Honda VT250FN any good for a first bike?

[fatboy323]

Hey all,

Ok, I got my learners a couple of weeks back and been looking at some bikes. I was really wanting a CBR250RR, just because it's cool and fast :innocent: But I saw this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=370501904)today and figured "what a heck?" it seems like a bargain, highish km's but it's a honda. Same engine as Spada from what I can see.

So would it be a reasonably reliable bike for the next 9 months and a good bike to learn on?

Cheers :corn:

[Fatt Max]

Well done mate,

Looks ok but I am no expert. Talks the talk I suppose. If you have anyone there 'in the know' to tag along when you have a look then that would be a good idea.

No need to rush into anything though, you have all the time in the world so enjoy every day.

Good onya

[_STAIN_]

an excellent choice, pass on the CBR for now

[bogan]

Me and a flatmate had VT250s to learn on, F2 and FG so a model or two earlier then that one. Could be high kms for a 250 if it was used for lots of short commutes and not too well maintained, but fewer but high km trips and/or good maintenance should make the engine last a lot longer. Mine lost compression around 40thousand km (5 years older though). Apart from that it was pretty bulletproof and fun to ride, definitely enough power for a learner to have fun with.

[Insanity_rules]

Just keep an eye on the timing chain and tensioners and you'll be fine. Good bike, good on the open road and reliable as all hell. I still have my 88 VTZ with 41Ks up and still have fun with it.

[ducatilover]

Very good bikes. Similar motor to the Spada, different cams etc bringing the power down to 33hp. Nice wee things to ride and that's a good price. I wouldn't be too concerned about the Km's, they are good for over 100 thou if kept maintained well. Check for ticking/tapping when the motor is running, the cam chain tensioners can be a prick, it's best to pull them out and have the oil feed made slightly larger, this cures them

[DrunkenMistake]

PM sent :]

[fatboy323]

Thanks to all, went and had a look at it straight away, and overall I think I'm going to pass on it. Why?

PROS:
- older owner
- oil changed about half a year back
- good learner engine
- reasonable size (bigger than the CBR at least :) )

CONS:
- it's a bit rough, more so than in TM photos (and I viewed it under the lights)
- most of the front cowling held together by ducktape (spelling?) as well as the seat
- rusty ding in the tank
- chain not adjusted or particularly clean
- rear tyre approaching end of its life
- high km

In the end it just didn't feel right, so I'll take Fatt Max's advice and will keep looking :rockon:



Well done mate,

No need to rush into anything though, you have all the time in the world so enjoy every day.




Could be high kms for a 250 if it was used for lots of short commutes and not too well maintained, but fewer but high km trips and/or good maintenance should make the engine last a lot longer. Mine lost compression around 40thousand km (5 years older though). Apart from that it was pretty bulletproof and fun to ride, definitely enough power for a learner to have fun with.


Very good bikes. Similar motor to the Spada, different cams etc bringing the power down to 33hp. Nice wee things to ride and that's a good price. I wouldn't be too concerned about the Km's, they are good for over 100 thou if kept maintained well. Check for ticking/tapping when the motor is running, the cam chain tensioners can be a prick, it's best to pull them out and have the oil feed made slightly larger, this cures them

[fatboy323]

PM sent :]

Replied :yes:

[ducatilover]

That's not really high Km.... My Spada had 154 thousand when I sold it and i know of another that did 120 thousand before shitting itself, hadn't had an oil change in 50 thou or something crazy. :yes:

[fatboy323]

That's not really high Km.... My Spada had 154 thousand when I sold it and i know of another that did 120 thousand before shitting itself, hadn't had an oil change in 50 thou or something crazy. :yes:

That IS crazy :gob:

But in the end it was just one of the Cons and it was on the bottom of the list :)

[ducatilover]

That IS crazy :gob:

But in the end it was just one of the Cons and it was on the bottom of the list :)

Fair enough, you could get a tidier example for that much, if you can find one.
Or just get a CBR

[fatboy323]

Fair enough, you could get a tidier example for that much, if you can find one.
Or just get a CBR

Yep, same what I was thinking :yes: