[daverb]

just wondering approximately how much it costs to maintain the new ninja? i saw the faq on the 250ninja.org and i'm still not convinced on how you really don't save much by having the bike. i'm planning on doing almost all maintenance myself except for special cases like mounting new tires etc that needs expensive tools.

PS
sorry if i posted on the wrong section so feel free to move or delete. ;D

 

[redrider]

You're in the correct section, no worries. When it comes to maintaining a bike (or any vehicle) there are a lot of factors that go into cost. How often do you change the fluids, and what quality of fluids do you use? Also, the type of riding has an affect. Someone who just cruises around won't need to replace things like the chain nearly as often as someone who beats the living crap out of their bike (like ME ;D). But I understand what you are asking; it does seem that the motorcycle would win easily, mostly because of the difference in gasoline costs. (Actually my difference in gas costs over my car makes the payment on my new bike ) I will be doing more write ups on how to maintain the bike soon, and I'll make sure to include the cost of my parts so we can really see how much it costs.

-RedRider

 

[daverb]

nice. thanks alot.

 

[StockWall]

Well, I just had this exact conversation with one of my employees. Everyone says that you'll save so much money a bike rather than a car. The thing is, we only have a 5-6 month riding season (2 of those months are actually sunny...if that) where I live. So during those winter freezing days, you have to drive a car. Unless you got a beater, no insurance, piece of crap car you'll have to pay for insurace for a car and bike for the whole year. It still cost the same if not more to do oil changes. And a bike rides at such high RPM's all the time (it bad to lug or chug a bike) that you need to watch and maintain stuff on the bike more than a car. Don't get me wrong, having a bike is AWSOME, but not always the cheapest. I say do it. But just remember that everyone out there is out to run over and kill you. Other than that, it's all worth it.

 

[Boldblood]

The only maintenance I'm going to do is clean and lube my chain. Everything else is going to be accomplished at the dealer.

I commute a minimum of 61 miles a day, if I don't take any side-trips. With gas going to $4 or $5 per gallon, and my minivan getting around 19 MPG, I think I'll be saving money when I use my bike, no matter what.

 

[redrider]

I believe you will be saving money also. If you take everything to the dealership it can get pricey though. Bikes require more maintenance than a car (or minivan) do. You should do your own oil changes as well, its easy and will save you big vs the dealership since they charge for labor AND mark up the oil/filter. The savings in gas will make a huge difference over the car though!

 

[StockWall]

I think you'll save money too. It all kinda depends on if you go aftermarket happy and spend a ton of money on stuff and keep buying things to add to your bike. Just a commuter, sounds good.

 

[redrider]

That's true too, didn't think about the aftermarket stuff...although I always did modify my car too, and if I owned a minivan; I'd mod that too, lol.

 

[antdawgg21]

heck ya u save by riding a bike my truck takes 98 dollars to fill up and i have to fill it evevry four days thts like 5 to 6 hundred amonth my bike payment is only 135 with insurance and like 168a month for gas u do the math lol DAMN gas people not even kool people are not even gonna be able to go to work

 

[StockWall]

Yea, try 85 bucks every 3 days. $850 bucks (x2). My business partner and myself bought bike to cut some cost down. Haha, we get some crazy looks when we pull into the construction site. I still have to drive the truck to haul the tools and a trailer, but most jobs I leave the trailer there.

 

[antdawgg21]

for the people who dnt think u save by riding a bike is just plain dumb the maintenance of a 4 stroke bike is very low and very easy to do if u have the tools i baught this bike for the price of new rotors engine full service and tires

 

[trykp]

start with the basics. changing OIL/FILTER may just be the easiest thing to do. you'll save yourself around $40-$60. as you progress you can learn to check the chain tension, brake fluid, valve, etc. but take it slowly but do it surely.

 

[StockWall]

for the people who dnt think u save by riding a bike is just plain dumb the maintenance of a 4 stroke bike is very low and very easy to do if u have the tools i baught this bike for the price of new rotors engine full service and tires

Whoa antdawg....no one is dumb here, just newbies. For newbie riders, most atleast, the maintanance wont be very low and ver easy. If your a newbie more than likely you got no clue on what it take to maintain your bike. Therefore it ends up going to the dealer for maintanance. After a while and many new friends later newbies will get a hang of the check ups and maintanance and then yes, the maintance will be very low and very easy. I agree though, in the long run or if you got some maintanance skill, the bike will save you plenty of dough.

 

[maxboy]

so rite....

 

[StockWall]

Whats with all the one word replies Max? Funny guy.

 

[redmagnolia]

Whats with all the one word replies Max? Funny guy.

lol, I noticed that too...that's one way to get your post count up...

 

[Felix]

Well I dont have my bike yet, but I've crunched the basic numbers.

Including the Lease, rego, insurance, servicing and fuel my ute is costing me AU$1500 a month. The bike, is looking like costing me around 650... sooooo its going to work out cheaper just cant stick my tools in the back

Felix

 

[Captain Scruffy]

650 a month??
crap that's it I'm movin down unda.

 

[StockWall]

650 for what? I pay like, ummm nothing. I filled up today, does that count?

 

[Felix]

Lease, rego, insurance, fuel, servicing costs... all split down to a monthly payment.

Felix