Looking to buy a sport bike...any suggestions?

exalted512

I already know what I want, a 09 Kawi ZX6R. My questions are mostly on the financial side of things.

This bike has been totally redesigned since last year. As of now, its set to be released in mid January.

My questions are, how much can you really haggle on a motorcycle? Especially a brand new bike thats been redesigned?

Kawasaki has 2 different methods of financing. One is through a credit card, the other is like an auto loan. The great thing about a credit card is that is low interest and I don't have to have full coverage insurance (Which is a total rip off for me...male...under 25). But unless it's really outrageous, I think I would like to get full coverage for the first year...that way I'll have a full year to get used to it, as it seems like youre more likely to lay it over in the first year.

So I was wondering if anyone knows if its possible to get it as an auto loan, then transfer it over to a credit card after a year?

Theres about 15-20 dealerships within a couple hours of here. The best price I've got so far was $11,133 out the door including the 4 year extended warranty. I'm also thinking about putting an exhaust on it as well to see if they can get me a good deal on it. I'm going to start calling dealerships again in January as some have told me they don't have cost on them yet.

On a side note, some of the full exhaust systems like this one:
http://www.akrapovic.de/news_center/bilder%20news/PDF%20Newsletter/ZX_6R_2009_KA_ZX_6R_09_SO.pdf

Say theyre illegal for street use...my question is...how does someone know if its legal or not? Is it easy for someone to tell if I'm getting it inspected or if a LEO pulls me over?

Any other suggestions?
-Cody

billbillw

Have you ever ridden before? If this is your first bike, I'd really suggest you get a used bike so that when (not if) you lay it down, you don't feel so bad about the damage. A ZX6R is way too much bike for a new rider.

Also, there is no way I'd put a bike on a credit card like that. Credit cards can change your terms on the drop of a hat. If a payment is 1 hour late, they can jack you up to over 20% interest. Buck up. Get a normal vehicle loan and pay for full coverage insurance. Just get a bike that has more reasonable rates.

The SV650 is a great first bike with lots of potential. On the street, it can actually take most sport class 600s due to the better torque curve.

shack

Given the state of today's economy EVERYTHING is negotiable. I've seen deals on stuff I would have never dreamed would be discounted.

Shop online and get quotes over the internet. Tell each one what you are doing and let them know you are dealing on price only.

DO NOT...and I repeat...DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES go the credit card route One misstep and what you save on insurace will seem like a mere pittance. I've seen them jump rates from the initial "teaser" rate to 20% + because a payment was one day late. It also tends to lull you into making minimum payments and 3 years down the road you still owe most of what you paid for the bike. Get a conventional fixed rate, fixed payment loan. Get it for as short of a period as possible...2 years...3 years max. Even if it hurts...pay it off quickly...then you can do whatever on insurance.

shack

billbillw wrote:

Have you ever ridden before? If this is your first bike, I'd really suggest you get a used bike so that when (not if) you lay it down, you don't feel so bad about the damage. A ZX6R is way too much bike for a new rider.

Also, there is no way I'd put a bike on a credit card like that. Credit cards can change your terms on the drop of a hat. If a payment is 1 hour late, they can jack you up to over 20% interest. Buck up. Get a normal vehicle loan and pay for full coverage insurance. Just get a bike that has more reasonable rates.

The SV650 is a great first bike with lots of potential. On the street, it can actually take most sport class 600s due to the better torque curve.

As I recall Cody has been riding for quite some time...A Ninja 500R I believe.

I also like the Suzuki SV650 but it is not so much a sport bike as it is a "standard" bike. No farings and a fairly upright seating position. I actually mentioned that it was a bike I was considering in this post from another thread:

shack wrote: »

This is one of the things I'm looking at....

leroyjr1

Suzuki Hyabusa 1300

leroyjr1

Edited.......

hockeyboy

Hi Exalted- Congratulations on your decision and welcome to Team Green. I have an 05 Kawasaki ZR-7S but like the Ninja lineup too. A few points from an experienced rider, and buyer.

Forget about the after market exhaust, at least until you payoff the bike. YES you will get a fix it ticket, and NO you won't be able to sell the bike without changing back to a street legal exhaust, and NO you will not pass inspection. They look great but just get a slip on that IS street legal AFTER you payoff the bike.

Take a safety class before you buy if you are not an experience rider. I am serious about this. The DMV most likely has one that you can get your class M license through if you don't already have it. The class I took literally saved my life about 3 months after buying. This will also knock of 15% or more from your insurance. Allstate has the cheapest motorcycle insurance typically. Shop around, prices for me ranged from $400 a year to $3,100 a year when I called.

Kawasaki will be ready to make an incredible deal on the bike in this economy. If I remember correctly I paid $1500 less than asking price and got the dealer to throw in a new custom painted Shoei helmet. That was in booming economy times so you should do much better. Start with a casual conversation and ask "I see the MSRP but what is the REAL price for someone who really pulls the trigger. Price is a critical factor to me and I am considering a GSX600 and a CBR600." The price will drop like a lead balloon. Then keep saying, I wish we could do a bit better- can you sweeten the deal? Always, always, keep asking for more.

I bought mine using the Kawasaki credit card. I asked for no interest when negotiating the deal and they gave me 6 months no interest. After that it went to 8.9% on the remaining balance which was small. I paid mine off in about 10 months.

Also, be sure that's the bike you want. If you can go and test drive the Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki. Don't get me wrong, I love Kawasaki but make an informed decision since you will have the bike a long time. Hit me up if you are in Dallas and want to go for a ride.

exalted512

Yes, I currently own a Ninja 500...its time to move up to a 4 cylinder.

Let's say I did put it on a credit card. If I was late and my payment did jump to 20% interest, can't I go to my bank and get an auto loan through them? I know about 4 people that have done it through a CC and no one has had any problems.

I think the SV650s are HIDEOUS. But to each their own. Either way, I know this is the bike I'm getting, I'm just not telling the dealership that

Hockey---how do LEO and state inspectors know its not legal? Just wondering. I personally dont think S/O's are really worth it, I'd rather just get a full exhaust, and I like the sound of the Akra's on other kawi's. Maybe they'll come out with a legal full exhaust system. I've been on all the big name bikes (Even a ducati 1198...maybe someday...lol) and the kawi's and honda's just feel the best. I've only actually driven an R6 and a 05 636. But the kawi was a little more comfy to me...and I just love the way they look, thats why I'm partial to them.

Heres me on my future new bike


Thanks for the help so far!
-Cody

66chevyIISS

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exalted512

66chevyIISS wrote: »

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thats awesome...haha.
-Cody

audiobliss

66chevyIISS wrote: »

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Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! That's awesome!!!!

thsmith

Cody, I have been where you are now. Take a few tips from a old bald fat man that has ridden bikes for 40 years.

Seems you have some riding experience or have taken the motorcycle riders safety course. Even so, take the advanced riders safety course.

Dress for the wreck not the ride.

Every vechicle on the ride is out to get you or they can not see you, no matter how loud your bikes is get a really great horn.

Be careful and have fun.

Oh yeah, nix the credit card purchase. Check with DairyLand, best motorcycle insurance out there.

Dad mode off

billbillw

shack wrote: »

As I recall Cody has been riding for quite some time...A Ninja 500R I believe.

I also like the Suzuki SV650 but it is not so much a sport bike as it is a "standard" bike. No farings and a fairly upright seating position. I actually mentioned that it was a bike I was considering in this post from another thread:

I think the SV650s are HIDEOUS.

I was thinking of the S model, in something older. I still like the 1st generation SVs better. Those original tube frames are so much better looking, and you can find them for about $3000 these days with fairly low mileage (<10k)


Cody, I guess you are at that age when you have to have the latest and greatest, regardless of cost, but a few years down the road, you will wish you had that all that money for a down payment on a house, for an engagement ring, or for something else that is more important in the long run. Trust me. I was there before.

The advances in sport bikes have been fairly small over the last several years regardless of what the marketing hype says. You could probably get an 05 model for less than half the price of that new one and have 95% of the same performance, which you will never fully use on the street anyway.

But hey, it sounds like your mind is fairly made up. Trust the others though. Don't go the credit card route. Vehicle loans that have been paid on time will help your credit score much more in the long run as well.

Sherardp

If youve been on a 500 for awhile, I'd skip the 600 and go for the Grand(1000). If you can ride then you'll adjust to the power right away. I actually started out on a TL1000R, then went to the R1, and now my current MV Agusta F41000S(the Ferrari of Superbikes). I'd just take it easy until you got used to it.

ben62670

I used to be a big Honda fan in the 80's, but it is.... Dang I am getting old 2008. A lot of my friends still ride, and they almost all agree Yami's are the way to go. Suzi next. I had an FZR1000, and it was an awesome ride:) The R1's are just awesome controllable bad machines.
Ben

bruss

Just check the terms of the manifacturer CC program.. Make sure you understand what will happen if you somehow make a late payment.. Now is the time to buy stuff..

When i bought my CBR F4i it had just come out and they wouldnt give me much off the sticker but i got a ton of free gear.. I probably could have tried some more and just kept asking but man i wanted that thing ASAP

shack

exalted512 wrote:

I think the SV650s are HIDEOUS. But to each their own.

I actually don't like the styling of most of the crotch rockets of today (ie: sport bikes). The SV650 is more of a classic style that I rode years ago, therefore I like it.

I've even considered a real retro style like the Triumph Scrambler.



It reminds me of my first bike, a Honda CL360;



I definitely don't want/like a Harleys or cruiser and my back is to old for a true sport bike so the classic style fits my needs (and I like the look).

As you said to each their own...which is why the make LOTS of different bikes.

doggie750

Well from a GSXR breed here....Y2K

Obviously I'll root for GSXR but as far as look goes, I LOVE the YamahaR1 look "the so called chickmagnet bike."

Since I am a euroFanatics (bmw), I love the italian made....DUCATI, Agusta, Aprilia (did I spelled this correctly?)...THERE JUST CLASSY!!!!

I also like the Honda for ergo issue

Kawiz are just ok ....

DO NOT GO FOR THE CREDIT CARD route....!!!
As mentioned by our brothers here, you can negotiate and low ball the dealer. This time of the year is the best time to purchase a bike, same time i did 8yrs ago. Go in strong and determined....show them the ACE. BELIEVE ME, always deal OTD!!!!!! and below the INVOICE, F...k the lic, state, freight fees....I dont buy this $hit.....JUST SAY OTD and you got the dice to roll. IF they don't flinch, leave! I've done this all the time, my Geo, ODY, BMW, and my lovemate GSXR.

REMEMBER OTD.

exalted512

billbillw wrote: »

I was thinking of the S model, in something older. I still like the 1st generation SVs better. Those original tube frames are so much better looking, and you can find them for about $3000 these days with fairly low mileage (<10k)

Cody, I guess you are at that age when you have to have the latest and greatest, regardless of cost, but a few years down the road, you will wish you had that all that money for a down payment on a house, for an engagement ring, or for something else that is more important in the long run. Trust me. I was there before.

The advances in sport bikes have been fairly small over the last several years regardless of what the marketing hype says. You could probably get an 05 model for less than half the price of that new one and have 95% of the same performance, which you will never fully use on the street anyway.

But hey, it sounds like your mind is fairly made up. Trust the others though. Don't go the credit card route. Vehicle loans that have been paid on time will help your credit score much more in the long run as well.

I agree, I do like the old styles better, but I'm just more fond of a full fairing bike if I'm getting a 4cyl.

Right now, my other bike is broke. My fiancee's dad is looking at it, but I'm not sure if I want to trust it anymore, as I commute an hour away. Thats why I'm looking at new. A house will come soon, but not for another 3 years at minimum. Engagement ring is already paid for...but I do still have to get the wedding band...but that wont be 1/3rd of what I paid for the engagement ring.

But after this bike, which I babied and bought with only 2000 miles on it (I put 8000 more), I'm not going with a used bike. I could get last years model, and itd save me about 2 grand...but I plan on keeping this thing for at least 4 years, so I might as well get what I want.

Shera-
Youre not helping! I've thought about going the liter bike route, but I'd rather have the nimbleness of a 600 that I can easily throw into the twisties. I dont need that much power...I have no reason to go 180+. I'm hoping once I'm older I'll grow out of this, so I'll stick with the 600 for now that way I wont kill myself on a liter bike later Your bike is gorgeous though.

Ben-
In all the tests I've seen lately, liter bike or 600, the Hondas have been the best over all, followed by suzi, then kawi/yamaha were 3rd/4th, depending on liter bike or 600. But the new kawi is supposed to be one bad ****, thats why I like it. Theres other reasons why I want to go kawi as well, but I have to get to work this morning.

Bruss-
I'll see what kind of free gear I can work out...wouldnt mind having a leather jacket for summer riding...or at least a better textile. Plus I would love to get an exhaust as I'm not too partial to the one on this bike. And def. a rear stand to get the back tire off the ground.
-Cody

thsmith

Check out Motoliberty.com, they are located in Dallas, an easy ride from College Station.

They ride and carry only riding apparal. Great people and prices.

Heck, you find your way to Big D I can meet you, if you will ride with a Fat bald old man on a Harley.

Here is the last Bike I restored with me and my brothers, 1949EL with year matching side car. Sold it 2 years ago to guy in the netherlands.

bobman1235

Even if you don't go the credit card route, I'd get the full insurance. You're riding around on a 10k+ piece of equipment, and there's a reason insurance is so high - people wreck those things. IT would suck to be paying for something that is totaled for the next several years.

Good luck man

billbillw

shack wrote: »

I actually don't like the styling of most of the crotch rockets of today (ie: sport bikes). The SV650 is more of a classic style that I rode years ago, therefore I like it.

I've even considered a real retro style like the Triumph Scrambler.



It reminds me of my first bike, a Honda CL360;



I definitely don't want/like a Harleys or cruiser and my back is to old for a true sport bike so the classic style fits my needs (and I like the look).

As you said to each their own...which is why the make LOTS of different bikes.

Man, both of those look like major thigh burners!

Cody,
I'm partial to Kawi's as well, regardless of whether they win shootouts or not. My 1st bike back in late 80's/early 90's was a 1973 Kawasaki H1 (500cc triple, 2-stroke) that I restored. It handled like crap, but in a straight line, it was nearly as fast, up to about 80mph, as my buddies CBR600F2. He would only have me by a couple lengths. If I got ahead of him at all, I won, due to the heavy smoke that my 2-stroker put out! He was afraid to drive though the cloud!

shack

billbillw wrote: »

Man, both of those look like major thigh burners!

Nah. On the Honda the baffles were isolated enough from the pipes and had enough air flow to keep it warm at worst. Never had any sort of burn in the 10 years I owned it.

exalted512

bobman1235 wrote: »

Even if you don't go the credit card route, I'd get the full insurance. You're riding around on a 10k+ piece of equipment, and there's a reason insurance is so high - people wreck those things. IT would suck to be paying for something that is totaled for the next several years.

Good luck man

I'd pay for the bike in 4 years with full coverage. My liability only for my current bike is $90/year. FC on the zx6 would be more like 200/month
-Cody

bobman1235

Wow, that IS a lot of cash. I assume you've shopped around?

billbillw

exalted512 wrote: »

I'd pay for the bike in 4 years with full coverage. My liability only for my current bike is $90/year. FC on the zx6 would be more like 200/month
-Cody

Dude, that's crazy money. Probably more than the bike payment! I'd really look for something older that you can just keep liability on.

exalted512

I haven't shopped around a lot as I dont have much time right now because finals are coming around and I'll look into it further, but most people have said youre lucky to get $130, most of the time its raound $200.

I'm NOT getting a used bike. I've done that, it left me stranded on the side of the road and now I'm without something to ride. I'm stubborn and Im getting this bike:)

-Cody

Eric W

If you must finance or credit card it, then you can't afford it!

All jokes aside, shop around for insurance and yes get full coverage. You know how much the parts cost on these bikes. One mishap and you'll be driving around with a banged up looking POS or a totaled bike. It's NOT hard to total one. I've found State Farm offers some of the best rates, if you also insure your car through them. When I was 19, I bought a Honda CBR600F4i and the insurance was only $400 a year, full coverage.

billbillw

exalted512 wrote: »

I'm NOT getting a used bike. I've done that, it left me stranded on the side of the road and now I'm without something to ride. I'm stubborn and Im getting this bike:)

-Cody

Hate to say it, but your probably more likely to get stranded by a brand new bike, especially a brand new model like that 09! Its pretty common for vehicles have some sort of problem come out in the first year and once those are sorted out, they run perfect for several years until wear and tear items start to go. What exactly happened with that 500 anyway? I thought those Ninjas were practically bulletproof.

exalted512

billbillw wrote: »

Hate to say it, but your probably more likely to get stranded by a brand new bike, especially a brand new model like that 09! Its pretty common for vehicles have some sort of problem come out in the first year and once those are sorted out, they run perfect for several years until wear and tear items start to go. What exactly happened with that 500 anyway? I thought those Ninjas were practically bulletproof.

Yea, but the difference would be I'd take it to kawi and they'd fix it for free!

On my 500, what I can tell so far is the chain that goes around the ring gear was loose, got caught on something and shredded some the bolts on the flywheel. Hopefully an easy fix, but I dont know for sure yet.
-Cody

exalted512

Eric Wong wrote: »

If you must finance or credit card it, then you can't afford it!

All jokes aside, shop around for insurance and yes get full coverage. You know how much the parts cost on these bikes. One mishap and you'll be driving around with a banged up looking POS or a totaled bike. It's NOT hard to total one. I've found State Farm offers some of the best rates, if you also insure your car through them. When I was 19, I bought a Honda CBR600F4i and the insurance was only $400 a year, full coverage.

I will certainly look into it more. Like I said, Im going to get full coverage on it for at least the first year. Does anyone know if you can get an auto loan through kawi, then switch it over to a CC after the first year?

I can afford the bike fine, and I can afford the insurance as well...the thing is why get full coverage when you pay for the bike in just a few years?
-Cody