The $250 'smart money' thing? Yeah... that's ONE TIRE.
In the world of owning a motorcycle, $250 is a drop in the bucket on maintenance costs and that's leaving out accessories and performance parts.
"Smart money" is making several things better with one decision. For instance you could get all your performance desires accomplished, using someone else's money (for free) and boosting your credit score in the process.
This is not for everyone, but it's how I would do it. Walk into my bank and ask for a no interest for 18 months credit card. Use that card to do your pipes/airbox/cams/tuner... once and done! Now, if you pay that off in 18 months, you pay no interest on that money, your money stays where it is, and your credit score goes up. Plus, you don't have to sneak up on having the bike you want, taking the more expensive route because you can't afford 'once and done'. You get to ride the bike you wanted NOW, not next year or the year after, and no compromising on cheaper parts.
CAUTION: Only do this if you have at least a $200 surplus in the monthly budget to throw a it.
If the above won't work for you, the best path is to save up the money and do it all at once.... it's way cheaper in the long run. Don't ask me how I know, that story is embarrassing.
