BUYING - This is the first big investment you'll make into the world of minis. Here are some suggestions to help you get the best price so you can afford some hop-ups later on.

1. DECIDE WHAT BIKE YOU WANT. Do you want a bare bones bike like a Honda CRF/XR50 that you can build up yourself? Or, do you want a bike already built to the hilt like an SDG or Sik50's?
   
   
2. SHOP AROUND! Don't just go to the shop down the street. Many people have saved hundreds of dollars by going that "extra mile". Call every shop in the vicinity that carries the bike you want. Ask them for an OTD (out the door) price on the bike. Also, ask friends who have bought similar bikes where they got theirs and for how much and how well were they treated during the deal? Do your homework! Once you find a place with the best deal and the best reputation, go there and make the deal.
   
   
3. While you are making the deal WATCH OUT FOR HIDDEN COSTS ADDED TO THE PRICE OF THE BIKE. For instance, I was quoted an OTD price of $1400 for my bike, but when the money guys started doing the paperwork, all the sudden the bike OTD was $1900! What is all this stuff they might add?; things like paperwork charges, shipping charges, etc. Stand your ground and tell them you aren't paying those charges. I cannot think of any reason you cannnot get a stock CRF50 for $1400 or even less in the US right now.
   
   
4. GET THE BEST INTEREST RATE ON YOUR LOAN. A lot of places will give you a good price on the bike, then try and recoup on the financing. Make sure you are getting the percentage rate you deserve for your credit rating. For instance, when I bought my bike, they automatically sent me through using a Honda credit card at 16.9%! When I objected vigorously, they finally got me down to a fixed 6% loan.