Is a GN250 an ok bike to start out on?

[nzspokes]

Im starting riding after I get through my BHS etc. Have been looking at a cruiser style 250. Would like a Intruder but way out of my current post divorce budget. So a GN looks to be the starter. Are they OK? Im 172cm so size would be OK? Im thinking about spending 2k on the bike and there seems to be a good few in that range.

[DrunkenMistake]

Short Answer:

Yes.

[jaffaonajappa]

Longer answer:

Yes, but for 2k (assuming thats not including safety gear) you can do better than a GN250.
Check the scorpions, XV250's, and VTR's. Loads of info on these forums...take an hour or three and read up on them all.

[hayd3n]

great little town bikes and average on the open road plan well in advance before you attempt to pass any vehicles cheap parts and crash friendly

[DrunkenMistake]

They are good on your wallet too, cheap on gas, and have tyres that will outlive the bike, Buy a ginnie with original tyres, let it sit in a shed and when you turn 60 discard the rusted away motor and frame and resale the spanking new tyres haha.

The Gn hasnt changed much at all in its production life, and its probably one of the most used learners bikes, so if your not looking for anything super quick but something reliable and bullet proof, go with the Ginnie. IMO anyway

[tigertim20]

short answer yes, but frankly, there are a LOT of bikes out there for learners that areway superior bikes.
Personally, i wouldnt bother getting a GN,unless the sole purpose of it was commuting through town.

Youll be on this first bike for probably at least a year untill you get your full, so if you plan to use it for things other than just commuting, Id suggest waiting an extra month or two, saving a few extra coins, and getting something better.

[bluebird]

A GN, ok if you like riding broomsticks, and may remind you of your ex-wife. Save some more coin and get a Hyosung 250, a Yamaha Virago, or a Honda Magna. Some keen sellers out there in Trademe land, make offers.

[Squiggles]

They're a great learner bike. You should be able to get a reasonably tidy one for 2k. Try to get one that has had the tires replaced (The Cheng Shin tires they come with from factory are arse in the wet).

As Hayd3n said, plenty of parts around and it won't depreciate much (even if you give it a couple of war wounds).

[Subike]

rthe only other bike that is as good as a GN for learning on is a 225 Yamaha Scorpio
Newer than the GN250s, but also in the $2000 price range

[jazfender]

People recommend GN250's when they're being polite.

[DrunkenMistake]

They're a great learner bike. You should be able to get a reasonably tidy one for 2k. Try to get one that has had the tires replaced (The Cheng Shin tires they come with from factory are arse in the wet).

As Hayd3n said, plenty of parts around and it won't depreciate much (even if you give it a couple of war wounds).


Yip the tyres are like hard plastic.

[nzspokes]

Well I just found this, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/138522-1986-Honda-CB250?p=1130075934#post1130075934 . I really like that. Not due to cost but I love the look of it. I dont mind a project as Im not getting it for transport. I really hope its not sold.

Mainly looking at GNs due to its what I know as have seen them around a lot.

[nzspokes]

rthe only other bike that is as good as a GN for learning on is a 225 Yamaha Scorpio
Newer than the GN250s, but also in the $2000 price range

I have looked at those, they look a little little for my 100kgs. love pies......

[DrunkenMistake]

Oh, dont worry man im 100 and I have riden one before,
You dont want a 250 project, I used to have a thing about sinking money into my old 250 but it was primo nick and I didnt need to, which im glad I didnt! now I have my 400 and have sunk my bank account into it..
Try get something that will require little work,

little work = little hassle,
Little hassle = saved money
Saved money = Dream bike when you get your full
Simple as that.

[DrunkenMistake]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-385550133.htm

Offer 1,400 you will probably get it.
Km's mean fuck all in a 250 so long as they arnt nearer to 80k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-385699140.htm
is a scorpio in good nick.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-383237662.htm
another one I just spotted, I dont know what they are like though sorry

Oh and another, http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-354101794.htm

[nzspokes]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-385550133.htm

Offer 1,400 you will probably get it.
Km's mean fuck all in a 250 so long as they arnt nearer to 80k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-385699140.htm
is a scorpio in good nick.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-383237662.htm
another one I just spotted, I dont know what they are like though sorry

Sweet, that GN looks good. May contact them. Just something scorpios that I dont like.

Thanks for that!!

[GrayWolf]

Im starting riding after I get through my BHS etc. Have been looking at a cruiser style 250. Would like a Intruder but way out of my current post divorce budget. So a GN looks to be the starter. Are they OK? Im 172cm so size would be OK? Im thinking about spending 2k on the bike and there seems to be a good few in that range.

Are there 'better'?? 250's? yes for performance etc.
However, this IS your first bike, there is a likelyhood you will have an ooops at low speed. New riders can and do get caught out by wet drain covers, wet tar snakes, diesel, wet road marking paint etc etc. You may not have an ooops. But for 2k? I'd go the ginny for 6 months or so, you'll get your money back on it, and once confident THEN look at the VTR/GTR etc. I am 104kg and ride my partners ginny to work sometimes. They are not fast, they are VERY forgiving of mistakes compared to a higher powered 250. THey have been around for over 20yrs unchanged, so Suzuki must have gotten something right!!!!

[DrunkenMistake]

I added some more links to my previous post you might be interested.

[nzspokes]

Are there 'better'?? 250's? yes for performance etc.
However, this IS your first bike, there is a likelyhood you will have an ooops at low speed. New riders can and do get caught out by wet drain covers, wet tar snakes, diesel, wet road marking paint etc etc. You may not have an ooops. But for 2k? I'd go the ginny for 6 months or so, you'll get your money back on it, and once confident THEN look at the VTR/GTR etc. I am 104kg and ride my partners ginny to work sometimes. They are not fast, they are VERY forgiving of mistakes compared to a higher powered 250. THey have been around for over 20yrs unchanged, so Suzuki must have gotten something right!!!!

Im not really after speed (yet) but to enjoy riding. Its not going to be my transport but something ive wanted for years. And yes I will only have what ever i get untill I get my full. I also like the look of GNs.

[jaffaonajappa]

Oh and another, http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-354101794.htm

Avoid them.
Stick tot he jappas, dont touch the Chinese bikes. Unless you have done a truck loqd of research and are happy to disregard the advice of majority of NZ's biking enthusiasts :)

[FJRider]

Im not really after speed (yet) but to enjoy riding.

That is good .... because on a GN ... speed will seldom be an issue ... but it will teach you to ride ...


Its not going to be my transport but something ive wanted for years. And yes I will only have what ever i get untill I get my full. I also like the look of GNs.

You wanted a GN ... poor boy ...

[nzspokes]

Avoid them.
Stick tot he jappas, dont touch the Chinese bikes. Unless you have done a truck loqd of research and are happy to disregard the advice of majority of NZ's biking enthusiasts :)

Yup will give that one a miss. I like to be able to pronounce the name of things I own.

[nzspokes]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-383237662.htm
another one I just spotted, I dont know what they are like though sorry



Thats not bad, but I think the price is off for an old bike with hi ks. Never know if you offer though.

[2wheelsrock]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-385583720.htm

For an extra 5 hunddy get a new one.

[DrunkenMistake]

Avoid them.
Stick tot he jappas, dont touch the Chinese bikes. Unless you have done a truck loqd of research and are happy to disregard the advice of majority of NZ's biking enthusiasts :)

Uh huh..

In that case,

Ignore that link I posted! haha.

[nzspokes]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-385583720.htm

For an extra 5 hunddy get a new one.

Wow 15hp!! Isnt that kinda low? The CB is over 30....

[Latte]

A friend of mine was a proper new rider (ie. 1st time on a bike was BHS). And he only wanted it for Commuting to work. GN250 was perfect (although the specific one I told him was mint, that ended up needing another $1500 thrown at it wasn't haha). He's just about onto his full and is just starting to out grow it (and he wants to start weekend riding etc).

Point is if you see yourself weekend riding/quick learner etc you'll learn to hate it pretty quick. If you are a slow starter etc it'll do you right for some time.

I commuted for about a week on it and it was fine for the 10-12 k comute, even the lack of power wasnt a huge issue, just needed different bars/rotating them forward.

[nzspokes]

I like the look of this, http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-372144748.htm but I guess its probably to cheap to be true.....

[DrunkenMistake]

Like Jaffa said, keep away from the Chinese junk

[nzspokes]

Like Jaffa said, keep away from the Chinese junk

Yup, just goggled it. Seems odd ball.

[DrunkenMistake]

Yup, just goggled it. Seems odd ball.

Yah, my fault for linking that other one, I didnt even take notice, I dont want to kill you with shitty welds! haha

[jaffaonajappa]

yeah, the vedict on the "newer" chinese bikes is still undecided....but....am thinking its going to be similar tot he chinese bikes from 3+ years ago. Junk.
some of them last a weeee while, many didnt. Very hard to get part for them. Or mechanics that are willing to work on them.
In 5 or so years, Im guessing the chinese bike manufacturers will have some decent quality control....but so far....the examples seen in NZ have earned a pooor reputation. With very few exceptions.

If its not a Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, or Kawasaki......then its not really recommended for a learner on a budget.

And if you can avoid the Hondas too....you wont get laffed at as much :P jokes

[DrunkenMistake]

And if you can avoid the Hondas too....you wont get laffed at as much :P jokes

He only said jokes so he doesnt get attacked by a group of hardened KB keyboard warriors.

I own a Honda, and I owned one before it..

You get laughed at alot, Only get a honda if you have self esteem like steal..

[tigertim20]

Are there 'better'?? 250's? yes for performance etc.
However, this IS your first bike, there is a likelyhood you will have an ooops at low speed. New riders can and do get caught out by wet drain covers, wet tar snakes, diesel, wet road marking paint etc etc. You may not have an ooops. But for 2k? I'd go the ginny for 6 months or so, you'll get your money back on it, and once confident THEN look at the VTR/GTR etc. I am 104kg and ride my partners ginny to work sometimes. They are not fast, they are VERY forgiving of mistakes compared to a higher powered 250. THey have been around for over 20yrs unchanged, so Suzuki must have gotten something right!!!!
there are alot of bikes out there that are modestly powered, wont get you into trouble easily, are robust, economical and forgiving. heaps of them. Like a gpx, or a vt whether oler or newer, what about an older cb250/cb250rs, they come up often for very little coin, the list goes on, there are other options in cruisers as well, the GN is bandied about only because its been around forever, so everyone has seen one. there are better options.

yeah, the vedict on the "newer" chinese bikes is still undecided....but....am thinking its going to be similar tot he chinese bikes from 3+ years ago. Junk.
some of them last a weeee while, many didnt. Very hard to get part for them. Or mechanics that are willing to work on them.
[/SIZE]

have you watched the 'on any sunday' movies?
theres a comment on there during one of the scenes at a trail ride or something
'and here we have an offering from a japanese manufacturer, very unusual, and I doubt you will ever see many of these'
China makes a fuck load of parts forall sorts of things, Including parts for japanese bikes. Look around your house, everything you see was once upona time a brand that was referred to as 'oh thats some shit fucking brand from the middleof nowhere, it will be shit'.

Not saying that everything linked is a great bike, but if someone doesnt be brave and give it a go, we will never know for sure the good and the bad points of it.
sorry, o/t

[nzspokes]

Well the CB240rs is still available, so will go look. See how much work it needs. Where would be the best place to get a clutch lever for it?

[dogsnbikes]

Well the CB240rs is still available, so will go look. See how much work it needs.

Very forgiving bikes like the GN is.......I use too ride my CB250RS from wanganui to wgtn and I'm 6'2" & 120kg and it never missed a beat,I sold it locally last november and see it around alot,the guy is loving it.....

but either it be the GN or the CB you wont regret it They are easy too work on if your that way inclined and as mentioned already it will teach you to actually ride a bike......Enjoy

[Chancebmx25]

Great learner bike i personally just think there sewing machines

[ducatilover]

I owned a GN for a grand total of three months. I put just under 11,000km on the poor thing. I was riding a 160km commute, then I would go riding every night, weekend etc in the rain or on a sunny day.
They are a good wee bike for commuting, but, after my experience wouldn't recommend one to someone who has ridden before or plans to ride everywhere with it. If you're a fresh rider and just want a bike that'll do the job and not explode, then go for it. But, I'd keep an eye out on the other available bikes. If you're after a cruiser or older looking bike the XV250 Yammy might tickle your fancy, SRV250 Yammy was also a cool little bike :2thumbsup GB250 Honda, VT250 Magna, CB250 etc etc etc there are heaps of bikes out there that'll do what you want for bugger all coin.

[Str8 Jacket]

The best thing that I ever did was write my GN off!

[HEMA]

My first bike was a GN400, lasted me through high school and the army. Did about 28000km on it all over Southern Africa.

[Icemaestro]

I've had a look at the 'cb250rs' it's actually a cbx250rs - I had one for my first bike. They are great wee bikes, pretty similar to a gn but with a little more go.

Problem with that one is it needs a good strip and clean of the carbs, and they are worse to get out and back in than my vfr (and that's saying something).
Also the battery is buggered, and possibly the RR (not sure, didn't have a voltmeter on it).
Also could do with a service with plugs etc.
Oh, and the front tyre either has a puncture or the lack of valve caps has meant that it is half flat (as I realised 1m up the driveway).

Contemplated buying it myself but umming and ahh ing over all the work it needs doing. to be honest, for a new rider, I'd go the GN...I'm just tempted by nostagia over my first bike :-P

[nzspokes]

I've had a look at the 'cb250rs' it's actually a cbx250rs - I had one for my first bike. They are great wee bikes, pretty similar to a gn but with a little more go.

Problem with that one is it needs a good strip and clean of the carbs, and they are worse to get out and back in than my vfr (and that's saying something).
Also the battery is buggered, and possibly the RR (not sure, didn't have a voltmeter on it).
Also could do with a service with plugs etc.
Oh, and the front tyre either has a puncture or the lack of valve caps has meant that it is half flat (as I realised 1m up the driveway).

Contemplated buying it myself but umming and ahh ing over all the work it needs doing. to be honest, for a new rider, I'd go the GN...I'm just tempted by nostagia over my first bike :-P

Thanks for the info!! Carbs i can do, Ive done a lot with motors etc( built race motors for cars etc). RR? Is that the regulater? Punture is an easy fix. And expected to spend some time and money on it. Will take a look but keeping an open mind.

[Banditbandit]

Im starting riding after I get through my BHS etc. Have been looking at a cruiser style 250. Would like a Intruder but way out of my current post divorce budget. So a GN looks to be the starter. Are they OK? Im 172cm so size would be OK? Im thinking about spending 2k on the bike and there seems to be a good few in that range.

Hmmm .. many people would say yes .. and many people learnt to ride on one ...

I didn't learn on one (too old) ... but I once rode one and hated it .. and would NOT recommend it as a learner bike. I found the seating position to be ackward and not conducive to good handling. The bike I rode also had higher bars and more pulled back .. and it felt like the front end was doing its own thing and was barely under control.

I'd recommend something less cruiser-like ... The 1980s Honda CB250RS was a great learner bike .. not sure what the modern equivalent is ... Maybe Hoysung?

[Sable]

Lol. No. They're pieces of shit and you WILL get laughed at. In terms of street cred (and performance) they're more or less a scooter. You can do better.

[Icemaestro]

Thanks for the info!! Carbs i can do, Ive done a lot with motors etc( built race motors for cars etc). RR? Is that the regulater? Punture is an easy fix. And expected to spend some time and money on it. Will take a look but keeping an open mind.

regulator/rectifier - likely to be just the battery though. They are a single but twin carbs.

[Ender EnZed]

Is a GN250 an ok bike to start out on?

Yes. <DEL>

[FilthyLuka]

Lol. No. They're pieces of shit and you WILL get laughed at. In terms of street cred (and performance) they're more or less a scooter. You can do better.

Hahahah, i never got laughed at for riding my GN ;) but then again 35-38 odd horses at the wheel made it a bit different...

They take to 'west auckland' style performance tuning very very well. If you like to tinker with engines, get a GN. If you want something to ride and will get someone else to service it, get something else.

Actually, scratch that. Get whatever you want, chances are someone on the internet is gonna hate it regardless.

[nzspokes]

Well Ive done it. I couldnt say no. I have bought the CBX250rs. Needs some work but not much. Less than I thought it would. Nice people to.

So here it starts.......:rockon:

[Mom]

People recommend GN250's when they're being polite.

:lol: No, I think they are a fantastic learners bike, and I will be hard pressed to change that opinion.

However, it really depends on what the OP wants from their first bike. A round town commuter? GN250 hands down. A commuter bike they want to play on out of work hours...?

[newhere]

Well Ive done it. I couldnt say no. I have bought the CBX250rs. Needs some work but not much. Less than I thought it would. Nice people to.

So here it starts.......:rockon:


Im so happy you didn't get the GN!!! Take one for a ride in about 3 weeks and you will be thanking your lucky stars to :lol:

[nzspokes]

Also time to start looking for a helmet, gloves etc etc

[jaffaonajappa]

Well Ive done it. I couldnt say no. I have bought the CBX250rs. Needs some work but not much. Less than I thought it would. Nice people to.

So here it starts.......:rockon:

Congrats!!!
Now....get a brand new helmet.
The other gears....in my opinion....its better to get some quality 2nd hand used gear, then the shiny junky New stuff at the same cost.
Theres a few recent threds in these forums......excellent quality $200 helmets. (search for SHARP s)

[nzspokes]

Congrats!!!
Now....get a brand new helmet.
The other gears....in my opinion....its better to get some quality 2nd hand used gear, then the shiny junky New stuff at the same cost.
Theres a few recent threds in these forums......excellent quality $200 helmets. (search for SHARP s)

Just seen nice AGV helmet new on TM in my size for $200. Hmmmmmmm

Got some boots, mates got a jacket that he wore a few times. So getting there.

But got to get a licence first.

[nzspokes]

Are these any good? kinda like the 2 visor idea. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=385628889

But again they could be crap.

[The Lone Rider]

For $2,000 see if you can pick up a honda rebel 250. Slightly higher on budget would be a intruder 250, then higher still is the magna 250

Nothing wrong with GN assuming you plan to upgrade when you get a full license.

All are reasonable, it just pays to know what you are getting in the purchase. I have tried all of the above mentioned bikes, and the new model intruder was a great platform.

Edit -

Get a helmet that breaths. Fogging helmets are ass.

[nzspokes]

I think this will be the winner for me. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=384983582

[jaffaonajappa]

Are these any good? kinda like the 2 visor idea. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=385628889

But again they could be crap.

Nothing against Trademe.....and some of the sellers on there are well known and respected KB members from what I can gather.

but for your first helmet - absolutely nothing is more important that making sure you get the 'correct' sized helmet. And although this seems odd...the different brands are suited to different shaped heads. Well sometimes.
So...highly recommend you visit some local retailers.
HEre in Auckland, the two most popular are:
www.cycletreads.co.nz just over the bridge / shore.
www.motomail.co.nz parnell area

actually....check out the SHARK helmet for $200...if the special is still on.

Heaps of threads on these forums...some research now could save you $$$ and/or pain later on.

[DrunkenMistake]

Are these any good? kinda like the 2 visor idea. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=385628889

But again they could be crap.
they are shit. Great company and all but i dont recomend that helmet. I personally had one

[nzspokes]

they are shit. Great company and all but i dont recomend that helmet. I personally had one

Fair enough. Going to try on an AGV for size. I like the look of the TM one but it has to fit right.

[nzspokes]

Got the CBX home. Road up and down the drive. First ride in 20 years. Nervous at first. But it goes well. No real battery problem apart from a lack of use, starts fine now.

Rolling restoration has started. Getting clutch and brake levers tomorrow. Sat will be spent with a beer and a tube of autosol for the chrome. Then adjust brake and gear controls to suit me.

Guess I better work on that licence thing.....

[jaffaonajappa]

.

Rolling restoration has started. Getting clutch and brake levers tomorrow. Sat will be spent with a beer and a tube of autosol for the chrome. Then adjust brake and gear controls to suit me.


Grats man - and hope the weather gods turn it on for you on Sunday. (assume you are going to try out the new beasty after spending a saturday cleaning it...:P)

[ducatilover]

Good stuff mate, enjoy the bike and keep it safe :banana:

[nzspokes]

Grats man - and hope the weather gods turn it on for you on Sunday. (assume you are going to try out the new beasty after spending a saturday cleaning it...:P)

I wish I could but helmet wont be hear untill next week.:weep:

Also should really get my licence fisrt to.

[Sable]

HJC helmets are awesome. 4star safety ratings on most of them and you can get em for less than 160 new from a shop.

[Banditbandit]

Im so happy you didn't get the GN!!! Take one for a ride in about 3 weeks and you will be thanking your lucky stars to :lol:

I absolutely agree .. the Honda is a much better bike to learn on ...


Nothing against Trademe.....and some of the sellers on there are well known and respected KB members from what I can gather.

but for your first helmet - absolutely nothing is more important that making sure you get the 'correct' sized helmet. And although this seems odd...the different brands are suited to different shaped heads. Well sometimes.
So...highly recommend you visit some local retailers.
HEre in Auckland, the two most popular are:
www.cycletreads.co.nz just over the bridge / shore.
www.motomail.co.nz parnell area

actually....check out the SHARK helmet for $200...if the special is still on.

Heaps of threads on these forums...some research now could save you $$$ and/or pain later on.

YUP. Get a new helmet ... no guaruntees what one from trademe will be like ... and if you biff the bike it's the wrong time to find out the helmet you bought is crap ..

[nzspokes]

I absolutely agree .. the Honda is a much better bike to learn on ...



YUP. Get a new helmet ... no guaruntees what one from trademe will be like ... and if you biff the bike it's the wrong time to find out the helmet you bought is crap ..

The TM helmut is new old stock AGV. And i can return if fit is wrong but have tried one locally.

[nudemetalz]

The CBX's are great bikes, just keep the oil regularily changed. They have been known to poo the heads from lack of maintenance as the RFVC head doesn't like dirty oil.

[PrincessBandit]

They're a great learner bike. You should be able to get a reasonably tidy one for 2k. Try to get one that has had the tires replaced (The Cheng Shin tires they come with from factory are arse in the wet).

As Hayd3n said, plenty of parts around and it won't depreciate much (even if you give it a couple of war wounds).
They are a very forgiving little bike and I found it a great bike to start out on. Recently rode a loan one while my bandit was being serviced and had forgotten just how little it was! having said that, the fact that they're easy to ride, man handle and run on gas fumes makes them little gems in my book. (Oh, you'd probably want one that had been looked after though, not had it's neck wrung every day of its life...)


People recommend GN250's when they're being polite.
Pfffft!


I have looked at those, they look a little little for my 100kgs. love pies......

hehehe, Balu had to get an exemption while on his L to ride my bandit because he had the same problem (physically too big for it...)

[jazfender]

Pfffft!

You know it's truth...

[MikeD400]

I wish I could but helmet wont be hear untill next week.:weep:

Also should really get my licence fisrt to.

HEY! You borrowed my helmet! No excuses sunday is cruise day! Also saying "Should really" means deep down u dont care for getting your license before trying her out! :scooter: <---- thats you tomorow! Have fun!

[jaffaonajappa]

unless it pissing down with rain......no excuses :)
But, learning or relearning to ride when the roads are wet = not fun.

[MikeD400]

unless it pissing down with rain......no excuses :)
But, learning or relearning to ride when the roads are wet = not fun.

Hah good point! Pretty nerve racking when you first get on ur new pride and joy wet or dry, tho wet + nerves = pain and bike repairs. :blip:

[The Lone Rider]

Sat will be spent with a beer and a tube of autosol for the chrome.



Don't use autosol on chrome. It is very mildly abrasive. It will eventually wear the chrome off. Autosol is good on non chromed metals to be polished.

[GrayWolf]

there are alot of bikes out there that are modestly powered, wont get you into trouble easily, are robust, economical and forgiving. heaps of them. Like a gpx, or a vt whether oler or newer, what about an older cb250/cb250rs, they come up often for very little coin, the list goes on, there are other options in cruisers as well, the GN is bandied about only because its been around forever, so everyone has seen one. there are better options.

Agreed TT, the RS/CBX etc are also good options, why do people say a GN? Yes it's been around since ages ago, and thats the advantage.... cheap spares, s/h bits in the event of an 'off'. They are robust little buggers. Yes a good VTR is an serious option, but again, the spares thing. Thats why I said 6 months on a ginny, get your money back on selling it, then go GPX/VTR/GTR etc. I do not put the GPX or VTR into the 'lower power' end of the 250's. What is called middle of the road now, is as fast or faster the the 'fast' 250's of my day. The bikes have improved, the learner on it hasnt!!!

[GrayWolf]

Got the CBX home. Road up and down the drive. First ride in 20 years. Nervous at first. But it goes well. No real battery problem apart from a lack of use, starts fine now.

Rolling restoration has started. Getting clutch and brake levers tomorrow. Sat will be spent with a beer and a tube of autosol for the chrome. Then adjust brake and gear controls to suit me.

Guess I better work on that licence thing.....

Good buy NZspokes, just change that oil regularly!!! The CBX is a good little bike, I remember it's grand pappy well from the 1980's, the CB250RS; they were a hoot for a wee single.

[nzspokes]

HEY! You borrowed my helmet! No excuses sunday is cruise day! Also saying "Should really" means deep down u dont care for getting your license before trying her out! :scooter: <---- thats you tomorow! Have fun!

Well first rides today. 2 and a total of 6ks. Bike goes great but after the first ride I had to adjust the clutch and bent the gear lever out so I could get onto it. Second ride was great. Much easier through the gears. Its going to be a few weeks before I have enough cash to go do my BHS as most of my money has gone on gear. Really would like to spend some time in a car park to just to get the hang of it.

The bike seems to be geared really high, cant practise the slow stuff for the test as the bike just wants to go.

Also need my speedo working. No idea how fast im going.

But really good fun, arms and back very tired. I was holding on to hard!!

[nzspokes]

Good buy NZspokes, just change that oil regularly!!! The CBX is a good little bike, I remember it's grand pappy well from the 1980's, the CB250RS; they were a hoot for a wee single.

Cheers and will do. How often should I change it? 3000ks? Easy to do as I did one this morning. Old oil and filter wernt flash. Im not going to give it death, im not like that. Felt good to be out even for my little rides today. Need training though.

All up with my flash AGV helmet, gloves, jacket(from a mate, nice to) and bike im at about $1100. Very happy. :woohoo:

[jaffaonajappa]

Cheers and will do. How often should I change it? 3000ks? Easy to do as I did one this morning. Old oil and filter wernt flash. Im not going to give it death, im not like that. Felt good to be out even for my little rides today. Need training though.

All up with my flash AGV helmet, gloves, jacket(from a mate, nice to) and bike im at about $1100. Very happy. :woohoo:

Assuming your using reasonably cheap oil....and you dont need the Best for a CBX lol, just reasonable quality motorbike oil......then changing the oil is inexpensive. The more often you do it, the better off the engine is.

And as Im guessing most of your riding will be city work, stop start on and off often, rather than mile crunching open road touring.....perhaps consider changing the oil at just 2,000 kms....with a filter change every second one (ie filter at 4,000.)

[nzspokes]

Assuming your using reasonably cheap oil....and you dont need the Best for a CBX lol, just reasonable quality motorbike oil......then changing the oil is inexpensive. The more often you do it, the better off the engine is.

And as Im guessing most of your riding will be city work, stop start on and off often, rather than mile crunching open road touring.....perhaps consider changing the oil at just 2,000 kms....with a filter change every second one (ie filter at 4,000.)

Sweet, will do. And waddya mean its only a CBX?? Its an CBX with an RS so got to be betterer.......:lol:

Its basic but I think I loves it.

[jaffaonajappa]

Sweet, will do. And waddya mean its only a CBX?? Its an CBX with an RS so got to be betterer.......:lol:

Its basic but I think I loves it.

hehehe. I like your bike....remember them well when they were new.
But dont waste the $30 per litre oil on it.

Maybe I should have said 'its only a Hondaaa'. :)

[nzspokes]

hehehe. I like your bike....remember them well when they were new.
But dont waste the $30 per litre oil on it.

Maybe I should have said 'its only a Hondaaa'. :)

I think it was $37 for 4 LTR.

In saying all this when I was out yesterday checking out every bike shop in Auck I saw a 250 Huysong. Shit there nice. Maybe once my devorce comes through......

[RIDERNZ]

Trusty & hard working commuter but not really set-up for touring arounds the countryside although a few mates have taken their GN's everywhere!

[nzspokes]

So today my little CBX250rs was sold. Shes a great wee bike and gone to a loving home.