by "benjrblant" (benjblant)
Published 03/13/2017 at 10:30
by "benjrblant" (benjblant)
Published 03/13/2017 at 10:30
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STARS: 1
The extent of my moto knowledge is that I once owned a ‘81 Yamaha IT175 in glorious Sky blue and Safety Yellow. The power curve looked like a plateau- nothing until a few thousand rpms, and then everything unleashed instantly like a bag of angry rabid dumpster cats. I’ve ridden a Honda Cub90, which was wicked fun for a 1968 scooter, even if it had an automatic clutch.
The Land Cruiser is great, but there are times when 5,000lbs of 90's SUV isn’t needed, and the amount of fuel spent shunting that mass about is quite extensive.
Considering that this would be primarily for commuting and getting around town with minimal/no highway use, I’m not really interested in going fast.
First and foremost, it needs to make financial sense. I’m estimating $275 for an MSF course , $800ish in helmet/jacket/gloves and riding gear, and $40-50ish/mo in insurance. New Groms are right around my ideal budget for a new machine (kinda tight), maintenance should be pretty minimal. Used ones seem to retain a reasonable amount of value (per going CL posts) so unless it’s totaled, it should be possible to sell for minimal loss.
What am I missing or overlooking? What do you need to know? Tell me something.
"runnersp, formerly known as t_s" (runnersp)
03/13/2017 at 10:35, STARS: 1
I think it all depends on what you want to get out of the experience. The Grom is a fantastic little thing, but it’s very much a one trick pony. Any attempts to venture further afield with it will be quite boring and potentially quite uncomfortable. I would take a look at any of the neophyte-friendly offerings in the 300cc area on offer, simply because they may open more possibilities.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
03/13/2017 at 10:44, STARS: 0
I’ve been down this line of thinking before. I just can’t get onboard with a bike after seeing the people on my morning commute. wish I could, I would love a WR250 or an XR650 or something like that. I would LOVE one, but I just can’t justify the risk/reward where I live.
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/13/2017 at 10:49, STARS: 4
what you are missing is that the grom really isnt a usable street bike.
look, I love groms. I teach with them. but they really are DANGEROUSLY slow for a street bike. that ‘74 mph’ tops speed? realistically, its more like 50.
much rather look into a used 250-500cc machine then that for commuting.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 10:49, STARS: 0
Fortunately, when I opt to take the highway to work, its only for a single exit. There are numerous sidestreets and non-highway routes for my A-B so I’d feel more comfortable getting/adjusting to a two-wheeled machine.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 0
Another consideration was a CB/CL 350, but those are pushing 40-50 years now. If It pans out, I’d imagine that resale value on the Grom would make it somewhat easier to sell and move up.
"runnersp, formerly known as t_s" (runnersp)
03/13/2017 at 10:53, STARS: 0
Old bikes are awful. I’m sorry but they just are, they’re slow, smelly and they often don’t stop. I went through an old bike phase and I’m delighted to have come out of it relatively unscathed. Don’t get me wrong about the Grom, I think it’s fantastic!
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 0
I’ve read that the top speed is closer to 55mph depending on rider. I’m not sure that I’d ever need to take it on a road with a speed limit over 45mph. Having said this, I’m sure I just jinxed it.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 10:55, STARS: 0
So... Think of the Grom as a scooter that needs a license? Would you advise it as a starter bike? What’s the reason for teaching with them?
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 10:55, STARS: 0
Carburetors also don’t do well at 5000-6000ft elevation. Any other recommendations?
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/13/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 3
yea, at 45 there isnt enough ‘go’ to be safe.
on a bike, you #1 safety item is your ability to GTFO if a situation arises. at 45, shes already pretty well out of puff. and with how nuts ppl can be these days...I wouldnt commute on it. Futzing around the neighboorhood though? loads of fun.
honestly, id look at a DRZ-400SM or a WR250. dual sport bikes. just enough for city riding/getting on the freeway, they hold their value relatively well, reliable enough, and you can take it off-raoding with the LC with a hitch carrier.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 0
All excellent points I hadn’t considered. This is exactly the kind of info I was hoping to hear. Thanks for your input!
"Tripper" (tripe46)
03/13/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 1
Owner of a 15' Grom. I used it for putting around on the weekends and to commute to work on nice days. It’s super fun, but I’d try and find one used if you can. I bought new and it was around 4k out the door. It’s super fun on tight twisty roads, I have no trouble hitting 60mph and have had it all the way up to 70...down a big hill. I literally laugh to myself while I’m riding it sometimes, it’s so fun.
That said if you ever have to get on a highway or wide road with long straights and sweeping turns, it feels and is sooo slow. Double that slowness if there are frequent elevation changes.
I had it for a season and a half before I was ready for more bike. There is not enough power to get you out of a situation where a driver turns into you etc... I was thinking KTM 390/690, Husqvarna 701...
However a close friend was killed on his motorcycle on his way to work back in September and I’ve almost totally lost it for on road riding, definitely commuting.
If I did it over again, I would have gone with a “full size” bike right off the bat. It’s nice to be able to ride the Grom right into my basement, but it’s not a great “only” bike.
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/13/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 2
basicly yes. we teach with them because they are low powered and light weight, and pretty friendly too. helps dispele the notion that all bikes are 200MPH crotch rockets or 1000lb cruisers.
if its your first bike, my go-to is 500cc and under, and LESS then 10 years old. if keeps you out of anything really fast, but still reliable enough, usually not too beaten up, and has Fuel injection. if you can find something with ABS, even better
"DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By" (ducst3-red-1liter-standing-by)
03/13/2017 at 11:03, STARS: 4
I agree with Mr. Black, the grom is hilariously fun, but to slow to really be safe on public roads. You can grab a used 250 sport bike on CL all day long for ~3k in nice shape, they at least have enough punch to get out of the way at town speeds.
Good on you though for budgeting for gear and the safety course, two thing that are almost always forgotten by people looking into bikes.
A couple other things to consider, registration fee’s can vary dramatically by state, in WY my bike was $25 a year, while in CA it is well over $100 per year. And, be sure to consider the cost of maintenance. I am lucky to get 5-7k out of a set of tires, and chains need cleaned every 500 miles, but obviously this varies based on the bike.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 11:08, STARS: 1
Good on you though for budgeting for gear and the safety course, two thing that are almost always forgotten by people looking into bikes.
I have interest in taking risks. I have greater interests in mitigating those risks as much as possible. If I’m going to take said risk, it will be because I’ve done everything I reasonably can do season the outcome in my favor.
"runnersp, formerly known as t_s" (runnersp)
03/13/2017 at 11:08, STARS: 1
The only recommendation I can honestly give you is to get out there and test some bikes. You never know what might end up working for you. I swore I’d never get a BMW GS, one test ride later and the money was on the table.
"Nonster" (noahnic)
03/13/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 3
Motorcycling isn’t for everyone so I only encourage people up to a point. Take the class and see if it clicks. Some people just aren’t comfortable being that exposed around traffic and thats fine. I commute on my bike nearly every day that the weather isn’t completely shitty (aka warmer than 40 F and not really heavy rain) and I love it. The second I hop on my bike at the end of a shitty day at work all the stress just melts away.
I know its different in some states, but the MSF course here in Ohio is only $50. Also, insurance for my SV650 is only about $300 per year and I don’t exactly have a squeaky clean record. I don’t know your specifics but those numbers just struck me as being high.
"Monkey B" (monkeyb)
03/13/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 0
another thing to consider is people don’t see you on regular sized motorcycles, smaller doesn’t help.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 11:15, STARS: 0
Basic RiderCourse seems to be around $260 for the Denver area. First time rider with no previous years of “M” license endorsement probably means that insurance would be a bit higher, plus owning outright vs financing would also affect insurance bottom line.
Definitely planning on taking a course and getting some time in before pursuing the thought any further. Thanks!
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 11:16, STARS: 0
Hence the obnoxious chartreuse Grom and not the nicer looking matte black one.
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
03/13/2017 at 11:19, STARS: 0
Glad you seem aware of safety and taking the MSF and getting gear. I dig Groms (thinking of getting one for 2nd bike), but as others have pointed out, for getting around freeways they might be too small.
You can find great used bikes for under $3k - 250's are good but I’d get a 650. Can’t go wrong with an SV650, Ninja 650, or the Yamaha FZ-07. And insurance is still cheap on those.
For gear at great prices, check out
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/
You can pick up good gear for cheap there, just look at the closeouts.
"Monkey B" (monkeyb)
03/13/2017 at 11:19, STARS: 0
I’ve seen used 250cc Ninja’s with ABS under 5 years old with low miles selling for $2-3k. That’s not bad, and generally they hold the same value for the normal term of ownership of 1-2 years.
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/13/2017 at 11:21, STARS: 1
a older rider once told me: there is a difference between doing something dangerous, and doing something dangerous recklessly.
"Justin Hughes" (justinhughes54)
03/13/2017 at 11:21, STARS: 0
Also, dual sports can take a beating, including multiple drops with little or no damage. If I was starting my motorcycling career over again I’d probably go that route myself. As it is, I had a long series of early 80s UJMs. Those were good, too - enough power but not too much, and built like tanks. But they can be tricky to maintain, and they aren’t getting any younger, either. Plus they’re carbureted. Fuel injection is so much simpler if you can get it (says me who has never owned a fuel injected bike).
"DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By" (ducst3-red-1liter-standing-by)
03/13/2017 at 11:41, STARS: 0
That is very eloquently put!
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/13/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 0
300cc. the 250s never got ABS. hell, they didnt get fuel injection
"RutRut" (RDR)
03/13/2017 at 12:09, STARS: 0
Make sure a bike fits your lifestyle/use. I just had this conversation with a friend who rides, I would like a bike but it is totally useless for me because:
1. I take boxes to and from work about once a week; 2. I take customers out to lunch about 3 days per week.; 3. Most weekends are spend heading to my camper with wife and dog and the 14 bags each needs for 2 nights away; 4. Michigan weather really limits the season; 5. My commute if I ignored 1 and 2 would still be terrible.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 12:11, STARS: 0
Noted. This would be a second vehicle, primarily for getting to/from work and running errands that require minimal cargo. Looking for something that’s the opposite end of the spectrum from our current giant and guzzling SUV.
"sn4cktimes" (snacktimes)
03/13/2017 at 12:45, STARS: 0
One angle to consider is this: it’s a motorcycle, it doesn’t have to serve a purpose. They’re fun! You can have one for that reason alone. If you want something small, and not super fast you could also look at a Honda Ruckus. Same company, same low ride height, cheaper and hugely customizable. You could skip the bike course (although never a bad idea), I’d say buy the same gear, and insurance should be cheaper.
Stock:
Had some work done...
As a side-note: I’ve got two bikes, a Korean made 250 and a Husky fe350s. I changed the oil on the 250 last year and never rode it. The Husky isn’t more practical, and is worse on gas. It’s just more fun to ride because of the type of bike, not specifically its higher power. Side-side-note: the Husky does have over double the power and about half the weight which doesn’t hurt its fun factor any.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 12:54, STARS: 0
One angle to consider is this: it’s a motorcycle, it doesn’t have to serve a purpose.
False. This one does. I can’t justify the expense for a “toy” especially when there are numerous other excellent homes for that kind of money. If it doesn’t make sense and if its not cost effective (i.e. breaking even or saving money) then it’s not worthwhile right now.
I find the Ruckus cool, even if I don’t understand why people sink 2x its cost into stretching it and doing other things to it. But as a scooter, it’s still limited to 30 or whatever mphs so even fewer roads are suitable and it’s got even less power with 49ccs. It still needs a title and insurance. So the cost is quite similar to a full size motorcycle. Grom is only $500 more and is more practical in my mind.
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
03/13/2017 at 13:50, STARS: 1
Add another vote to “don’t get a grom, get a real moto”... Seriously. For what people are paying for (used) groms.. good god.. go find you a beater honda 250 enduro for a third the cost...
And regarding gear— there’s a lot of ways to get it much cheaper... I rock $400 leather racing pants (that had been worn maybe twice) that I found on craiglist for $30 bucks and a $300 armored jacket that was $40 on CL. The helmet you’d want new though...
And insurance is CHEAP. My bike with a ducati 900cc motor is $9/month.....
But most of all, don’t get a grom... ain’t no groms on the switzerland trail.........
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/13/2017 at 14:45, STARS: 0
“My bike with a ducati 900cc motor is $9/month.....”
I hate you americans so fucking much for this shit...
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
03/13/2017 at 15:41, STARS: 0
Yeah.. but you got healthcare..........................................
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
03/13/2017 at 15:41, STARS: 0
Yeah.. but you got healthcare..........................................
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/13/2017 at 15:45, STARS: 0
double post :)
yes we have health care....that doesn’t give my insurance company the right to try and charge me $500 a month for an SV650. (dropped them real quick..)
oh, and its just an ontario thing. insurance rates in the rest of the country are more in line with your rates.
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
03/13/2017 at 16:26, STARS: 0
$500 a month for a motorcycle?!!!!!!!
Holy shit... Perhaps if you took one of those motorcycle school classes they’d lower the estimate.... ;)
"nermal" (nermal)
03/13/2017 at 16:27, STARS: 0
A Ninja 300 would be a much better option than a Grom. I see new leftover ‘16 models listed for $4k, and used for $3.5k. As far as making financial sense, you’re out a minimum amount if you decide to sell after a year or so.
For maintenance, assuming you pay a shop to do it, assume $250 for the 600 mile service and $50 for an oil change after that. $350 or so will get a new set of tires mounted.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 17:05, STARS: 0
It’s not all rainbows and unicorns here.
"federicomos" (federicomos)
03/13/2017 at 17:39, STARS: 0
Ok so I just recently bought a motorcycle and all the stuff to go along with it. First off I don’t think gear will cost you only $800, sure I splurged a bit on my gear but hey if it’s protecting your life it’s worth it. I would say budget at least $1,2oo for helmet, pants, gloves, jacket, shoes etc...
Now as far as motorcycles I bought a 2016 Duke 390. It was the last model year so the dealer had it on discount, I didn’t haggle for the price and OTD it was $5,000. This is still a new motorcycle with a 2 year warranty, new 2017 MY are probably closer to 6k, so that’s a nice 1k saving.
Insurance is probably right, I pay a bit more than that a month since I’m the wild age of 21 and I can’t be trusted with motorcycles.
Other costs would be maintenance and services. I still haven’t had any since I’ve only put 300 miles on my bike. But for the duke as per the service manual it needs a service every 5k miles.
Now if you buy a new motorcycle you have to factor in depreciation, and since it’s new it will probably be pretty high in the first couple of years. Factor in an average of 20%.
If you are commuting to the city you might also want to invest in some security devices. These vary in price, but that’s just another expense to take into account
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
03/13/2017 at 17:44, STARS: 0
Sounds like a reasonable deal. Thanks for your input!
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/13/2017 at 18:02, STARS: 1
AND I DONT GET A DISCOUNT FOR BEING A TEACHER AND THAT PROBABLY PISSES ME OFF THE MOST FUCKING PILE OF SHIT
oh, and I cant take the liability and what not from each bike and have it just for me, so i’m paying liability on 2 different bikes, when it really should just be fire and theft for each bike, and liability sticks with me.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
10/03/2017 at 16:51, STARS: 0
Got something a weee bit bigger:
https://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-have-purchased-a-n-thing-1819106871