LA Beginner Looking for Right CBR 250R

[Trinity]

Hey everyone,

I'm a woman living in LA who is new to new to riding. I did an MSF class and fell in love with riding and then got my license. I've done some research and really think the CBR 250 (with abs) is the right bike for me. I've also bought most of my gear and am just looking for the right bike.

I'm looking for a red and black and silver one here in LA (either 2011 or 2012) but haven't had much luck so far. One dealership quoted me $5,000 for a 2012 with abs, which seemed like a lot considering the new ones aren't too much more than that. Also the 2013 all red and black one is, well, pretty gorgeous.

I'm probably going to buy a used one though. I'm trying to learn about how to judge whether a motorcycle is in good shape, but I'm also just considering paying for a mechanic to take a look at it before I buy it.

I'm also trying to figure out where in LA would be the best place to practice my riding once I pull the trigger. Where I live (in the Silverlake area) doesn't seem a good place for a beginner to get in their first miles. There is a riding coach listed on craig's list so I was also considering going that route.

Anyway that's me. Just wanted to say hi!

[1LAryder]

Hey there from another LA girl rider...first off-good start with the MSF and gearing up. If the area around you is a bit too busy to practice, you can always have another moto buddy ride your bike for you to a quieter residential area or a large parking lot after business hours or on the weekends. This way you can concentrate and get a feel for your bike without worrying about "live" traffic situations.

I took an MSF near Pasadena (Academy of Motorcycle Operation) who later had "Extra Practice" sessions. Same deal as MSF, but no classroom time, simply more riding in the same controlled environment with a rider coach and with them providing the same bikes you learned on. Super helpful. With permission-you may actually bring YOUR bike into the class to practice on. Heads up-bring the inspection form in the back of your handbook as they will do a bike inspection before you are allowed to use the bike in the class.

I will say in moving from the cruiser style bike to a "sportier" CBR may feel a bit odd at first. Don't be discouraged if this happens as it can feel like you've forgotten everything you nailed during the class because you're on a totally different bike. Once you are comfortable, I think you will really love this bike! As I always say-super nimble, excellent MPG and everyone who has tried this bike including my 6'7" brother who races much larger bikes hopped off and immediately commented on how much fun it was to ride!

As far as a square deal, I live in Glendale where I bought my bike from the Honda of Glendale Motorcycle shop. They've been around almost 50 years. The reviews online mirror the experience I had-a professional family business run by people who love motorcycles. I do not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. If not to buy-for maybe a check out of any used ones you are looking at...

If you give them a call to price out any 2012s left-tell them the crazy gal in Glendale with the Red/Silver 250 abs with the black rims and heat shield they painted for me recommended them. Brian is the owner and head mechanic-his mother Darleen is in the office. Super nice folks. (818) 246-2461

Congrats on your new love! Hope some of this was helpful. Much luck and safe riding-see you on the road!!!

[Wynne G Oldman]

Welcome aboard Trinity.

[_CBR250]

Wellllllllcome!!!!


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[willfly4food]

Hi Trinity! Good to see other women getting on these bikes. I'm in almost the same boat you're in (brand new to this, started with an MSF class, and decided ABS was the only way for me to go) so I think I know how you're feeling. I did a few other things to make myself more comfortable starting out, maybe you'd also like these ideas:
1) I put frame sliders on my bike immediately. My hope is that if I drop the bike, they might keep it off my ankle (I have shogun sliders, they mount low near the engine.) Installation is simple if you have allen wrenches and a torque wrench. Getting the body panels off is the most annoying part. There are youtube videos to help.
2) I will not ride without my gear on. Get good gear and gear you like, even if its expensive. If you like how it looks, it's not a chore to wear it. Since you sprung for the ABS, I'm guessing you've already gotten some good gear as well.
3) I've been driving my car on the streets I plan to ride on later, thinking about the lane positions and potential hazards I might have if I were on my bike. When I'm ready for real streets, I hope this will help me get off to a good start.
4) I found a bright orange stuff sack at REI which I plan to use for carrying clothes/lunchbox in when I start commuting. I plan to strap it on the back seat, and like the idea of a nice bright bag to help catch other drivers' attention. Bonus: the bag folds up and fits in the space under the back seat.
5) Random thing I discovered: when I am rolling my bike around in my garage, I find it easier to stand on the left, keep the bike slightly leaned towards me with the stand down, and hold it with the handlebar in my left and the passenger grip in my right. I feel more in control, and less likely to accidentally drop it while shuffling it in my garage. (Anyone else have any comments/tips on this?)
6) Girls can pick up their bikes when they drop them. I havent had to do it yet, but saw a youtube video of a woman picking up her ninja. There wasnt anyone around to help her, but she had a technique for lifting by using her legs to push it up. Search "how to pick up your motorcycle... Like a girl." I'm sure I will get a chance to try this myself eventually, and I feel better knowing how to do it in advance if I need to.

What have you done to get yourself ready for riding? I'm always looking for tips on how to get started with motorcycles as safely as possible.

Have fun, and maybe I wil see you on the streets sometime in the future!

[ecustu7]

Originally Posted by Trinity

I'm probably going to buy a used one though. I'm trying to learn about how to judge whether a motorcycle is in good shape, but I'm also just considering paying for a mechanic to take a look at it before I buy it.

I dont think you have to worry too much it if you get a used CBR250r because they are so new and their a Honda, as long as it hasn't been wrecked. If you buy from a dealer you should be safe. Might be worth it to get a new one, payments are really low and resale value stays high, which is why it isn't much more for a new one.

Anyways, welcome, get lots of safe gear to wear and take it slow.

[Empty Sea]

Welcome. I think you'll enjoy the bike.

[live_to_ride]

All I will add is, take someone who knows bikes with you if you choose to buy privately. Search around at Dealers however for 2011, 2012's. Prices are expected to drop once the new 2013's and 500's are released which will drop the 250 prices quite a bit. If you plan on spending $4000ish, buy new, that way you avoid any possible "issues" with a previously owned ride.

Cheers

[nothin2do]

Hey Trinity,
Now that the 2013s are showing up it's a great time to get a 2012. Since the only real difference is paint, you can rest assured you aren't compromising quality or options...That said, I've seen several used CBR250Rs lately because more peeps seem to be trading up. So , bottom line, if you're in no rush, you're purchase options only get better as time goes by....

[nothin2do]

P.S. - Place to practice - Griffith Park-Not that far from you. Lots of variety in terms of turns and inclines. Minimal traffic, and lots of scenery to enjoy. Kind of like a closed practice course....