Is it worth it to spend money on my new bike's modifications or should I instead modify my future upgrade bike once I become a better rider? Also... does modifications increase insurance? If so, what specific modifications? Are there some modifications that don't affect insurance?
Should I modify my new CB300F or modify a new different bike when I upgrade?
- Thread starter Seej95
- Start date
Riceburner
Well-known member
Do what you want to do. Just keep in mind that mods don't increase resale value and in some cases decrease it. And yeah, sometimes mods will void your insurance or at least increase it if you tell them.
TorontoBoy
Well-known member
Small mods for safety purposes can be worthwhile.
Most MC horns really are terrible, so upgrade to something annoying and loud to let fellow drivers know you are near them. Add a high/low FIAM Freeway Blaster horn. If you ride at night you might consider extra driving lights. If you ride in early spring or late fall you could consider heated grips. None of these upgrades will increase insurance, but will increase safety or comfort, which will increase safety. Otherwise your bike won't go any faster with cosmetic mods. If this is your first bike you'll likely sell it, and won't get anything back for your mods. Save your money for gear, bags, helmet, next bike fund.
Most MC horns really are terrible, so upgrade to something annoying and loud to let fellow drivers know you are near them. Add a high/low FIAM Freeway Blaster horn. If you ride at night you might consider extra driving lights. If you ride in early spring or late fall you could consider heated grips. None of these upgrades will increase insurance, but will increase safety or comfort, which will increase safety. Otherwise your bike won't go any faster with cosmetic mods. If this is your first bike you'll likely sell it, and won't get anything back for your mods. Save your money for gear, bags, helmet, next bike fund.
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As others have stated, the best money you will ever spend are on courses that teach you how to ride better. You won't become a better rider unless you read books, practice, and take courses.
If you're going to modify anything, go full retard and customize the bike to your persona.
eljay
Well-known member
Tires!!!
When I traded up from my stock tires it was amazing how much more confidence they gave me. If you can afford it, I totally recommend ditching stock tires, even when new for better performance (ie better rain handling, better commuting wear, etc). They make them for all purposes.
On my 250 I put on Pirelli Diablo IIs that I got on sale during the winter and they were just wow compared to stock.
Last bike had Michelin Pilot Road 2s and they were great too.
There's new models out there so I'm shopping my next set.
Problem is, tires don't increase the resale value if you use them. If you have some fantasy that there is a mod that will improve resale vale, the horn is probably about all you can do.
When I traded up from my stock tires it was amazing how much more confidence they gave me. If you can afford it, I totally recommend ditching stock tires, even when new for better performance (ie better rain handling, better commuting wear, etc). They make them for all purposes.
On my 250 I put on Pirelli Diablo IIs that I got on sale during the winter and they were just wow compared to stock.
Last bike had Michelin Pilot Road 2s and they were great too.
There's new models out there so I'm shopping my next set.
Problem is, tires don't increase the resale value if you use them. If you have some fantasy that there is a mod that will improve resale vale, the horn is probably about all you can do.
delfonic
Well-known member
IMO upgrading riding gear is more satisfying than upgrading parts on bike. Since moving from my learners cbr250r to a cbr600, I thought I'd be modifying my bike, but I'm actually more interested in getting different gear for different occasions of riding. Whether full leathers, or hot summer riding gear or even commuting to work tex/mesh jackets.
but like others said, seat time and going to a riding course would definitely be worth it
i think I'm becoming a gear whore. Lols.
but like others said, seat time and going to a riding course would definitely be worth it
i think I'm becoming a gear whore. Lols.
Just hack the baffle off lol
Then why is he asking? People are speaking of beginner, soon to be sold off, bike experience. It's valid info.
ashkan
Banned
You will most likely be selling this bike in a year or two (maybe not but most end up wanting more power after a while) so as most said, upgrade the safety part like tires and get good gear but dont put too much money in the exhaust and cosmetic upgrades.
you wont get it back when you sell.
you wont get it back when you sell.
The world is boring if everyone does the samething. Let other explores. Ofcourse they will ask. But i wont tell them to do what i want.
The small cc bike is the trend now. Modding them can also be fun. Im sick of seeing soup up SS 1000cc rided by a noob here. I rather see the OP has more reasons to stick with 250 longer.
Atleast he got to enjoy it. Do you buy used clothes too? I got some Canada Goose used for few yrs, wanna buy it?
Most "mods" are just for appearance and making more noise.
You can spend >$1000 easily on a full exhaust and ECU manager on a 300 and maybe see one HP. Tires and pads make real differences.
Kevin Cameron has one piece of advice in his book , "Sportbike Performance Handbook", up front, in that there is a myth that adding parts to a bike will make it a better bike, but he suggests making a list of all the planned mods and take that money and buy a better bike. There's always a guy in his parent's garage who thinks he knows better than a team of PhD engineers in Japan.
For God's sake, keep away from eBay LED flushmounts.
Also keep in mind that modding a bike does nothing to add value, and will likely hurt the resale value. If you insist on doing this, make sure you keep the stock parts and can revert the bike back.
[h=1][/h]
You can spend >$1000 easily on a full exhaust and ECU manager on a 300 and maybe see one HP. Tires and pads make real differences.
Kevin Cameron has one piece of advice in his book , "Sportbike Performance Handbook", up front, in that there is a myth that adding parts to a bike will make it a better bike, but he suggests making a list of all the planned mods and take that money and buy a better bike. There's always a guy in his parent's garage who thinks he knows better than a team of PhD engineers in Japan.
For God's sake, keep away from eBay LED flushmounts.
Also keep in mind that modding a bike does nothing to add value, and will likely hurt the resale value. If you insist on doing this, make sure you keep the stock parts and can revert the bike back.
[h=1][/h]
I would agree heartly if we didnt get raped by insurance already....
