I’m shopping for a new bike, since racing season is upon us and I’m not doing another one using my death scooter as a pit bike. Yeah, it’s easy to carry and goes about 20mph, but it’s really not safe enough to ride comfortably.
Picture of death scooter (not me riding):
Here’s what I’m looking for: a bike that one person can easily load into a van or trailer and use as a pit bike. But, I’d also like to be able to ride it to dinner if need be, and use it as a dingy when camping. Plus, I live near tons of nice 35-mph motorcycling routes, so bonus points if it’s good for those weekend rides, too.
Seems like I’m buying a Grom or a Z125, so which should I pick? I’m 6’ and 155 lbs, so shouldn’t have too much of a problem fitting on either. I’ve ridden a Grom, but haven’t ever seen a Z125.
Buying new or used?
What about the new Honda Monkey??
Cant go wrong with the Grom though.
I haven't had a chance to ride either one, but in case you wanted to mod it I'd assume there's a bigger aftermarket for the Grom. I'd personally lean that direction
There's always going to be a market for a used Grom.
Cannot believe I am the first to suggest it but a Vespa or knockoff 50 is only 200lb's they are everywhere and frankly a better pit bike to me.
I thought about scooters, but I don’t like them for four reasons:
1. Height. They’re tall, which makes putting them in a van tough.
2. Speed. I want to be able to go 50 mph to keep up with traffic around here.
3. Restrictions. Many tracks ban or regulate bikes under 50cc, but “full size” bikes like the Grom are just registered/insured street vehicles and no different from a car.
4. Looks. Yeah, I know. I just hate scooter looks.
And it sounds like the answer is Grom, especially since the Kawasaki isn’t great for taller riders.
Next question: do I buy new or used? Looks like nice used ones go for about $2500, while new ones are all listed at about $3500 OTD. Which would you pick? And is the ABS on new ones worth the price difference?
I’d go used. Let someone else pay for dealer prep.
Not specific to the Grom but I am a big fan of ABS on bikes. However I don't view it as a necessity. I have more miles on bikes without it but my current bike has it.
Is it worth spending a grand more for a new bike with it versus getting a used one without? I'm not sure, for me probably not. But if I was buying a new one it would have ABS.
Tom Suddard said:
I thought about scooters, but I don’t like them for four reasons:
1. Height. They’re tall, which makes putting them in a van tough.
2. Speed. I want to be able to go 50 mph to keep up with traffic around here.
3. Restrictions. Many tracks ban or regulate bikes under 50cc, but “full size” bikes like the Grom are just registered/insured street vehicles and no different from a car.
4. Looks. Yeah, I know. I just hate scooter looks.
On the other hand, it's easier to carry stuff around the pits with a scooter - you can wedge a gas can or even a tire on the floorboards, in between your knees.
There are road legal scooters over 50cc that will go 50mph.
In reply to stuart in mn :
Are you asking, what would Grace Jones and Adam Ant do in this situation?
Still say they are overpriced as berk. But, if you plan on screwing with it, Grom all day. Everybody and their grandma makes parts. I have two words for you: turbo kit.
In reply to Tom Suddard :
I think you’ve answered your own question.
Woody said:
In reply to stuart in mn :
Are you asking, what would Grace Jones and Adam Ant do in this situation?
I have no idea what you're talking about.
In reply to stuart in mn :
Probably one of the worst commercials of the 80's:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi5zFQ9plxU
Groms are really that cheap new. Screw my scooter idea. You could buy that and they bring almost that used on craigslist out here.
In reply to Woody :
Man that truly was one of the worst commercials I've ever seen. I still want an elite though.
In reply to wearymicrobe :
Not in Chicagoland. People price them about $600 less than new. Its frightening.
Option B is to get an electric bike (e-bike) for pit duty, and then something like a used Ninja 300 or a KLR650 for use as a dinghy when you're out camping and for weekend rides.
ddavidv
PowerDork
3/19/19 7:52 a.m.
SSR Buccaneer. More of an actual motorcycle than a kid's toy. Initial quality reports indicate it's quite a nice machine.
Best of all it's not a buzzy single.
I've been looking at Groms since they came out. The cheapest used one so far has been $2300, it sold right away.
Selling new ones for $2800 is going to piss off the used market, everyone seems to want $2500-2800 for used ones. If used ones ever get down into the teens I'll be very tempted.
