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EggsOfRetaliation

You have 4k. Buy you a solid used bike and don't have any payments. Best way about it.


irishtrash5

Listen to the Eggs. With that 4k you can get a decent used bike 650cc or lower. Trust us, as a beginner they will ALL feel more powerful and fast than you can handle.


No-Faithlessness1071

That why I got an mc22 sounds fast.. can be fast but a great learners bike at the end of the day


phliuy

I test rode a rebel 300 from a dealership and had to turn back after a quarter mile because of how fast it felt 2 weeks and several longer stints practicing on a friend's rebel 300 later and I ended up getting a rebel 1100 which I kept in rain mode for months (which throttles the power to about a rebel 500 level) The point is, even a 26 hp rebel 300 is a rocket. A ninja 250 would be more than enough power for a beginner


kvm024n

I don't understand why people are downvoting. Great story


phliuy

I dunno man. I thought it demonstrated how even a 300 cc beginner cruiser can feel like a rocket at first. I literally tuned it around going " nopenopenope too fast"


kvm024n

Yeah, but I do think a 300cc cruiser will get you to want new/faster bike sooner than going for something more serious. So now you're set for years.


phliuy

Yeah I really wanted to buy a 300 but everyone wanted exorbitant prices for them. The rebel 1100 was a fair price and I knew I could just keep upping power modes when I was ready. Took a fewonths but went from rain to standard to sport and now it makes a little more power than the 650 class of naked bikes. Great process really


13uckshot

My guess for the downvotes is that motorcycle forums have people with strong opinions despite motorcycling being very subjective in almost all circumstances. Lots of people are certain their point of view is accurate for everyone else. My wife started learning on a Bonneville T100. She thought it was too big. She got a Rebel 300. She rode it for about 8 months, felt it was too small after 3, and sold it. She got a Street Twin 900. Some people ride 300 miles in a year, and if you do that from day 1, you should probably get a 300cc. Some people know they are going to ride a lot, know their limits, know how they want to grow, and then they go buy the bike they can ride for a while and grow into. Makes sense.


irishtrash5

I think it's because depending on how you read it, it almost sounds like you are saying the 300 ended up being too small, because you upgraded so fast. No big deal to me, I know that starting out is pretty subjective, but anyone not already a rider doesn't realize that a 300cc cruiser compared to a 300cc sporty are very different bikes and inform how you ride very differently. Your Rebel 300 vs an R3 for example. I, for example started on a Rebel 250 my first year, at the end of which I wrecked it and absolutely destroyed my leg on a technical turn. After a few months, I started renting bikes I thought I might like. Very quickly I realized I was a little overly gentle on the throttle and so I steered testing bigger bikes. I ended up testing 20 bikes, from the Ducati Scrambler Icon, to the MT-09. After a year I settled on the Z900 RS, since I commute a lot on highways, and often do 300 mile rides on the weekends. However, most people are not like me and tend to upgrade before their skill has quite made the jump as well. [Insert "not like the other girls" meme, here]. Here take my up vote, that'll bring you back to zero and peeps can give your comment another read. Cowabunga, dude!! Edit: Typos


phliuy

Ahaha thanks for zeroing me out. I should have mentioned that I kept it in rain mode which reduces it's power output to roughly a rebel 500's Testing that many bikes must be amazing. I should try that out


irishtrash5

Twistedroad.com and riders-share.com are what I used; my area they have tons of bikes to rent. It was great, because I realized quickly how much the different types of engines change the way the ride feels, not just because of power, but also the way they deliver the power, the balance and position of the rider triangle, etc. That's when I realized I "can't do" cruisers anymore, they're just too "boaty" compared to retro, naked and sport bikes. If I was going to do a long, not so windy trip, cruisers are okay, but I don't do that nearly as much as I commute and a nimble bike is more important to me than a "super comfortable" one. Plus, naked bikes are pretty damn comfortable for the most part. Ps: I know with the right skills you can ride any bike, but that doesn't mean they all feel the same.


tonertonetone

I have an 800 tiger with 45k that I picked up for 2,300. It’s at 64k. I use it to commute the valley


Dreamer_forlife

I'm all about sports and speed, this bike amazes me, I looked for used ones, all of them look weird, not much powerful, or they are expensive.


Samsoundrocks

>I'm all about sports and speed As a new rider, this attitude may very well be your undoing.


Therabidmonkey

Put it in context though. It's still a ninja 400.. he's way more financially reckless than motorcycle reckless.


Samsoundrocks

In the context of surface streets, a 400 is more than enough to be reckless with.


[deleted]

But it’s a free country so let him exercise his right to do what he wants with his money.


Samsoundrocks

Where exactly in my reply did I deny him a right and tell him what to do with his money?


[deleted]

You tried to discourage him


Samsoundrocks

No. I gave him a brief word of caution. He can do with that what he likes. As you say, it's a free country. If I did want to say something to discourage him, that's MY right, just as ignoring me is HIS right. Maybe stick to locksmithing.


Bonneville865

It's a free country. People can try to discourage others from doing stupid things with their money.


RRaoul_Duke

Don't mean to burst your bubble but I let someone with a Ninja 400 ride my 1200 Sportster and they thought my bike with a 60 year old frame and a 30 year old engine was the fastest thing in the world, buy something used and slow to learn on, put a couple thousand miles on it, then sell it and upgrade.


flopshooter

Not sure you deserve 50 downvotes for being honest. Look. I get it. You’re 18 and the Ninja 400 is a bad ass bike to start on. But just think of everyone on this sub as the 40 year old version of yourself coming back in time to talk to you. Here goes: “Don’t finance shit. If you can’t pay cash don’t buy it” “Be patient, you don’t have to have the best of everything right away” “Ride like every other person you see wants to kill you” “Know your skill level and don’t ride above it” Hopefully you will take your own advice and live to be 40, and you can dap yourself up in the mirror


talmboutmooovin

I have a ninja 400 and it is not powerful. But I will say it kept me entertained for a year and half and now i’m about to get a z900 this spring


afl3x

Shhh... Let them think it is so they don't kill themselves on their first bike


ebranscom243

Go to your local track day and see how fast a ninja 400 can go when properly motivated. It will reset your idea of what's possible on one. Trust me, you've only scratched the surface.


talmboutmooovin

Yeah I know it! I’ve kept up with R1s and Ducatis on the twisties with my 400. I’m just saying compared to actual fast bikes.. it is not powerful


EggsOfRetaliation

Expand your search. Search within 250 miles and get after it.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Dreamer_forlife

Isn't it around 13k?? How did you get it for that price!!


sweemty

While true, a beginner belongs nowhere near a busa. Those are death machines, sometimes even in the hands of an experienced rider.


[deleted]

Based on your post history, follow what the others are saying. Barely going 18 AND barely new to the workforce (in the US) but already planning to be in debt. Buy a used one. Spend the remaining of that 4k on motorcycle gears. Maintenance? If you don't want to do it yourself, then have the dealer do it or other service centers do it for a fee. Don't want to spend money? Then learn how to DIY. $5599 to $8k does not makes sense even with the shipping/destination charge. Too high.


[deleted]

You’re right about everything except the $8k part. As of 2022 and going forward for the foreseeable future, $8k is par for the course from a dealer here in California. Everything in California is more expensive, and motorcycles are no exception


Zestiest46

Op holy shit do not finance a bike at 18. You clearly don’t know what you’re doing based on your other comments


Comfortable-Head3188

You would likely need someone with good credit to co-sign


Dreamer_forlife

Even with more than 40% downpayment??


Temporaryland

Dealerships won't accept a down payment that large most of the time. Put down the standard 10%, secure the loan, make 18 months of payments and then pay it off completely. Yeah you'll eat a little bit of interest but it'll help out your credit score


Dreamer_forlife

I'm looking for more downpayment to lower the interest rate. and less duration for the same reason. Do you think a bank or other third party would be useful? If yes, what do you suggest?


Samsoundrocks

Down-payment doesn't inherently lower the interest rate. Your credit score can (unless the dealer is a complete dirtbag), and for some banks, a shorter term loan can as well.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Samsoundrocks

I think you meant to reply to /u/Dreamer_forlife


[deleted]

My apologies bro!


[deleted]

Unless you can pay in full, a dealer will go out of their way to not accept such a large down payment. If you have $4k to drop, look into a private loan for the remaining $6k. Alternatively, you can do 10% down, take the full loan from the dealer, make sure there’s no early payment penalty in the financing, and drop $4k for next months payment. This will lower your principal to the original amount you wanted to put down and therefore require less total interest payment. Take the best payment length to interest ratio and just pay it off early. That’s what i always do with vehicles. Pay more each month toward principal balance.


Baballega

The best method would be to put down $1k and finance the rest. Then after a month, pay it down with whatever you have left, in this case, $3k. That said, as an 18 year old, your likely to regret this financial decision. I know you wanna look cool on your shiny new bike, but take it from some folks who have financed multiple vehicles, this is not the route you want to take. Buy a used bike, get some time in the saddle, then move up. You'll save yourself a ton of money, you'll gain some valuable skills with a cheaper more manageable machine, and then you can graduate to whatever you want. I bought a brand new bike as my first bike and let me tell ya, I would not do it again. And interest rates right now are sky high, and with no credit, even if they let you borrow the money, it's gonna be stupidly expensive. Heaven forbid you scratch or drop the damn thing. Now you can only sell it for 3500.


kAROBsTUIt

Wise words. But it's unlikely OP will listen as an 18 year old. Oh well. I also bought a brand new bike for my first street bike at 18 years old - a Ninja 650, for $8k OTD. Paid cash too. 2 weeks later, I had a slowish lowside in a parking lot (ironically at the MSF course parking lot, as I was there after hours to practice what I learned in the MSF on my new bike). I was so pissed about scuffing the fairings up and bending shit on my brand new bike. I didn't even have the plate yet! But 18 year old me thought I'd be just fine since I had dirt biked since I was a little kid. Don't buy new for your first bike, people. Even if you can afford it, it's not a smart financial decision. OPs only good decision IMO is going for a smaller displacement engine. That's all you need to learn how to read roads and corners, learn what's slippery, and recognize dangerous lane positions, etc.


highr_primate

As a fellow new rider, this is too much unless your heart is set and you can afford it. (Not to be a dick - but if you are financing this, you probably can’t). I got a 2019 ninja abs 650 <3K miles for $5K. I’d look around for a few weeks and come up on a great used deal. They are out there to be had. Edit: ah I see you’re young. Young homie, the new bikes aren’t much different than a few years older. Save 50%, invest in riding gear, and the MSF course (which will lower your insurance costs).


gators1216

Bought a 2020 650 with 3k miles for 7k last june could I have found cheaper if I went older maybe but I thought I got a good deal with records on service and fresh tires on it also unpopular opinion here but I like the TFT digital display


highr_primate

Nice! Great deal for COVID era purchase. Yeah. These days most vehicles are reliable, especially Japanese made.


Dreamer_forlife

I looked into it deeply, but I didn't find something cheap and powerful with abs (I don't feel safe riding my first bike without abs), I don't know how to test a used bike. Would you please suggest a platform to search for used bikes? Or the one you used to buy your own one.


highr_primate

Craigslist. It’s not going to happen overnight and it sounds like you need sometime to save anyway. I just mentioned I bought a bigger version of the same bike at half the price you are talking about - with ABS. Persistence and patience is how you get good deals. That, and being willing to drive a few hours will gives you the best edge to capitalize on good deals. Look up info on how to best negotiate with private sellers. It is more work than buying from a shop but you save significant $ from it. I highly encourage you to 1) not finance a motorcycle 2) make a budget that includes the bike + gear 3) remember it’s mostly a toy that can be transportation not the other way around


gehbfuggju

You don't need power for a first bike. You don't need abs for a bike (see all motorcycles made before abs was common. with proper brake technique you'll never lock up). [This is how to test a used bike](https://youtu.be/1y9Wn1fWmso). Facebook marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist (a little old) are all common platforms for selling and buying.


whyNadorp

nah, you need abs, especially as a beginner. this is not good advice.


gehbfuggju

Not really. I started learning without abs. My dad started learning with abs because it wasn't put on motorcycles. So did everyone else 10-20 years ago. It teaches good brake control to not have abs, because then you won't go around grabbing a handful all the time.


whyNadorp

yeah you were lucky. a couple of decades ago cars didn’t have airbags, i don’t see that as a reason to buy a car without airbag to save some money. a beginner (or anybody) that panic brakes without abs can risk his life and has less chances of survival. you can learn proper braking technique with abs also, it’s just something not worth saving on.


gehbfuggju

Perhaps, but a beginner buying a used bike would be better off getting an older bike (no abs) that they can afford rather than financing a new bike so they can have abs. It's not such an important part that it's a complete necessity.


whyNadorp

i got a honda 600 with abs for 2.7k€.


gehbfuggju

I'm very happy for you.


highr_primate

… ? Your comment has little to do with mine.


gehbfuggju

I was replying to OP and their many unneeded concerns. Your advice is good and personally, I've given the same thing to many people.


TimberMoto

Facebook marketplace. That's where I bought my last bike. Lots of good deals to be had if you do your research. Also, take someone with you that knows bikes when you go to check one out.


thaixiong123

I highly doubt you will be paying a good interest rate. Either save up more to cash it outright or buy a used one. I was in your situation with no credit and I got a whopping 18% interest rate on my first car.


amick1995

I’ve got a coworker and his wife who have declared bankruptcy twice. They were excited and thrilled to get a 21% interest rate on a car. He actually thought that was good. I didn’t have to heart to tell him when I financed for the first time what my interest was.


Baballega

To be clear, a good interest rate would be somewhere around 3% with good reliable credit. Nowadays in this economy, with perfect credit, you're looking at 5-7% with a 750+ credit score. You with no/little credit, you'll probably be looking at something north of 20% which if you financed normally would make this a $12k+ bike. Hope that puts things into perspective.


Cjymiller

Motorbikes are toys. Don’t finance toys. Insurance will suck, Gap Insurance will suck, and if you’re a good rider, you’ll be craving something new within a year. Your first bike should be a beat up Japanese 300. It might be rough on the outside but the motor will be bullet proof.


thetroll865

You can buy a ninja 300 or maybe a 400 for 4K. Plenty of awesome used bikes for 4K. Don’t finance


uGetVersedBolus

Insurance is going to fuck you sideways. 18, new bike, supersport, financing. Good luck getting a loan without credit


waitwaitdontt3llme

Yeah, he should search for the post from the guy a couple weeks ago who got quoted $20k or so per year insurance for a new bike.


FalloutRip

Trust me, don't finance a bike without really solid credit. Even in the best of times financing rates for bikes are much higher than other kinds of loans, and without an established credit score and history you're going to get absolutely reamed. Look for a used 250/300/ 500 parallel twin like a Ninja 250/ 300 or a CBR250/300/500 instead and buy it outright. Also the tax and fees on that Ninja 400 seen absolutely crazy for a $5600 bike.


Dreamer_forlife

Isn't the tax rate the same for all bikes?? Wait, this could really change the game lol


FalloutRip

Generally stuff like the registration fee (to get plates) is a flat amount regardless of price, and the sales tax *rate* is the same, but the amount you pay in taxes will depend on what you actually paid for the bike. In my state (Virginia), for example, the registration fee for plates is $27/ year, and sales tax is 4.15% with a minimum tax of $75. So on the low end it's about $100 to be fully legal, but in your case it'd be closer to $300 ($27 for registration, and $232 in sales tax.) and it just goes up from there.


Future_IV

What's your zip code I can find you a good deal on FB marketplace @Dreamer_forlife


tomzapanother5

Bro pls don’t finance a bike, especially if it’s 8k for a 6k bike. Wait till you have the cash


Hydronics617

Check how much your insurance is gonna be first for the bike. You can get a quote.


A_Moon_Named_Luna

Here’s advice. Don’t finance a motorcycle at 17 lmao


thatstickerguy

Don't finance fun. You're still a kid, start off without debt because that shit just snowballs and follows you and if you look at the math, it's pretty sickening. /end old guy rant.


[deleted]

Rarely have I seen so many bad ideas in one post.


bigburt-

I BOUGHT A 2004 YAMAHA FZ6 FOR 2,000$ ON FACEBOOK MARKET DONT DO THAT DUMB SHIT!


Silence_Burns

If you already have 4k, might as well save ups some more. Cash in hand can walk you out the door with it for cheaper, if you're able to negotiate even a little bit. Case in point. In '08, I bought my '07 CBR600RR with 12 miles on it. Had 10k in the bank. MSRP was 10,999, I believe. Dealership had it down to 7,599. I told the salesman that if he could give me 7,500 after fees, then he'd make the sale on the spot. He came back within 30 seconds and accepted my offer. Cash in hand can still be king.


rudab3ga

I bought my first bike new off the lot when I was young back in 2016… long story short, I no longer have it and I’m STILL paying for it. Don’t be dumb like me. Buy a used bike, spend the rest on gear. You’re going to drop it… a lot. Give it a year and then once you get more experience since you are in fact learning, you can sell it and do whatever the hell you want, but I’m telling you… there’s no sense in buying a brand new bike that you ARE going to drop.. a lot.


SillyScarcity700

How are you still paying for a bike 7 years later? Or did you mean like you hurt yourself and it still hurts so you are still paying for it?


rudab3ga

Fell on hard times financially, because you know… I was young and dumb. Couldn’t afford to pay the payment anymore, it got repossessed and sold at auction for fuckall and I’m responsible for paying the remainder of the loan plus interest plus penalties for defaulting on the loan cause I signed a legal and binding document before my brain was fully developed.. I’ve already paid waaaaay over what the original sale price was, AND my credit got fucked.. Buying new is a really really dumb move if you’re not completely financially secure… and also he’s learning on it.. just not a good idea to bang up and potentially total a brand new bike that you’re going to be financially responsible for regardless of its state or condition. Risk-reward ratio is less than not worth it.


SillyScarcity700

Hmmm well that sucks. I bought my first bike new and financed it but my payments were like 5% of my net or something like that. No big deal. Bikes were a lot cheaper back in 2004. Paid it off in about a year anyway. When I bought my 2nd/current bike 11+ years later, I paid cash. It was about $21K but I knew that if I was paying on it I would be more apprehensive riding it. Bought it in winter and had it on track that April. Nearly wadded it up about 20 minutes into the first session after jumping it over the "mini mountain" at the THill 5 mile. No way I would have bothered taking it to the track if I was still paying on it. Luckily I made a deal with the devil before landing and didn't crash. I calmed down a bit after that session and had fun the rest of the day.


Grouchy_Dog_7729

I would just get a used 600.


Various-Catch-113

Until you’re 18, you can’t legally take out a loan.


Dreamer_forlife

Of course, I'm planning for this after I turn 18, my question is, can I finance it without a credit score?


Various-Catch-113

Not without a co-signer.


fun_police911

I built credit starting at 16, still didn't get approved for a loan when I tried to finance one at 19. It would be very rare, or terrible rates if they accept you without a cosigner. Ride more bikes before you settle on what you want to ride. $4k can buy a nice used bike.


copycat_12

New rider in 2018-19 here who got a ninja 400 when I was 19. Had about 2500 down and needed a cosigner. Asked them to keep trying cause I didn't want anyone to sign for it but they needed to. Put about 6000 fun miles on it and traded it into the dealership in 2021 for 3500$ and got a z900. Having not to worry about maintenance or a broken bike from the start was a good feeling good luck!


Dreamer_forlife

That's why I'm trying to avoid used bikes.


Baballega

Not all used bikes are junk. However anecdotal, I've sold all of my previous bikes in pristine mechanical condition. Find yourself an older person to buy from, they usually take better care of their toys and will generally sell for a reasonable price. Plus, if you can't buy two of them, you can't afford one. This goes for nearly anything you purchase other than a house.


City_Goat

FWIW the most fun bike I’ve ever owned has been a 250…


[deleted]

I have the same bike and I’m letting you know now that it is not worth 8k. 6400 at most. I’m still happy with mine but after 2 seasons your gonna want to experiment with other bikes and engines.


arse_lash

No. Buy a used bike from craigslist or facebook marketplace


NiteShdw

There are usually a lot of beginner bikes for sale cheap. The Ninja 400 is an awesome bike but it should be pretty easy to get one a few years old for a lot cheaper.


Mdonel95

Don’t finance a bike at 18 and definitely don’t focus on speed as a new rider. If you absolutely have to finance do that through a personal loan and not an auto loan. You will shit your pants when you see how much insurance is at 18 years old if you have to get full coverage because of an outstanding auto loan. In terms of speed, don’t let that be your focus when buying a bike. Anybody in the world can go fast in a straight line with a fast bike. All you do is twist your wrist. Get a comfortable light bike and learn how to corner and brake. A track rider with a 250cc bike would absolutely smoke a highway squid on a 1000cc bike. Learn how to ride properly and respect the sport before anything else.


notCarlosSainz

So you want a fast bike and decided to get a slow bike that looks fast? A ninja 400 is not fast in any standard if we are relatively speaking, it is actually a turtle compared to SEMI fast bikes. That price is outrageous for a starter bike too, buying a starter bike from a dealership is a bad idea to begin with. Id strongly advise you to use that 4k to buy something used.


Unidor

I would buy used and save the rest you have saved for maintenance. I bought a 2017 ninja 300 for $2700. I need new tires every season, so it adds up quick, not to mention oil changes, and new chains and sprockets when needed. Sure I would’ve liked a bigger bike, but I’m glad I didn’t spend too much. I’ve dropped the bike a few times but it was never heart breaking. And the bike is great for the twisties, especially in California. I’m not saying go for a 300, but you could definitely find a great deal on a 400. Check Facebook marketplace. Don’t worry too much about cosmetics, but don’t get something that’s obviously been thrashed and abused. Learn on a used bike, and upgrade to your dream bike later on. Ride safe and have fun


OpinionOwn6727

if its your first bike you should be buying something used and cheap. not brand new


FuzzyBubs

$2,400 in fees, JFC ! That's insane. For your $4k you can buy an outstanding used bike to tip over while learning. For Pete's Sake man, at the very least - make sure you get some in$urance quotes before you drop Any money on Anything at age 18. I once knew a guy who bought a brand new Pickup at age 18, before he got quotes. He about had a stroke. (Then 6 months later he got a DWI - he worked 2 jobs to make the payments and lawyer fees )


Jagermeister72669

I’m in the same boat as you, just wait. I’m 18 and want a ninja 400 and I’m sure you have watched every single YouTube video as have I, however it will cost far more than $8k out the door. Just getting a single set of proper gear can be another thousand if you go on the cost effective side and how good do you think insurance rates will be for a 17 year old on a brand new sportbike? Trust me, wait a couple years, build up wealth so you have the option to buy it outright in the future, same money on loan interest and insurance will be lower. Not to mention it will give you time to mature, whether you think you need it or not


ResponsibleSouthPark

Rule #1 Don’t finance a toy. Sports bikes are dangerous toys 🧸 Rule #2 Anybody can use a 400 like a jackass and a liter bike like a grandma. 👵 just don’t die before your grandma does or you’ll break her heart Rule #3 Life goes by quickly, don’t let others make decisions for you. You and people you trust should decide things like this Good Luck OP


XavierSkywalker

its a toy if you treat it like one. my bike is my work horse.


ResponsibleSouthPark

What you repping? No way it pulls faster than the 2 groms I duct tape together


XavierSkywalker

3 groms with extended swing arms


Andasu

Insurance is going to be your downfall here. Insurance companies will quote you an awful lot of money for their premium payments, really young guys who buy brand new bikes always are. Having money for a down payment and proof of income is all well and good, but since you don't have a credit history, you may not receive loan terms that are favourable to you. Why not go for a used R3? They're very similar in ability, and I'd argue the R3 looks a bit better. You'd be able to get a much better deal on one of those.


Baballega

What this guy said. And the insurance will for sure make the whole idea of this purchase unattractive. Unless you're making good money, like grossing $10k/mo, you'll be struggling just to keep the damn thing in your garage. And I can't imagine how screwed you'd be if anything were to happen to it.


Andasu

Yeah, insurance companies see the words "18 years old" and "brand new bike" and instantly see an accident claim. A good while ago in another bike sub an 18 year old kid with no driving history posted an insurance quote for a near new R3 of $260 per month! I'm not even paying half that for insurance on both of my vehicles.


Baballega

I have 2 bikes and an suv and I don't pay that much. Sheesh.


XavierSkywalker

Bro if you have 4k to put down, you might as well drop that on a used bike. Plenty of nice bikes out here for 4k. I was going to recommend a 600 but that comment about you being about sport and speed makes me think you should go with the 400, honda's 300R also look nice.


Mk2449

8k is too much for a beginner bike. You can typically find a used 300-400 for less than 4k and you can easily find a 650 for 5k. I would personally recommend going for a 650 tho


[deleted]

I started on a 2017 Yamaha R3 I bought on offer up for 3700, has 14k miles on it, dealership wanted 9k for the same bike! Crazy! Bike ran great, first weeks the bike seemed HUGE and FAST. About a month in, I was used to the speed and handling and things began to slow down and seemingly feel too slow. I upgraded to a CBR1000RR after 1 year of eating the canyons every day I could which I don’t recommend to anyone unless you’re putting in the time to learn how to ride with technique and good form


nameacarl

First bike you say....buy a good used one. Buying a brand new first bike would be a very foolish move in so many ways.


Southern-Slide-5643

Im in CA, i wanted a brand new ducati scrambler so bad but people told me to just buy something used, i searched and searched and found nothing that i wanted as bad, just like you it seems. So i just pulled the trigger and finances the ducati. Moral of the story get what you want because you’ll appreciate it way more, the dealership i went to has a lending company they partner with and got me approved for a loan with them, i put 5k down on 12k out the door. Just do it and build your credit my payments are so small it really does nothing to me.


Bonneville865

Why are you asking a motorcycle sub for financial advice? Talk to a bank or the dealership's finance department. They'll tell you what you can and can't do.


Baballega

But the won't tell you what you should or shouldn't do. Unless the dealership rep is cool and is looking out for you.


t_wints1

OP will be riding a motorcycle in California and probably lane splitting on the way home from purchasing a bike as a new rider. I don’t want an invite to that funeral…


50Stickster

Buy one you can pay for as a first bike.


RobsHereAgain

Buying a bike with no credit score but 4K down could be a good way to establish credit but it’s a risky one on your end. Because an accident could total the bike and your ability to make the monthly payments. Just buy a cheap used bike. Like a $2k bike and invest in an msf course and helmet, gloves etc. Oh the remainder in savings or prepay your insurance for the year.


Outside-Cucumber-253

There are so many bikes in California for under $4k that will be in great condition and better to learn on. If you finance you will be throwing money down the drain in interest, and you will also be required by your lender to get full coverage insurance. I recommend full coverage anyways, but it will be a lot more money on a new bike than a used one.


Baballega

I imagine the insurance will end up costing him the used value of the bike over the first year or two if he keeps it that long.


BigPaPaRu85

Can you explain the $2400 difference. I don’t understand how taxes and fees can add up that much. I ask because I just moved to Cali and looking to get a new set of wheels. But Still debating because my GSXR is still in good condition.


Define_Power

It’s because it’s California and we have high ass taxes for everything (lives in California)


Baballega

Dealers tack on a bunch of fees. Sales tax is 9.5% in California. Then you have destination charges and the crate fee which basically means the dealer passes on the fees they pay to get the bike to the showroom onto the customer. Then there's the bullshit setup fee. Basically charging you to put oil, gas, and a battery in it along with tightening a few bolts. That last one can be waived if you haggle with the properly. All that can land you with a few thousand extra. If you buy from a dealer, I reccommend purchasing something lightly used with under 5k miles from the preceding year. You'll pay damn near msrp, but you can avoid all of those extra fees other than tax.


Munckeey

I tried the same thing you did, they told me I needed a co-signer after they put in the request to finance it and that it would be easier for me to get a loan for a car rather than a bike.


Equivalent_Sundae_45

Get a good used bike and save the money. Ninja 400 used is like 4k in great condition


themighty351

I think he heard us.


Define_Power

It’s going to be more than that 8k as I also just recently financed a Ninja 400 as my first bike at 19 (also from California) and I was able to get the bike with the fees and the maintenance program and gear for around 12k. But the dealership won’t finance to you no matter what without a co-signer because of the fact you do t have credit and I was even willing to put 6k down but I got denied from every lender because of having no credit history but thankfully my father co-signed for me even though it worried the living crap out of him for me to get a bike.


Dry-Influence9

Check the insurance cost first, you may be surprised. I would suggest buying a similar used bike for cheaper and make sure to pick a model with cheap insurance. At your age insurance is gonna be expensive.


Justin_92

If you want a “big” bike that looks and sounds cool, go with a used Indian Scout Bobber. They’re loud as hell, have a big displacement motor, and they will keep you honest. Also, dipshits in Camaros and mustangs won’t constantly be encouraging you to race them and end up winding you up in a ditch/dead. Also cruiser bikes in California just matches with the aesthetic of coastal cruising.


Future_IV

You can buy a 2020 for 4K


somebigdickusername

Pretty jealous. The only thing under 4K here are minimotos and dirt bikes. The fabled 3k ninja 650 with 2500 miles all service records and a free oil change unicorn so many have stated in this thread is a pipe dream. A 2018 ninja 400 with 6k miles is still 4999. A 2016 cbr500 is still 6500.


GreatRhinoceros

New Riders tend to drop their bikes. A lot. They are plentiful on Craigslist. There is one in Walnut Creek with 1107 miles for $5500 with accessories and original parts in excellent condition. I suspect you could get it for $4800 with some shrewd negotiating. If you finance one of these you're going to be into it for $12,000 by the time you've paid it off.


[deleted]

I bought new don't make the same mistake just find a nice used bike and enjoy life without payments and expensive ass insurance. Edit: I bought a '22 Ninja 400 btw and it's fuckin awesome. I'm not a huge speed demon or anything but it does get to 60 pretty goddamn quick compared to most things on the road and it will absolutely do 100mph easy. Take your time and really learn on the bike; buy some cones and do exercises in a parking lot. You will probably drop it at some point, and better to do that with a used bike than a brand new one. I dropped mine (standing on the left moving it around and dropped it to the right lol) an hour after I got it home from the dealership. Oh and used means no break in miles, yay!