Can you get a decent motorcycle for $2,500?

Question

I know nothing of motorcycles...but, I'm talking about something along the lines of a Harley Davidson Fatboy.

lol, supafly_fresh....like I said, I know nothing about motorcycles (that's why I'm asking here).

Answer 1

There is a perfect bike for you and its called the Kawasaki Ninja 250.

You can't get one new for that price but you can get a used one. You want to get one that has over 5000 miles or so (in my opinion) and here is why.

When you first get a bike like the Ninja you have to drive it very slow while it breaks in. Then there is some very costly maintenence (but needed) to do during/after the break in period.

You'll see some bikes that are used but they haven't even gone through the break in period and now the person is selling them??? Why??? Well, most likely they can't afford the $500+ or more that has to be spent on doing the maintenence after the break in. So try to find a bike (Unless you don't mind spending the extra money) that has gone through that break in period and the maintence.

I have put two links below. The top one is of a used ninja and the bottom one is the brand new 2008 Ninja but I must warn you, your mouth is going to water for that 2008 but its in the $3000+ range but thats for a new one! It will be easy to find a used one in your price range even if its a 2007.

I own a 2003 and its so dang fun. If you are looking to drive on freeways dont get the ninja 250 but get a 600 cc or more.

The cc is the power of the bike.
250 is good for any kind of street driving even 60+ mph driving but for freeways get a 600 cc bike. They are expensive to get unless you get a Suzuki Katana but those puppies weigh like 400-500 lbs or so. The Ninja is only a 300+ pounder which is pretty light.

Also you can rent the Ninja 250 if you don't mind plunking out $190 - $200 bux to test drive it. I saw online that you can rent bikes from certain rental agencies. Check out the links below and especially the top one. Look at the photos and also read the guys review.

I ended up getting a 250 after reading that and I do not regret it. I have had zero problems with it.

If you are going to get a bike I must tell you some things to look for ok? WIth bikes the tires are a lot more important for your safety than tires on cars per se...

I cannot stress enough the importance of having good tires.
Make sure there is lots of tread left and don't mess around with a bike that has bald tires, just move on and buy a different bike.

Also tires on bikes tend to be more expensive than car tires, I kid you not lol. I also own a mercedes and its more expensive to tune up a bike than it is my mercedes.

It's more expensive to get the oil changed on a bike than it is a car.

All that being said, for your first bike you will not regret a Ninja 250. Its cheap to maintain and very very very very VERY good on gas.

Ok bottom 2 links. Top one is the review of the 250 Ninja and the bottom link below it is the mouth watering pic of the 2008 ninja 250.

Answer 2

Well, any Harley you find there is going to be a basket case, but that's the typical going rate for a smaller Japanese cruiser with a couple years of use. Look for something in the 250 class; you've got a pretty good chance of finding a Honda Rebel, Yamaha Virago, or similar in good shape on your budget. Especially since winter is coming, and motorcycles are cheapest then.

Answer 3

$2,500 can get you a pretty decent USED motorcycle of known quality, and the mid-range engine sizes. Any new motorcycles at that price range are going to be of questionable quality.

If a motor scooter is something you would consider, $2,500 will get you a very good quality NEW scooter in the 250cc-300cc engine sizes, these would be Taiwan or S. Korean made, rival the Japanese marks as to quality and nothing on the order of the stuff out of Communist China. Specific makes would include, Kymco, SYM, TGB, Daelim, Hyosung, and a few others.

Enjoy the ride!

Answer 4

$2500 will buy you an late model... Honda 250 Rebel, or a Suzuki 250, or a Yamaha 250 Virago. All good 4 stroke dependable beginner bikes.. If you learn to ride one of these then when you have more $$$ you can move up to a 650-1100 metric or a 2004 or newer Sportster, or softail, if you like Harleys.

Answer 5

You can't get a good used Harley for $2500, no. Sorry. Around here, used Harleys start at $4000, and good used ones at $5000.

You can get a decent used Kawasaki Ninja 500 for $2500.

Answer 6

This is a trick question! The words "Decent" and "Harley" have no business being in the same sentence. Everybody knows there's nothing decent about Harleys.

You can get a decent bike for $2,500, but only in your dreams could you get a Harley for that much.

Answer 7

I just recently purchased my 2000 Honda Shadow 750cc that had less than 1000 miles on it for $2500. You probably can't find deals like that at local dealers though. Shop around

Answer 8

You can find a decent used Japanese cycle for that.
You won't find even a basket-case Harley for that.

Answer 9

Hmm dirtbike,enduro,or streetbike??? my guess is your talking bout a streetbike..if so ya you can..i got a prestine condition honda shadow 600cc for $1200.00..i love that bike :) good luck and happy riding