Opinions on buying a GSX-R 250

[Retep5]

Hey guys/gals

I already have a reliable ninja 250r 2011 that I drive to work nearly every day and took through the coromandel loop first time this weekend :). Definitely worth the trip.

But I want something I can pull apart learn about bikes and have a little bit of fun on.

A friends brother is looking to get rid of his GSX-R 250 1989 with 56k's on the clock.

Would this be a good project bike or am I likely to have a large amount of problems due to the age and kilometers.

Any thoughts would be sweet.

Cheers

[FJRider]

Why not look in a larger capacity range ... for a step-up bike ... ???

[Retep5]

Um well hahahaha ....... I'm still waiting for my learner months to tick down so I can go to my restricted then have to wait another 18 months to full :(.

[DMNTD]

Um well hahahaha ....... I'm still waiting for my learner months to tick down so I can go to my restricted then have to wait another 18 months to full :(.

So then you'd have plenty of time to learn and create a mean arsed bike for when you're on your Adult License...eh?

[ducatilover]

So then you'd have plenty of time to learn and create a mean arsed bike for when you're on your Adult License...eh?

+1 :Punk:

Buy a mid size bike in need of TLC and fix it up.

[sleemanj]

Get a mid sized bike that is likely to go on LAM.

Then you'd be able ride it all legal like after October. And it might gain a smidgen of value to boot.

[SMOKEU]

Learn to ride the Ninja properly first, then when you get your full license or when LAMS kicks in buy a bigger bike.

[GrayWolf]

Hey guys/gals

I already have a reliable ninja 250r 2011 that I drive to work nearly every day and took through the coromandel loop first time this weekend :). Definitely worth the trip.

But I want something I can pull apart learn about bikes and have a little bit of fun on.

A friends brother is looking to get rid of his GSX-R 250 1989 with 56k's on the clock.

Would this be a good project bike or am I likely to have a large amount of problems due to the age and kilometers.

Any thoughts would be sweet.

Cheers

GSX-R 4 cylinders, complex and expensive for engine parts. Fragile, as far as performance and rev's it's capable of if not scrupulously maintained.
Look at the LAM's list and go for a bike on there that you can 'do up' and ride from the LAM's date of introduction. By then you should be quite a way along learning your skills and be ready to cope with a heavier and torquier machine.

[Retep5]

Hey thanks heaps guys for you opinions I've decided to hold off buying the GSX-R as a project bike.

Probably look at getting a bigger bike now for when LAM kicks in.

Did go for a test drive though today on the GSX-R 250.

Very nice sound hahahaha.

I must say though dam it's small I think I'm about 5'11 but still.

Had a few questions to ask though just out of interest regarding LAM and carburettor bikes since I've only ridden a fuel injected. Except for learners test.

1: Guessing it's not normal to have too lean a carburettor bike on it's side so it will actually generate power :P. Then bring the bike back to center position while keeping the revs up to be able to take off. Other wise you loose all power even with the throttle full open. :) Just wondering what causes this.

2: With LAM coming in any suggestions on what would be a good second/project bike. Here a few things that may give you an idea of what bike to point me at.
This would probably be a second bike so I would own 2 bikes.
I love my ninja currently.
I would like something with more pep for passing cars since currently feels kinda dangerous. - Not to important will end up selling the ninja 250 and going to something else.
Leaning towards semi sport or sports bike.
Something I can pull apart and put back together and hopefully it would still work :P. So something I can learn some of the inner workings of a motorbike.
Parts not to difficult to find.
Maybe even something I could give a friend to ride around in a parking lot to convince they would like a bike. :)
Reliable enough I'm not replacing parts every month.

Guess that makes it difficult since a few of those probably contradict each other.

3: I understand the Lam Law has the following
: Max 149 kilowatts per tonne if the bike is between 251cc - 660cc
: All below 250cc allowed unless prohibited by Gazette.
: Anything over 660cc

So is there no Horse Power rating at all?
Also once you go to your restricted does this Lam law change / still apply to you?

Just want to say thanks again it's awesome being able to come to these forums and ask noob questions and get some good quality answers.

Cheers

[ducatilover]

My answer to Q1.
The carbs need cleaning and to be set up (float heights and possibly new float needle/seats)
:niceone:
And, no, that's not normal at all.

[sleemanj]

So is there no Horse Power rating at all?
Also once you go to your restricted does this Lam law change / still apply to you?


149 kilowatts is a fraction shy of 200 horsepower (199.81).

So roughly 200hp/tonne.

BUT, whatever the case, if the bike doesn't get marked LAM approved on it's rego label, it's not LAM approved.

I'd go off (and am myself) the vicroads LAM as a reasonable guess of what NZ will get come October.

Yes LAM will be for restricted too.

[Grasshopperus]

I've heard other people say that the GSXR250 is a hand-grenade; it'll blow up and cost you heaps. Just wait until you get your full and then get the bike you really want. I know it sucks to wait but even the crappiest 500cc+ bike will be 'better' than any 250.

"A-WAAAAAAIIIITING is the hardest part"

[sleemanj]

even the crappiest 500cc+ bike will be 'better' than any 250

Either you have never ridden a crappy 500, or never ridden a good 250.

[neels]

I've heard other people say that the GSXR250 is a hand-grenade; it'll blow up and cost you heaps. Just wait until you get your full and then get the bike you really want. I know it sucks to wait but even the crappiest 500cc+ bike will be 'better' than any 250
Bollocks. I love thrashing the crap out of my son's GSXR250, it goes great and happily keeps up with big bikes around the hills, 16000rpm sounds awesome.

But long term, I'd be looking for an older bigger bike that meets the rules and is more likely to hold it's value, 4cyl 250's sell for way too much money unless you can pick up a good runner for $1000 like I did. Having said that, there will probably be a GSXR250 with most of a spare bike going cheap soon, once my boy has his restricted.......

[KX500]

Bollocks - No replacement for displacement ! If they so great why is a 250 not your permanent bike ? And almost everyone that owns one itch's to get off one. And yes unfortunately I've ridden many and been on the raw end of the deal when a youngin has wanted to swap bikes to ride something with a decent piston, used chainsaws with more torque. :D

Thin walled bores, ridiculous revs to try and pull the skin off a rice pudding - just equals will not last for long.

"Good for what they are with emphasis on what they are"

[GrayWolf]

Hey thanks heaps guys for you opinions I've decided to hold off buying the GSX-R as a project bike.

Probably look at getting a bigger bike now for when LAM kicks in.

Did go for a test drive though today on the GSX-R 250.

Very nice sound hahahaha.

I must say though dam it's small I think I'm about 5'11 but still.

Had a few questions to ask though just out of interest regarding LAM and carburettor bikes since I've only ridden a fuel injected. Except for learners test.

1: Guessing it's not normal to have too lean a carburettor bike on it's side so it will actually generate power :P. Then bring the bike back to center position while keeping the revs up to be able to take off. Other wise you loose all power even with the throttle full open. :) Just wondering what causes this.

2: With LAM coming in any suggestions on what would be a good second/project bike. Here a few things that may give you an idea of what bike to point me at.
This would probably be a second bike so I would own 2 bikes.
I love my ninja currently.
I would like something with more pep for passing cars since currently feels kinda dangerous. - Not to important will end up selling the ninja 250 and going to something else.
Leaning towards semi sport or sports bike.
Something I can pull apart and put back together and hopefully it would still work :P. So something I can learn some of the inner workings of a motorbike.
Parts not to difficult to find.
Maybe even something I could give a friend to ride around in a parking lot to convince they would like a bike. :)
Reliable enough I'm not replacing parts every month.

Guess that makes it difficult since a few of those probably contradict each other.

3: I understand the Lam Law has the following
: Max 149 kilowatts per tonne if the bike is between 251cc - 660cc
: All below 250cc allowed unless prohibited by Gazette.
: Anything over 660cc

So is there no Horse Power rating at all?
Also once you go to your restricted does this Lam law change / still apply to you?

Just want to say thanks again it's awesome being able to come to these forums and ask noob questions and get some good quality answers.

Cheers

Wow you don't want much, do ya?? lol.... It depends on what you are really needing from the bike. Example, your current bike will do roughly 155-160kph. (A sprot 250 will give about 180, the definatly unacceptable ones under LAM's will exceed 200k's). My twin will do approx 210kph, so is actually slower on top end than the high speed 250's but with roughly double the BHP and triple the torque for 1/3 of the revs? It's a whole different ball game to ride, whereas the 250 rider will be cogging down a couple on a hill, I'll be in top and pulling the hill along with me (so to speak). A good 500 to have as a step up for LAMS, try a GS500, EN500 etc or if you want to rebuild one and I have seen a couple of nice condition with 50-70,000k's on tardme, one of the older GPz500's. Basically half an old GPz 1000 motor. Quite quick enough for top end, good acceleration. I think the only bad comments I can remember was they are susceptible in cross winds and maybe a tendency to turn in under very hard cornering.... but I am going off hearsay from a long time ago.

[KX500]

Yeah neels comments on a 250 keeping up with big bikes on hills is ridiculous unless he's riding with poor riders. Like saying a 4 cylinder jappa car going to keep up with a V8 - hills where torque comes to the forefront.

[ducatilover]

whereas the 250 rider will be cogging down a couple on a hill, I'll be in top and pulling the hill along with me (so to speak).

I've done big KMs' on 250s' and any "performance" 250 won't need to be changed down on a hill (open road, at 80 plus). I did 130,000km on a VT250 Spada and that went up hills fine... Sure, all my bigger than 250 bikes go up hills better, but so did my V8.
I took a CBR250RR from Auckland to 70km east of Palmy, not a problem power wise. (Comfort, don't even talk to me about that, horrid f*ckin' thing)
I have to say though, torque wins.
I'd consider trying to find a GPZ500, they're as cheap as chips and very good little things, I'd own one myself for a daily ride, more than enough power for a commuter.

As has been pointed out, 250s' have to be worked more (in general) and you'll never get such a relaxed ride out of them, compared to a bigger bike. They're perfectly adequate though.

[GrayWolf]

I've done big KMs' on 250s' and any "performance" 250 won't need to be changed down on a hill (open road, at 80 plus). I did 130,000km on a VT250 Spada and that went up hills fine... Sure, all my bigger than 250 bikes go up hills better, but so did my V8.
I took a CBR250RR from Auckland to 70km east of Palmy, not a problem power wise. (Comfort, don't even talk to me about that, horrid f*ckin' thing)
I have to say though, torque wins.
I'd consider trying to find a GPZ500, they're as cheap as chips and very good little things, I'd own one myself for a daily ride, more than enough power for a commuter.

As has been pointed out, 250s' have to be worked more (in general) and you'll never get such a relaxed ride out of them, compared to a bigger bike. They're perfectly adequate though.

I wont disagree with the comment that a reasonable 250 will handle general 'small' hills at 80k's plus, when you get to hills like the Kaikoura's, Rimutaka's, Nelson Hills, even the other local hills round Wellington Haywards, Wainui hill etc, trust me, your 250 will be cogging down.
My greatest distance on a 250 was 20,000 miles in a year on an old RD250E-DX. It also handled the distance reasonably well, but yup it just isnt as relaxed a ride as a big bike, and I will say the MT is so much more relaxed than the ZZR to ride.

[ducatilover]

I wont disagree with the comment that a reasonable 250 will handle general 'small' hills at 80k's plus, when you get to hills like the Kaikoura's, Rimutaka's, Nelson Hills, even the other local hills round Wellington Haywards, Wainui hill etc, trust me, your 250 will be cogging down.
My greatest distance on a 250 was 20,000 miles in a year on an old RD250E-DX. It also handled the distance reasonably well, but yup it just isnt as relaxed a ride as a big bike, and I will say the MT is so much more relaxed than the ZZR to ride.
I reckon my Spada would have done the 'Takas in 6th. Very slowly...same with the Wainui hill, tried to make it in 5th on a GN (mate with a GN said he could...) it really didn't agree.
Putting it that way though, my 600 hasn't got any where near enough low down torque.
I'd love to ride an MT, the uber low revving engine in a bike that's not a stupid beige cruiser tickles my fancy.

[GrayWolf]

I reckon my Spada would have done the 'Takas in 6th. Very slowly...same with the Wainui hill, tried to make it in 5th on a GN (mate with a GN said he could...) it really didn't agree.
Putting it that way though, my 600 hasn't got any where near enough low down torque.
I'd love to ride an MT, the uber low revving engine in a bike that's not a stupid beige cruiser tickles my fancy.

it may disappoint you, it doesnt 'feel' like it's powerful, but when its doing 40kph per 1000rpm, it's actually building speed at quite a respectable rate. If I had to give a criticism on its low revs and torque, it actually isn't comfortable below 2000 rpm on a noticeable incline. The long stroke and 2 cyl configuration leaves it jerking the chain too much. Very similar to riding a big single like the XTZ/DR 650's..... However keep it above 2k and it is a highly rewarding bike on hills and twisty bits.

[ducatilover]

it may disappoint you, it doesnt 'feel' like it's powerful, but when its doing 40kph per 1000rpm, it's actually building speed at quite a respectable rate. If I had to give a criticism on its low revs and torque, it actually isn't comfortable below 2000 rpm on a noticeable incline. The long stroke and 2 cyl configuration leaves it jerking the chain too much. Very similar to riding a big single like the XTZ/DR 650's..... However keep it above 2k and it is a highly rewarding bike on hills and twisty bits.

I'm sure I won't be too disappointed when someone lets me get a leg on one. :shifty:

Hint hint

[GrayWolf]

I'm sure I won't be too disappointed when someone lets me get a leg on one. :shifty:

Hint hint

I'm sure if you ask Mossy nicely he might, let you.... Me? I am a scungy crusty old bastard who would only lend his bike to, errrrrr????????

[ducatilover]

I'm sure if you ask Mossy nicely he might, let you.... Me? I am a scungy crusty old bastard who would only lend his bike to, errrrrr????????
If you've seen what I do to my bikes, don't let me on yours...

[GrayWolf]

If you've seen what I do to my bikes, don't let me on yours...

precisely WHY I would only lend it to, errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr??????

[FJRider]

precisely WHY I would only lend it to, errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr??????

I have a shortlist of one ... that I trust ... ME ( and I'm not sure about him)

[ducatilover]

precisely WHY I would only lend it to, errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr??????
Because... ummmmmm?

[FJRider]

Yeah neels comments on a 250 keeping up with big bikes on hills is ridiculous unless he's riding with poor riders. Like saying a 4 cylinder jappa car going to keep up with a V8 - hills where torque comes to the forefront.

neels does live in the Christchurch area ... as such ... the hills aren't exactly high speed friendly. On big or small bikes. Any 250 not being able to "keep up" (within legal limits) ... is more likely a rider ability thing. A 250 may even leave a larger cc bike for dead ... given a reasonable ability of 250 rider.

[GrayWolf]

precisely WHY I would only lend it to, errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr??????


Because... ummmmmm?


The reason?
Originally Posted by ducatilover

If you've seen what I do to my bikes

[Sable]

2 strokes are 250s too guys, and they will piss on anything you have discussed thus far.

[GrayWolf]

2 strokes are 250s too guys, and they will piss on anything you have discussed thus far.

Sell me your X-7.... I'm looking for a wee commuter....

[mossy1200]

I'm sure if you ask Mossy nicely he might, let you.... Me? I am a scungy crusty old bastard who would only lend his bike to, errrrrr????????

Dont bring me into this.TSS has one for sale just go test drive that one.Its got nice stage 2 exaust etc.
Ill take you over the hill but you gunna be on the trailer im afraid.