vtr250

[NotaGoth]

Ok so the offer has come up, 1998 vtr 250. The guy is happy to hold onto it for a while, til I can come up with some cash, as he knows I've been keen to find a bike for sometime.


I was told by someone else that it was in a nasty/bad accident but was corrected and told by the owner that it was actually dropped. Caused some damage to the tank which is at present being repaired and resprayed.

15,000 clicks on current speedo, will know how much was on the previous one in a few days hopefully. So total clicks I am unsure of at the present time.

Will be sold with new rego and warrant. Rego on hold while repairs are being done. Also fairly new tyres.

Question is, for the bike to have to of had the rego put on hold, could it possibly be because the damage was much more than just a drop? I know the guys dad so I'm sure I could trust taking his word for it, but you never know.

Also, what sort of pricing range would you be looking at for a 98' VTR? I know it would be much easier to put a price on it once I know the total amount of clicks all up, which I will post soon as I find out. I asked him how much he wants, but he just told me he's unsure and to make an offer, as there is a baby on the way and him and mrs are in need of cash.

ALSO, is there anyone who could possibly look over the bike for me. Only problem is that I live like an hour and half north of Whangarei :blink:

[terbang]

It is important for you to find out more about how it was binned and what sort of damage was done and the way it was repaired.? Also need to find out about those Kays..Dunno much about the value but I personally wouldn't want to pay much more than a grand for it..

[NotaGoth]

It is important for you to find out more about how it was binned and what sort of damage was done and the way it was repaired.? Also need to find out about those Kays..Dunno much about the value but I personally wouldn't want to pay much more than a grand for it..


Hear say through someone else, was that someone borrowed the bike. Truck went past, blew them and bike over. I doubt thats true though. But will ask how the damage was done as soon as I hear from him. But as far as I know it was only damage to the tank.

[erik]

I don't see how the speedo would need to be replaced if it just fell over.
I'd say it'd be worth a fair bit more than $1000, 1998 is pretty new as far as 250's go. It all depends on the condition.
Anyway, the vtr250 has got to be one of the best looking 250's out there imho. I hope it works out for ya.

[Sparky Bills]

Its hard to tell the value of anything without seeing and hearing it in person.
But a bike loike that wouldnt be worth much more than $1500.

However, if the damage is minor, it could be a great 1st bike!
If you can, id go look at it, sit on it and even ride it (or take someone else to)
Listen to the engine, check fork seals, check the wear on the brake discs, make sure the forks are straight and not twisted, check the tyres, chain and sprocket wear yarda yarda..

Good luck!:apint:

[Keystone19]

The VTR would be a great bike for you Kitti. I see that Bikepoint has several 1998 models listed all around $4500 - $5000 with similar kms to the one you describe - none on Trademe. The VTRs pre 2002 are Jap imports (mind you, aren't they all). Can't remember if they have a tachometer or not. Some of the NZ new ones don't.

If you can get someone to check it out and make sure there are no major probs with it, and you can get it for a decent price, it sounds pretty good. But, do get someone who knows something to check it out.

You may like to pm Dynamytus as I believe he bought one recently that had been damaged and he may be able to give you a price indication.

[NotaGoth]

[QUOTE=erik]I don't see how the speedo would need to be replaced if it just fell over.
[QUOTE]

Speedo was replaced for "some reason" before the drop. Guess I should question why now?

[WINJA]

its too small kittie , you need a 97 tl1000s without a steering damper or a 04 zx10 as a first bike

[NotaGoth]

Sparky Bills - I guess I'll need to take someone with me cause I don't know what the heck I'm looking at. :Oops:




Keystone - I think the VTR was one that was recommended once before as well. Hard finding a bike that is appropriate for my size, and I have looked at a ginnie *urgh* I found a 2003 VTR on trademe with almost 6k on it.

I will PM him and ask. Always helpful to know if you could "knock the price back a bit" I know there is more clicks on it than 15000 though. Just need to find out how much more.

Since he's saying "make an offer" after getting someone to look at it I can always be a smart arse and offer summin silly.


Cheers

KT.

[2much]

I may be wrong here as I've seen the VTR250, however never sat on one. But they look quite tall, and if I remember right Kittie didn't you find a GN too high for you?

Make sure you try it out first as being your first bike you'll have enough to worry about let alone keeping the bike upright at a stand still.

Don't get me wrong, I know a chick who rides a CBR1000 (Excellent Girls Bike!) and she wouldn't be much more than 5 foot (Thick soled boots help). But as a first bike you need to feel comfortable.

[NotaGoth]

its too small kittie , you need a 97 tl1000s without a steering damper or a 04 zx10 as a first bike


why when I've got you as my ride love ;)

[WINJA]

why when I've got you as my ride love ;)
HOW YOU DOIN:wavey:

[NotaGoth]

I may be wrong here as I've seen the VTR250, however never sat on one. But they look quite tall, and if I remember right Kittie didn't you find a GN too high for you?

Make sure you try it out first as being your first bike you'll have enough to worry about let alone keeping the bike upright at a stand still.



GN250 was too high, yet Gav's CBR250 I had both feet on the ground. GN has alot of width in the seat which is extremely uncomfortable, and I was on the tips of my toes. And yes it was a GN250 (someone asked if it was actually one when I told them that)

I do want a bike where I can have both my feet firmly on the ground. More comfortable for me, same with something that doesn't have a wide as seat like the GN.

[The Stranger]

yeah try and ascertain the actual km and the reason the speedo was changed and what exactly happened in the bin.

A service history is good to have too. Many of the 250cc bike will easily do 70,000 km without major problems, provided they are looked after. This is where the service history comes in. I would be more concerned about service history than the odd bin.

Personally I would not just avoid a bike because it has been dropped. You only got a problem if the something is bent or buckled etc. Not every drop will bend a bike. The Yamaha I just bought has obviously been down road as the foot peg has been welded and it has no fairings at all now but it rides fine starts, stops, goes ok. Suspension is worn, but that is nothing to do with an accident.

[The Stranger]

Incidentally you should be able to get a reasonable idea of the actual milage if you do a VIR report on the bike as recorded thereon is the milage each time the bike gets a warrant of fitness. Costs $25.00 and can be done online.

[Sparky Bills]

Sparky Bills - I guess I'll need to take someone with me cause I don't know what the heck I'm looking at. :Oops:




Cheers

KT.


I dont think you would have any problems there.
Theres bound to be someone living round the corner from the bike knowing the m/cycle community;)

[MSTRS]

Kitti - you have an oppurtunity to buy one of the better 250's around. They are not too tall, handle brilliantly and are generally very reliable. AS for price, tis truly a hard one - those here that have said it is worth $1000 - 1500 are probably not wrong BUT it is a 250 which means that people are prepared to pay way over the odds compared to larger capacity bikes - The old supply-and-demand thing. Expect to pay upwards of $3000. Offer less - you never know. Good luck.

[terbang]

I have recently ridden a VTR250 2006 model and it was quite tall in the seat though the seat is more comfortable than the ginny I think it is taller than a GN (been a while since a GN ride). I think the VTR is an awesome bike for a beginner so if you can get it cheap enough it and it is in good enough condition (sounds like you need help there) it will do you well.
If you can't get any good info in the Kays and damage from the owner then make a low offer based on that, and assess the reaction.

[MidnightMike]

I take back what i said on chat ( I didnt read all the damage, well no of it actually :doh: ) Go with what every one else is saying.

[rua]

I have a 98 VTR coming up to 40k, bought last year with 14k ex Japan, I think it’s a great learner/commuter. Aside from regular oil and filter changes (do these yourself, it cheap and easy) its had new tires, steering head and rear wheel bearings, an o-ring chain and a tune up at the shop every now and again. The only reliability issue has been down to the usual Honda regulator/rectifier failure which was replaced with an after market item that actually has a decent heat sink. These are not highly stressed high performance bikes and I expect that it will give good service for a long time yet.
Top speed is not up to much but enough to give the nice man in blue your licence and a bunch of cash.
The one you are looking at seems pretty sketchy so unless you can be reassured about its history you may be better off shopping round a bit longer, they do turn up at the right price.

[ducatilover]

if its all straight go for it, imho they are one of the best learners bikes out there, easy to ride and they look fucken good. if you can straddle it [not winja] easy then buy the bastard..... i wanted one but im a poor cunt. if its all shiney and good offer him around $2.5k:bleh:

[cowpoos]

I know a chick who rides a CBR1000 (Excellent Girls Bike!)

correct...like most hondas...

[ducatilover]

correct...like most hondas...
youre just finding a way to portray your ultimate jealousy

[cowpoos]

be a good first bike for ya doll...round up some boys to go have a look at it for you I reckon...theres bound to be some KBers riding up your way in the weekend...

[cowpoos]

youre just finding a way to portray your ultimate jealousy
nope...........

[limbimtimwim]

Ok so the offer has come up, 1998 vtr 250.Great bike. Not that I don't love my v4 goodness, but I do miss my VTR very much. I wish I had the income to keep mine.

And if you ever want it to go faster and scare grannies, I know what to do..

[Kornholio]

Nice one kittie... the VTR would nice and smooth for ya while providing a little rumble between your legs to boot...No not you Winja!!!

Are ya still tearing up and down the paddock on that scooter,,, keep that up and will give you some good basic skills...
You be careful or youll have me to answer to :/

:P

[NotaGoth]

terbang - the only way I can explain the GN is that the width in the seat pretty much leaves me feeling like I have just tried doing the splits. I'm not a big girl but I'm not little either. The width in the seat seems to steal away alot of my height. I can't explain it because it sounds stupid. Alot of people didn't actually believe me when I said I was on tippy toes. I think so long as the VTR doesn't have alot of width in the seat like the CBR seems to then I would more than likely manage. I will know soon enough though.

[NotaGoth]

Thankyou to those who have given me the best advice that they can. I'm now waiting to hear from the guy so I can take someone to have a look at it while its in its "as is" situation.

[Ixion]

terbang - the only way I can explain the GN is that the width in the seat pretty much leaves me feeling like I have just tried doing the splits. I'm not a big girl but I'm not little either. The width in the seat seems to steal away alot of my height. I can't explain it because it sounds stupid. Alot of people didn't actually believe me when I said I was on tippy toes. I think so long as the VTR doesn't have alot of width in the seat like the CBR seems to then I would more than likely manage. I will know soon enough though.

This is not at all stupid. The width of the seat is as important as the height. Try standing with your legs wide astride. Note how high your arse is. Now stand up straight. Your arse will be higher. Simple geometry.

The old Briddish bikes had seats at least as high , if not higher than the modern ones, but I had no problem with them , because the seats came down to quite a narrow point at the front.

I don't know where the present very uncomfortable fashion for absurdly wide seats came from. I blame the Yanks m'self, but then I blame them for most things. That way they at least have a purpose in life.

[Madmax]

its too small kittie , you need a 97 tl1000s without a steering damper or a 04 zx10 as a first bike
she would be a splat man/woman in no time
would be a good first/last ride though
:Pokey:

[marty]

I have a 1998 VTR250

It has a Pro Factory Carb Kit and a Roo Racing Pipe.

Looks and sounds pretty good for a 250, a lot of people have told me they thought it was a 600cc from the sound until they saw it up close.

Check my profile for pic.

oh so that WAS you i saw lane splitting on northcote rd by smales farm last week......

and kittie - you need to do a little test. get the vtr. lie it down on the ground (on the grass). then pick it back up. if you can't pick it up, you'll need to have a long hard think about your bike choice. the vtr is not the lightest learner, nor is it the shortest. the gn might have a wide seat when you're parked, but you probably won't notice it when you're riding. a custom seat is not that expensive either.

[NotaGoth]

Ixion - Well least you explained it well. But yeah thats the only problem I've found with the GN is the width. Mum rides and was there with me, she just shook her head. Both the salesmen did too. :mellow:


marty - BLING COMING YOUR WAY. I've had alot of people tell me I need summin that I can pick back up again if I drop it. Alot of people on here have told me no that it doesn't matter, that someone else will come help me. Stuff that, I can see the "useless female" look coming from a mile away. Sure I may never drop it (unlikely) but if I do I would like to be able to help myself.

As for the GN, definately no go either way. A lady I know felt the same when sitting on a GN in the shop, she brought it and reckons its painful to ride. As previously posted "feels like your doing the splits" :confused:

[MacD]

marty - BLING COMING YOUR WAY. I've had alot of people tell me I need summin that I can pick back up again if I drop it. Alot of people on here have told me no that it doesn't matter, that someone else will come help me. Stuff that, I can see the "useless female" look coming from a mile away. Sure I may never drop it (unlikely) but if I do I would like to be able to help myself.


Kittie, if you use the right technique you will find you can pick up a much heavier bike than you might expect. :apumpin:

The trick is to push the bike up with your legs, not try and lift it up with your arms.

The technique is explained here: How to pick up a fallen motorcycle. (http://www.xs11.com/tips/riding/ride2.shtml)

[Goblin]

I've had alot of people tell me I need summin that I can pick back up again if I drop it.

"feels like your doing the splits" :confused:
Not if Kitty....WHEN! It's nothing to be too shamed about either. I've had to pick up my 600 by myself.
You'd be used to that anyway wouldn't ya?(pt)

[terbang]

Hey Kitty today, by chance, I had a GN250 and a VTR250 together and had bit of a sit on both of them. You are right the GN does have a wide seat and it is very "squared off" so if you are err svelte in the ass department then you will probably find it a bit uncomfortable. Mrs T has similar probs with the rear seat on my 1100 being a bit squared off and digging into her thighs. The VTR is a definately bit taller so if you are, umm err (a duck springs to mind), a little short in the leg department then the VTR will force you onto your toes or even one foot when stopping. Dunno about the weight thing but the GN felt and looked lighter though the VTR is only 139 kg. As Goblin has correctly pointed out you will drop it some time so it will be probably either way on these 250's as a choice to pick them up and I guess it pends on how strong you are and how many eggs you have for brekky. Technique is the answer as I have picked my 1100 up and it weighs 260 KG may have been an adrenalin rush there as I aint no Arnold. The GN's have a nice price but the VTR is one sexey little bike that performs real well.
Have Fun..:apumpin:

[Lias]

FWIW, We had this discussion at one stage when crashe was down this way, and her bike (Virago 250 I'm 99% sure) was way lower down compared to my GN250.

So check out the Viragos imo.

[NotaGoth]

Not if Kitty....WHEN! It's nothing to be too shamed about either. I've had to pick up my 600 by myself.
You'd be used to that anyway wouldn't ya?(pt)

Mum had to pick up plenty of bikes. Hence shes giving me advice that she wished she had.

Nah not used to that at all. :buggerd: :2thumbsup

[NotaGoth]

Kittie, if you use the right technique you will find you can pick up a much heavier bike than you might expect. :apumpin:

The trick is to push the bike up with your legs, not try and lift it up with your arms.

The technique is explained here: How to pick up a fallen motorcycle. (http://www.xs11.com/tips/riding/ride2.shtml)

Thankyou. Been shown the link once before though. I'm picky because I'm learning.

[NotaGoth]

So check out the Viragos imo.


Was recommended a Virago but sadly its above my spending area :violin:

[Kornholio]

I think he was taking the piss but covering your ass is a good idea too :P

[ducatilover]

i think we get the general idea: kitty do not *repeats do not* buy a gn250 unless you want me to stalk you. i found the gn very uncomfortable and i would know as i managed to ride 200k untill it ran out of gas :argh:

[NotaGoth]

kitty do not *repeats do not* buy a gn250 unless you want me to stalk you


Ok. I have decided. I'm buying a GN.









:love: :love:

[ducatilover]

*puts on black lycra clothes whilst using cucumber to compensate for umm yeah*:banana:

you asked for it! gns are not good:puke:

[Kornholio]

Oh LOL..............

[Aitch]

Kitty - I bought a VTR On the recommendation of a friend) for my first bike. And I love it. BUT .......... on my first ride dropped it three times. Now I'm 5'6" and I had trouble getting both feet squarely on the ground and when it started to go I just couldn't stop it! Sitting on the side of the road with your bike in the middle of it out in the country waiting for someone to come and help you is no fun and if you are anything like me, will scar you for life! Eventually (after repairing the brake, foot peg AND the clutch) I got the bike lowered - and now no problems. So figure out if it's too tall and by how much. I got my lowered about four inches and it's made all the difference. And I don't find the seat too wide which is something I have noticed on my friend's GN.

Hope that helps.

Oh ....and I learned how to pick it up. It's all technique!

[jaybee180]

Opps - that last post was by me! That damn man keeps forgetting to log out!!!!:ar15:

[R1madness]

The lying the bike down to pick it up thing is a crock. After you have had a small off your addrenaline will be pumping and you will be able to lift a gold wing with the correct technique no matter how small you are. If its a major off the last thing you will be worried about is lifting your bike.
VTR250s are great.
An early one with the castec frame will be showing signs of camchain wear by now unless its a really low k one. Listen closely for rattles comming from the middle of the engine. Thats camchain slap.
Oh yea a good one will cost ya way more than a grand to 1500. Try 3 grand or more for a good one.

[Goblin]

Kitty, have you considered a 150cc road bike? They are much smaller and lighter and probably cost less than a 250cc. Or how about a 125 dual purpose bike like the TS125....Ideal learners bike and can take the knocks. There are other options for a learner and you dont have to have 250cc's to start with. Just a thought.....:wait:

[terbang]

Kitty, have you considered a 150cc road bike? They are much smaller and lighter and probably cost less than a 250cc. Or how about a 125 dual purpose bike like the TS125....Ideal learners bike and can take the knocks. There are other options for a learner and you dont have to have 250cc's to start with. Just a thought.....:wait:
Second that, saw a young lass yesterday (Nicksta I think) on one of those 150 road (sporty) bikes and the whole package seemed to match up fairly well and she was wearing a big grin.
At 15 (a wee while ago) I learned on an old 125 trailie that I rode on the motorways, beaches, Dirt tracks, paddocks, gravel roads and streets. Drowned it, dropped it and generally rode the poor old thing into the ground. Went straight on to some fairly grunty machinery after that with enough skills to survive.

[Ixion]

Ms Str8_Jacket seems happy with her KR150. A 150 two smoker should have similar performance to a 250 4 stroke, and given a SENSIBLE rider (and chicks generally seem sensible riders ), I think the strictures about two strokes not being for beginners do not apply to the 150cc machines. Lot cheaper than a VTR250.

[Colapop]

AND Ms Str8 Jacket had a blast out on the track with it too!! Blasting the airhorns while ringing it out down the front straight - what a hoot!! I thought she was gonna end up with a 'flip top head' she was grinning so widely....:first:

[Str8 Jacket]

Wow, im famous! :laugh:

Kittie, I had a GN as my very first bike. Wrote it of 2 months later but thats another story... Anyway I have to admit that the GN was a very easy bike to ride and great to learn the basics. However when I got my insurance payout I decided not to go for another GN, I found them very slow and quite "clunky" they are also very heavy, which in a way was a good thing. The KR is extremely light, I have been blown of the road and watched it been blown over outside work... All things aside if I had the choice again I would have gone with the KR first. They are excellent to control and easy to pick up. The other good thing about it is it teaches you about gears and when/ how to use them. If you find yourself taking a corner to wide then you just lean a bit more. The only thing with a two stroke is that they seem to have minds of their own.... somewhat temperamental (sp?) All things said I love my bike, its loud and obnoxious and it goes fast when you need to!

[NotaGoth]

Kitty, have you considered a 150cc road bike? They are much smaller and lighter and probably cost less than a 250cc. Or how about a 125 dual purpose bike like the TS125....Ideal learners bike and can take the knocks. There are other options for a learner and you dont have to have 250cc's to start with. Just a thought.....:wait:

Have considered a bike with a smaller CC rating. And as recommended by enigma maybe just something to use round here on the farm to learn on first off. Have looked and still looking at alot of options. Helps to live in an area where you actually have bike shops though :2guns:

[NotaGoth]

Umm... And rather a 4 stroke not 2. So I don't know yet again where that leaves me option wise. :shit:

[ducatilover]

yamaha srv250? omg they are sexy:bleh: