An experienced hand looking at a bike.

[nathanmf]

I am wanting to go look at this bike: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361726659.htm

But I don't know a lot about bikes and what to look for. I don't really want to spend this much money on a bike thats a bomb so was wondering if anyone in the tauranga area could come with me to have a look at it and tell me if its worth it?

[Maha]

Hard pressed to find a Hornet that you would call a bomb, they are Mr (or Mrs) Reliability of the motorcycle world...

[ducatilover]

Hornets are brilliant bikes, generally the toughest 250 out there. Not much to look for, except your usual fork seals, pads, disks and chain type rubbish.

[scracha]

Hornets are brilliant bikes, generally the toughest 250 out there. Not much to look for, except your usual fork seals, pads, disks and chain type rubbish.


That said, it's 5 grand for an 11 year old bike. It'll probably need another 5 hundy on servicing, fork seals, shock, etc etc.

7 grand gets you a new Hyobag.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-136375617.htm

6 grand gets you a new Daelim.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361726652.htm

[ducatilover]

That said, it's 5 grand for an 11 year old bike. It'll probably need another 5 hundy on servicing, fork seals, shock, etc etc.

7 grand gets you a new Hyobag.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-136375617.htm

6 grand gets you a new Daelim.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361726652.htm

An often argued case.
The Hyosung is a great wee bike, but.....the Hornet WILL last longer, has less inherent problems and goes a whole lot better, it also has great resale value. The Hyo is very roomy and some like the looks.
The Daelim is an interesting thing and I have not ridden one yet, although, reviews seem to suggest a Yamaha Scorpio instead.

Once, you have owned either of the new ones for two years and 50,000km, they will be nearing the end of their usable life and the hornet will be going strong with it's beautiful gear driven cam motor and tasty gear box and to top it off, it will hold it's value better.


Why does it need a shock at 22k?

[Maha]

This could be worth a look...low K's

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-359431966.htm

[slofox]

I am wanting to go look at this bike: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361726659.htm

But I don't know a lot about bikes and what to look for. I don't really want to spend this much money on a bike thats a bomb so was wondering if anyone in the tauranga area could come with me to have a look at it and tell me if its worth it?

23 thou k's is bugger all. Unless it's been crashed or summat it should be sweet.

[cbfb]

This could be worth a look...low K's

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-359431966.htm

+1 that's a bloody good deal. Paid only slightly less than that for one same age that had done 50k. GJ74A model too, 45 hp motor as opposed to the later less gutsy one. You could do a lot worse.

[blackdog]

Hornet.

Every time.

The price will be negotiable too, being a dealer.

[blackdog]

45 hp motor as opposed to the later less gutsy one. .

Nope. They were all 45hp.

1990 Model (unchanged til '95) http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsf250_bandit%2090.htm

1995 onwards http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsf250_bandit%2095.htm

[R1madness]

It appears to be an honest bike. The dealer has taken the trouble to photograph all the imperfections he can find and has not tried to hide any of it.
More than you can say for most of the sellers on "tardme"

[cbfb]

Nope. They were all 45hp.

1990 Model (unchanged til '95) http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsf250_bandit%2090.htm

1995 onwards http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gsf250_bandit%2095.htm

I think you'll find that from 1992 Japanese regulations were enforced limiting them to 40 hp.

EDIT: Dunno if there were 45hp versions available in the NZ market and the 40 hp versions applied to imports only, but it's pretty common knowledge that the post 92 bikes are only 40hp.

[nathanmf]

Hornet.

Every time.

The price will be negotiable too, being a dealer.

Really? i thought they were less likely to negotiate..

How much do you reckon i can get them down to??

[blackdog]

Really? i thought they were less likely to negotiate..

How much do you reckon i can get them down to??

It will depend on what it owes them.

Start low, it is easier to move up in price when it's not accepted. You can't move down...

[spookytooth]

Take a wander down to smithys Theres i guy that works there Gary talk to him ask him what its like he's a straigh up sort even Brain who is generaly in the shop (runs the place doesn't own it ) is honest as

[Gubb]

7 grand gets you a new Hyobag.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-136375617.htm
...nd a great way to make a first impression with a Scotsman in Thames while hugging another man on a Hornet 250.

[nathanmf]

cheers im gonna go there tomorrow. It looks like its been dropped. got a pretty bad scratch on the side. dont know if i want it now

[blackdog]

cheers im gonna go there tomorrow. It looks like its been dropped. got a pretty bad scratch on the side. dont know if i want it now

a lowside slide ain't always that bad. as suggested have a chat, maybe for the $$ they want they will sort the damage for you or knock a few bucks off.

[Old Steve]

We're lucky in Tauranga, the dealers are mainly a good crew. Smithy's are honest and reliable. Yeah, talk to Gary, ask lots of questions.

I'm in town, just a couple of blocks away. But I've only been riding for a year and though I feel I'd know most of what to look for I'd hate to have to be on the spot.

For an 11 year old bike, mind a good reliable model, nearly $5000 seems a lot as it's been dropped. It's scratched on both sides, so it's been dropped more than once. Check the handlebar levers, they cost $50 to $60 each to replace, and check the gear selectopr and foot brake levers too to see if they're cracked. See if Smithy's will get those tank scratches and rust fixed for you, or use them as a bargaining tool for a better price. As is, 11 years old, 23,000 km, scratched both sides, those tank scratches need attention, I'd start at $3000, go up to $3,500, then go away and think about it. You'd probably feel good if you got it for high $3s/$4000, but you'd get a great bike that you could make even better. With the tank scratches fixed you'd feel good getting it in the very low $4s.

Have fun tomnorrow. Remember to take it for a good test ride - over the Kaimais to okoroire Pub for a coffee and back would give you a good first impression. :yes:

[R1madness]

Dude you have to be a bit realistic about minor cosmetic damage. Most used 250s have been dropped, whether its a foot in a patch of gravel on the side of the road or a oops where did that patch of oil come from in the driveway. What i was getting at is that the dealer has made no effort to try and hide that. Which is a good thing... Shows hes being honest about the condition. Minor scuffs are a part of riding. All the damage appears to be from a minor low speed slip and nothing to be worried about unless you want a MINT bike which will cost a bit more. In stead of asking for a discount see if he will fix the 2 things that look the worst to you.

[cheshirecat]

Thought only vfr's had the gear driven cams
looks a clean bike aside from the dings - and it seems to have been looked after
Just checked - they do have gear driven cams - go for it, there's no going back after that sound at revs