Which 1st bike?

**Zapf** · 27th July 2004, 01:02

Hello all,
Would like to say hi to everyone, and have a question for all. Which bike to buy as a 1st learners bike?

Choices:
- VTR250
- GSX250
- ZZR250

The VTR's seems to be the most expensive, around 6200 for a 2003 and 5600 for a 1998. Where as I have seen specials on the GSX250 for just under 6k.

My requirements will be a good handling bike that is easy to learn on. Reliable and no suprises, but still provides fun.

Had ridden a 125cc scooter in thailand for 2 weeks and thats about it.

Thanks in adv.
Zapf

**Antallica** · 27th July 2004, 02:10

The GSX's are rather nice, but the ZZR to me has always had that look of practical + a bit of touring. Though I love those VTR's... dammit I don't know either mate!

Argh.

**Posh Tourer :P** · 27th July 2004, 08:54

I'd go the VTR - naked, so no plastic to break when you drop it.... Cos you will. If you are over 6ft, I dunno whether you'd fit on the GSX, but should fit on the ZZR. The VTR will be plenty fun enough, hell I had fun on a CB125T.... Buy a 2-3yr old bike or older, they depreciate stupidly from new.

/end ramblings

Maarten

**Hitcher** · 27th July 2004, 08:55

Buy a Yamaha FXZ250 Zeal, if you can find one! A great all-rounder, but a bit thirsty. I highly recommend them, having clocked up 16,500km on one in about nine months.

Out of the bikes you've listed, the Honda is the best ride by a considerable margin -- hence the price premium. If you can find a tidy low mileage Spada, that's the next best thing!

**DarkDream** · 27th July 2004, 08:58

Have you taken some time out to have a look at the bikes on trademe? Or even on this site! From memory at the Motomail sale out in Kingsland Auckland there was a hot little 1992 Honda CBR on the board for your price range.

I would stear clear of the GSXR.....heard to many problems...but have never owned one so I guess you ahve to take that with a grain of salt.

Here's a CBR 250 RR for you to have a look at

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-13883170.htm

**vifferman** · 27th July 2004, 08:59

Welcome, Zapf!

Unless you can be sure that you're going to be satisfied with a 250 long-term, go for summat cheap(ish) so you lose as little on it as possible when/if you trade up. And like PT said - plastic's expensive, even if the weather protection is nice. Also can make maintenance and cleaning more of a chore.

**Hitcher** · 27th July 2004, 09:05

Originally Posted by firestormer

Welcome, Zapf!

Unless you can be sure that you're going to be satisfied with a 250 long-term, go for summat cheap(ish) so you lose as little on it as possible when/if you trade up. And like PT said - plastic's expensive, even if the weather protection is nice. Also can make maintenance and cleaning more of a chore.

I understand the sentiment but disagree. You're going to be riding your 250 for a minimum of four months (if you're over 25 and doing the accelerated competency-based programme) to two years, so you might as well enjoy the experience. 250s hold their value (unless you waste them) so I would buy something nice that you're going to enjoy spending time with.

Agree totally with comments about plastic. It's amazing how many learner riders think that fairings, etc, act to "protect" the bike in case of drops or spills...

**jrandom** · 27th July 2004, 09:39

If I was coming in on a learner license right now, I'd buy one of the brand-new GN250s for $2995 in the Suzuki dealers at the moment. Can't go wrong with one of those and it'll be pretty reliable with only basic maintenance.

It'll also leave you less out-of-pocket when you crash it and you should get a good price for it when you flick it on.

**Antallica** · 27th July 2004, 10:16

Or you could score an FXR

Dirt cheap and bloody reliable. Can still do some long hauls on it too.

**vifferman** · 27th July 2004, 10:54

Originally Posted by jrandom

If I was coming in on a learner license right now, I'd buy one of the brand-new GN250s for $2995 in the Suzuki dealers at the moment.

Now that sounds like an unbelievably good deal!

**aff-man** · 27th July 2004, 11:46

vtr250 mate. more power through corners (which is great when learning) really really forgiving and yes no fairings. I started on the vt250 and it went great those zzr or though fit the description are not as quick as the gsx and not as much torque as the vtr. Or so i'v heard from a mate who rides one.

**Tigger** · 27th July 2004, 12:01

I know I might be ever so slightly biased but... the VTR is a great bike!

I got mine, a 2000 model for just over $4,000, and I'm fairly confident it's held its value well, so I'd be looking for about that when I trade it in. I haven't dropped it yet, although the previous owner had, judging by a few little scratches which are very minor.

I've never had any problems with it. It goes extremely well, and my partner has even been known to sneak off to work with it sometimes, leaving his FJR1300 in the garage.....

Anyway....have fun bike hunting!

**Posh Tourer :P** · 27th July 2004, 13:45

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Buy a Yamaha FXZ250 Zeal, if you can find one! A great all-rounder, but a bit thirsty. I highly recommend them, having clocked up 16,500km on one in about nine months.

Out of the bikes you've listed, the Honda is the best ride by a considerable margin -- hence the price premium. If you can find a tidy low mileage Spada, that's the next best thing!

Like this if it gets relisted?

http://www.trade-me.co.nz/Trade-Me-M...n-13561290.htm

**Zapf** · 27th July 2004, 14:32

tkns for all the input. I am just going down the path that a newer bike is going to be "better"?

than an older bike in age and more reliable of course. Think I'll look for a VTR with up to 5 years old.

What about tires? I am pretty keen on getting some good tires for it once I get my hands on it. What do people say about the Dragon's? or M4's?

Tiger,
How many k's had your VTR done when you bought it?

Have been quoted the following so far, and it seems to be on the hi side.
VTR 1998 $5600
VTR 2003 $6200
both has about 10'000km on them. got quoted from Cyclespot.