sport bike for under 4k?

[gtp3800]

alright so I thought I would ask this on here, to get some good info. A buddy of mine is looking to buy a bike, a sport bike, crotch rocket type style. Nothing like a cruiser. He has a 4000 dollar limit. I do not know much about jap bikes so I dont know how much certain ones go for.

any ideas?

 

[captain chaos]

Depends a LOT on your local market.
Around here early fuel injected sportbikes (2000-2003-4ish)can be had for $4g or under. In some places those same bikes can be had for less than $3g's.

Best bang for the buck under $4g's will be a Honda CBR f4i. They look just like a regular "RR" but with a more comfortable seating position. They tend to be a little cheaper than the "RR" as well. The early ones (01-05?) were the best as they had split seats (separate rider/passenger seats) and made a bit more power (the later ones were detuned to further the gap between it and the "RR").

 

[GAXB9R]

I bought a 2006 r6 for 3500. It was an amazing deal not to easy to find that deal. Also bought a 2002 r6 for 3500. That's seems more reasonable to find. Tell him to buy a buell. He will be happier. Especially if he doesn't want to be like everyone else.[cool]

 

[gtp3800]

Especially if he doesn't want to be like everyone else.

I tried, but he wants an i4 for a first bike. Why? I dont know...

what about a ninja 650r? anyone have experiences with these? I found one for 4200 its a 2009. Im asking on his behalf because im in the process of teaching him how to ride.

Best bang for the buck under $4g's will be a Honda CBR f4i

thanks captain! I am looking for those, an r6, or the ninja 650.

 

[DustyXB]

If you guys are in nor cal I've got my Buell for sale. Asking $3000

 

[iman501]

a kid i went to high school with had i f4i, it was a good bike

 

[gtp3800]

Were in the Chicago area dusty, otherwise I would convince him to get it. The f4i looks decent, im not a fan but that's me not him. We found an 09 ninja 650r for 4200 at a Harley dealer. Does that sound right?

 

[GAXB9R]

Just check whichever bike he gets over with a fine tooth com. Not everyone is honest if you know what I mean[smirk]

 

[captain chaos]

I tried, but he wants an i4 for a first bike . Why? I dont know...

That changes everything. Any of the fully faired sportbikes are a TERRIBLE choice for a first bike. Not only do they have twitchy handling, MASSIVE amounts of power and super strong brakes but a simple " My foot slipped and I layed it down" incident could = $1000 in plastics damage. Look for something naked and cheap. An SV650 or the like would be a MUCH better choice. A Ninja 650 is a good choice except for the plastics issue.

 

[firefighter1c57]

I'm confused... He wants a inline four for his first bike, but the bike you two seem most interested in is a twin??

You do realize the Ninja 650R is a twin don't you? They are great bikes. My buddy Mike has one and has over 40,000 miles on it. Easy to maintain, good power, but not inline four power, easy to ride, little more up righted seating position, I wouldn't hesitate to put one under a friend. There's a 08 one In Rolla MO for like 3200

 

[agfish18]

That changes everything. Any of the fully faired sportbikes are a TERRIBLE choice for a first bike. Not only do they have twitchy handling, MASSIVE amounts of power and super strong brakes but a simple " My foot slipped and I layed it down" incident could = $1000 in plastics damage. Look for something naked and cheap. An SV650 or the like would be a MUCH better choice. A Ninja 650 is a good choice except for the plastics issue.

My fiance's first bike was an '05 CBR 600 (a geared one at that) You have to take it easy until you get used to it, but there is nothing wrong with a 600 fully faired bike as a first. it is all about throttle control.

 

[captain chaos]

Remember that when one day when its your kid wanting a bike that will out-accellerate any mass produced car in existance, will run 150+mph, has notoriously twitchy handling and is VERY unforgiving of simple "beginner" mistakes.
Just because you know one person that managed to stay alive while doing it doesn't make it a good idea. There's a TON more than just "throttle control" to learn if you're actually wanting to know how to "ride" a bike.
I'll end my "parental lecture" now.

 

[GAXB9R]

I'll end my "parental lecture" now.

Lol[cool]

 

[Alfatango1]

what about a ninja 650r?

They are good bikes and that's a good price for the year. Easy to drive, more comfy than a 6R for sure.

 

[gtp3800]

he's responsible. he is one of those guys that will get what he wants if he wants it. He told me I4, however, since i prefer a twin, I showed him the ninja 650 and he liked the way it looked. Ill probably go check it out for him. problem is, its at a harley dealer. I plan on giving him very in depth lessons on my 400 honda, that way if he drops it I can care less. a harley dealer has the 650 for 4200 so tomorrow ill stop by there and see if I can get it out the door for 4

 

[captain chaos]

he's responsible. he is one of those guys that will get what he wants if he wants it. He told me I4, however, since i prefer a twin, I showed him the ninja 650 and he liked the way it looked. Ill probably go check it out for him. problem is, its at a harley dealer. I plan on giving him very in depth lessons on my 400 honda, that way if he drops it I can care less. a harley dealer has the 650 for 4200 so tomorrow ill stop by there and see if I can get it out the door for 4

I have a friend like that. He is absolutely dead set that his first bike IS going to be a new Ducati Monster; no amount of reasoning will convince him otherwise. He's gonna cry the first time he misplaces his feet at a stop and lays down that $10k Duc. [sad]

I spent a lot of time on an old as dirt Kawasaki KZ400 before I ever hit the road. It takes a lot of stress off when you learn on a bike you couldn't care less about. Man did I terrorize that bike. LOL Good times......

 

[JRage]

i started on a xb12r now i have a triumph 675r and even with only 3 cylinders its way to much bike for a beginner. im glad i didnt start out on a 600.

 

[gtp3800]

yea captain, he is like that haha. I dont blame him though, when i set my eyes on my xb nothing got in my way. I hope it works out well i could use another rider to ride with.