WTB: ~250cc daily commuter bike - may trade GSXR250RR Slingshot

[raspygold]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to change bikes. I currently have a GSXR250RR Slingshot which is really nice for a quick cane around the place but I'm really looking for something a bit more relaxed for riding to work on every day.

I only have a short commute of ~20 mins each way every day and I'm finding the GSXR250RR a bit of overkill and it's a bit a pain having to ring its neck through town and because of the aggressive styling of the bike it isn't always the most comfortable ride either - but it's a damn fun one!

As such I'm looking to buy (or swap the GSXR for) a nice small commuting bike. Around the 250cc mark is fine for me. I'm looking to move away from inline 4s (this is my second one now, but definitely the quicker of the two) for now so a v-twin or even single would be fine. I do do some weekend riding (especially in summer) so a bit of go is always good too.

I'm currently quite interested in talking to anyone that knows much about SG350s (Suzuki Goose, e.g. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-316266045.htm) as they tempt me quite a bit but im looking to move to something a bit more relaxed and upright than the GSXR so that's a big consideration too.


As above I'm looking around at the moment so if you have or know of someone that has a bike that might be suitable for me then give me a bell. I am open to the idea of swapping bikes else I will just sell the GSXR.

I'm looking to spend under $3000 if at all possible also.

In the Wellington area is best also.


Cheers,
Ross

[rabidnz]

something like a hornet/bandit maybe? seem very popular, and you could probably even pick up a late model one with the gsxr and 2k Cash

[raspygold]

Oh yeah, is the bandit an i4? I would consider an i4 again but as long as it isn't as aggressive as the GSXR.

Just to clarify I'm either looking to spending some cash or trading for the GSXR. I'm not really wanting to spend too much and so those are really my options. I don't mind if the bike is a little older as long as its well looked after or at least reasonably tidy.

[avgas]

Yep the bikes I would recommend:

SG350
SRX400 (I have one if your interested)
GB400
TU250

[ducatilover]

An SG350 would be a reasonable commuter, bit slow, but an absolute hoot.
What about a Honda BROS400? Comfy and reasonable torque/power. Honda GB400 are a great bike.

[kiwifruit]

scorpio
.

[raspygold]

Yeah, i think the SG350 and SRX400 wouldn't be the quickest bikes in the world but I want something fun for town riding and don't think something too powerful so maybe that's up my ally. I actually really enjoyed riding my friends little NX250 through town (250cc single) if that helps. The GB400s look decent too.

Would you be able to email me details and photos etc of the SRX400 to raspygold[at]gmail.com? Thanks.


I've seen a few scorpios and volties around but I'm not so keen on them.

Any more ideas?

[Gibbo89]

it sounds like you dont want the agressive riding position, anything naked sounds like you'll enjoy. dont write off an inline 4, just see what it revs to, an 18,000 screamer doesnt serve much purpose to you. but a wee single cylinder might not be all that fun when you go for a weekend blast. (obviously the cc you pick will dtermine that though)

hows this look?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-316307085.htm

note that it needs a wee bit of work on the exhaust it seems.

this might be abit of fun

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-311680928.htm

looking on trademe, there is not alot of options in wellington at the moment it seems

[Vinz0r]

Hey mate, I have a 1991 Kawasaki ZR250 Balius I may be looking to trade. It's pretty much a naked version of the ZXR with a nit more midrange and less topend. Nice relaxed upright riding position, it's an inline 4 still, but it might work out well as it's still a bike you can have sone fun on while retaining a comfortable riding position. The last few owners are all KBers also, so any queries on history etc are easily answerable.

I'm looking to get something a little more sports oriented, so could be keen for a swap. PM me if interested.

[raspygold]

looking on trademe, there is not alot of options in wellington at the moment it seems

I don't mind too much if I have to look a bit outside of the region for a bike, my previous bike was a Suzuki Across (GSX250F) which was good fun, it was an i4 but more upright and less of a screamer than the GSXR.

I can get bikes transported pretty cheap too so if I know the bike is in good condition or can have someone look at it for me then thats sweet as well.

[Gibbo89]

I don't mind too much if I have to look a bit outside of the region for a bike, my previous bike was a Suzuki Across (GSX250F) which was good fun, it was an i4 but more upright and less of a screamer than the GSXR.

I can get bikes transported pretty cheap too so if I know the bike is in good condition or can have someone look at it for me then thats sweet as well.

good to know. any of these tickle your fancy?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-316717278.htm (parallel twin)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-317038361.htm (il4)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-317872323.htm (il4)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-316919676.htm (cool looking il4)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-315054980.htm (il4)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-315743061.htm (parallel twin)

[ducatilover]

What are those mini Katanas like? I am quite happy in pants with those....

[Gibbo89]

What are those mini Katanas like? I am quite happy in pants with those....

good to know about your situation in your pants, check out its slightly bigger brother

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-317707629.htm

[ducatilover]

good to know about your situation in your pants, check out its slightly bigger brother

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-317707629.htm

Very much aware of the whole series, but was wondering what the 250 Kat was like? 400 would be a decent commuter bike too, I'm currently in the cheapish commuter market and see the Kat as a sexy alternative to a Bandit/GSF. Mind you, I'm pretty set on another Spada or a GB400 [has to be single seat :woohoo: ]

[Gibbo89]

Very much aware of the whole series, but was wondering what the 250 Kat was like? 400 would be a decent commuter bike too, I'm currently in the cheapish commuter market and see the Kat as a sexy alternative to a Bandit/GSF. Mind you, I'm pretty set on another Spada or a GB400 [has to be single seat :woohoo: ]

i'd like to try a wee katana too, the 250 is about 38hp, not too bad! and i too would like a wee spada, they sound like sweet bikes

[ducatilover]

i'd like to try a wee katana too, the 250 is about 38hp, not too bad! and i too would like a wee spada, they sound like sweet bikes

I swear by the Spada, excellent all round for a 250. I personally think they are the best real world 250 out there [I'm biased with 3 and a half years ownership with a spada]. But there are a few I haven't tried, such as the Kat or an injected Hyosung. I just know the Hyosung won't compare, the carb models were junk and slow, but, I am interested in the Kats. The amusing 4cyl scream without the cost of a cbr250r/rr.

[raspygold]

The standard GSX doesn't hold any appeal to me.

I don't mind picking up a bike that needs a bit of cosmetic love but I don't really want to pick up something with any unknown engine issues or something like that. I want a really solid base to work from

I really just want a bike that I am going to love to ride as the aggressiveness of the GSXR is taking some of the fun away from it for me. I'm a bit gutted really as I always wanted one of these bikes, now that I finally have my hands on one I'm finding that its not really want I'm after.

How does a Honda Bros 400 go? My friend has the 650 version and that thing is pretty torquey.

[avgas]

GB400 [has to be single seat :woohoo: ]
Over-rated seat
Actually I have had both single and twin seaters.
And the twin seater is better in every way, it feels sportier, its firmer and it has more comfort.

The single seat is completely pointless as its so far back that when you push back into it, it looks like your trying to touch your toes.

[Gibbo89]

The standard GSX doesn't hold any appeal to me.

I don't mind picking up a bike that needs a bit of cosmetic love but I don't really want to pick up something with any unknown engine issues or something like that. I want a really solid base to work from

I really just want a bike that I am going to love to ride as the aggressiveness of the GSXR is taking some of the fun away from it for me. I'm a bit gutted really as I always wanted one of these bikes, now that I finally have my hands on one I'm finding that its not really want I'm after.

How does a Honda Bros 400 go? My friend has the 650 version and that thing is pretty torquey.

can't say i know how they go, the first thing i noticed on them though is how small the tank is... it's skinny as! R1madness on here has one is his store at the moment in New Brighton, Chch. the seem to have a good following, along with its bigger brother.

[ducatilover]

How does a Honda Bros 400 go? My friend has the 650 version and that thing is pretty torquey.

The 400 are weak as plastic cheese next to the 650, but, my 650 ate petrol, tires and the clutch. The 400s get along nice enough and I can never get enough of the noise :woohoo: Very very small bike considering. They are skinnier than a Spada to sit on.

[ducatilover]

Over-rated seat
Actually I have had both single and twin seaters.
And the twin seater is better in every way, it feels sportier, its firmer and it has more comfort.

The single seat is completely pointless as its so far back that when you push back into it, it looks like your trying to touch your toes.

But, the single seat just looks so awesome, the only reason I want the single seat haha. My uncle had a GB500TT with the twin seat and a single seat one too, I always wanted the single seat.
I'm known for silly choices like that....

[Murray]

I had a look at this the other day. Its mint - pity I already have one

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-295519804.htm

[avgas]

But, the single seat just looks so awesome, the only reason I want the single seat haha. My uncle had a GB500TT with the twin seat and a single seat one too, I always wanted the single seat.
I'm known for silly choices like that....
Hahaha you and me both.
Here was the last one I had - for a bit of eye candy. But she was pretty fooked.
http://farrst.blogspot.com/2009/06/honda-gb400ttbetty-mk-ii.html

[ducatilover]

Hahaha you and me both.
Here was the last one I had - for a bit of eye candy. But she was pretty fooked.
http://farrst.blogspot.com/2009/06/honda-gb400ttbetty-mk-ii.html

So much awesome! Can you just switch the seat units over?
What are the 400s like in terms of overtaking and going up hills?