160km/h is more than enough.  You also get 1/3 of the insurance costs.  I just happen to know of one for sale...

[BuellThumper]

Is there a reason you haven't considered a Ninja 250?  I mean I know they're Kawi and carbed.... but I mean it seems to be the perfect mix of something between the 125 and a beater.  You might even get a couple seasons out of it.

They're a nice little bike, but I've never considered them a good value for the money. New they run close to 6 grand and a 2 year old unit will set you back $4500+.

It's just a little too much money for a 250 in my opinion. Why anyone would pay $4500 for a 2-3 year old 250 when a 3-4 year old SV650 will cost you $5000 is beyond me.

[cowboyrt]

They're a nice little bike, but I've never considered them a good value for the money. New they run close to 6 grand and a 2 year old unit will set you back $4500+.

It's just a little too much money for a 250 in my opinion. Why anyone would pay $4500 for a 2-3 year old 250 when a 3-4 year old SV650 will cost you $5000 is beyond me.

I've always thought that - to me - the 250 is 1500 to 2000 over priced.  Money wise - I think the 125 is fair.  After that - I'd be looking for a 500.  I  don't mean I don't like the 250 - I really do - but for an extra grand  - 500 for me. (PERSONAL OPINION)

[antichrysler]

They're a nice little bike, but I've never considered them a good value for the money. New they run close to 6 grand and a 2 year old unit will set you back $4500+.

It's just a little too much money for a 250 in my opinion. Why anyone would pay $4500 for a 2-3 year old 250 when a 3-4 year old SV650 will cost you $5000 is beyond me.

Well it takes some looking around.  I think I had seen a 2008 or 2009 for $3600.  Last year I was actually on the fence about buying a 2008 Ninja 250 for $3200 that was in good shape, I just couldn't bring myself to buy something with a carb.  There's some people that think they're worth $4500, but I think if you shop around you can get it for the $3200-$3500 range.  Keep in mind too they hold their value very well, so even if your investment up front is higher you will recoop most of that money easily when you go to sell.

Just as an example:
http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/11096178

[GMCdriver]

They're a nice little bike, but I've never considered them a good value for the money. New they run close to 6 grand and a 2 year old unit will set you back $4500+.

It's just a little too much money for a 250 in my opinion. Why anyone would pay $4500 for a 2-3 year old 250 when a 3-4 year old SV650 will cost you $5000 is beyond me.

Insurance comes in as a factor for some people, It's about $1000/year more to insure a GS500, Ninja500 or an SV650 then it is to insure a Ninja250.
I'd love to add a second bike to the garage for city duty and keep my Bandit strictly for touring but I can't choke down the extra insurance cost, if I did pick up a second/city bike it would have to be under 400cc.

[BuellThumper]

Well, I settled on the CBR125 and found a too good to be true used unit.

Paid $2500 for a 2008 with 100km on it and full warranty until next April. First owner picked it up, decided it was too small for him and put it up for sale five days later saving me about $800 on a literally brand new bike.

I'll give a review of the little thing once I've had some time to take it for a bit of a rip. From the short ride I did have on it you pretty much have to ring its tiny little neck to get it moving and keep it moving, but it should be ideal for my girlfriends meager needs at the moment.

[Cloud]

Well, I settled on the CBR125 and found a too good to be true used unit.

Paid $2500 for a 2008 with 100km on it and full warranty until next April. First owner picked it up, decided it was too small for him and put it up for sale five days later saving me about $800 on a literally brand new bike.

I'll give a review of the little thing once I've had some time to take it for a bit of a rip. From the short ride I did have on it you pretty much have to ring its tiny little neck to get it moving and keep it moving, but it should be ideal for my girlfriends meager needs at the moment.

Too bad you missed out on the CBR 125 I had for sale. Maybe the guy I sold it to is selling it to you now. 

Congrats on the bike purchase glad you finally found something that works for you.