Recommended 250s... opinions??

[Delirium]

hey there im new on this site, and am on the look out for my first bike. after a bit of thinking and discussion with the olds, i think il be looking at getting a bike from a dealer. idealy, i want something on the lines of a cbr, zxr fzr etc. not keen on 2 strokes. this means that from a dealer, im looking at about 5g +. iv riden a cbr250r before and that impressed the hell out of me. my dads a honda man aswell so i think il look for a cbr250r/rr as they pop up in the motorcycle trader quite frequently. anyway i just want your guys' opinions on your bikes that you own, what they are like etc, or even if you have riden something before. also other people on this site can use this thread as a bit of a reference aswell.
chur,
cameron

[Mr. Peanut]

Buy a 400cc, just dont get caught :spanking:

[disenfranchised]

I got into bikes only a couple of months ago, and was pretty much thinking along the same lines as you seem to be....4 stroke, dealer etc...

I decided on the Hyosung GT250

Having just done the first 1000k's and having had no problems, I can't help but recommend the bike.

Because I'm a new rider I guess I can't compare it to anything else (except the GN125 I did the basic handling skills test on...which was shit btw...) but it has been a very easy and smooth transition into bikes.
No mechanical problems at all, easy to ride, and cheap to run.

[Jeaves]

. not keen on 2 strokes.

Dont be scared of the ozone killers :shifty:

[Drum]

I wouldnt worry too much about what 2fiddie youre riding, because youre going to be riding a different bike in 12 months time (or 18mths or whatever).

Reliability is more important than looks. Just my 2c

[The Big J]

Hi
After riding a bike for 6 months I had a crack for 10 minutes on a CBR250 and am thoroughly convinced that bike is a widowmaker no less.
Yes it was fun but I didn't have the self control for it or the income for the fines.
That said they are nice bikes.

[mynameis]

Don't think you'll get a CBR 250 RR from a dealer for 5 g mate, have a good look around they all would be between 6-7 g and lucky if you find one from a dealer for 5 g.

CBR 250 RR and ZXR 250 are the most commmon and popular learner bike 4 stroke 4 cylinders and good grunt. Good handling and very reliable they are if well looked after :)

[Mr. Peanut]

Get a GN250 and thrash it mercilessly.
Or Get a 400cc and dont get caught.

ZXR250's and CBR250's are overpriced handbags :Pokey:

[McJim]

Can't really make a recommendation coz you haven't really said what you want the bike for.

Are you wanting to go as fast as possible and thrash the beast to within an inch of it's life? Then try to get a 4 cylinder 4 stroke or a 2 stroke 250.(CBR250RR,GSX250R..Across, Bandit 250 Katana 250, RG250, NSR250 etc.)

Are you looking for balance - i.e. a bike that will be capable of scaring you shitless for the first 12 months but a good commuter? then get a V-Twin (VTR250, GT250R) or a parallel twin (GPX250/GSX250)

Or are you looking for a gutless but economic commuter? (I don't think you are but thought I'd throw this in the mix anyway) GN250,CB250 and Yamaha's latest offering the Scorpio 250/225....do we know what fucken size this will be yet?

[Mr. Peanut]

Those GPX250's are SERIOUSLY underated...

[McJim]

Those GPX250's are SERIOUSLY underated...

Why, have they got some sort of advanced injection system or summit?

What is their hp at the crank?

[SwanTiger]

Why, have they got some sort of advanced injection system or summit?

What is their hp at the crank?

About 40 HP last time I checked. More like 35 I'd guess, though.

Peanus is right, they are under-rated motorcycles, but still old technology.

[MSTRS]

About 40 HP last time I checked. More like 35 I'd guess, though.

Peanus is right, they are under-rated motorcycles, but still old technology.

The Eliminator (cruiser) uses the same engine - think they are 33-35hp.
And what is wrong with old technology?? Tried and proven, if it aint broke then don't fuck with it....

[Delirium]

cheers people.
iv seen a few cbr250rr for 5.5-7g and zxr's are pretty much teh same, or a tad less. i think thats what im looking for realy. iv riden a cbr250r before and that didnt scare me.... iv had plenty experience with fast cars in my time so the straight line performance is not unfamiliar, but thats not what i want the bike for. iv matured from the 'speedy' phaze everyone goes through and want a bike for the pure enjoyment of riding. you all know what i mean.. need i say more?
cheers guys

[MSTRS]

...iv matured from the 'speedy' phaze everyone goes through and want a bike for the pure enjoyment of riding. ...

Then why are you so fixated on the fastest of the (4 stroke) 250's?

[Delirium]

um... good question. i guess because iv riden one before and fell in love with it. felt like a proper full size bike compared to the fxr150 that iv riden quite a bit.
why not?

[MSTRS]

um... good question. i guess because iv riden one before and fell in love with it. felt like a proper full size bike compared to the fxr150 that iv riden quite a bit.
why not?

Then ride a few different types....lack of experience is leaving you blind to the myriad of possibilities out there

[McJim]

Slavery to horsepower can blind you to the joys of torque.

Try a V-Twin....go on.....just try it before you decide to ride something that does fuck all until you hit 14,000 rpm (meanwhile the V-Twin with less horsepower is already in 3rd gear and still accelerating away from you).

Just a suggestion - I'm biased - there - at least I admit it!

[vtec]

Seriously CBR250RR is the best option in my opinion. Pity the prices just keep climbing, although I've heard something about China maybe pumping them out in a couple of years time, although I would have suspicions about quality and what are the chances of it actually happening.

I learnt to ride initially on a very fast ex-racing Pepsi replica Suzuki RGV250, and yeah, it was fast but it was a bitch to keep it going. I've now been on CBR250RR's for over 2.5 years, and I still really enjoy them, and have started racing on one this year. Great bikes, reliable as, and plenty quick enough for the road, and most importantly the handling and brakes are excellent, perfect for making big steps towards being the best rider that you can be.

In my opinion:
1 Don't go 2 stroke (I have my reasons)
2 Get something that isn't going to bore you too quickly, ie. is quick and throwable
3 Get something reliable (4 stroke [CBR moreso than the ZXR])
4 Get something with good handling (The RR is great, although the ZXR is equally good in the right hands)
5 Get something with good brakes (The RR over the R, as it has dual front discs... major improvement to the single R)
6 Get something cheap to run (my RGV only got 10k/l + oil, whereas CBR250 gets 20k/l)
7 Get something that crashes well (I've heard bad things about Hyosungs being dropped, and my race 250RR has survived 2.5 years of me and plenty of thrashings, and 1 really quite bad crash).

If you get deperate and are on a budget, then I would most probably go for an FXR150, just because they are so thrashable and cheap to run, easy to find parts for, reliable, but a little slow for my tastes.

[Mr. Peanut]

Nought wrong with the single R + my NSR gets 40mpg! And thats not slow riding either...

2 strokes are fine if you budget a full engine rebuild and inspection into the purchase price. Maybe you get lucky, maybe you don't.

[Morcs]

Highly recommend the Bandit.

If you can get a Hornet for a good price then that is the way to go.

my $0.02.

[Hitcher]

When we were doing our 250 learner/restricted gig, Mrs H had an Eliminator. What a fantastic donk that has. Unlike almost all 250 fours, it doesn't have a flat-spot in its powerband. And Mr Kawasaki does a great gearbox -- the positive neutral finder is worth the cost of admission alone!

And don't believe the knockers of inline twins. Look at what Kawasaki has done with the ER6, Yamaha with the TDM, and Triumph...

If I was buying a 250 new, I'd get the Kawasaki or the Hyosung. Their full-sized frames makes a hell of a difference for riding comfort.

[gamgee]

In my opinion:
1 Don't go 2 stroke (I have my reasons)
2 Get something that isn't going to bore you too quickly, ie. is quick and throwable
3 Get something reliable (4 stroke [CBR moreso than the ZXR])
4 Get something with good handling (The RR is great, although the ZXR is equally good in the right hands)
5 Get something with good brakes (The RR over the R, as it has dual front discs... major improvement to the single R)
6 Get something cheap to run (my RGV only got 10k/l + oil, whereas CBR250 gets 20k/l)
7 Get something that crashes well (I've heard bad things about Hyosungs being dropped, and my race 250RR has survived 2.5 years of me and plenty of thrashings, and 1 really quite bad crash).

1. GPX250 is a 4 stroke
2. GPX won't bore you, most fun bike i've (legally) ridden so far
3. GPX is probably one of the most (if not the most) reliable 250 around
4. GPX handles (like most 250's) extremely well, and very forgiving ridding position
5. GPX has twin front disk brakes and rear disk brake
6. gpx, cheap to run
7. dunno, never crashed it

[Mr. Peanut]

Gwinch and I recommend two-strokes wholeheartedly. But the GPX is excellent.

[Scouse]

you cant go past a VTR250

[gamgee]

you cant go past a VT250

yes you can and should, they're pieces of shit

[MSTRS]

yes you can and should, they're pieces of shit

Perhaps....but the VTR or Spada are top bikes

[Delirium]

yea id love a bandit. or that v twin by honda the vtr is it?

[Delirium]

yea the spada but i must say it sounds pretty bland like a single

[hurricane_r]

going fast in a car is nothing similar to going fast on a bike, ride sevral and get wat feels most comfortable, a real man goes fast round corners not in a straightline, cbr250rr is nice bike and the zxr nija 250, cheap if private sale
hope to see u out on a ride soon (when i got my licence back)

also i got the 89 cbr250r, not that fastest but with the suspension setup nicely it handles like a dream and i have no problem droping it to the footpegs on the right corners, even though its single disc compared with the double cbr250rr, it has good braking and runs good with tune and cbr250rr exhust conversion

[hXc]

yea the spada but i must say it sounds pretty bland like a single
Careful what you say about the spada. . .It's a great bike to learn on. I've been riding mine for 9 months and I love it. I commute everyday and take it out for weekend blasts and 2-3 day tours. I'd say it sounds a lot better than a single, any day! And it will keep up with a GPX, and with the right rider on it, will beat the pants off it in the corners.

A lot more forgiving than any IL4 or 2 smoker. Being a V-twin, it has an even power curve and a fair bit of torque. And up to about 80km/h, it will be in front of any CBR or ZXR, if you know how to ride it (trust me, experience tells me this - he's a good guy too).

I'd recommend the Spada to anyone, or if you want a 4, then the Bandit is perfect.

[Scouse]

Perhaps....but the VTR or Spada are top bikesYea thank you i ment VTR250

[McJim]

I've got a VTR250 coz I need to commute 55km per day and frankly I couldn't be fagged doing that on a race style bike. However I also like to go out in the evening and at weekends with other riders so I need something that will keep up with Bandits and Hornets. It suits me.

sounds as though you had made up your mind before you asked the question though so I suspect no-one has changed your mind and you'll be looking for a 4 cyl 250 fully faired thingumy.

Happy riding.

[lukelin250]

well where do i start,good on ya for sussing out what to get throughly first and you list of bikes ur looking at is perfect your on the right track but if i may let me impart my experiance on what i think you should get. i startd riding this year with a gn250 hada great time learnt to ride n got lotsa valuable skills and riding time.but....like everyone told me when i was looking i did get bored of it real fast and whats the point of being on a boring bike when ur stuck wit a 250 for like 18months!!! so yeah after lotsa thought about what to get next i settled on a cbr rr,,as all the other guys in the forum have mentiond theres lotsa great points about it, i got it from a cyclespot honda in takapuna and i was stoked with the service and help theyve given me (hooking me up with full insurance an shit) so to make a long story short ive had it for two days now and i have no regrets its an incredible bike and so revered even at 250cc capacity.reason i chose cbr over zxr (the only other bike i consider in its class)
1.looks so much more modern and the paint schemes are really nice compared to a bogey green zxr uhhgh.
2.expensive as fuck for an old bike but youll get your money back they r so popular and sought after
3.honda has much better support and dealerships everywhere you gotta lotta backup goin with a brand like honda.
yeah others but theres some main ons,,ny other questions just ask

[Delirium]

well where do i start,good on ya for sussing out what to get throughly first and you list of bikes ur looking at is perfect your on the right track but if i may let me impart my experiance on what i think you should get. i startd riding this year with a gn250 hada great time learnt to ride n got lotsa valuable skills and riding time.but....like everyone told me when i was looking i did get bored of it real fast and whats the point of being on a boring bike when ur stuck wit a 250 for like 18months!!! so yeah after lotsa thought about what to get next i settled on a cbr rr,,as all the other guys in the forum have mentiond theres lotsa great points about it, i got it from a cyclespot honda in takapuna and i was stoked with the service and help theyve given me (hooking me up with full insurance an shit) so to make a long story short ive had it for two days now and i have no regrets its an incredible bike and so revered even at 250cc capacity.reason i chose cbr over zxr (the only other bike i consider in its class)
1.looks so much more modern and the paint schemes are really nice compared to a bogey green zxr uhhgh.
2.expensive as fuck for an old bike but youll get your money back they r so popular and sought after
3.honda has much better support and dealerships everywhere you gotta lotta backup goin with a brand like honda.
yeah others but theres some main ons,,ny other questions just ask

hey cheers man. yea id like a cbr as iv riden a cbr250r and thought that was mint. but theres some experienced riders on here that have convinced me that for a first bike i should look at something a bit easier to learn to ride on like a bandit or similar.

[gamgee]

hey cheers man. yea id like a cbr as iv riden a cbr250r and thought that was mint. but theres some experienced riders on here that have convinced me that for a first bike i should look at something a bit easier to learn to ride on like a bandit or similar.

good to hear mate, you won't regret it, the bandits are a veeery nice bike, i didn't even know you were looking at them, but I can throroughly recommend them, that is another bike that is on my list of "very nearly boughts"

[MattRSK]

Need I say more?

<img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i151/mattrsk/DSC00109.jpg">

[Delirium]

yea i think they are one of the best looking naked bikes there are. i assume they are reasonably comfy. apparently a good riding position. 4cylinder noise and power. what more can you ask for.... now to find one i can test ride....

[Delirium]

oh very nice bro. the one i rode looks very similar to that. they sound incredible dont they..... my brother goes to massy in palmy. i might hit you up one day when iv got a bike and cruise on over your ways. or vice versa, as napier is the much more beutiful of the 2 cities.

[MattRSK]

oh very nice bro. the one i rode looks very similar to that. they sound incredible dont they..... my brother goes to massy in palmy. i might hit you up one day when iv got a bike and cruise on over your ways. or vice versa, as napier is the much more beutiful of the 2 cities.

For sure mate, always keen for a ride. Know a few people here now who are keen too.

[Delirium]

maybe you could do me a favour? if you've got some spare time do you think you could pop around some of the dealers to see if theres anything there for me? thatd be mint as

[MattRSK]

maybe you could do me a favour? if you've got some spare time do you think you could pop around some of the dealers to see if theres anything there for me? thatd be mint as

Oh mate that would be such a chore lol. Will try tomorrow at lunch, with my camera!

[vtec]

hey cheers man. yea id like a cbr as iv riden a cbr250r and thought that was mint. but theres some experienced riders on here that have convinced me that for a first bike i should look at something a bit easier to learn to ride on like a bandit or similar.

I'm wondering, are you planning on doing any track days? If so, I would hate to use track time on anything less than a CBR or a ZXR. I should also add KRR150 or RG150 or NSR150, as they are great track bikes too, all these can be raced in the VMCC streetstock class. All these bikes are great fun on the track, but the lesser models I would just feel wrong taking them on the track.

Also of note, I've ridden the single R, and they feel very different to the RR. They have a different frame, different carbs, I'm sure there's lots of other differences apart from the extra 1000rpm, and 5 hp. The RR seems to tip into corners way easier, and if you plan on doing any track time, the dual front discs are far superior. Also from talking to Texmo, who is a very good (fast) rider who has owned both the CBR (written off) and the ZXR (nearly written off), it sounds like the CBR tips into corners easier, but the ZXR is more stable mid corner.

[Delirium]

actually id be real keen to hit the track! but im not going to let that sway me into buying a cbr or anything. i want to learn on a good bike to start off, not necessarily one that i can race. but i want to test a few before i choose. if i think i can use a cbr well enough, then that might be the go, but i think a bandit would be better.

[gamgee]

Also from talking to Texmo, who is a very good (fast) rider who has owned both the CBR (written off) and the ZXR (nearly written off), it sounds like the CBR tips into corners easier, but the ZXR is more stable mid corner.

this is why a 17 year old shouldn't get one of them as a first bike...

[MattRSK]

I think you just have to respect your abilities. Take it easy to start with and gradually you will get the hang of it. I bought my CBR 6 months ago with no riding experience at all. I feel now confident but still have a healthy respect for the limits (that i push).

[Delirium]

yea you guys have definitely made me look at the big picture here: i have to develope my skills before i can go fast. so im thinking il flag the cbr idea and look for a bandit. keeping in mind iv riden a fxr150 plenty and felt well competent on that and gave it a right thrashing. but your right gamgee, cheers for the help on the whole topic.

[gamgee]

I think you just have to respect your abilities. Take it easy to start with and gradually you will get the hang of it. I bought my CBR 6 months ago with no riding experience at all. I feel now confident but still have a healthy respect for the limits (that i push).

ok I learnt to ride a couple of years ago when I was 17, and there is no farken way I respected my limits, it was full throttle all the way, only difference was I was riding an sr250, so all the newbie mistakes I made I managed to catch, and learn from, then I stepped up to a quicker 250 when I was 18 and killed it, so now i've bought another more reliable 250 that I'm taking it easy on, not a single crash in nearly 4 years of riding, just bidding my time till i can ride my NC30 (legally) :banana: and don't tell me you bought an nsr to ride sensibly haha just take it easy, learn to ride before you start on the more powerfull stuff, and it'll mean you live to ride the properly powerful stuff, cause lets face even a cbr250rr is fairly slow once you've ridden even a 400

[MattRSK]

ok I learnt to ride a couple of years ago when I was 17, and there is no farken way I respected my limits, it was full throttle all the way, only difference was I was riding an sr250, so all the newbie mistakes I made I managed to catch, and learn from, then I stepped up to a quicker 250 when I was 18 and killed it, so now i've bought another more reliable 250 that I'm taking it easy on, not a single crash in nearly 4 years of riding, just bidding my time till i can ride my NC30 (legally) :banana: and don't tell me you bought an nsr to ride sensibly haha just take it easy, learn to ride before you start on the more powerfull stuff, and it'll mean you live to ride the properly powerful stuff, cause lets face even a cbr250rr is fairly slow once you've ridden even a 400

We must be different somehow, I have no trouble respecting the limits. Had a play with some 400's and 600's today, had no trouble keeping up/ahead!

[gamgee]

And it will keep up with a GPX, and with the right rider on it, will beat the pants off it in the corners.

ahhh, but what happens when there is a good rider on both bikes? I see yet another kiwibiker theoretical race coming on :2thumbsup

[vtec]

this is why a 17 year old shouldn't get one of them as a first bike...

Hey man, don't blame the bikes. The reason why he crashed, is because he's always pushing the limits. That is how a lot of people become top racer's. The other option, is leaving more room for error, and learning slower, but with time you can learn the limits of a bike without going too far past them and crashing. I have learnt to find the limits of my bikes, by using throttle induced slide to gauge traction limits, but this took me a few years and I didn't even realise I was doing it for quite some time.

Also, isn't the GPX engine the same as the ZZR engine? If so, aren't the power figures a bit down, like possibly in the 20's? Don't give me a hard time for not being sure, I would just like clarification on the power of that engine. If so, yeah sure it's great for learning and gas mileage, but not good if you want to learn to ride hard.

[gamgee]

We must be different somehow, I have no trouble respecting the limits. Had a play with some 400's and 600's today, had no trouble keeping up/ahead!

I meant initially, and thrashing an sr250 is a lot slower than thrashing a cbr250rr, considering the sr had a top speed of 120 going downhill with a tail wind, (and i'm a skinny bastard) I know my limits a lot better now, but then I ride everyday, so I mean without sounding like an up myself tosser, I do know how throw a bike through a set of twisties, and my riding has become a lot less about straight line speed, and more about controlled cornering

[MattRSK]

Hey man, don't blame the bikes. The reason why he crashed, is because he's always pushing the limits. That is how a lot of people become top racer's. The other option, is leaving more room for error, and learning slower, but with time you can learn the limits of a bike without going too far past them and crashing. I have learnt to find the limits of my bikes, by using throttle induced slide to gauge traction limits, but this took me a few years and I didn't even realise I was doing it for quite some time.

Also, isn't the GPX engine the same as the ZZR engine? If so, aren't the power figures a bit down, like possibly in the 20's? Don't give me a hard time for not being sure, I would just like clarification on the power of that engine. If so, yeah sure it's great for learning and gas mileage, but not good if you want to learn to ride hard.

I had a lovely slide on the Taka's today. First time for everything huh. I think I enjoyed it. Can't wait to get out on the track.

[MattRSK]

I meant initially, and thrashing an sr250 is a lot slower than thrashing a cbr250rr, considering the sr had a top speed of 120 going downhill with a tail wind, (and i'm a skinny bastard) I know my limits a lot better now, but then I ride everyday, so I mean without sounding like an up myself tosser, I do know how throw a bike through a set of twisties, and my riding has become a lot less about straight line speed, and more about controlled cornering

Yeah I get ya. Twisties are so much fun. 430kms of it today!

[gamgee]

hp figures..

from memory it's 35ps which i think equates to just over 30hp but torque is king on a long ride, i rode from invercargill to dunedin without changing out of 6th, thats going from 50 zones to 100, 30 works zones - 100 zones, and not a single splutter either

[vtec]

ok I learnt to ride a couple of years ago when I was 17, and there is no farken way I respected my limits, it was full throttle all the way, only difference was I was riding an sr250, so all the newbie mistakes I made I managed to catch, and learn from, then I stepped up to a quicker 250 when I was 18 and killed it, so now i've bought another more reliable 250 that I'm taking it easy on, not a single crash in nearly 4 years of riding, just bidding my time till i can ride my NC30 (legally) :banana: and don't tell me you bought an nsr to ride sensibly haha just take it easy, learn to ride before you start on the more powerfull stuff, and it'll mean you live to ride the properly powerful stuff, cause lets face even a cbr250rr is fairly slow once you've ridden even a 400

I've started racing a pretty sweet CBR600 recently, and I still really enjoy the CBR250RR. They are a great bike, and you should ask HDTBoy what he thinks about the CBR250 in comparison to the CBR400, as he's raced them both. I almost think he prefers the 250.

[vtec]

from memory it's 35ps which i think equates to just over 30hp but torque is king on a long ride, i rode from invercargill to dunedin without changing out of 6th, thats going from 50 zones to 100, 30 works zones - 100 zones, and not a single splutter either

Thanks for the figures, it's better than I thought. I'd have to ride one to give a fair judgement though. I just know that the CBR is a brilliant bike... track day weapon, and reliable commuter. In my first ever race, I managed 1.15's repeatedly around Pukekohe on the CBR250, and that was after a couple of years of commuting on it.

P.S. The same CBR250 has me leading the VMCC streetstock series in my first season. One more meeting till the end of the championship. 14th of October at Taupo, should be awesome on the full circuit.

P.P.S Great choice on the NC30 man, I love those bikes. Never ridden one, but if I'm ever rich enough to have a collection, there would have to be a VFR in it for sure.

[hXc]

ahhh, but what happens when there is a good rider on both bikes? I see yet another kiwibiker theoretical race coming on :2thumbsup
Well then it comes down to which one is better/more tactful. They are pretty even all around, but I prefer the Spada to the GPX, which I have ridden.

The seating of the GPX is what I find uncomfortable; the fully upright with skinny bars thin = yuck. Where as the Spada is sportier, but still relaxed. On the Spada you can ride in a relaxed position or a sprawled out on the tank like a squashed fly position and still have a lot of fun.

The Spada is a great bike, and I'm not saying that the GPX isn't, but I much prefer the Spada to the GPX. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning on this bike, and will continue to do so for the next 16 months. The guy I bought the Spada off, apparently wants to buy it back, according to all his mates down in Welly. If those mates don't know who I'm talking about, his name is Jimmy (Spada), and they would all be able to vouch how good the Spada's potential is in the right hands.

[Delirium]

Well then it comes down to which one is better/more tactful. They are pretty even all around, but I prefer the Spada to the GPX, which I have ridden.

The seating of the GPX is what I find uncomfortable; the fully upright with skinny bars thin = yuck. Where as the Spada is sportier, but still relaxed. On the Spada you can ride in a relaxed position or a sprawled out on the tank like a squashed fly position and still have a lot of fun.

The Spada is a great bike, and I'm not saying that the GPX isn't, but I much prefer the Spada to the GPX. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning on this bike, and will continue to do so for the next 16 months. The guy I bought the Spada off, apparently wants to buy it back, according to all his mates down in Welly. If those mates don't know who I'm talking about, his name is Jimmy (Spada), and they would all be able to vouch how good the Spada's potential is in the right hands.

you wouldnt be mstrs's son would you? Zac?

[hXc]

you wouldnt be mstrs's son would you? Zac?
That could be a possibility. . .

[lukelin250]

dude your fully right about the cbr rr being a great bike but maybe not for a first,,,if it wasnt for the gn i had for few months to learn how to ride i woulda killed myself on the widowmaking cbr rr by now and i still think i will!! fuckin weather clear up !!!!!! go mid range of your no sure but if your planning on using a motorway reguarly like i was make sure its over a single cylinder cause not bein able to go faster than a 100km hr really sucks and fucked me of no end with the gn250 cause most of m ridin is motorway to work n back..

[lukelin250]

better than a r,

[Delirium]

fuck yea thats a nice bike man. i bet you've had/have a lot of fun on that machine...

[lukelin250]

nope,had it three days and its been raining hahah nah i did get out for a bi of dry ridin and its gonna take ages to master this bike and be able to drive it to its max potential,,cheers nyway it is beutifull huh,,, nyone else kiss their bikes goodnight????ha

[*sic]

well im off to melbourne in feb / march 07 and my bike will be up for sale round then, so if your still looking in a few months hit me a message : )

decent offers will be considered / plug

[Brett]

Personally i really like the ZXR 250C. A bit bigger than the CBR's, look more like a 400cc bike, and go pretty hard. They can wheelie and stoppie pretty well, and are easily thrown around through corners, though so is the CBR.
Both mine are going to be up for sale soon to fund a 600cc Gixxer or 636, yet to decide, but i will surely mix the ZXR's...both of them are awesome bikes.

[STORKEN]

Get a Honda VTR250 mini monster. 160-180k's, nice engine, decent acelleration, less cylinders to go wrong/service. Pity they don't come w fairing. I own 88 VT250F, 88000k's. Had for one year, small problems with fueling system, jets? gearbox recalcitrant. loves open road, not as good in town. Worst bike I've owned is NZ250 Suzuki, nothin' but trouble.

[davereid]

If you are going to keep your 250 once you get your full licence then you should ignore the price, and just buy the best bike you can. But most riders upgrade to a larger capacity bike once they legally can. So if you are planning on moving to a larger bike, get something cheap - you will still lose money when you sell it, but losing 40% of a $3000 bike is much much better than 40% of a $10,000 bike.

Looking new, there are only a couple of choices in the $3000-3500 range, both chinese, ie the GN250 cruiser and the Lifan 200 trail bike. Neither is particularly exciting, but both go well enough for learning on, and with a new bike you have the advantage of warranty. And buying new, you know the price is right - you arent paying more than the market will support !

The GN is a better bet if you have no interest in off road riding - its modestly more powerful, and goes better on road. The LF200 is great if you want to go down the beach or try an adventure ride, but it has a narrow seat, and will be close to its max speed on the highway.

For commuting, the LF200 is BETTER than the GN - I mean it ! Its got better brakes, its higher so you get better vision, and trail bikes actually get more "cred" with car drivers, most likely due to the extra height.

[Jonny Rotten]

i have a nivce vtr250 coming up for sale

[BarBender]

hey there im new on this site, and am on the look out for my first bike. after a bit of thinking and discussion with the olds, i think il be looking at getting a bike from a dealer. idealy, i want something on the lines of a cbr, zxr fzr etc. not keen on 2 strokes. this means that from a dealer, im looking at about 5g +. iv riden a cbr250r before and that impressed the hell out of me. my dads a honda man aswell so i think il look for a cbr250r/rr as they pop up in the motorcycle trader quite frequently. anyway i just want your guys' opinions on your bikes that you own, what they are like etc, or even if you have riden something before. also other people on this site can use this thread as a bit of a reference aswell.
chur,
cameron

Best time of my 250 life was on a CBR250RR.
Bulletproof, quick enough to get the adrenalin going when you need it to and just so easy to throw around.

[STORKEN]

Honda VTR250 ($5000).

[KLOWN]

cheers people.
iv seen a few cbr250rr for 5.5-7g and zxr's are pretty much teh same, or a tad less. i think thats what im looking for realy. iv riden a cbr250r before and that didnt scare me.... iv had plenty experience with fast cars in my time so the straight line performance is not unfamiliar, but thats not what i want the bike for. iv matured from the 'speedy' phaze everyone goes through and want a bike for the pure enjoyment of riding. you all know what i mean.. need i say more?
cheers guys

The pure enjoyment of riding IS speed, mmmmmmm going fast and even faster around corners (not me though cause im a shit rider, but someday)