[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!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com Free App

 

[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]

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....

 

[jdvalentine]

Yay another So Cal girl.
We are going to take over LA.

 

[Trinity]

Thanks for the info!

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!!!

Thanks for all the great ideas above! I'll definitely be heading to some empty parking lots to practice. Just driving around today with all the traffic and pedestrians and bicycles I became even more sure I don't want to ride around here to start. I am also absolutely going to do some "extra practice" sessions through the Academy you mentioned. Thanks for the tip! Once I get my bike then I'll plan to do practice sessions there with it and bring the handbook. I've also got someone giving me a motorcycle riding guidebook for Christmas. I know there is only so much you can do with a book, but I'll feel better after reading it.

I was just looking online at some 125 cc more cruiser style bikes. Part of me thought I should start with those, but I really want to go the CBR route instead. Everyone says it is really excellent for beginners and I guess I just like the sportier style (even thought EVERYONE in Silverlake seems to have cruisers instead...). I'll definitely check out Honda of Glendale. I went to Honda of Hollywood today and the manager guy, Mike, was super nice and helpful. I would have loved to buy the 2013 red and black one with abs (that I got to sit on!) but with registration and taxes and shipping and everything it was just too much. I'm thinking of a used 2012 instead. Oh sweet thanks for the number and the names of the people at Glendale Honda! I'll definitely go check it out, maybe tomorrow. You got black rims! That's so awesome. That's my favorite part about the 2013s! Maybe I could do that with a 2012 =)! Can't wait to get going.

Thanks again for all the tips and information!!

 

[Trinity]

Many thanks for the great ideas!

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!

Thanks so much for all the tips!!! I'm totally going to get frame sliders. I just know one day I'll need them. I think I've got pretty good gear so far. I got an RF-1100 helmet (http://www.shoei-helmets.com/products/RF-1100/RF-1100_Transmission_TC-1.jpg) and a jacket that has ce-rated armor from Yellow Devil Gear exchange (Jessica there is so nice!). I also got some Alpinestar boots (Alpinestars S-MX 5 Boots - Street Motorcycle - Motorcycle Superstore). I don't have pants or gloves yet but I will soon! I was thinking of getting gloves with the hard plastic or whatever that is for the knuckles. It seems like a lot of women's gloves don't have that but it seems safest.

That's a great idea about driving around where you plan to go first. Then hopefully there won't be any (or as many) surprises. I think I'll plan out the routes for the first few months. I know it won't be easy at first but I'm wiling to practice and put in the time to hopefully be a decent rider one day.

I love the lunch bag idea too! I wish I could use the motorcycle to commute but I can't because I work in a conservative corporate office and there's no where to change when I get there, which stinks. I'll just be riding on the weekends at least for now. But I'll likely still get a bag like you mentioned to hold lunches. Imagine riding off to somewhere new and having lunch there all ready to go. That sounds so fantastic!

I'm not what you mean about maneuvering in the garage exactly, but I think it will make more sense when I actually have a bike to work with!

I watched the video about how to lift the bike! I'm glad I did. Hopefully I can pick it up if I ever do drop it... (knock on wood).

So far to get ready I've just been reviewing the manual and watching YouTube videos. I'm going to read that motorcycle riding guide next (

). I think I'll do some practice sessions with the Pasadena MSF, too. Other than that, I'm not really sure what else to do.

Hopefully see you out on the roads soon! Thanks again for all the info/tips!

 

[Trinity]

Yep

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.

Thanks! I'm looking into used ones but might just end up getting a 2012 from a dealer instead. We'll see...

As to getting gear and taking it slow...will do!

 

[Trinity]

Dealer or Used..

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

I wouldn't have a problem spending like $5,000 altogether, but it seems like I can't get one from a dealer with abs for that (plus taxes and fees and shipping and all that stuff). So I'll be looking at used ones now I think. I wish I could buy a new one though because I don't have anyone to go with me to look at them. Maybe a dealer would be better even if it's more for the peace of mind.

 

[Trinity]

Good timing

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....

I hope you are right! It doesn't seem that easy to find a 2012 one without abs, though. Most of the dealers (so far anyway) seem to have 2012s without abs. I'll keep looking, though. I just saw a 2013 today and even though it's only paint it sure is nice paint!!

 

[Trinity]

Griffith Park

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....

That sounds perfect! Maybe I'll have a drive around tomorrow and check it out. Great idea. Thanks

 

[Trinity]

Taking Over LA

Yay another So Cal girl.
We are going to take over LA.

Can't wait!!

 

[TheoR]

My brother lives in Silverlake, so I know that it's definitely not a beginner friendly environment to practice, due to hilly-ness and high traffic. Griffith Park sounds good, but it's still quite a bit of distance to cover to get to for a beginner, so I wouldn't try it in the early learning process.

If you're a total beginner, I would just go back to MSF school and take one of their practice sessions. It's usually 3hrs long, and costs like $25. I've actually taken this route, until I was very comfortable with a bike.

After that, if the street in front of you is fairly low traffic, I would just practice going back and forth on the street, just venturing couple blocks away from your house. A street that comes to my mind is Griffith Park Blvd, right off from Gelson's/Trader Joes. The street is fairly slow traffic, and is flat. Also, there's quite a bit of stop signs, so you can practice stop and go.

As for a dealership, I would add Midcities Honda to your list. If I remember correctly, Sales Manager's name is Jim Kehoe. Nice guy to deal with.

Good luck

 

[Rory_L]

I hope you are right! It doesn't seem that easy to find a 2012 one without abs, though. Most of the dealers (so far anyway) seem to have 2012s without abs. I'll keep looking, though. I just saw a 2013 today and even though it's only paint it sure is nice paint!!

I bought mine, 2012 non-ABS for $5116 total (and I'm in LA county). I think Honda is giving incentives($500) now to clear out last years models so you may be able to get it for less.

I got mine at Mid Cities Honda in Paramount (I'm not pimping them, but that's where I bought it and the deal worked for both of us). You shouldn't worry too much about dealers that are further away. You may be able to arrange delivery. Last year I bought a scooter from a dealer (Mountain Motor Sports) in Ontario and they delivered it to me in San Pedro for $100.