Unnecessary Motorcycle Shopping With Mercedes: Update - MSF Course Is Go!

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart) 05/08/2018 at 19:01 • Filed to: unnecessary motorcycle shopping with mercedes, unnecessary car shopping without E90M3, unnecessary car shopping with mercedes

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I decided to lock in my MSF course. It’s all going down the weekend of May 25th!

Calling shop-teacher! I’d love to get practice on that bike you have!  :)

As for bikes, I’m stuck between “slow bike fast” rides like a 125cc (Grom and similar) or something bigger like a Ninja 250. Seems like a few of our fellow Oppos even started out on Buells! I keep finding myself looking at fast bikes, but that’s probably a bad thing for me to do.

Of course, I should actually ride first before really making my mind on anything.

To be continued...

Original post:

I love Craigslist.

Ah yes, a GSXR cruiser with studded seats and saddlebags. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

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Oooh a Ninja!

Wait

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This bike is super low miles with only 3800 miles on the clock. This bike has been meticulously maintained with regular full synthetic oil changes along with all other scheduled maintenance.

Ummm...wait...WAT?!?

So I looked up those tyres

Totally legit.

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Not a scam, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . That’s pretty neat, I guess. An EV bike sounds horrifyingly impractical if you don’t have a way to charge it. Looks pretty decent for a clone.

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I like all my bikes to have A/Ts from a truck.

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The only thing I’m interested about this one is the fact that: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!  

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This one isn’t a scam, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Wow, I forgot Ninjas look like this! My brother has one of this gen, though his is cafe-racer’d so it looks nothing like this. His doesn’t yet run. Gotta say, I prefer the body on look.

I actually fit really well on this bike...well, my brother’s Ninja, anyway.

This one is also not a scam. This !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! looks really interesting. Looks like the seller recently dropped the price too. Older than ten years, but still looks pretty modern!

The best deal I’ve seen so far was a $1000 Grom with some cool mods, that thing got sold faster than a $200 4K TV on Black Friday.

Decay buys too many beaters > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 15:40

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$1000 grom? Like a real one? And you did not buy!?!?!?

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 15:41

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Only $1500 for an R6 and a Zx6r Ninja? Holy shit that’s very tempting.

BRB going to spend the rest of the afternoon on my local Craigslist

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 15:42

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Gonna need pics of your brother’s naked Ninja. I’d absolutely LOVE to do a naked conversion of that gen Ninja 250. They look like amazing tossable little things but the streetfighter look always appealed to me.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 05/08/2018 at 15:42

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scams

Mercedes Streeter > Decay buys too many beaters 05/08/2018 at 15:42

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Oh yeah! I contacted the guy (he was a college kid only 10-ish miles from my condo; he wanted some quick cash) and it was legit. I was was trying to schedule a pick up but someone beat me to the punch. lol

Thing had a nice custom exhaust, custom wheels, upgraded handlebars, and RGB lighting.

Decay buys too many beaters > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 15:44

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I’ll bet it went quick! I got mine last year for $1800 and I had to leave work in the middle of the day to get there first.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 05/08/2018 at 15:45

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See! This proves that I have not been around motorcycles far too long.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 15:47

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When the RGB lighting leaves computers and starts taking over motorcycles

Mercedes Streeter > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 05/08/2018 at 15:51

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Last week there was a beautiful 2008 Ninja 250 on there for $800. It was just a plain white, so I could totally believe it was cheap. I clicked so hard I nearly broke my finger. Nope...scam. *sigh*

Mercedes Streeter > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 05/08/2018 at 15:52

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I’ll get a pic next time I see him! It’s not a finished project, so it’s extra naked right now.

Mercedes Streeter > Decay buys too many beaters 05/08/2018 at 15:55

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Shoot, even $1800 is still a steal with how well Groms seem to hold value. It’s like you can buy one, have it for your first bike, then sell it for almost what you paid for it. That’s “hey boss I have an emergency I need to attend to” and get a U-Haul now price. lol

facw > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 15:59

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My brother has one of this gen, though his is cafe-racer’d so it looks nothing like this. His doesn’t yet run

I read somewhere that a cafe racer makes a terrible first bike...

Decay buys too many beaters > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 16:08

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It was! Cheapest I’ve ever seen local to me. Haven’t seen another below 2500 since, usually they are closer to 3000.

Mercedes Streeter > Decay buys too many beaters 05/08/2018 at 16:10

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Same here! Another “Cheapest Grom” out here was like $2,200 at a dealer, but that’s gone, too.

That Buell Blast is tempting as heck, though it is nearly 20 years old and I should probably take the MSF first before drooling over Craigslist.

Decay buys too many beaters > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 16:13

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Problem with the Blast, it’s really weak, motor wise. And not in the cheeky fun way that the grom is

Mercedes Streeter > Decay buys too many beaters 05/08/2018 at 16:22

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I didn’t even know 125cc bikes were a thing, but apparently “slow bike fast” is definitely a thing in the motorcycle world, too. I mean, there’s certainly enough popularity for Chinese Grom copies to exist and be somewhat popular.

Decay buys too many beaters > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 16:24

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You saw my other post right? I just picked up a 50cc road legal motorcycle :p

BobintheMtns > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 16:26

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FYI—- that buell blast— in the motorcycling community, it’s know as the Buell Be.Last.....

Mercedes Streeter > BobintheMtns 05/08/2018 at 16:28

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So I’m told! HA! :) No wonder the guy isn’t able to get someone to buy it.

BobintheMtns > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 16:30

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Yeah- total garbage bike... Harley needed a small bike for motorcycle safety classes... So they slapped that thing together... its got a harley sportster engine with one cylinder chopped off.... I’ve heard they rattle themselves to death....

bob and john > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 16:37

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I started on a blast. as did Nonster actually.

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 16:51

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There is a reason that electric Grom clone has been for sale for at least a year. You can buy an identical one brand new for $1200.

Not gonna lie, I want one too.

Mercedes Streeter > bob and john 05/08/2018 at 16:53

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Doing some quick Google Searches, looks like people do like it as a beginner bike.

Mercedes Streeter > shop-teacher 05/08/2018 at 16:59

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If you don’t care too much about brand loyalty and are willing to take a drop in quality compared to a real Grom, you can get a TaoTao Hellcat new for like $1,100.

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 17:09

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Stay away from the dealer on Northwest Highway in Arlington Heights. That dude is so slimy, he makes my skin crawl.

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 17:10

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I know. I’ve been tempted.

But I’m not gonne do it.

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 17:19

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By the way, I’ve got that Elite running. It requires a shot of carb cleaner to get started while cold, but man is that little booger maneuverable!

Mercedes Streeter > shop-teacher 05/08/2018 at 17:33

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Oh oh! I wanna ride it! Plus, I’ve yet to meet your wife! :) My schedule’s pretty open considering I now live by myself.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 19:16

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It’s a nice friendly beginner bike. Decent handling, low center of gravity, and the big torque-y single makes it hard to stall and has very gentle throttle response while learning. It’s an easy bike to outgrow, as it is very geared toward beginners, but as a beginner bike it seems like a solid choice. The Ninja 250 is also just a great little bike.

CRider > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 19:26

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A 125 like a Grom is a great way to get your feet wet and learn the mechanics of riding, and they’re really fun to rip around on, but if you want to get a ‘real’ first bike get a 250/300cc bike. Dual sports and supermotos are best, of course.

My bird IS the word > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 19:40

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I right there with you, except I won’t have the time for my course for at least another month. I want my first bike to be in the sub $1000 range though, really don’t want it for long.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 19:54

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I think you should get a Ninja H2R. 313 hp of terror

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 20:03

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i know it’s Jay Leno but this is my favorite bike of all time

Mercedes Streeter > My bird IS the word 05/08/2018 at 20:33

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I’m trying to keep my first around $1,000 as well. I fully expect to grow into bikes like I did cars. :)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 20:41

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Look for a Yamaha TW200. It’s nicknamed the “big wheel” due to the fact tires it uses, but it is such a hoot to ride and it handles just like a bigger version of the old lawnmower engined minibike I had as a kid.

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 20:54

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I think we’re open on Saturday. The plate on it expired in 2009, but it’s coincidentally yellow like the 2018 stickers, so I’ve been riding it anyways.

I must insist that you buy at least a 3/4 helmet first though. You can use that for rallycrossing too ;)

fintail > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 21:14

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Have fun! I think MSF is the biggest bargain in driver/rider training out there. Apart from getting your feet wet on a bike, I think it makes many more aware while behind the wheel.

AdverseMartyr > facw 05/08/2018 at 21:54

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I’d assume she means street fighter rather than cafe-racer.

AdverseMartyr > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 21:56

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I’d just like to point out that all the non-scam bikes you listed are slow bikes. ;) Any of them will be fast to you, but that’s because none of your Smarts have ‘Busa engines in them.

atfsgeoff > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 22:56

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Getting a real Grom is worth the premium for legit fuel injection.

just-a-scratch > Mercedes Streeter 05/08/2018 at 23:38

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If I were to pick a bike for a newbie, the yellow Ninja 250 is high on the list. There are a ton of those things out there, they’re not expensive, and they’re reliable as used bikes go. They’re also rixeable in the real world including highways.

Some of the newer sport bike types will be much more expensive to fix when they get dropped and plastics need to be replaced. The long time producing that older style plays to your advantage for finding replacements.

My bird IS the word > Mercedes Streeter 05/09/2018 at 08:32

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Is awkward because the bike I want is only 10k new, which is downright affordable. But I won’t buy one if I’m worried about dropping it

Mercedes Streeter > atfsgeoff 05/09/2018 at 12:39

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So I’m told! :) I talked to a coworker and he explained carbs to me, they don’t sound like too hard of a maintenance task...though having fuel injection on a first bike can mean more enjoyment, less wrenching.

Mercedes Streeter > shop-teacher 05/09/2018 at 12:40

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I don’t even know where to get such a helmet from! But I’m open on Saturday after ATT installs my Internet. :)

Mercedes Streeter > My bird IS the word 05/09/2018 at 12:42

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Yeah, I don’t think buying a new bike for your first is a good idea unless it’s something super cheap like a Chinese bike or a Grom.

Mercedes Streeter > AdverseMartyr 05/09/2018 at 12:43

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*Does Google Search*

Ah yeah, he is going for the street fighter look.

Mercedes Streeter > just-a-scratch 05/09/2018 at 12:44

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Very good points! It’s nice to have cheap parts that are everywhere. Plus, dropping an older bike would probably not feel as bad.

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 05/09/2018 at 12:45

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Any motorcycle shop will have them. Where are you living now? (unless you don’t want to disclose that)

Mercedes Streeter > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/09/2018 at 12:45

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Holy smokes! That’s new bike that looks straight out of the 80s! :D

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Mercedes Streeter 05/09/2018 at 12:56

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Most of the dual sport models are :P

My KLR was refreshed in 2008 and had some tweaks in 2014. It has the same powertrain since 1987. Carburetor included.

Mercedes Streeter > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 05/09/2018 at 13:03

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Sounds a little dangerous! I mean, it has more power than all four of my smarts combined!

Mercedes Streeter > shop-teacher 05/09/2018 at 13:19

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My boyfriend has really really devoted superfans to his YouTube channel, so the both of us don’t give out our real towns. I will say that I live northwest of Wauconda by a small amount of miles. ;)

shop-teacher > Mercedes Streeter 05/09/2018 at 13:57

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Gotcha :)

I know there are motorcycle shops out there, so just hit the googles and find one. Probably best staying away from Harley dealers.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Mercedes Streeter 05/09/2018 at 15:52

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It has more power than 2.5 Mini Cooper s

Nibby > Mercedes Streeter 05/09/2018 at 23:23

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unrelated but you would love this

https://www.engineswapdepot.com/?p=23118

AdverseMartyr > My bird IS the word 05/10/2018 at 00:18

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The solution there is to just drop it as soon as you own it. No more worries. But almost everyone drops their first bike in some sort of embarassing fashion. I dropped my first bike at the gas station because I casually flicked the kickstand down as I got off the bike, and didn’t get it locked in place. Hands left the grips and down the bike went.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 05/11/2018 at 10:26

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But isn’t the H2R illegal on public roads? The closest thing you could get to it is the Ninja H2.