Are you friggin' outta your mind?

[Norm]

With a totally new strategy I left the GW idea in my back pocket and showed up with checkbook in hand to buy a third bike: a red, white, and blue, non-abs CBR250. They list for 2012 as $4099. I had called ahead to see if they had one so I didn't haggle on the phone, just showed up. Bottom line: The OTD price was nearly $5500! I said you must be outta your friggin' mind. Nope, that was their best price and they weren't going to budge.

I called down to the place I wrote about and spoke with Mike, my new favorite sales guy. He said, unfortunately Honda is playing this game where they are telling the customer MSRP is $4099 but that is virtually the price they themselves pay for it and if they don't add freight, setup, etc. they won't make a dime on it. He didn't think the above price was outlandish but he did make me the best deal around for the GW and he said he'll see what he can do with the little CBR. My friend Eric tells me up north the customers are getting them for around $4400-$4600 OTD which makes more sense to me. I'll see what Mike comes up with. They've been very good to me so far.

[kb.bear]

Well, you have a trailer and $1,000 would more than cover the gas

[Rogwing]

Why in the world to you want a 250?...Rog

[Norm]

Why in the world to you want a 250?...Rog

I know, seems crazy right? It gets 77 MPG advertised, which will probably be 80 real world and be a great little around towner at 360 pounds or so. I could almost use it like an automatic bicycle it's that easy to move around. But most importantly I'm hoping to continue to have visitors and some of them are a little intimidated by my other two bikes. I know it sounds stupid but I'll have an extra bike for some of my good friends who feel more comfortable aboard such a user friendly bike. As a for instance, Steve and Keith rode my FZ1 but I think they'd both be happier dealing with the CBR first then moving on. Hint, hint Steve: get yourself down here, lol.

[redeye]

Checking now for my toothbrush, credit card and license.

[SilverBullet]

5.500 For a 250!!! 

[MaxB]

For just a little more you can get one of the new NC700x. It may be worth the wait.

MAXB (who is interested in them)

[Kiwiscoot]

For around town bike the Citycom would've been ideal. heaps of storage space too & 67 USMPG in town.

[SocoPete]

The CBR250 makes sense for inner city travel and for friends to travel with you.  

[Norm]

The CBR250 makes sense for inner city travel and for friends to travel with you. 

That's what I was thinking. I'm also thinking scooter again for a third bike but I really think some of you if you visit would have fun with that CBR as something different than you're used to. Of course I'll use too, lol.

[SilverBullet]

Norm,
I know this is a long shot. Because IDK if you would consider a 250 Ninga or want to travel to get it. I belive this is in AR.
A friend of mine posted this on my FB page yesterday http://fayar.craigslist.org/mcy/2871095977.html He's really a GR8 guy & wouldn't steer anyone wrong. We used to play in the Church band together. Him & his wife are a GR8 young couple.
Might make the perfect 3rd bike your looking for without breaking your wallet. 

[Norm]

Lou, thank you very kindly. The reason I'm interested in the CBR is the FI. You and others got all the skills for carbs and I know it's a piece of cake for you but to my mechanically midget mind I like FI.

[SilverBullet]

I didn't know the Ninga is carburated.    Guess I learned something new today! 

[Norm]

Yea, the little one is. But it does have 2 cylinders whereas the CBR has one.

[jinx]

Norm,

That price sounds really high. My wife got me one (2011) in Oct. for $3,907 otd from our local dealer. It was a early combined Christmas and big 50 Birthday present. I got it for the reasons you mentioned, light weight, great gas milage and I missed shifting now and then. It is a blast to ride. Takes off 25 years every time I take it out, even running errands. I thought about the Ninja also, but was sold on the Honda's FI. I believe only the US still gets the carbed version of the Ninja.

Of course, the local dealers I know did sell out of their 2011 stock REALLY quick, and maybe they see a little markup opportunity for this year. Timed with the climbing gas prices and all.

Jinx

[Norm]

Thank you Jinx. That's very helpful information and I appreciate it. Thanks also for letting me know it rides well. I figured it would ride well and my friend Eric on the FZ1 board is waiting to get one too.

[Dan]

The 250cc Reflex used to be $5500 and that was 2006. I agree with Max, if you want a great versatile rider friendly bike look at the NC700X that will be out this summer.  Priced around $7k.  Honda may have one available at Daytona.  A Maxi-Scoot would be good to.