Yet another should I buy - '04 GSX250

[GingerMidget]

So I fell in love today out at motormart.

After spending hours on trademe last night looking at these, I found one out at motormart and went and had a better look. This one in particular looks like it may have been dropped, so that won't be coming home with me, but I'm interested in other opinions as to wether it is a good or just plain silly learner bike. I have little experience (VTR250 a couple of times) and I'm a bit on the midgetty side.

Stupid me wants an '09 Ninja, but realistic me can't justify spending quite that much coin on a first bike.

So opinions, experience and complaints please

[MSTRS]

If you are a 'little' person (not a dwarf tho<_<) then the VTR might be best. But then, only you can know whether a bigger framed bike is OK.

[GingerMidget]

Up on the centre stand, I can toe down. Sitting on it, just felt nicer than the vtr. That could be due to a bit of a scare on the vtr, but todays one just felt right.

Would be such a ncie bike if it hadn't been dropped! :facepalm:

[Katman]

They're a great bike.

[GingerMidget]

What sorts of things should I be looking for when I do have the coin to buy one? I would prefer an 04, and ideally in grey but I'll take an 03 in blue happily enough.
Colour is important, but not that important. (apparently I'm a girl?)

I will be talking to one of the guys from work about coming along to have a look with me, so this may involve a bribe. :innocent:

[DR650gary]

So I fell in love today out at motormart.

Stupid me wants an '09 Ninja, but realistic me can't justify spending quite that much coin on a first bike.

So opinions, experience and complaints please

The more you spend now, the more you will get back when move up. Generally, the newer the bike the less you will have to spend on maintenance, although that is condition related.

Buy the best your allowable budget will permit and the one that feels the nicest as you will ride it more and feel safer.

A few dollars to spend on this one but if you have a mate with some tools you're in.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-435773218.htm

This does look sexy in black and has quite a few bucks worth of gear. Even if it doesn't fit you, take it and flog it to reduce your costs.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-437319266.htm

And that's the colour range covered!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-438822509.htm

Oops, a nice green one

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-439748592.htm

Cheers and enjoy your journey into motorcycles.

[FJRider]

So I fell in love today out at motormart.

After spending hours on trademe last night looking at these, I found one out at motormart and went and had a better look. This one in particular looks like it may have been dropped, so that won't be coming home with me, but I'm interested in other opinions as to wether it is a good or just plain silly learner bike. I have little experience (VTR250 a couple of times) and I'm a bit on the midgetty side.

Stupid me wants an '09 Ninja, but realistic me can't justify spending quite that much coin on a first bike.

So opinions, experience and complaints please

So what damage was done when it was dropped ... you cant live with ???

Aside from being cheaper (with damage) ... you may well be able to sort the issues yourself.

As you go through the learning/restricted process ... the likely hood of further (minor) damage is great. Regardless of how good or careful you are.

[ducatilover]

They're a great bike.
Can't agree more.

Have ridden a few of the wee beasts now and think they're a brilliant first bike.
Generally very, very reliable.

The one thing to consider is, it's heavier than a VTR250, can you push it around okay?

Things to look for would be normal maintenance rubbish as I don't recall them having any model specific faults, I imagine Katman can tell us if there are though?


Good luck and ride safe!

[GingerMidget]

The main problem is they want $5k for it, with damage, its only minor but I spotted it from a mile away. I'm very new to this, and I'm not buying something someone else has already dropped. I'm realistic that I will drop my pride and joy one day, I'd rather its first impact be my own doing!

On the vtr i can toe down, but not the cbr. Over all, I love the gixxer, but I really need to ride it before making a firm decision to save for one.

[quickbuck]

The main problem is they want $5k for it, with damage, its only minor but I spotted it from a mile away. I'm very new to this, and I'm not buying something someone else has already dropped. I'm realistic that I will drop my pride and joy one day, I'd rather its first impact be my own doing!

On the vtr i can toe down, but not the cbr. Over all, I love the gixxer, but I really need to ride it before making a firm decision to save for one.

03 Blue, and 04 Grey? Nope, they are all the same bike 2003 or 2004 blue or grey, it makes no difference. Yes, the grey ones look nice in my opinion too.
The other half had one of these in 2004. We went around the south island on it, and it returned close to 400k per tank! My GSX 600 was doing about 250k on the same amount of fuel, and that was econimical...

As for the minor damage, I would say live with it, and use it to lower the sticker price, if you can.
It can be repaired if you are really fussy about it.
To be honest, you would be lucky to find one that hasn't fallen over at some point.

I also own a 2010 Ninja. The Ninja is much lighter than the GSX was (185kg for the GSX), but they perform about the same really.... give or take. In saying that, you will always get most of your money back on a 250 in any case.... Even if it is the through life cost being less than a larger bike.

[ducatilover]

$5k?

They're worth around $3k, I looked at buying an '04 model in about 2006 and that was a shade over $4k at a stealership and was in mint condition.

[MSTRS]

The main problem is they want $5k for it, with damage, its only minor but I spotted it from a mile away. I'm very new to this, and I'm not buying something someone else has already dropped. I'm realistic that I will drop my pride and joy one day, I'd rather its first impact be my own doing!

On the vtr i can toe down, but not the cbr. Over all, I love the gixxer, but I really need to ride it before making a firm decision to save for one.

Let's be clear...it's not a gixxer.
GSXR is a 4 cylinder race/replica sportsbike
GSX250 is a 2 cylinder commuter lookalike.

And $5k? No chance it's worth that. Especially with LAMS on the way.

[GrayWolf]

Let's be clear...it's not a gixxer.
GSXR is a 4 cylinder race/replica sportsbike
GSX250 is a 2 cylinder commuter lookalike.

And $5k? No chance it's worth that. Especially with LAMS on the way.

Totaly agree with that sentiment. 5k is way too high unless it's sub 1000k's on the clock, even then??? LAM's will shatter the 250 bike premium value without a doubt. What WILL happen is they will be 'picked up' as commuter hacks/second bikes for far less than the current prices. IF!!! you intend on keeping it for some time? Maybe the cost is 'acceptable'.... As the date for LAM's gets closer? You'll see dealer's either not replacing 250's on the floor, or heavily discounting them to offload them. When you go back for a bigger bike? I doubt they'd even offer 40% of the purchase price after a year.

[FJRider]

A quick scan of Trademe ...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/SearchResults.aspx?&searchType=0001-0026-1255-&searchString=gsx250&x=0&y=0&searchregion=100&type=Search&sort_order=&redirectFromAll=False&generalSearch_keypresses=6&generalSearch_suggested=0&?supprR=1&z=60

[GingerMidget]

So shelving the idea of this for now, as I don't think I can grow a few inches in heigh overnight. Sadly. :laugh:

Next big idea... haha

[Ender EnZed]

GSX250s make excellent learner bikes provided you're not a tiny wee thing and you have a bit of confidence. They're definitely not the lightest 250 out there, but still a long way from HEAVY. And they're much better value than a Ninja if you're after a >10 year old parallel twin.

Generally speaking, any bike at a dealer in Wellington will be absolutely fine for the next couple of years at least. A few scratches will be nothing more than that. That said, $5k is way too much for a GSX250.

If you've got ~$3k to spend then my advice would be to find the best condition(first piority) and newest/lowest kms(equal), Japanese(Chinese bikes are for the bold and poor) 250 you can find. I wouldn't buy a bike I hadn't seen myself, this really restricts things to the Wellington region. If you've got more than ~$3k to play with then my advice would be to first plan on training (as much as you can find time for), then gear, then spending more than ~$3k on a bike.

[GingerMidget]

Dad has already offered to pay for some more training once I know how to control the bike a bit better. This is the same man who taught me how to do skids properly in the ute, so I knew what to do if I was being a dork on the track my first time, and things got a bit hairy.

Hoon streak runs a tad strong in this family :facepalm:

I'm limitting my area of choice to Wellington and Palmy at a stretch, cos I can get a bike down here easily enough, and I have a friend to check stuff out up there for me. Saving for an Arai before I buy a bike though. Rather a better helmet than an average helmet and a fast bike!

[sil3nt]

Grab a GPX 250. Its the only bike my girl can touch the ground on. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-442124569.htm

Should be lighter than the GSX. Mine is over 20 years old and still going strong!

[Ender EnZed]

Grab a GPX 250. Its the only bike my girl can touch the ground on. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-442124569.htm

Should be lighter than the GSX. Mine is over 20 years old and still going strong!

That'd be a pretty solid choice if it isn't hiding anything and you got with a fresh wof and 6 months reg for $4k. My pick of the 250s in Wellington at the moment would be this VTR (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-441437660.htm) and this Hornet (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-440165246.htm). The VTR will have a bit more midrange and be harder to make a dick of yourself on, the Hornet will have a bit more up top if you feel like being a Rossi wannabe off the lights. Both are good, tractable learner bikes that'll get you anywhere in Wellington as quick as you wanna go.

[ducatilover]

Grab a GPX 250. Its the only bike my girl can touch the ground on. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-442124569.htm

Should be lighter than the GSX. Mine is over 20 years old and still going strong!
Aren't the USDM indicators on it?
Bloody good little bikes

[MSTRS]

Why not look further afield? There's plenty of trustworthy, and very knowledgeable, KBers all over the country, who would be more than happy to check bikes out.
Hell - some may even do delivery. It happens...done it myself.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-442398315.htm

I'd be wanting to confirm that mileage, but it looks the part on the photos.

[MSTRS]

Just as an aside...I highly recommend the Honda Spada, like this one... http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-422688505.htm They are way better than the VTR. Better handling, more power and 6spd g/box. Generally speaking, they hold their price at around the $3000 mark year in and year out. Of course, if/when LAMS comes in all 250 prices will be affected, so factor that into what you are prepared to pay in the meantime.

[ducatilover]

Just as an aside...I highly recommend the Honda Spada, like this one... http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-422688505.htm They are way better than the VTR. Better handling, more power and 6spd g/box. Generally speaking, they hold their price at around the $3000 mark year in and year out. Of course, if/when LAMS comes in all 250 prices will be affected, so factor that into what you are prepared to pay in the meantime.
I think they'll hold value fairly well when LAMS comes in, they're perfect learner bikes, low seat height and super light (as you and I both know)
I wouldn't hesitate to have one as a commuter.
That one has been on the deck (new paint, stainless muffler cover gone, headlight and mirrors aren't standard) but, mine had too and mine was a brilliant bike.

If you like a GSX250, you'll love the Spada.

[GingerMidget]

That'd be a pretty solid choice if it isn't hiding anything and you got with a fresh wof and 6 months reg for $4k. My pick of the 250s in Wellington at the moment would be this VTR (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-441437660.htm) and this Hornet (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-440165246.htm). The VTR will have a bit more midrange and be harder to make a dick of yourself on, the Hornet will have a bit more up top if you feel like being a Rossi wannabe off the lights. Both are good, tractable learner bikes that'll get you anywhere in Wellington as quick as you wanna go.

I've made a dick of myself on a VTR already. Learning E braking, and skidded on gravel. Oh hello small tree. Here is where I went wrong, Target fixation, and not listening. Than god this boy likes me a bit. Otherwise it would have been expensive. On the upside, I'd now own a vtr? :laugh:

A guy came through work today, on a Spada, and I cheekily asked what he'd let it go for. He was keen to sell once he sits his full. Should have sat on it while he had it in, but sugar/caffiene brain wasn't running at anywhere near normal.

[Sliver]

you get alot of bike in the later model gsx's for not to much coin, alittle slow but still a nice ride

[baffa]

I'd say rock the VTR til you get your full. It doesnt have a high seat, and it is a narrower seat, which is good for shorties.

Plus it is "learner friendy". I dropped my VTR250 courtesy of an oil slick mid corner, and once I got a jump start and bent the gear lever back in place, she was right as rain.

[ducatilover]

I'd say rock the VTR til you get your full. It doesnt have a high seat, and it is a narrower seat, which is good for shorties.

Plus it is "learner friendy". I dropped my VTR250 courtesy of an oil slick mid corner, and once I got a jump start and bent the gear lever back in place, she was right as rain.
Except the Spada is better in every way :bleh:

[Stirts]

Learning E braking

Oi, E braking tree hugger ... have you not been paying attention to the "drug driving" ad campaign at all ... it applies to riding motorbikes as well you know. :bleh:

[baffa]

Except the Spada is better in every way :bleh:

How is it better? Just because it has more power, and less weight? Dont be silly! :bleh:

Regardless the VTR is perfect for learning. Bias? noooooo

[Crasherfromwayback]

So shelving the idea of this for now,

Ouch!!!:innocent:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm limitting my area of choice to Wellington and Palmy at a stretch, cos I can get a bike down here easily enough, and I have a friend to check stuff out up there for me. Saving for an Arai before I buy a bike though. Rather a better helmet than an average helmet and a fast bike!

5K will get you the mint 07 GPX250 we have.

[MSTRS]

5K will get you the mint 07 GPX250 we have.

Mint + learner = :crybaby:

[GingerMidget]

Mint + learner = :crybaby:

What he said. I don't want a brand new bike (or 'mint'). Cos when I do eventually drop it, I'll cry. And possibly throw a massive tantrum.

Thanks though.

Oh, and who is we?

[ducatilover]

How is it better? Just because it has more power, and less weight? Dont be silly! :bleh:

Regardless the VTR is perfect for learning. Bias? noooooo
:laugh: It's better because I said... also no bias :shifty:

[GingerMidget]

:laugh: It's better because I said... also no bias :shifty:

Careful, your woman logic is showing :laugh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

What he said. I don't want a brand new bike (or 'mint'). Cos when I do eventually drop it, I'll cry. And possibly throw a massive tantrum.

Thanks though.

Oh, and who is we?

Wellington Motorcycles!

Pete

[ducatilover]

Careful, your woman logic is showing :laugh:

:shit: Can't have that :shutup:

[GingerMidget]

Wellington Motorcycles!

Pete

Like the pink smileys on the forms you got back the other day? :laugh:

(penny should drop fairly quickly)

[Crasherfromwayback]

(penny should drop fairly quickly)

Nothing is dropping too quickly today after the night I had...well maybe my brain cell count.

[ducatilover]

Nothing is dropping too quickly today after the night I had...well maybe my brain cell count.
In that case, can I come ride some bikes please? I may need an extended ride, somehwere around 4-6 years.

[Crasherfromwayback]

In that case, can I come ride some bikes please? I may need an extended ride, somehwere around 4-6 years.

Ride as many as ya want mate. Just leave me your cheque book.

[GingerMidget]

I'm the reason Jade never comes back with your pens, and always has the orange and green pens instead.

[ducatilover]

Ride as many as ya want mate. Just leave me your cheque book.
:shifty: Cheque's in the mail

[actungbaby]

Totaly agree with that sentiment. 5k is way too high unless it's sub 1000k's on the clock, even then??? LAM's will shatter the 250 bike premium value without a doubt. What WILL happen is they will be 'picked up' as commuter hacks/second bikes for far less than the current prices. IF!!! you intend on keeping it for some time? Maybe the cost is 'acceptable'.... As the date for LAM's gets closer? You'll see dealer's either not replacing 250's on the floor, or heavily discounting them to offload them. When you go back for a bigger bike? I doubt they'd even offer 40% of the purchase price after a year.

When is this new law happing can we have a link please i have vt 500 on the way and 2 nephews i keen to get into bikes
I had vt 250 project but thats well truly on back burner the vt 500 is a goer though::shit:

[MSTRS]

LAMS is already happening. The 70kph learner limit has been dropped. The cc size is due to change Oct this year, I believe.

[allycatz]

I was told by riding instructor females have 50% better chance of controlling bike / or avoiding an accident if they can put whole foot on the ground not just toes....apparently not so bad for guys because of their better upper body strength. I know its made a big difference in my confidence and not dropping my bike

[GingerMidget]

I have better than average upper body strength, but I'm not keen on testing that picking up my future baby.

I won't buy anything I can't flatfoot from day one. Simply cos I'm a bit special like that. Which means If I want an R6 in the future, I need to grow a fair bit.

I think I stand more chance of never being hungover again than the other personally.

[StoneY]

My missus has one mate, same year same model, bloody good bike and quite happy to ride it myself.
Handles well and does motorway speeds easily, reckon you cant go wrong there :)

[GingerMidget]

I sat on a zzr this morning, thats a better height TBH. Should figure out what I really want :laugh:

[StoneY]

Ha I couldn't even touch the ground with my KTM Super Duke....never dropped it once.
Not even when I hit a big rock....kept it up :) (don't ask how coz I dunno!)

For those who thing 'of course it's a MX bike' nope pure road, very tall and gruuuuuuuuuunty.

Each to their own but there is no need to be 'flat foot' to be able to ride your bike well, and safely.

[MSTRS]

Each to their own but there is no need to be 'flat foot' to be able to ride your bike well, and safely.

Of course there isn't.
The trouble is when the bike is stationary...
It is easy for us old hands to forget the terror of being on a 'big, heavy two-wheeled machine of death' and not being able to feel confident in one's ability to hold it up. Flat feet is almost a must for learners.

[GrayWolf]

I sat on a zzr this morning, thats a better height TBH. Should figure out what I really want :laugh:

I'm biased I love the wee zizzer.... or the GPX version. My choice? run a GN for 6 months, and have the zizzer in the garage ready to go after you've got a bit of experience and confidence...:Punk:

[GingerMidget]

I'm gonna have a word with someone who comes through work a fair bit Monday, and see if he still has a GN sitting around somewhere. See if I can have a hoon on that for a few weeks, and try not to die. :laugh:

I definitly felt more confident being able to mostly flat foot this morning, but that bike was a bit nasty.

[Brayden]

Don't buy a GN250 you'll be bored in weeks. They still do wheelies though!

Friend just brought a GSX for 2.8 with 30000 on the clock and no scratches on the fairings so spending 5k definitely not worth it, its the sexy blue one as well

[GingerMidget]

Lol. I'm a bit of a speed freak, (pre-emptive warning to workmate who may or may not lurk - shut up)

Off to play with another VTR very shortly, Quite keen on that still. Have yet to ride an actual gsx though. Time will tell.

I'm not buying a Gn. No matter how cheap.

[StoneY]

Lol. I'm a bit of a speed freak, (pre-emptive warning to workmate who may or may not lurk - shut up)

Off to play with another VTR very shortly, Quite keen on that still. Have yet to ride an actual gsx though. Time will tell.

I'm not buying a Gn. No matter how cheap.

Speed freak - 250cc bikes? Dream on mate.... lol
Wait till the LAMs list kicks in and get a GS500 as a learner bike or the Kwaka ER6n

[GingerMidget]

Yea I decided last night that I'm waiting til LAMS comes in, and buying a Ducati M400.
The 620 dark at wellington motorcycles comes in under that, but even I'm not quite that special. Plus 10k on a first bike? not such a good idea.