Am I too big for a FXR 150?

[esspro]

Hi,

I'm a new member here haha and have been allured into the world of motorbikes thanks to the crazy price of petrol and also curiosity and hey it just looks cool.

Anyway I have been reading Kiwi Biker for the past 2 hours after a classmate at uni gave me the URL and am getting my head around the basics of a first bike. Very Cool informative and helpful site by the way!! By the looks of it the majority of people get 250s but I was thinking it would be cool to first get a 150 like a FXR150 for maybe 6 months or so to learn the basics of biking. I have a car, a full license, and can drive a manual so the bike wouldnt be the be all and end all of my transport...

So just wondering I'm a 6'0 75kg Male Medium Build, is an FXR150 too small for me? What about power wise... is it too underpowered when compared to a 250 like a FZR250 /VTR250/ZZR250/RGV250 ? I would be using it to goto Tamaki Campus and back along Pakuranga Highway mostly... I'm not bothered at all by having to resell it because I am buying and reselling things all the time so I actually enjoy that aspect...

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

[mattt]

Welcome to the site mate :ride:

Just my 0.02
If you're keen on motobiking then that's all good - so yeh go for it and get a FXR. The novelty will probably wear off in 6months, but you'll have ya learners by then, so you can jump on something quicker like a 250 sprotsbike :yawn:

Then you'll get sick of that, and buy a thou :dodge:

Enjoy it - that's the main thing.

[mattt]

Oh yeh - you'll prb be ok (just) height wise on the FXR - go sift round a couple of bike shops, they'll help you out.
If you're in the city, try Mt. Eden Motorcyles or Coleman's on K' rd.

[crashe]

Welcome to KiwiBiker (KB).

Go to all the bike shops around and sit on all the bikes 250cc and under
and see what bike suits you size wise...

Try out cruisers, tourers and sportsbikes...

Good luck in finding the bike for you..

If you go to Colemans chat to Dallas (SARGE)
Mt Eden Bikes chat to Mike or Chris.
Henderson Bikes chat with Adam.
If you go to AMPS chat to Lou....

[John]

Welcome, You have to go try bikes out, goto any bike shop they will sort you - but as said by RIB last weekend - "if people get into bikes just to save on fuel..." (I forget the rest) but the gist was you will spend more keeping the thing running in most cases.

[texmo]

im 6foot and my knees sit around my ears on a fxr150 and everything is underpowered next to a rgv250

[esspro]

thanks for all the quick replies... yeah I went into AMPS today with Alan and had a look around at gear but they didnt have any 250s to look at really... I went up to Mt Eden Motorcycles as well... They gave me a number of a guy with a 250 to look at so I'll probably go check out that tomorrow... Also going to look at this FXR150 tomorrow so I'll have a sit and ride around the parking lot or something... What would be a good price for a 2002 FXR150 thats done around 10K kms?

Thanks!

[Warren]

thanks for all the quick replies... yeah I went into AMPS today with Alan and had a look around at gear but they didnt have any 250s to look at really... I went up to Mt Eden Motorcycles as well... They gave me a number of a guy with a 250 to look at so I'll probably go check out that tomorrow... Also going to look at this FXR150 tomorrow so I'll have a sit and ride around the parking lot or something... What would be a good price for a 2002 FXR150 thats done around 10K kms?

Thanks!

Around $2000-$2400 depending on condition. I sold mine a little over a week ago for $2350, it was a 2002 with 10700 k's on the clock. There is a little more info on the FXR150's at http://fxr150.ws.net.nz

<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0a/Suzuki_FXR150.jpg">
<img src="http://ws.net.nz/photos/Me%20on%20my%20fxr150_slightly_scaled.jpg">

[Magua]

An fxr should be fine for your height and build. Talk to Indy "indiana Jones" he's like 6"2 or 3 on an fxr.

[esspro]

Welcome, You have to go try bikes out, goto any bike shop they will sort you - but as said by RIB last weekend - "if people get into bikes just to save on fuel..." (I forget the rest) but the gist was you will spend more keeping the thing running in most cases.

I drive an 88 Benz... that costs more in fuel and maintenance than Nicaragua's GDP

[esspro]

how does this 150 handle on a motorway doing around 100 or so? Is it struggling?

Also whats the story with maintenance and how long is the bike expected to last kms wise?

[John]

I drive an 88 Benz... that costs more in fuel and maintenance than Nicaragua's GDP
hahahaha, nice.

the 150's can play upto about 120? the FXR anyway on open roads - any further it struggles and is influenced by the wind, the FXR is a simple 4stroke single so wont cause any major problems unless you get a lemon, no idea what engine they are based on but I am yet to hear any horror stories.

[Warren]

how does this 150 handle on a motorway doing around 100 or so? Is it struggling?

Also whats the story with maintenance and how long is the bike expected to last kms wise?

If it is flat you should not have any problems but 100-110 it is near the top crusing speed and things like uphill mountains and wind can come into play. Being a single cylinder they should be quite reliable and should get to the average motorcycle engine limit age of 80,000kms.

[esspro]

Ok... Just wondering... If I like the look of this 2002 FXR150 and after a quick ride around the carpark I think it suits and fits me what do I do to get it checked out. Is it necessary if its sitting at around 10,000Kms? Whats the likelihood of it being a melon? I'm going out to Takapuna from East Auckland to look at it so its a bit of a drive (especially with petrol as it is!) so would like to get everything all sussed before I go out there... Does AA do motorbike checks or are they pretty crap? General consensus on checking out engines?

Sorry for all the questions but I really appreciate all you guys being so helpful!

Thanks again

[esspro]

If it is flat you should not have any problems but 100-110 it is near the top crusing speed and things like uphill mountains and wind can come into play. Being a single cylinder they should be quite reliable and should get to the average motorcycle engine limit age of 80,000kms.

OK so car equivalent of this is maybe 250,000 would you say? And do the bikes have a lower KM lifetime just because they rev a lot higher most of the time?

Thanks

[Warren]

I would pass getting it checked, it is probably not worth the cost. The bike should be reasonable new to have any problems caused by wear. But do check the oil level (run the bike for a 5 minutes, then turn it off for 1 minute then check it through the window when the bike is held upright). You can also check the chain (should have 20-30mm of slack) and if the exaust is starting to rust (mine was just starting).

[Magua]

Ok... Just wondering... If I like the look of this 2002 FXR150 and after a quick ride around the carpark I think it suits and fits me what do I do to get it checked out. Is it necessary if its sitting at around 10,000Kms? Whats the likelihood of it being a melon? I'm going out to Takapuna from East Auckland to look at it so its a bit of a drive (especially with petrol as it is!) so would like to get everything all sussed before I go out there... Does AA do motorbike checks or are they pretty crap? General consensus on checking out engines?

Sorry for all the questions but I really appreciate all you guys being so helpful!

Thanks again

Ring ahead to Spectrum, Cyclespot of Holeshot and book a pre purchase check, so you know exactly what you are getting into. There are all on the shore, barrys point rd, Takapuna. Should cost you around $60.

Good luck.

[esspro]

thanks for the lookout, BUT i dont have my learners so how would i get the bike there?

[Magua]

thanks for the lookout, BUT i dont have my learners so how would i get the bike there?

Kiwibiker maybe? There are a few of us on the shore.
What day and time?

[esspro]

Just organised it all... she said she'll drive it to the place and wait while we get it checked out... good on her!!

Magua: Thanks a ton for the help man... can't stress how much I appreciate it!!

And thanks ot all the other Kiwi Bikers that helped out... I'll let you know how it goes

[crashe]

Just organised it all... she said she'll drive it to the place and wait while we get it checked out... good on her!!

Magua: Thanks a ton for the help man... can't stress how much I appreciate it!!

And thanks ot all the other Kiwi Bikers that helped out... I'll let you know how it goes

I think she may RIDE it there... :ride:
And it will be good for her to know as well if anything is wrong with it,
if you decide in the end not to buy it.

Keep on asking any questions... someone on here will answer them.
Venture into the other sections as well....

Once you get the bike and Learners license... come on a few rides....

Check out the "Meeting and Events" section of KB, as there is always a ride happening....
Dont go on the ones that say "FAST" rides until you know you can go fast... these guys say FAST for a reason...

[GR81]

I'm 6foot2 and 85kgs
traded my FXR150 in 3 weeks ago.
the FXR lasted me about 6months before i grew out of it. good learners bike tho!
As far as i know, its sititng on the yard at Holeshot Suzuki on the north shore ;)

[Gremlin]

Hi Spencer, this is my nick on KB...

How did the FXR work out today??

From the Q&A we had, the FXR would be suitable if you were planning to do the commuting as you said. If you got into biking (wouldn't be surprised if you did!!) then you might find you would struggle on the open roads. When overtaking, you would struggle if the bike tops out at 120ish.

On Monday I showed him around AMPS and he met Lou as well. Just a little looksee as to jackets, gloves helmets etc etc.

How's your head?? We covered a fair bit of ground in a short space of time...

[froggyfrenchman]

as said above... you should be right.

[SuperDave]

From the Q&A we had, the FXR would be suitable if you were planning to do the commuting as you said. If you got into biking (wouldn't be surprised if you did!!) then you might find you would struggle on the open roads. When overtaking, you would struggle if the bike tops out at 120ish.


I beg to differ. The FXR is certainly good to 130kph and it tops out at around 150kph.

[esspro]

Hey man,

checked out two FXR150s today and am keen on one in particular. I am planning on keeping the car but yeah I think I'd use my car for the open road and motorways until I'm really comfortable on the bike... and by then id probably be up for a 250 anyway...

Cheers... good luck for the test on Fri hahah

-Spencer


Hi Spencer, this is my nick on KB...

How did the FXR work out today??

From the Q&A we had, the FXR would be suitable if you were planning to do the commuting as you said. If you got into biking (wouldn't be surprised if you did!!) then you might find you would struggle on the open roads. When overtaking, you would struggle if the bike tops out at 120ish.

On Monday I showed him around AMPS and he met Lou as well. Just a little looksee as to jackets, gloves helmets etc etc.

How's your head?? We covered a fair bit of ground in a short space of time...

[erik]

I beg to differ. The FXR is certainly good to 130kph and it tops out at around 150kph.
I'm 6'4" and approx 90kg. I've ridden an fxr on the motorway a while ago, I was surprised how grunty it seemed to be. Puts my Zeal to shame, considering the Zeal is 250cc 4 cylinder and consumes more gas than many larger bikes... :( I don't think I had any problems with fitting on the fxr either. They seem like a good bike.

[Magua]

I'm 6'4" and approx 90kg. I've ridden an fxr on the motorway a while ago, I was surprised how grunty it seemed to be. Puts my Zeal to shame, considering the Zeal is 250cc 4 cylinder and consumes more gas than many larger bikes... :( I don't think I had any problems with fitting on the fxr either. They seem like a good bike.

Time to trade down? Or up to an fxr?

[Posh Tourer :P]

I'm pretty much your weight/height. I spent quite a while commuting on a CB125T, and if that isnt a small bike I dont know what is. It is also underpowered, but it is all a matter of what you get used to. A FXR will feel fine until you spend time on a VTR/FZR/ZZR 250, and all of those will feel ok until you go on a RGV250. To be honest, for that commuting run (I spent a year doing it), a FXR will be fine. I did it on my BMW, and that was a bit big and heavy, but on the other hand, torque is useful in traffic....

[erik]

Time to trade down? Or up to an fxr?
the thought has occurred to me, but I kinda like the zeal and don't want to go through the hassle of finding a new bike. I'd guess the zeal probably has a little more power than the fxr (may be that my one is badly tuned), but the fxr certainly seemed fine for commuting and traveling on the motorway. Similar to the zeal, it wouldn't be fun trying to pass anyone on the open road on it, but that's the only drawback I can see.

[Aaron]

I sold mine a little over a week ago...
Mate, you sold it? Why, dreams of something bigger?

[Magua]

Mate, you sold it? Why, dreams of something bigger?

He got something smaller, Sj125.

[Aaron]

He got something smaller, Sj125.
Ah I see, am not familiar with that specific bike. Bet it runs on the smell of an oily rag :)

[thealmightytaco]

I'm 6foot2 and 85kgs
traded my FXR150 in 3 weeks ago.
the FXR lasted me about 6months before i grew out of it. good learners bike tho!
As far as i know, its sititng on the yard at Holeshot Suzuki on the north shore ;)

Cripes, I may have bought it, and by the look of this thread payed through the nose for it. Green with about 8500k's on the clock? They're tryin' to sell them for $3200 at Holeshot, but I talked them down about $400 and got a good secondhand front tyre put on.

BTW, I'm 5'11, weigh about 90kg and the fxr seems to pull me along fine, was bogging under 6000rpm in 4th with the wind today though, but over about 8000 she's got all the go I need for now.

[nicmotors]

Yep!
The FXR 150 will do ya fine, Did you end up buying one or not?
I had one for a good while, did me fine, i weight about 90 kg, didn't do bad at all i think.

[Sketchy_Racer]

i have a FXR 150 bucket racing bike and it was completly stockand i got mine up 165 (with different gearing) on a straight in a hillbilly town- i weigh 75kg and am 5foot9 awsome little bike and are very forgiving- if you get one that has the standard tires on them change them thay are dangerous!!! get some dunlops or the likes ;)

[Ivan]

PIRELLI TYRES

[Indiana_Jones]

the stock tires are the devil :weird:

-Indy

[Pathos]

Anyone got a picture of a naked fxr 150?

Mines gonna be soon

[Genesismatrix]

I think you should get on okay im 6ft3 and a bit over 100kg and i get on okay with the FXR have a good look at your mirrors though as i have big problems seeing anything exept my elbows and am looking for a set of larger after market ones.

[STORKEN]

STORKEN is about that tall, 10 and half stone, whatever that is in kilo's. Took FXR for test ride out on New Plymouth - Oakura Highway. Bike easily will sit at 120k's plus. Lovely bike but some have bum engine, so either test or get someone to test for you. 150cc's would almost be better around town than 250.

[jeremysprite]

wth are you doing at 2am, searching year-old threads???
I guess it's a phase every new KB member must go through...

[STORKEN]

Waiting 'till 3:00am so I can hit up my methadone. I find I can't sleep when I've got a takeaway dose.