GSX Vs CBR Vs ZXR

[cheetor]

Hey now all, long time no post for me
I have finaly got off my ass and actualy got my class 6
and I'm looking at getting my first bike
WHat do you rekon guys, pluses and minuses of all these bikes (price isnt much of a issue)

[Cajun]

I am guess you are talking about 250's

They are pretty much all the same 4 cylinder 250 4 strokes. All capility of doing over 200kms for all of them.

gsxr250s(later model ones) arn't as common around the place as say zxr or cbr's.

It all really comes down to which one you like the look of really, they will ahve plus and minus which will cancel each other out.

So just go look and drool and pick the one you like the look of the best. Waste of time picking a bike on the plus & and minus of it, and then releasing that you had the look of it.

just my 10 cents worth,

[georgedubyabush]

Whichever one is in the best condition for the best price.

I reckon 200km/hr is a little ambitious. Mine is speed cut before that. A consistent 180ish, sometimes a little more, but who knows how accurate the speedo is.

[Two Smoker]

Well..... if money isnt a issue :whistle: how about a RGV250 or a Aprillia RS250..... fastest 250's you can buy....... just ask Marty..... but other than that, i hae heard that the CBR has better reliability (even if it is a Honda)

[Hitcher]

Knock yourself out... Buy the fastest 250 you can get your hands on...

Maybe I missed something, but I thought the objective was to become the most skilled rider rather than the quickest?

How about buying a Kawasaki Eliminator and learning how to keep ahead of the "quick" riders through sheer bloody smoothness and ability??

[Zed]

Hey now all, long time no post for me
I have finaly got off my ass and actualy got my class 6
and I'm looking at getting my first bike
WHat do you rekon guys, pluses and minuses of all these bikes (price isnt much of a issue)
I've owned all 3 types- what cc, year, etc are you looking for? :confused:

Zed

[DEATH_INC.]

Knock yourself out... Buy the fastest 250 you can get your hands on...

Maybe I missed something, but I thought the objective was to become the most skilled rider rather than the quickest?

How about buying a Kawasaki Eliminator and learning how to keep ahead of the "quick" riders through sheer bloody smoothness and ability??

Dunno about that,got given a marauder as a loner once and wore all the rubber off the pegs just riding normally.Wouldn't want to try one through the twistys.....

[White trash]

Dunno about that,got given a marauder as a loner once and wore all the rubber off the pegs just riding normally.Wouldn't want to try one through the twistys.....
our shop Maruader is the 1st bike I ever rode to scrape the pegs changing lanes on the motorway! :eek5:

[RiderInBlack]

Had a 1990 GSXR 250. Fucken good little bike:2thumbsup . Took it Whangarei-Haast-Dunedin-and Back with 80L backpack, which it handled OK. Tops 160KPH. Good haddle bar position for day to day riding (not too laided over). Main problem was the useless Suzuki coils! $160 each (there's 2 in the GSXR) new from Jap:doh: . Wreckers would not guarantee 2nd hand Suzuki coils, but recommended replacing with Kawa's or CBR's. I replaced them with 2x 2nd hand CBR250R coils for $80 for the pair (guaranteed by the Wreckers), which worked sweet:2thumbsup .

[SPman]

How about an FZR250?

[Hitcher]

our shop Maruader is the 1st bike I ever rode to scrape the pegs changing lanes on the motorway! :eek5:

Senor WT -- Does Suzuki make a flip-up peg for a Marauder?

Also, my earlier reference was to a Kawasaki Eliminator, not a Marauder...

[sAsLEX]

I have found the CBR250RR a great bike to learn on, not silly fast but still got a bit of speed if pushed, especially through the twisties. Good brakes and handling and an engine that revs like an F1 car.

[cheetor]

thing is, a new GSX250 is only $1000 more than a 10 year old GSXR or CBR?
I love the 4 cyl sound though :D

[Ghost Lemur]

I have found the CBR250RR a great bike to learn on, not silly fast but still got a bit of speed if pushed, especially through the twisties. Good brakes and handling and an engine that revs like an F1 car.


It's just a pity they're so pricey. But then again so are the gsxr and zxr, so I suppose it doesn't matter.

Just a quick side question for people. Been keeping my eye on the used market while I save for a bike and one thing has stood out about these 250's. That is the shear number that are '89. Does anyone know why this is? Was it a particularly big year for the manufacturers, or just a coincidence that for these three models there are more '89s than any other year?

[k14]

89 was the last year the the MC19 CBR's were produced, but I don't know why there are so many of them.

The CBR's are the most expensive 4 stroke 250's you can get, but there is a good reason for that. They are awesome bikes and will run forever if taken care of. Also they will hold their value (if taken care of properly).

The ZXR's are cheaper but aren't as reliable. There are a few things they are better at than the CBR and vice versa.

Just do your research and find which one you like the best, make sure you have it checked out so you aren't buying a lemon, thats all i can think of.

[Ghost Lemur]

There's a MC22 CBR on Trademe with a buy now of $6k + ORC, the damn thing has less than 12k on the clock. If I could afford such a rediculous amount of money for a too fiddy I'd snap it up in a heart beat.

[jrandom]

thing is, a new GSX250 is only $1000 more than a 10 year old GSXR or CBR?
I love the 4 cyl sound though :D

Don't get mixed up, the tubby little GSX250 that you can buy new from the dealers these days is not in the same league as the older GSXR/CBR/ZXR 250s. Not a particularly awful bike but it's noticeably fatter and slower. It's a commuter, not a hardcore mini-sportbike. Buy it if you want something new with a warranty but don't expect to get the same 4-stroke plastic rocket experience.

In a nutshell, that's why you still see more of the older imports being ridden on learners/restricted. If you want to shell out for a new 250 (dunno why you would, though, they're stupidly priced) the nicest one on the market is the VTR. STILL not as quick as the imports though.

[marty]

the new gsx is nothing like the gsxr. they are as different as a bandit is to a gsxr1000. i still reckon you'd look pretty sharp on an aprilia..........pm me for the dead right deal

[k14]

There's a MC22 CBR on Trademe with a buy now of $6k + ORC, the damn thing has less than 12k on the clock. If I could afford such a rediculous amount of money for a too fiddy I'd snap it up in a heart beat.

Yeah, thats practically the same deal that i got, thats the guy i bought my one from. He imports them from japan. I am pretty surprised he hasn't sold it yet, it has been there for a few weeks now.

[cheetor]

Yeah, I noticed the GSX is quite heavy..... I may still end up going for a CBR, With me driving its gonna get s scratch some time (I like to push the limits)
I've taken a GSXR for a test ride, quite fast, havnt had a chance to take out a CBR yet though, is $5995 (at a dealer, 34,000K and aftermarket exaust) is that worth it?

Anyone here in CHCH willing to lend me a hand for a day, to make sure I dont get a lemon?

[6Chris6]

Yeah, I noticed the GSX is quite heavy..... I may still end up going for a CBR, With me driving its gonna get s scratch some time (I like to push the limits)
I've taken a GSXR for a test ride, quite fast, havnt had a chance to take out a CBR yet though, is $5995 (at a dealer, 34,000K and aftermarket exaust) is that worth it?

Anyone here in CHCH willing to lend me a hand for a day, to make sure I dont get a lemon?

You don't really need someone to go with you just take it to a shop and get a pre-purchase check it will only cost about $50.
Chris

[Big Dog]

Just a quick side question for people. Been keeping my eye on the used market while I save for a bike and one thing has stood out about these 250's. That is the shear number that are '89. Does anyone know why this is? Was it a particularly big year for the manufacturers, or just a coincidence that for these three models there are more '89s than any other year?
I believe it has to do with emmission's Aussies cut off has been 1990 for used bikes commercialy imported since 95 or 6 so as 890or older bikes come up for sale in japan malysia etc NZ is the only country still buying.

My old gpx would blow away most modern bikes let alone some 500's etc as most bikes are being strangled by regs.

Differnces? 90 or later gpx is much narrower, shorter has two less cylinders 70 less hp heavier wheels for a smaller tyre, a smaller tank, frankly fragile looking swingarm (as oposed to the one shared with the 500cc) and end cans that look like they were leftovers from a 2 stroker (oh and there is only one).

Up untill 1990 manufacturers were more interested in meeting homologation rules (you could use anything on a race bike, as long as you have sold 2,000 examples for road use. If you had not sold that many it had limitations on wether it could be used or not) than emmissions rules (virtually non-existant and rarely enforced).

I would not pay the $6999 brand new that they now retail for but I would pay that for a 1989 gpx250s in the same condition as I bought my old one in. Single most regretted moment in my life selling that. ( and yes it would break 200kmph, quite easily it would seem). Greatest feeling in the world blowing back a 7 year younger bike with 750+ more cc's than you.

[Big Dog]

Yeah, I noticed the GSX is quite heavy.....
There is heavy, and there is heavy.

My 1100 is very heay at a standstill (bad for learners but a learner is not allowed to buy one anyway) but it is extremely well balanced and so feels very light at speed (feels lighter in a corner than a honda 250 I test rode for a mate).

The Honda 900 I considered was very light at standstill but hated to be turned and felt very heavy over about 60kmph.
I would have been absolutely incapable at my finess level of a Coromandel loop in the same day on that! You need to find the right balance for your skill level / intended purpose / fitness level and weight.

Try them all or get someone of roughly the same weight who rides like you do / want to, to test ride them. This will give you better answers than taking the opinion of biased by past experience riders who may ride nothing like you or look for different attributes in a bike.

They are all much of a muchness for maintenance etc.

[moko]

.
Just a quick side question for people. Been keeping my eye on the used market while I save for a bike and one thing has stood out about these 250's. That is the shear number that are '89. Does anyone know why this is? Was it a particularly big year for the manufacturers, or just a coincidence that for these three models there are more '89s than any other year?

Maybe a similar reason to why there`ll be about 3 times more 2003 registered 600 Fazers in this country than any other year.The good old European Parliament,one of the most corrupt and inefficient institutions in the world changed emission regs and made several best-selling bikes illegal as a result.This was registration year deadlined.Fazer was a massive seller so Yamaha banged out thousands of them and registered them for the road to beat the cut-off date,normally only done after they`re sold.They sold Britains allocation in a few weeks but there are still a few "pre-reg" bikes of other models sitting in showrooms at good prices,they`re legal because according to the paperwork they`re registered and Yamaha or whoever,are the owners according to the docs.Funniest thing was that a lot of "jap" bikes are now made in europe and the new regs hit Honda`s Italian factory and Yamahas Spanish factory really hard.Typical bit of stupidity,the XT600 was banned,classed as a road-bike,so Yam bought in the TT600,which as the Euro-dorks class as an off-roader escapes the new regs.Our XTs and TTs by the way are made in Spain and Honda`s CB500 and Domunator trailie were made in Italy along with other models.

[RiderInBlack]

Differnces? 90 or later gpx is much narrower, shorter has two less cylinders 70 less hp heavier wheels for a smaller tyre, a smaller tank, frankly fragile looking swingarm (as oposed to the one shared with the 500cc) and end cans that look like they were leftovers from a 2 stroker (oh and there is only one).If you are reffering to the Suzuki GSXR250, My old one was a 1991 import with 4 cylinders (no power problems:msn-wink: ) and a single can. Topped a 160KPM. Would love to have kept it. Traded for $1200 in 2002, remotored, 34000Km, a bit rough (needed a repaint).

The Marauder is a GSX250 (not to be confused with the GSXR) and is only a 2 cylinder. There is also crusier class Marauders made by Suzuki (a 800, 2 cylinder that gives must HD's a run for their money, and a 250, 1 cylinder and sounds like a lawnmower).

Have been out with a rider on a CBR250RR. He can pick-up the 200KPM. With most bikes the R's are more race ready. I would not bother with a GSX:moon: , but would have a GXSR anytime:not: .

[k14]

Well my CBR is speed limited to 180kph and it will sit there all day long. Still got around 4000rpm to go to the redline (19000rpm). I have heard of them topping 200 with the restrictor removed.

[slob]

I have heard of them topping 200 with the restrictor removed.
I've heard that the CBR250s are both speedo and inlet-restricted. That means that the speedo won't let you go beyond 180kmph and the engine restrictions (in the airbox or carbs dunno exactly where) keep the power under 40hp. I believe Andy1's CBR250 must've had the engine restriction removed coz it feels nearly as potent as a 400cc il4!

[cheetor]

I think I'll go for a CBR250RR
any idea of a good dealer in chch?

[Joni]

I think I'll go for a CBR250RR
any idea of a good dealer in chch?

Good choice - Honda is always a good bet.

[cheetor]

http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/market/UsedBikeDetail.asp?BikeID=162847&Year=1988

theres the bike I'm looking at

[Big Dog]

If you are reffering to the Suzuki GSXR250, Nup as stated GPX 250 so cxompared as they are avail brand spankers Much of a muchnes as the zxr except faster and heavier (not ram air). I am well aware of the import of a R to a Suzi. :bleh: :eyepoke: :sneaky2:


:lol: Always cracks me up when people don't read the whole post:lol:

[Big Dog]

Good choice - Honda is always a good bet.
As long as you don't mind the fact they rarely use generic or generic replaceable electrics. = Plenty of spares avail but there can be a wait unless you are happy to change large chunks of wiring, and they seem to cost twice as much as a kawa bit. :gob:

[Big Dog]

http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/market/UsedBikeDetail.asp?BikeID=162847&Year=1988

theres the bike I'm looking at
Pretty, but do you like the way it rides. :ride: :Punk:

[Big Dog]

Pretty, but do you like the way it rides. :ride: :Punk:
P.S not trying to be sarcastic or ironic.

[cheetor]

I'm not sure how it rides yet...., gotta wait a while. till I can actualy ride....
unless anyone is willing to help out

[Big Dog]

Thats a lot of plastic for can't ride yet.
I am not trying to be mean just sensible. I fully reckon get a peice of crap private first. Learn the basics because you will probably drop your first bike if not bin it unless you are from the same gene pool as Dr Rossi and just haven't told us. This will hurt a lot less, both physically and financially (don't forget future finance /insurance availibility) on a old 70's 100cc you only intend to keep until you at least pass your basic handling skills test.

I found praticing for the skills test on grass and gravel made my error corrections much more fluid, and has saved my life more than once.

Don't even contemplate practice on the road without a Helmet, gloves, jacket boots, and pants. They may not be a legal requirement (other than the helmet), your mates may have learnt with less but you only have a very fine margin of error, and only so much skin.

But then, I don't know you. You may be going to get expert lessons and have more restraint than the average learner.

Feel free to be annoyed at me for raining on your parade, but I would rather you thought I was a prick than be right, and read your obit.

Leave buying the good bike until you are sure you want to ride, and have met a rider you would like to ride like, get them to test ride it for you. If you are out even on a 100 you will hook up with other riders.

I skipped a couple of the steps above and it is luck not good management (and the sage advice of the best salesman I ever met) that I survived to tell you anything.

[RiderInBlack]

Nup as stated GPX 250 so cxompared as they are avail brand spankers Much of a muchnes as the zxr except faster and heavier (not ram air). I am well aware of the import of a R to a Suzi. :bleh: :eyepoke: :sneaky2:


:lol: Always cracks me up when people don't read the whole post:lol:
Sorry Big D, thought the "P" might have been a typeo.:confused:

Cheetor, Big D has a very good point. Don't underestemate the 250's. Try not to be an canidate for the "Darwin Award". Still the CBR will be a very fun bike. Make sure you have someone you can trust to really check it out before you buy it. Hidden repairs need for a bike can kill (or at least be very expencive).

[Milky]

I totally agree with BD there... until you have some experience, stay away from bikes that can do high speeds and accelerate damn fast - usually the temptation comes before you can handle the reality. Most improtantly, dont buy the most expensive bike you can afford... look for something a bit cheaper and get some decent protective gear!!!! it is the most important investment you can make when starting out riding.

I am not sure of your situation/experience, so I dont know how much of this applies to you, but be careful out there... I had a tendency to think i was gods gift to riding after i started, and it was lucky i scared myself enough to realise i needed to learn a bit more first. This aint meant to scare you away, but more to help you realise the realities of riding in an unpredictable world.

Good luck and keep the black stuff down ;)

[FROSTY]

Seeing posts like this scares the shite outa me. I gotta agree with previous posts here. Those little crotch rockets are not the best bike to learn on.
My suggestion would be a honda four stroke dual purpose bike fitted with road tyres.Upright riding position,wider bars and being desighned to be crashed and picked back up are all positives to one of those for a first bike.
the other thing is that once you have done a few months on one you wont have problems selling it on so you can buy your next bike.

[Shawn]

I definitely think it's over priced though...i got my zzr250, 95 with 12000k, immaculate condition with all the gears (jacket, pants , boot , gloves and kbc helmet, all brand spanking new) for $4700. Look at trade and exchange rather then trademe...they have so much better deal then any other place. also if u can find something u like from a private seller and run it through a bike shop to make sure it's all good, I reckon u can come out with a great deal..um....come to think of it do u guys have trade and exchange down at CHCH?...
Shawn

[Joni]

As long as you don't mind the fact they rarely use generic or generic replaceable electrics. = Plenty of spares avail but there can be a wait unless you are happy to change large chunks of wiring, and they seem to cost twice as much as a kawa bit. :gob:

OK, I get the point if money is a consideration on the choice you make.... but hey as the saying goes "nothing sticks to the road like a Honda" - call me biased, but thats my bike.

[cheetor]

Thanks for all your advice guys, I do appreciate it :)

having taken a Gixxer250 for a ride I'm rather addicted

and yes, I am getting a full set of good quality protective gear

[toads]

Sorry this question is a bit off topic and probably not something any of you speedsters are interested in at all but for those of you that have had or still have cbr 250 rr's what's the fuel consumption like for general day to day running and on road trips, my son has just bought one and is itching to get out there on it but it has wof repairs pending, cheers Lucy

[Wenier]

cant b sure cus i dont have one but its probably something like mine which is up to 250km per tank, of course this is thrashing the living daylights out of the thing. :)

[k14]

Sorry this question is a bit off topic and probably not something any of you speedsters are interested in at all but for those of you that have had or still have cbr 250 rr's what's the fuel consumption like for general day to day running and on road trips, my son has just bought one and is itching to get out there on it but it has wof repairs pending, cheers Lucy

I normally get around 6 litres per 100kms. Which means i get about 200kms out of a tank before i hit reserve.

[sAsLEX]

I normally get around 6 litres per 100kms. Which means i get about 200kms out of a tank before i hit reserve.

But you can still run out just short of Kaikora aye

[k14]

Thanks for rubbing it in :moon: :shake:

[madandy]

You're back in CHCH now? good ride with no flooding, huh?!
Must have been a hard thrash from Picton :whistle:

[k14]

You're back in CHCH now? good ride with no flooding, huh?!
Must have been a hard thrash from Picton :whistle:

Nah it was crap, raining heaps. It would be fine in the straights and as soon as i get to the twisties it starts pissing down, along with my other "dumbass moment" (see other thread) it was a pretty shit ride. Farking cold down here aswell.

[RiderInBlack]

my son has just bought one and is itching to get out there on it but it has wof repairs pending, cheers LucyHope He gets the WOF repairs done before he takes it anywhere:thud: Sorry, just seen that mistake done to often:Oops: .

[toads]

Thanks, that gives me some idea for his budget, I kind of suspected with 4 carbs and high revs it wasn't gonna be exactly frugal with the fuel but I get better fuel economy than that in my car, still he will hopefully be contrained by his budget to take it easy on the throttle!!! ( spoken as a mother)

[toads]

oh I also forgot to ask, does anyone know the amount of fork oil the cbr 250 rr has in it's forks?, we have to replace them this weekend, the factory setting would be good cheers Lucy