GN250 vs FXR150

[MidnightMike]

Well ive finally got to the point where i can actually afford a bike. Ive sold my scooter :scooter: and now ive got about 3k. And ive been looking at 250's and 150's for quite a while. I quite like the fxr150 ,and each time i go to a dealers i was suggested a gn250 :argh: . Im not to keen on the Gn but i was wondering if I could get some sort of reviews of both of them from you guys who have owned them or ridden them.

[gamgee]

the fxr150 looks like a mountain bike with fairings, the gn is just plain ugly
the fxr is quicker, better styled
the gn250 is one of the most reliable bikes around
the fxr is known to have an inaccurate speedo
if it's your first bike go and buy an older gn (like late 80's-early 90's) for under $1500 thrash round on it till you get you're restricted licence, then get a more powerfull twin or 4 cylinder 250cc bike

[madboy]

Until last week I would never ever have recommended a GN to anyone. I can't think of a slower more ill handling bike. Except that road racer dude who carved us up last week on TRTNR. Okay, so skill couldn't completely overcome physics, but it was a little embarrassing following him up the takas.

I'm completely biased toward sports bikes. Both GNs and FXRs would be completely unsuited to open road riding. Although both can do it, they've got nothing in reserve to pass anything or pull up a decent hill without losing speed. But if you're just after city work, then either would be fine. FXR prob looks better in my opinion.

[MidnightMike]

I did also have a look at a zzr250 :headbang: which i preffer over both of them. But it did need new tyres and new pipes.

[T.I.E]

the gn has better torque, and thought it would be faster off the marj than the 150 but both are not the best for open road but ok. but if your not experienced the gn is a great way to start.
but a twin like a gpx250 or zzr can handle open roads alot better, but don't go for a 4 pt if you have no experience, you need some idea with those bikes.

[MidnightMike]

Its pretty much anything up to $3500.

[gamgee]

seriously consider what i said
get a cheap old gn to learn the basics on, then it doesn't matter if you crash it, drop it, kill it... whatever
then once you're past that stage, step up and buy what you really want, for $3500 you should be able to get a fairly nice cbr/zxr/zzr/fxr/gsxr/gpx 250, i'm a bit biased on the last one, but i just love it so much
do you really want to risk binning a $3500 bike just because you were inexperienced?

[MidnightMike]

I guess so. Riding scooters = no experience im guessing.:motu:

[HDTboy]

Buy my CBR250, I'll be at the mount this weekend if you want to look at it

[MidnightMike]

Is that thing even road legal? / Have you got any pics?

[HDTboy]

Yeah it's road legal, there's a pic in my profile. I'll try and find more when I get home.
It's fuckin reliable too, it's been my daily driver since Feb

[Maha]

Its pretty much anything up to $3500.
I got a GN250 as a first bike for two reasons, 1- was all i could afford to spend on a brand new bike then and , 2- my partner said it was a gr8 bike to learn on. I went with that, she has had her bike license for 25 yrs and also own'd a suzuki dealership in the early 80's. She ended up buying one also a few months after and we had a lot of fun on them, even had mine doing 120 passing a milk tanker once but that was at its limit, poor thing. Sold it on here a day after the posting and could have sold it many times over looking at the views it got. I went from that bike str8 onto my YZF 600 , dont miss the GN but loved while i had it, and no i dont work for Suzuki NZ, just my opinion....good luck MidnightMike

[ducatilover]

the gn is slow, bad handling [though pireli sportdemons help] and uncomfortable when commuting 14okm each day as i do. the fxr will probably do more than 80 into a moderate head wind.

my 04 gn blew 2 headlights and a brake light in the short time i owned it:oi-grr:

the tappets were fucked although i didnt push it past the redline more than twice and that was before the 5000k service.... the righthand side cover and chaingaurd fell off....hmmmm....

i personaly had a bad experience with the gn and would not recomend it to anyone.

and dont get me started on rideing it hard [ahem] over the takas.... that fucken drum overheats and doesnt work [i had that fixed but didnt make any difference]:mad:

please dont buy a gn:bye:

[Oakie]

Being a scooter rider I guess all you'll be doing for a start is commuting so it's not an issue on either bike that they won't do 120kph (although I did once have an indicated 126kph up on my FXR with a tail wind and it would do 100kph two up ... just)
I've ridden both. The GN is easier to ride than the FXR. Infact the first time I rode the GN I had gotten straight off my FXR and jumped on the GN ... and I didn't want to get off it. The GN is just a sweet little bike to ride if you're not used to (or don't need) a powerful machine.
The only issues I have with the FXR as a first bike are the skinny tyres which can make handling interesting in the wet... and the mirrors ... which give a great view of your elbows but not much else.
Neither bike is particlarly exciting although I think the FXR just shades the GN.
I've thought about both bikes and the best way I can sum up is to say that if one of my daughters was going to take up biking I'd rather she do it on a GN than an FXR.
And yeah, as others have said ... get an older one so you can drop it a few times without hurting your investment too much.
Final advice ... ride 'em both and pick the one that feels better.

[ducatilover]

is the fxr a two or four stroke?:spudwhat:

[Str8 Jacket]

is the fxr a two or four stroke?:spudwhat:

Four Stroke.

Midnight Mike, GN's are awesome bikes to learn to ride on. They will teach you alot about riding and all in all are just plain easy. Me personally am glad that I no longer have mine as ive found the KR suits my riding style better but as Gamgee says buy a cheapy to thrash around, it'll teach you the basics and then when ya ready try out some others and maybe get a faster 250 then.... Good luck!

[GN1NiteStnd]

the fxr150 looks like a mountain bike with fairings, the gn is just plain ugly
the fxr is quicker, better styled
the gn250 is one of the most reliable bikes around
the fxr is known to have an inaccurate speedo
if it's your first bike go and buy an older gn (like late 80's-early 90's) for under $1500 thrash round on it till you get you're restricted licence, then get a more powerfull twin or 4 cylinder 250cc bike

Words of wisdom. You would be a fool to do anything else.
Either way, enjoy your new wheels when you get them

[flash]

why not get a rg150?. the one a moto gb looks good

[froggyfrenchman]

Words of wisdom. You would be a fool to do anything else.
Either way, enjoy your new wheels when you get them

Whoops, i said that!, was just logged in as the missis;)

[Moxy]

Being a scooter rider I guess all you'll be doing for a start is commuting so it's not an issue on either bike that they won't do 120kph (although I did once have an indicated 126kph up on my FXR with a tail

My FXR does "well over" 120kph. On the trip up to Wanganui I had an indicated 156kph on a straight with a light tail wind.. Although acceleration is pretty bad up above 130kph you have to be on a long stretch to get above about 140.

It's been totally reliable; never broken down, never had any problems.

[gamgee]

the fxr has a top speed of 140, as i said the speedo is innaccurate, i went from a scooter to an sr250 (yamaha equivalent of the gn) then a vt... then the gpx and am so glad i did, i've never had a crash, because the single cylinder big cruiser style bikes were so forgiving of stupid learner mistakes, while still teaching you not to make them again. from personal experience, riding a scooter teaches you about as much about riding a proper bike, as riding a push bike did, a proper bike has a clutch and gears which is the main thing you have to get used to using before you go onto a more powerfull bike, chopping down two gears going around a corner is not a good idea, haha i did that on my first time riding the sr, nearly low sided when the rear locked up, but somehow kept it together and have never gone close to having a crash since

[MidnightMike]

why not get a rg150?. the one a moto gb looks good

Yeah i may go and have another look at that, what did they want for it?

[flash]

i dont know, i was hoping you would know. when you find out can you tell me?

[MidnightMike]

Yeah maybe, weren't you going to look at it? Anyway if I did go the gn way id make it look like this :banana:

[Str8 Jacket]

Yeah maybe, weren't you going to look at it? Anyway if I did go the gn way id make it look like this :banana:

Thats quite unique.....

[MidnightMike]

Thats quite unique.....

Its pretty cool for a ginny. :cool:

[MidnightMike]

How are the ginnys speed wise?

[SuperDave]

You will get bored of both the FXR and the GN if you are planning on using it for anything more than just regular commuting. Though in saying this it will take you a good few months. I have had no experience with the GN but I had an FXR for a year before I got the ZXR - I found myself wanting a bigger and more powerful bike after about 9 months with the FXR.

If slap a couple of decent sticky tyres on an FXR and learn to ride it properly in the twisties it will be a real worthwhile bike that I'm sure you'll enjoy - Check out my profile pic to see just how far the little things can lean over with some decent rubber.

Good luck with finding a bike and when you do get yourself one, have a blast.

[MidnightMike]

What tyres would you suggest?

[zooter]

2nd hand shitter for a while is a damn good idea. You're more than likely going to drop your first bike at least once.
Being used to an 1100 I still had a real hoot on a GN250 loaner that looks almost as old as me. It had enough grunt to hold 100 up a pretty good incline, but I'm a lightweight. Dodgy handling? Not at the speeds I was doing. Kawarau gorge took a little longer to get through but still an awesome ride.

I've never ridden an Fxr but what I see is covered in expensive plastic.

I learned on a Honda VT250, a genuine highway going bike with a decent riding position for long trips.

[MidnightMike]

Could anyone check out a zzr250 for me at cyclespot?

[Indiana_Jones]

My main prob with the FXR is the stock tyres in the wet, but apart from that, a pretty nifty thing :woohoo:

Highest indicated speed i have got is 151kph

-Indy

[flash]

Highest indicated speed i have got is 151kph

-Indy

:rofl: :rofl: :killingme :killingme :killingme :killingme :rofl: :rofl:

[flash]

i doubt a fxr can get near that, or am i wrong?

[froggyfrenchman]

Could anyone check out a zzr250 for me at cyclespot?

You were on a better track with the FXR/GN.

Basically theyre the best learner bikes out there, The GN being the slightly better of the two simply because it isnt covered in very expensive plastic.

Both will be boring as hell after 6mnths, but they will teach you shitloads during that time. 250 sprots bikes are little more than a waste of time.

Do 6mnths on a fxr/gn, then buy a 250 twin, then jump to say a 4cycl 600
when you really have riding under control

Dont listen to any "my bike does XXXkmph" either, theyre all a bunch of truth benders! both bikes are easially able to do 110, workn to do 120 and askin for it to try and make it do any more

[MidnightMike]

Must have been downhill :wacko: , he does says its abused :eyepoke:

[Indiana_Jones]

i doubt a fxr can get near that, or am i wrong?

That's what the speedo said the other day lol

-Indy

[MidnightMike]

There not supposed to be very accurate r they?

[froggyfrenchman]

That's what the speedo said the other day lol

-Indy

I have a 400 single that weighs much the same as the fxr and it is workn damn hard to do that sorta speed! I beleive the shit factor must be coming into your tales a bit Indy

[Jantar]

2nd hand shitter for a while is a damn good idea. You're more than likely going to drop your first bike at least once.
Being used to an 1100 I still had a real hoot on a GN250 loaner that looks almost as old as me. It had enough grunt to hold 100 up a pretty good incline, but I'm a lightweight. Dodgy handling? Not at the speeds I was doing. Kawarau gorge took a little longer to get through but still an awesome ride.

I've never ridden an Fxr but what I see is covered in expensive plastic.

I learned on a Honda VT250, a genuine highway going bike with a decent riding position for long trips.

I think I know the very GN loaner you talk about, it belongs to the Chatto Creek club and is used by the local Suzuki dealer as a loaner bike. I

'm not a light weight and I can cruise quite happily at 100 - 110 km/h on it. Top speed is around 110 -115 if you just open it up in top gear and see where it settles at. But if you get down as low as possible use a lower gear until the motor is screaming then change into top it will get 125 - 130 km/h. But then if you really want more than 110 km/h then the GN is not the bike for you.

Handling is actually very good, but to get the best from its handling it must be ridden as a motard not as a sports bike. The suspension is soft, as it should be for a commuter, but by keeping your weight on the pegs and not on your bum the bike will take any angle of lean you care to try and will roll into and out of turns faster than would be expected from a commuter.

Either the FXR or the GN would be a good first bike, but you'll probably grow out of the FXR slightly sooner than the GN. Overall I'd rate the GN as an almost perfect first bike.

[MidnightMike]

If you mean size wise for the fxr then im probably already too big

[thealmightytaco]

I vote FXR, 'cause that's what I got, but then I got a NSR250 going that I got for $500, so I'm sorted as.

[thealmightytaco]

Also, also, I've had the FXR on the open road, does fine, but wont be doing alot of passing or breaking of the law, but that's okay. And I've heard of folks doing Sth Island tours on them, something I might be keen to try before I sell mine perhaps.

[Indiana_Jones]

When i said 151, i did say indicated lol, I'm guessing it was really about 135-140ish

-Indy

[froggyfrenchman]

sounds more realistic...

[fishb8nz]

I've been a big rider in a different life and have returned on a GN125 for the last 18 months, riding 14,000 km/yr. Surprisingly it handles better than the GN250, but obviously not as fast. My buddy and I (a couple of old farts) travel 35lm, each way per day. He's 100 kg on the 250 and I'm 72 kg on the 125 - there's not a heck of a lot of difference. My buddy can't keep up with me on the twisty bits.
I choose to travel at 80 kph as I don't like to rev the guts out of it, but travelling the 35 km at 80, rather than 100 means it takes 2 minutes longer, limited speed zones makes the maths work. I'd never suggest the 125 unless it's purely 50/60/70/80 kph zone, and if that's what you do, then the 125 is ok. More open road, then the GN125 is a great choice, until you're ready to move on. Cheap, economical, reliable - works for me.

[Indiana_Jones]

:eyepoke: shhhhhhhh he wants a FXR :D

-Indy

[inlinefour]

Whats with the poor choice of bikes? I can think up a heap of much better bikes to start off with. Or is it just me?

[MidnightMike]

Whats your suggestion then for under 3k?

[thealmightytaco]

And why are you up at half 3 in the morning inline, get some sleep man!

[MidnightMike]

He must be nocturnal. :sleep:

[sels1]

Thought about getting a street legal trail bike?? eg Honda XL 250, Yam XT250Kwacka KX etc? They go well enough on the road and you have the option of going and playing in the dirt too where you can get lots of extra skills and minimum damage to you or bike if you fall off while experimenting.

[flash]

i learnt on a crm250r trail bike and i loved it. it could go fast but i likd the seating position and the extreme acceleration (seem it was a 250 two smoke)

[Indiana_Jones]

I used a dirt bike 1st, it's great to learn in a field, like it's been said don't matter if drop it etc :D

-Indy

[MidnightMike]

Im not too keen on the trail/dirtbikes, they are quite expensive anyway.

[inlinefour]

And why are you up at half 3 in the morning inline, get some sleep man!

I'm being payed to be awake at night at the moment. I'm awake now cause some wanker decided that he could not leave a message and REALLY had to talk to me so would keep ringing & hanging up until I got shitty enough to answer the phone. As for choice of bikes, dunno tends to be up to the buyer in what he/she requires. All I know was I grew up with RD/RZ/TZR 2-strokers and fark they was fun!:whistle:

[ducatilover]

Whats your suggestion then for under 3k?
http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=1023853&TabID=3553&Alias=motorcycletradernz

there used to be a 1999 srv250 in masterton motorcycles for $2995 which i rode and thought it was much better than the gn, it had a semi decent amount of power and adequate torque, and it leaned fucken miles down and sounded sooooooo sexy:mobile: my personal favorite first bike, otherwise any twin [parralel or v] would be suited to learning on the open road:msn-wink:

[Phurrball]

I agree with what's been said re the FXR and GN struggling for top end power - don't think I'd be doing too many overtakes on either...That said, they're both great at what they do and would do the job well. I only have a little experience on the GN (Doing BHS - 'twas a pussycat to ride) - but I have ridden Mrs P's FXR quite a few times.

The FXR has no problem hauling my 90kg frame around, but I do find it a little cramped (I'm 177cm/5'11"ish in the old money). The FXR has absolutely no problem keeping up with my 4cyl 250 Bandit on the motorway - but it lacks top end poke. If you get an FXR you absolutely must put on better tyres. The factory tyres are crap (and that's being kind!) Mrs P's FXR has Pirellis of some flavour on it now - thay make all the difference. (Can't check as bike is in Auckers, and we are not)

If you end up getting an FXR from a dealer, then make sure you twist their arm if it still has factory tyres on it still! (Thanks Coleman's for doing us a deal on those tyres BTW :blip: )

And those mirrors! They are shite! I've seen at least on FXR in Auckland with 'proper' mirrors grafted on - shouldn't be too hard to do with a visit to the wreckers if the factory mirrors really bother you - ya do get pretty good on the old head check with mirrors that crap!

Either way you choose, you'll enjoy an easy and gentle introduction to the wonders of motorcycling! (With outrageous fuel economy that makes this rider of a greedy-Bandit sick every time we fill up together!)

PS Make sure you have a goodly portion of dosh available for the best gear you can afford - I'd suggest around the $1K mark personally. Get good gear - you won't regret it, and it'll be with you longer than your first bike.

[Indiana_Jones]

Again, stock tyres blow on them, I should get mine changed :D

The mirrors are ok for seeing what's in the lane next to u, but u can't see jack behind

-Indy

[Sniper]

You DO NOT want any GN125.....
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=16440&highlight=CBR+vs+GN125

[Indiana_Jones]

if you have like $3000 + don't waste your time with the 125 :weird:

-Indy

[ducatilover]

i want an aprillia rs250:spudbooge

[MidnightMike]

Dont we all?

[MidnightMike]

Does anyone know if you can get custom parts for a Gn?

[Ixion]

I think you need to accept that, if you are under 25 years old, then the bike you use to learn to ride and get initial experience on, will probably not be the one you want to keep until you can get your full licence.

You need to start out (as you very sensibly are doing) on an easy and forgiving beginner's bike - like the FXR or GN. But, after a year on it you'll be hankering for more power, and probably wanting to upgrade to a 250 sprot bike. The alternative of starting out on the sprotbike is NOT a good one.

So on that basis I'd suggest buying a cheapy GN250. You can prolly get a decent one for $1500 or so. Won't hurt it too much if you do the usual learner low speed drop thing. And in nine months or so flick it on, you'll lose virtually nothing (might even make a bit) and upgrade to something that will keep you happy until you can get your full

I say get a GN just because they hold their resale value so well.

If you're over 25 it's a bit different , cos the waiting time is so much less.

[froggyfrenchman]

Does anyone know if you can get custom parts for a Gn?

Fugg all really, but its easy to make custom parts, i made a stainless perf chain guard for me girls gn in bout 10 mins.

A trip to the wreckers would be good, ie replace the huge origonal tailight with somthing a bit smaller and swap the indicators. As for the engine, theres heaps more horseys hiding in there if you know how to find them...

What im sayn is customise with parts off other bikes and parts you make yourself, im gonna start just such a project soon...

[hazard02]

You must first ask yourself if you have the experience to master the outstanding performance of an fxr.......
*cough cough*
Seriously though, it really is just a preference thing. i sat my test on a GN and was rather impressed, but decided instead to get an FXR. i preferred its looks and you can find a nearly new one for around 2 grand.

[Kendog]

I have owned both bikes and the fxr was faster but handled like a pig and the mirrors are shocking, my wife also refused to ride it after about a month as she hated everything about it, we then got a new GN 250, which she adored until she got her confidence back and her full licence and then we had to get something bigger. The GN is a total confidence builder, safe as houses and simple as a simple thing, but after a while you will get bored and it will make a good comuter to work. So really depends on what you eventually want to be riding, something fast and racey go for the fxr; slow, cruisey and comfortable go for the GN. Good luck!! :rockon:

[avgas]

learner brake bad. gn no brake

[Indiana_Jones]

You must first ask yourself if you have the experience to master the outstanding performance of an fxr.......
*cough cough*

But we can, because we're the best of the best :D

*Indy and Hazard walking into slow-mo with helmets in their hands to their super fast FXR's with top gun anthem playing*

-Indy

[froggyfrenchman]

But we can, because we're the best of the best :D

*Indy and Hazard walking into slow-mo with helmets in their hands to their super fast FXR's with top gun anthem playing*

-Indy

"want some of my lucky gum?"

I know its not top gun, but still funny as fugg

[SuperDave]

What tyres would you suggest?

Bridgestone BT39ss - Honestly the best fucken tyres.

[Indiana_Jones]

"want some of my lucky gum?"

I know its not top gun, but still funny as fugg

"I'll be your eyes on the ground!" :D

-Indy

[SuperDave]

I have owned both bikes and the fxr was faster but handled like a pig and the mirrors are shocking...

The mirrors were very badly designed, most certainly.
But as for handling like a pig - by this do you mean light, flickable and nimble?

[froggyfrenchman]

"I'll be your eyes on the ground!" :D

-Indy

"and a big shiny blimp"

[terbang]

Get the GN they are a great old ship..:ride:

[fishb8nz]

Are all GN125 riders like that wancher - no. It's a decent bike for what it's designed for. I've done 12k in the last 12 months - sweet as. Cheap as chips - no cheaper! Riding full throttle at 100 kph= 100mpg, 80 kph=115mpg.
Hey it's no fireball, but is that what you expect/
I can park in a space that a G-String could fit - cheap, reliable, economical, slow, good handling, 350 km per tank - YES. As they say in Yorkshire - "You get owt for nowt". Your choice. Don't criticize something for not pretending what it's meant to be. Just ride on open roads with BIG hard shoulders.

[MidnightMike]

Thanks for all the valuable info guys looks like the test rides will decide. :ride:

[ducatilover]

I say get a GN just because they hold their resale value so well.
ummmm i purchased my gn for $2750 cold hard crispy cash, and sold it less than 10 weeks later for 1900 warm hooker money:crybaby:

5 weeks after i purchased it the dealer said "well give you 1900 for it and well put ot on the floor for 1650"

and that was in perfect condition with aftermarket bars and a oil/filter change and service

[froggyfrenchman]

Thanks for all the valuable info guys looks like the test rides will decide. :ride:

So.... you are sick of us confusing you further?:rofl:

[MidnightMike]

Nah not yet. :bleh: I think ill be too cramped on the fxr so i think ill stick with the gn, unless something else turns up.

[ducatilover]

But we can, because we're the best of the best :D

*Indy and Hazard walking into slow-mo with helmets in their hands to their super fast FXR's with top gun anthem playing*

-Indy
you mean the anthem joe satriani a.k.a God made?:rolleyes: :love:

[froggyfrenchman]

Nah not yet. :bleh: I think ill be too cramped on the fxr so i think ill stick with the gn, unless something else turns up.
Good choice.

[MidnightMike]

you mean the anthem joe satriani a.k.a God made?:rolleyes: :love:

Joe who? :blank:

[ducatilover]

Joe who? :blank:
OYU DANT KNOW WHO JOE SATRIANI IS?:(

[MidnightMike]

Post a pic then no more hijackn

[ducatilover]

Post a pic then no more hijackn
oh.

i dont have a pic:rockon:

[Indiana_Jones]

*holding gun*

THIS IS OUR THREAD NOW! NOBODY MOVE OR I'LL WASTE IT!

I F*CKING MEAN IT!

:lol:

-Indy

[ducatilover]

sir, this is under my jurisdictio motherfucker!:apumpin:

move aside or i wont use vasaline in the shower:laugh:

[MidnightMike]

er ... right :stoogie:

[Sniper]

Are all GN125 riders like that wancher - no. It's a decent bike for what it's designed for. I've done 12k in the last 12 months - sweet as. Cheap as chips - no cheaper! Riding full throttle at 100 kph= 100mpg, 80 kph=115mpg.
Hey it's no fireball, but is that what you expect/
I can park in a space that a G-String could fit - cheap, reliable, economical, slow, good handling, 350 km per tank - YES. As they say in Yorkshire - "You get owt for nowt". Your choice. Don't criticize something for not pretending what it's meant to be. Just ride on open roads with BIG hard shoulders.

What I wrote up was not intended as a personal attack.

[durka durka]

Hey,
This is my first post so I just like to say thank you to everyone on kb for all the posts in the forums. I'm just looking to get my learners soon and I'm looking at getting a gn250 to start on. I was wondering, does anyone reckon this bike is worth buying. Considering it will need some touching up to get a WOF, and probably other maintenance issues. I'm looking for a GN250 but used and dirt cheap but reliable.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=44022454

It's done around 20000km so that's not too bad, but I don't want to wake up in the morning and see the bike spewing oil and having fits while I ride it :puke: . Anyway cheers,

Ross

[Ixion]

Check why it's got no wof (he's selling cheap so it might just be he doesn't want the hassle). Check for smoke (should be none), funny noises. but the GN250 is pretty robust. Expect that the chrome will NOT "come up again", but , hey for $325 you don't get mint.

Check tyres (two new ones could cost as much as the bike !), but if it stacks up, for maybe $500 bucks on the road, reg and wof, you won't get cheaper transport. Just bear in mind, it's 20 years old, don't thrash it. zzzzzzzzride to work, ride to social life, maybe a bit of motorway, when you find it's too slow, pass it on and upgrade.

[froggyfrenchman]

Check why it's got no wof (he's selling cheap so it might just be he doesn't want the hassle). Check for smoke (should be none), funny noises. but the GN250 is pretty robust. Expect that the chrome will NOT "come up again", but , hey for $325 you don't get mint.

Check tyres (two new ones could cost as much as the bike !), but if it stacks up, for maybe $500 bucks on the road, reg and wof, you won't get cheaper transport. Just bear in mind, it's 20 years old, don't thrash it. zzzzzzzzride to work, ride to social life, maybe a bit of motorway, when you find it's too slow, pass it on and upgrade.

What he said, Get someone that knows bikes to have a good look at it. Bloody good deal though, im tempted to buy it as a parts bike for my fiancee's gn

[SPORK]

Dude, get a freakin RG150

[fishb8nz]

What I wrote up was not intended as a personal attack.
Hey Sniper - No offence taken. I understand what you were saying.
Have a safe and prosperous new year!

I'll be moving on from my GN125, this year, but not without a certain regret as it's been a great little machine. I'd keep it for town work if I had space.

Really, the Suzy 250GNs do a great job as an unpretentious, reliable and cheap bike.

[Sniper]

No worries mate. You have a good 2006 too, ride safe.

[froggyfrenchman]

Anyone else noticed the poll has been dead even since the start?

[ducatilover]

Dude, get a freakin RG150
now thats the right idea:woohoo: :ride: ringa dinga fucken dinga bling:scratch:

[alfy_gacitua]

Hey people why is everyone putting the poor gn250 down??? i know its slow and uncomfortable but i think thats all it was meant to do! lol anyways my history with my bike isnt that good, infact mines not running at all! it wont start and im no mechanic so i dont know what to do!! but yea if anyone has anytips to help me get my gn running please contact me!

[jeremysprite]

Yeah, i've done this before. Check the date on the previous post, this threads 9 months old alfy.

[kensuem]

I wonder how many of these GN knockers have actualy ridden one?I bought a new one last June.I accept that it isnt fast,but the handling isnt as bad as people say it is.dollar for dollar it must be the best value available.In my younger days I rode bikes from a 125 Bantam to a 700 RE Constellation,sometimes doing up to 500Miles in a day.I may be getting on a bit,and could never handle one of these overpowered modern bikes,but I think I can claim to know a bit about everday biking..Anyway why do these modern bikes have to have so much power?My old Connie would cruise all day at 80 to 90 mph,with a top speed of over 100.What more do you need?

[Colapop]

Yes they are definitely, dollar for dollar, a great bike to gwet started on. But then so are a lot of other bikes. The reason GN's are so good at what theyu do is because they don't have so much power that they're overpowered for the bike it is and the handling is so bland that people can learn how to ride before they get out of their depth with too much power. And yes I've had/ridden/broken/fixed one before...

And welcome to the site