RGV for a newb?

[d4v3]

Hey people,

Im really close to buying a friend's rgv250. Im picking it up off him for 2000. It has recently been rebuilt and it has everything ready to ride. Obviously i'll buy gear etc i just wanted to know what ur thoughts are on this bike for a Learner. The bike is a rocket, but its cheap and its a sports bike which is what i wanted, i dont exactly have 5 grand waiting for a CBR250R at the moment.

Also if its just been rebuilt, whats it looking like in terms of servicing etc for the future? too much of a hassle or did i get a good deal?

I know its a rocket but i plan to ride it slow and get used to it.

thanks if u can be bothered posting

[mikey]

i can be bothered posting

im yet to meet anyone that will actually listen to what other people say, even worse on the net. anyoen with a so called issue there seekign an answer to has really already decided on what there going to do about it, whether its subconcisous or concious. they are just attention seeking / or want someone to suck there ego an tell them theyve made the right choice, or insult them on the web an start a war.

do it. buy the bike. thrash the shit out of it. crash it. fix it. crash it again. pretend your rossi an race everyone an everythign you can. have sex on it.

got to watch those "recent rebuilds" when it blows up hope like fuck youve got some mates to fix it for ya!

[TonyB]

Depends on what you've done in the way of riding before. If you've done some dirt riding and stuff you SHOULD be OK. My first bike was an RZ250. The crash I had on that bike would have happened on anybike- no matter how slow (oil all over the road).

Just remember you will have to have some respect for the bike. They are a quick wee beast. And preformance comes at a price- it'll need expensive tyres etc, and will use them up much more often. Can you afford that?

One question: If you are riding along at about 80ks, and you push gently on the right hand handlebar, what will happen?

[zadok]

Welcome to K.B, Aussie. Sounds like a good bike. Don't think it will take you long to get used to it. Get used to how it accelerates and handles, before you push it too much at the start.

[SuperDave]

Welcome and enjoy your new bike. Just take it easy and get to grips with its powerband and handling before you start thrashing it, those RGV are very fast.

[cowpoos]

i can be bothered posting

im yet to meet anyone that will actually listen to what other people say, even worse on the net. anyoen with a so called issue there seekign an answer to has really already decided on what there going to do about it, whether its subconcisous or concious. they are just attention seeking / or want someone to suck there ego an tell them theyve made the right choice, or insult them on the web an start a war.

do it. buy the bike. thrash the shit out of it. crash it. fix it. crash it again. pretend your rossi an race everyone an everythign you can. have sex on it.

got to watch those "recent rebuilds" when it blows up hope like fuck youve got some mates to fix it for ya!

Mikey....wheres your manners....at least say welcome to the site....ya grumpy little wench!!!

Welcome mate....

[Mooch]

I did the same thing myself and got a Kawa Kr1 for my first bike. Yep, they're faster than a gn250, cbr, zxr etc, but only if you peg the throttle the whole time.
The advantage with these bikes is that they handle better, brake better, corner better and are nice and light making them easy to learn / ride on. Below 7 -8k rpm they are like any other 250 and very docile. One disadvantage is with full fairing they could be expensive to drop while you’re learning. They also drink gas like a 600 - 750 bike.
Having said that, I never dropped mine and ended up keeping it for 12 -13 years. I found I didn't really need to go out and buy a 600 as the next step.
One thing I will say about have more power is watch the new found confidence while. It's a bit easier to over cook the corners and get in real trouble. My advice (which I followed apart from the odd blast with Jim2) is to go out a ride with sensible riders while you’re learning and listen to what they have to say. Follow their lines etc.
On the maintance side , you'll need to play close attention to the 2 stroke , never put cheap or regular 2 stroke into the engine , It won't last as long.
If it's been rebuilt , it should be good for another 30 -40,000 kms.
Welcome to the site!

[sels1]

welcome aboard the site d4v3. Take it one step at a time, you'll be fine

[Korea]

Hey D4V3,

Great to hear you're considering an RGV250 - my second bike was a '91 RGV250-M (banana arm swingarm) model~ what year is yours?

Good points: Super light, amazing stopping power at the breaks (you've been warned), adjustable suspension, and about 60 horses.
Bad points: No power below 8000rpm then suddenly all 60 horses at once - fun, but takes getting used to. Oh yeah, most have been raced, thrashed, crashed and abused and they aren't renowned for being very reliable = $$$.

The '91 model was the first model to feature power valves, I believe. They help smooth out the power curve (more down low) but they are famous for wearing out and clipping the piston in higher-mileage bikes - a pricey repair.

Getting the rings done every xxxxx k's is also wise. My RGV never seized but after a year of riding, it was way down on power and needed a rebuild.

But until then, you'll be out-breaking your buddies, enjoying ludicrous lean angles, the occasional tank-slapper, and scaring yourself silly when the powerband kicks in hard.

Have fun!

[SPORK]

Hmm, I'm after one meself, but I've been told to go for something like an RG first...

Stories of people's best friends dying by the hands (wheels) of 2-Stork 250s.

But oh, I want one dearly, so I can prak my sprotsbike in the gargre.

[d4v3]

i can be bothered posting

im yet to meet anyone that will actually listen to what other people say, even worse on the net. anyoen with a so called issue there seekign an answer to has really already decided on what there going to do about it, whether its subconcisous or concious. they are just attention seeking / or want someone to suck there ego an tell them theyve made the right choice, or insult them on the web an start a war.

do it. buy the bike. thrash the shit out of it. crash it. fix it. crash it again. pretend your rossi an race everyone an everythign you can. have sex on it.

got to watch those "recent rebuilds" when it blows up hope like fuck youve got some mates to fix it for ya!

being a biker forum, i guess you guys have motorbikes and you would definately have a much better idea of what im getting myself into than i could ever have so why not take it into consideration. if i was an attention seeker i'd tell everyone i wanted to die.

also mooch, what kind of fuel economy am i looking at. around 8,9,10L/100km? for a 2 stroke.

Is a tank slapper when the front arm starts wobbling violently left to right and ur handles smack into your fuel tank? hows that happen, how do i avoid it.

I just hope i dont get too many servicing issues with this bike if get it because i plan to take good care of it.

oh and its an '89 model. Pespi signiture edition. But its missing the big pepsi sticker! any guesses as to how much this would cost?

thanks a lot for the help people :niceone:

[thehollowmen]

I've got a theory... the bike you start on helps dictate your riding style from then on in.

Go for the RGV250. You're gonna love it. It will be expensive but hey, you're gonna be one of the meanest fastest and confidant riders out there.

From google, some people get 130 km before reserve, some people get 200km... depends a lil on riding. that's 17 L I think.

so working that out.. well you're between and 10 L / 100 km and 13 L / 100 km.

Don't forget the oil ;-) That's costly too.

Keep reving it up and down, don't let it go too long at constant revs or you'll get a seizure.

[James Deuce]

Don't worry about tank slappers dude. By the time you are riding hard enough to generate them you will have had so many other brown trouser moments that it won't be a big deal.

You can get the Pepsi Decal Set off Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Suzuki-Pepsi-Full-Motorbike-Decal-Graphic-Set_W0QQitemZ7999186724QQcategoryZ10534QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[crazyxr250rider]

get the rgv before some one else does bargan

[Mooch]

Thehollowman is spot on with the fuel use; the worst I had was 140 km to reserve, into a strong headwind where 8.5 - 10k revs were needed to maintain the speed of some larger bikes in the group. The best was 230 km using 16.5 L riding in icy conditions. Normally reserve comes up at 190 -200 km. I really enjoyed owning a 2 stroke, in a manic laughing kind of way; it was either on or off. I can still hear the sound the engine makes when the power valve kicks in. That kind of ear piercing loud toddler screaming tantrum all the way to red line. Gave quite a few people a fright when you'd go screaming past ..... I miss the 2 stroke .. :cry:

[vj paul]

get the rgv before some one else does bargan
Yeah get it,they are a shit load of fun around the 8000 rpms.I get around 180 km before reserve,use synthetic oil motul 600 or somethng similar.
www.rgv250.co.uk

[DEATH_INC.]

Yeah get it,they are a shit load of fun around the 8000 rpms.I get around 180 km before reserve,use synthetic oil motul 600 or somethng similar.
www.rgv250.co.uk
Yep,what he said.I just put a mate of mine on one as his first roadbike,but he's a tough bugger and a bit of a petrolhead and adrenelin junky (great combo eh?)and had a bit of trail riding time.The biggest thing was that he'll still be happy with it in 6 months after a bit of riding time,whereas he'd get bored on a fourstroke in no time.....

[HDTboy]

The biggest thing was that he'll still be happy with it in 6 months after a bit of riding time,whereas he'd get bored on a fourstroke in no time.....
True that man, I want a CBR400 after 6 months because the 250's boring me

[Dafe]

At $2000, Just get out there and get the feel for riding!

My first ride was a Kwaka KR1-S 250. Very Similar.
It's good to have a first bike that can be beaten up abit and that will also show you a variety of riding dynamics. :whistle:
At 250cc, they're a great bit of fun for a first timer. The bikes respond very well which can't be said for many 2004/2005 250 bikes, e.g. GSX250.
Just don't let the speed get the better of you and you'll have a great time and lots of fun.

[zeRax]

i wouldnt get a 2stroke250 unless its only for racing, maintenance and money cost is an issue, but generally i think they suck, gutless down low and just generally you dont need such a powerband, better getting an 4stroke 4 250 with smooth power from nought - all the way, and its not like they arent quick as anyway,
zxr gets to licence losing speeds fast as it is, cbrrrzxr around, you dont need a 2stroke,, but yea, i think they are shit ^^ so gutless down low, unless you're racing and keeping it up in the powerband then dont bother.

take some inline4s for a test ride and then compare after uve taken a 2 for a test ride

its all about taking them for a test ride, find the bike for you

[zeRax]

didnt read first post hah, if thats your budget then id say get it and save till your next licence class can allow you to move up, as others say thou, be ready to grab the clutch when needed

[MrMelon]

Get it!
My first bike was a tzr250. As long as you're sensible about not caning it too hard while you're getting used to it you'll be fine. Shell VSX fully synthetic 2 stroke oil is cheap for a 4L pack and works fine.

[Sniper]

Welcome matey. All Ihave to offer is ride safe!!!

[d4v3]

thanks for the comments people

i value your opinions. If i get it or any other bike for that matter you guys will hear about it :P

[Jabez]

Welcome....:)