Major 250 investment?

[Merkinz]

Just thinking aloud: ... is there any logic/wisdom in investing a chunk ($5-6) on a 250 commuter? Like a near-new Hyosung? I don't see myself wanting to upgrade for a couple of years at least (and I probably won't be able to afford to in a couple of years). So would investing big in a 250 be a good idea?

I'm quite happy at or around the speed limit but would like to be able to overtake when needed.

It'll be for commuting mostly but also 2 - 4 day joy rides/cruses :yes:

Thoughts?

[Lurch]

Very few people are truly happy with a 250 for more than 2 years as their primary motorcycle.

[jaffaonajappa]

Have you already had 'some' riding experience? If none.....start on something cheaper, much chepaer. Because its virtually guaranteed to have a wee fall, hopefully at standstill or very low speed tho!@

[Chancebmx25]

Have you already had 'some' riding experience? If none.....start on something cheaper, much chepaer. Because its virtually guaranteed to have a wee fall, hopefully at standstill or very low speed tho!@

agreed. you will crash if ur a learner./

[JimO]

get a vtr 250 for around half that

[tigertim20]

agreed. you will crash if ur a learner./
what a load of bollocks!! only a small portion of the people I know ever fell off as a learner rider!! Take a few riding courses and advanced rider training/ride right courses etc, and keep a bloody good eye out for the other lunatics on the road and youll be right.
crash bungs will also minimise any potential damage for a low cost.

Just thinking aloud: ... is there any logic/wisdom in investing a chunk ($5-6) on a 250 commuter? Like a near-new Hyosung? I don't see myself wanting to upgrade for a couple of years at least (and I probably won't be able to afford to in a couple of years). So would investing big in a 250 be a good idea?

I'm quite happy at or around the speed limit but would like to be able to overtake when needed.

It'll be for commuting mostly but also 2 - 4 day joy rides/cruses :yes:

Thoughts?

you can get alot of bike for 6k, and alot of bike for barely more than half that. VTR, CBR, Hornet/Bandit,Zeal 250s all have plenty of go for a 250.

If you want to spend the money on a later model 250, then by all means do, but quite often the ONLY benefit you get from a newer 250 is fractionally better fuel consumption over ones a few years older.
As has been mentioned, 2 years on a 250 is a long time. ride a 250, and then a middle of the road 600/650 like a 650 ninja or whatever, and youll see there is a world of difference.

If it was me, I would invest 3.5k tops in a 250, and pout the rest into something that earns interest, which I could add to what I sell the 250 for in 18months in order to buy a really good 600.
just my 2c

[jaffaonajappa]

what a load of bollocks!! only a small portion of the people I know ever fell off as a learner rider!! Take a few riding courses and advanced rider training/ride right courses etc, and keep a bloody good eye out for the other lunatics on the road and youll be right.



Ok. We must move in completely opposite circles. I know a few bikers....and Ive been riding a wee while. I havent yet found someone that didnt have a stupis, avoidable, drop - while still learning the basics. This includes that especially dangerous period, after a few hundred kms, ie weeks of city commuting, where the learner starts to feel confidant but hasnt yet developed the deeper skills - ie they forget to put their feet down at the stop sign in time. etc.

But regarding getting some professional instruction - agree 100%. This will definitely "reduce" (not eliminate) your chances of having a sill avoidable accident.

[DrunkenMistake]

what a load of bollocks!! only a small portion of the people I know ever fell off as a learner rider!! Take a few riding courses and advanced rider training/ride right courses etc, and keep a bloody good eye out for the other lunatics on the road and youll be right.
crash bungs will also minimise any potential damage for a low cost.


you can get alot of bike for 6k, and alot of bike for barely more than half that. VTR, CBR, Hornet/Bandit,Zeal 250s all have plenty of go for a 250.

If you want to spend the money on a later model 250, then by all means do, but quite often the ONLY benefit you get from a newer 250 is fractionally better fuel consumption over ones a few years older.
As has been mentioned, 2 years on a 250 is a long time. ride a 250, and then a middle of the road 600/650 like a 650 ninja or whatever, and youll see there is a world of difference.

If it was me, I would invest 3.5k tops in a 250, and pout the rest into something that earns interest, which I could add to what I sell the 250 for in 18months in order to buy a really good 600.
just my 2c

+1,
and I cant see how you could possibly crash a bike unless your doing something rediculious, such as 120 and following too close then checking out some chick in a mini skirt without realising the car infront of you has stopped.. but I have seen experianced people do stupid shit too so its all whoo har so long as you use your head.

I would recommend looking at something around the 3k mark there are ALOT of good bikes for that price as JimO said, you can get a VTR 250 for about that, and they are a great wee bike.

[tigertim20]

Ok. We must move in completely opposite circles. I know a few bikers....and Ive been riding a wee while. I havent yet found someone that didnt have a stupis, avoidable, drop - while still learning the basics. This includes that especially dangerous period, after a few hundred kms, ie weeks of city commuting, where the learner starts to feel confidant but hasnt yet developed the deeper skills - ie they forget to put their feet down at the stop sign in time. etc.

But regarding getting some professional instruction - agree 100%. This will definitely "reduce" (not eliminate) your chances of having a sill avoidable accident.

perhaps, we do!!

But I think telling noobs that they will definitely drop their bike is ridiculous, you might as well tell them not to leave the house in case they twist their ankle walking down the street!!

Most of the learner riders I have known in the last 10 years have been super duper anxious about their bikes, and double and triple check things to the point of absurdity, to make sure they dont have an avoidable drop.

Im sure plenty of new riders DO drop a bike, but the possibility is certainly not a reason to deter someone from a particular bike.

[DrunkenMistake]

perhaps, we do!!

But I think telling noobs that they will definitely drop their bike is ridiculous, you might as well tell them not to leave the house in case they twist their ankle walking down the street!!

Most of the learner riders I have known in the last 10 years have been super duper anxious about their bikes, and double and triple check things to the point of absurdity, to make sure they dont have an avoidable drop.

Im sure plenty of new riders DO drop a bike, but the possibility is certainly not a reason to deter someone from a particular bike.

Ahaha, Who called the Fun police ;)

[Virago]

Every time I post something, there's a little dog barking around my ankles...


Yap, yap, yap, yap...

:innocent: :shutup:

[Merkinz]

you can get alot of bike for 6k, and alot of bike for barely more than half that. VTR, CBR, Hornet/Bandit,Zeal 250s all have plenty of go for a 250.

If you want to spend the money on a later model 250, then by all means do, but quite often the ONLY benefit you get from a newer 250 is fractionally better fuel consumption over ones a few years older.
As has been mentioned, 2 years on a 250 is a long time. ride a 250, and then a middle of the road 600/650 like a 650 ninja or whatever, and youll see there is a world of difference.

If it was me, I would invest 3.5k tops in a 250, and pout the rest into something that earns interest, which I could add to what I sell the 250 for in 18months in order to buy a really good 600.
just my 2c

Thanks for the advice, definitely taken on board! Does mean I can get a bike sooner and get some quality riding gear. :shifty:

I hear what people are saying about dropping a bike :yes:

On the one hand: I have 2 friends that have been riding for at least 3 years and neither dropped their bike.

... But on the other: I've fallen off my bicycle while staring at girls on the footpath... :facepalm:

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst I guess.

[DrunkenMistake]

Lmao, I usually get a link sent to me and told to read a certain post, then his post, then it usually leads to me adding to the flames. haha

[DrunkenMistake]

Thanks for the advice, definitely taken on board! Does mean I can get a bike sooner and get some quality riding gear. :shifty:

I hear what people are saying about dropping a bike :yes:

On the one hand: I have 2 friends that have been riding for at least 3 years and neither dropped their bike.

... But on the other: I've fallen off my bicycle while staring at girls on the footpath... :facepalm:

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst I guess.

Haha, yah man,
I have found you require a hell of alot more concentration that you first thing, you have to try keep yourself out of routine for example, always following 3m behind a car etc because you switch off, and then you drop concentration and you run up the back end of a car, and dont wear shoes with laces, its an almost a promise for a close call drop haha, definitely spurge out on good gear, then put the rest away for things like tyres, rego, oil and filters, etc

[tigertim20]

Thanks for the advice, definitely taken on board! Does mean I can get a bike sooner and get some quality riding gear. :shifty:

I hear what people are saying about dropping a bike :yes:

On the one hand: I have 2 friends that have been riding for at least 3 years and neither dropped their bike.

... But on the other: I've fallen off my bicycle while staring at girls on the footpath... :facepalm:

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst I guess.

Bang on the money dude. spend some coin on GOOD gear, and it will outlast your first bike by a LOOONG way, probably even your second and your third as well.

Go swing a leg over some and get some time seat time, youll find something you are hapy with, the 250 market has massive variety. probably more variety than any other capacity I would have thought.

[jaffaonajappa]

... But on the other: I've fallen off my bicycle while staring at girls on the footpath... :facepalm:


Your like....a Mini Me. Your going to do well, young Jedi.

And like tiger tim says there - spend the money on some good gear. Heaps of joks with 5k bikes, riding in sandshoes and bomber jackets. Heaps more respect for someone on a 3k bike, wearing proper gear. Looks better too IMO. Get a tinted visor.....you can get away with more.....till you drop the bike lol.

[DrunkenMistake]

Bang on the money dude. spend some coin on GOOD gear, and it will outlast your first bike by a LOOONG way, probably even your second and your third as well.

Go swing a leg over some and get some time seat time, youll find something you are hapy with, the 250 market has massive variety. probably more variety than any other capacity I would have thought.

Depending if you have an issue with 2nd hand and New, and bike type IMO.

[Chancebmx25]

Yer i cant really see how u can crash, but most learners tend to drop thea bikes you cant not drop ur bike, the day u drop it the day ull learn its a part of it, just be more cautious.

[GrayWolf]

Just thinking aloud: ... is there any logic/wisdom in investing a chunk ($5-6) on a 250 commuter? Like a near-new Hyosung?
Nothing wrong with the hyobuckets, even though many do give them 'the verbals'. My concern on spending 5-6k would be IF the new power/weight law chnges come into being. It will kill the high price s/hand 250 market. So my thought would be, get a cheapy as suggested (VTR250) or keep the higher cost one longer? (the cheapy is a great back up/winter bike)

I'm quite happy at or around the speed limit but would like to be able to overtake when needed.
It'll be for commuting mostly but also 2 - 4 day joy rides/cruses :yes:
Thoughts?
most 2 cylinder 250's will comfortably cruise at 100kph and have 'reasonable overtaking power'... yes the 4 cyl sports bikes are faster yada yada yada, but from what you are saying for requirement, a hyo/vtr would suit amply.

If the new law changes do seem imminant? then I'd go looking for 500 twins or 650 singles like the KLR/DT/XT's great commuting bikes :scooter:

[p.dath]

Although you don't plan to, chances are you are going to do some damage to your first bike.

i say buy a cheaper one that won't devalue as much when you do damage it.

[Merkinz]

Cheers for the comments guys. :D

Is a VTR big enough for a 6'1" person ??? I've sat on a Comet and it felt quite good. Sat on a Jade and it felt a little smaller / awkward. Keen to try get my bum on a VTR but won't even bother if they're no good for people over 6'.

[tigertim20]

Cheers for the comments guys. :D

Is a VTR big enough for a 6'1" person ??? I've sat on a Comet and it felt quite good. Sat on a Jade and it felt a little smaller / awkward. Keen to try get my bum on a VTR but won't even bother if they're no good for people over 6'.

yep youll be fine, go sit on ane and get a feel for it.

[Old Steve]

I agree with the general trend of the answers you've got so far.

Don't throw too much at your first bike, $3 - 4,000 max. Spend the extra on good gear, especially a top line helmet (what is your head worth? spend enough to protect it. With luck it'll be a wasted investment.)

I clicked over 17,500 km this weekend in 14 months on my 2005 Hyosung GV250. I'll be keeping her for a while yet, I don't think I've reached her limits yet. But I'd recommend you buy a little later, say 2007 on, still cheap but fewer problems.