2011 Honda CBR250

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by kawboyCAFE

get the MICHELIN ME880 high mileage cruiser tires.

Aren't those ME880's Metzeler tyres ?

[roosterk0031]

But if you just drove the GL1200 60,000 more miles how much less would it cost than getting another bike. The goldwing it can probably more reliably take you to 200,000 than a CBR will to 60,000.

$5100 gas, $1200 tires, say $2000 repairs. $7300/60000 miles is $0.12/mile. Just over half the cost per mile of a new bike.

[kawboyCAFE]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Aren't those ME880's Metzeler tyres ?

my bad, i dont know what i was thinking. they are metzeler tires. i dont know why i said michelin, but yes, metzeler ME880.

[beatr911]

The CBR 250 should last at least as long as the Ninja with good maintenance practices.

Using a Scottoiler or other auto chain luber can extend chain life 3 to 5 times - really.

Learning about your bike and doing the basic maintenance on it yourself can save you a ton of money. I think you stated the tire cost too high. This light of bike and selecting touring tires should extend life well, well beyond 15K miles. Learn to change them yourself, it's not all that difficult with the tubeless tires.

As stated, nothing is cheaper than using and maintaining what you already have. The CBR is a nice bike and I'd consider one if I was buying new. I was really suprised when I saw it at the motorcycle show priced directly in line with the Ninja. I expected the usual too-proud Honda price would be about $5K.

Get one and report your mileage and riding impressions!

[65impalass]

Thanks to all that have responded.

I will keep the Goldwing regardless of what I do, It is a wonderful 2 up cruiser. It is not as economical as a small car. Any cheap sedan will match it's fuel millage and beat it in maintenance costs. I am looking at the CBR as both practical and fun transportation. We live in the country and I am a believer in having spare vehicles in case of breakdowns and maintenance issues. My job will be a a no excuses, "just be here" kind of situation. It will also involve lots of hours, so I expect to have most of the work done on the bikes. My wife has also expressed an interest in riding. She commutes 100 miles per day. I figured it might be a good first bike for her also. Who knows, we may end up with 2 of them.

I figured the cost as "worst case scenario", so I put the max cost on all repairs and expenses. I figured it at 20.4 cents per mile, could be less with careful riding and maintenance. I did forget to add in oil changes. It is cheap to insure all vehicles out here and I have room for storage so I figure costs on miles of use. Any mile put on one vehicle saves expense on another. Figuring expenses on a used car is so much more difficult.

Thanks again to all

[roosterk0031]

$3.40 is probably way cheaper than gas will be next year, higher the gas price the more you save, your cost per mile will be higher than projected, but percentage wise it will go up slower than anything else you own. At $5 gas, $7500 gas useage, $9000 gas useage at $6 a gallon with the GL. CBR will use 800 gallon for same 60,000 miles so $4000 @ $5/ga, $4800 @ $6 gallon.

The gas savings pretty much covers purchase price, so you get a new bike and didn't cost anymore than riding the GL.

[65impalass]

Rooster, I like tour thinking on the "free bike". Unfortunately I agree with you about gas prices. $5 per gallon is likely this year or next.

[Christ]

Probably not going to be what you want to read, but I'm going to say it anyway -

Buying something newer (or with less miles) is almost never a better deal than just sticking with what you have and fixing it up.

Do you have a bike already? Can you do anything to make it more fuel efficient? Could you possibly sell it and/or trade it to someone for something they have that is more efficient? Remember, most guys on bikes are going to want something bigger, with more power... If you have that, let them take it. Take their "first bike" and spend your maintenance fees on it to get it into shape. Take care of it.

Unless you really like the CBR250, I wouldn't buy it new. There will be plenty available for half price in a year or two, if you're still interested.

[65impalass]

I would consider trading or selling the Wing but not at this time. It does not much value at this point anyway. As far as getting better millage , I have not done any hyper-milling yet but I will. I have after-market pipes and re jetted carbs which helped allot. I think one of the biggest problems with it is it is over-geared. It has enough torque to cruise 2 up at 1200-1500 rpm but on the highway it is revving 3500-4000.

[roosterk0031]

My dad had either the last year of GL1100 or first 1200, I used it a few weeks commuting while repairing a car, I got something in the 32 mpg range. It was a 5 spd, no much for aero, I doubt their's much you can do to help them but slow down. I was surpised how high the RPM were. Throttle response was great, mpg not so much.

A 2-3 yo Ninja 250 could be an incredible by to save money, get one for $2000 and 3000 miles could be a great buy, the valves are easy to adjust (screw & tappet), cheap tires, etc... But a modern piece of hardware with FI, modern engineering, modern look, brakes etc.. is beyond saving a few 100 or 1000 dollars if that's what you want.

I had a 2004 Ninja 250 and wouldn't spend $1000 for another one. Didn't care for the bike, the feel, MPG is great, but if I won't ride the bike, it's a waste of money.