How much for an '89????

[martypants]

Gotta get this out of my system, 250 prices are so overated! I definatly need to change jobs and start importing! Have been looking for 3 weeks now, first bike I look at is what I want, black ZXR, very tidy, 1989, $5995......can have it for 5500 the guy says.. now I know about my impulsive buying devil on my shoulder, so I smother him and have my daughter drag me away, must look around, must look around, after all it is almost 20 years old!! looking, looking , looking... find another one, black ZXR, untidy, cracked fairing, numerous dents, scratches 1989, $5995 :gob: ......can have it for 5250 the guy says. No thanks. Id pay $4000 tops for it. Get the feeling that learners are getting a raw deal cause we have to go thru this bullshit license system, I know that maybe I should look at cheaper alternatives, but I dont want to! When I bought my car I wanted a skyline, I didnt go and buy a 1965 mini! Whats the license system abroad like, and if the 250 restrictions dont apply, whats the prices of 250's like? Would also like to know how much a used ZXR, CBR, ZZR etc costs to buy and import? Excuse the long post, but felt the need to vent somewhere. Maybe just to keen to get back on 2 wheels, will keep looking around. :Punk:

[Paul in NZ]

Suck it in and buy a GN 250 or the new Yamaha. They seem expensive but the hold their value well.

You pay for performance.....

[ManDownUnder]

What Paul said. I suspect the high performing 250s cost a lot because of demand - i.e. there ar a lot of people not able/allowed/licenced to ride bigger bikes...

So the suply of 250s is low relative to demand... = inflated price.

Go the GN250 or similar ($3300 new...!) go for your full licence as agressively as you can and sell the GN in exchange for a bigger bike while the GN holds as much residual value as possible.

The only caviat would be to change up to a bigger bike only when you are capable of rding it... and not killing yourself. Always an important aspect to consider.

[DingDong]

Fuel prices have boosted the demand for small bikes I think...
But the prices sound like crap to me, 5-6k for an old wreak! (thats what your looking at) 6k will buy a new Hyosung 250 (sp?) sports bike.

If I were you... Id buy a bigger bike for you 5k (you'll get a good one for 5k)and just avoid the cops until you get a full licence... :scooter:

[McJim]

I totally agree that there is a ridiculous trend towards paying $6,000 for a 50 year old 250cc bike with more than 1,000,000km on the clock. The only way to stop people from asking these ridiculous prices is to stop paying them.

I spent $6,500 on a 2003 VTR with 3,600km on the clock coz I wouldn't pay $5,000 for anything older than 2000.

At the end of the day it's a bike you will only have to spend 9 months on before you get your full licence and buy the bike you want.

If it's speed you want though - get a 2 stroke - my wife's 150 is faster than my 250.

[hellnback]

Yeah, just buy a bigger bike, you can pick them up reasonably cheap! Then all you need to do is not crash into anything, not get pulled over & not have it stolen.... hmmm risky? I think so.... better than paying a fortune for a 250? maybe....

[McJim]

Get a decent ZXR400 for about $5,000....And put 250 stickers all over the bugger - no one ('cept bikers) will know any different!

[Coyote]

At the end of the day it's a bike you will only have to spend 9 months on before you get your full licence and buy the bike you want.

Or 18-24 months if you're under 25. Which is a long time on a GN

Get a RG150. They're quick and cheap. I used to have a CBR250RR. Great bike but too expensive, so I sold it and gave my parents back the money. Still have to owe them the money spent to fix it after crashing it

[-df-]

I really wish I'd kept my ZXR250C. Purchased it back in '99 for $1,900!!! (although I got it pretty cheap then as it needed a little plastic welding, but no scrapes on the bike).

could have sold it for $6k...who would have thought that back then.

I remember looking at a pretty good condition 86-87 fzr250 for $950 thinking...yeah...not that cheap and moved onto getting the ZXR.

Oh how times change.

[MidnightMike]

BUY MY BIKE!!!!

Much better than the gn250 and the other crap. :rockon:

[Theatre]

If it's speed you want though - get a 2 stroke - my wife's 150 is faster than my 250.
What this man says, get a 2 stroke! Even if it goes completely tits up, you're never going to spend the savings over the zxr on fixing it. You could look into the 250 twins such as the VTR or the GPX, they dont seem to go for such ridiculous prices as the 4s. Remember seeing a hornet going for a decent price on tardme a while ago too.

[martypants]

Thanks for the offer, will pass at present, nice bike tho.

[martypants]

I had a mighty GT380 many years back and rode it down to hawkes bay, remember lying in bed that night thinking that a swarm of bees had invaded my head! Me and my mate stoppd on one of our smoko breaks and he told me he didnt want to follow me anymore due to the oil fields developing on his helmet! haha Think I want a 4 stroke this time round. Was thinking bout the bigger bike small stickers, but thought I'd get to my 9 months and get busted coming back from booking my full! Thought briefly bout the gn and scorpio, that was it tho.

[T.I.E]

250's are expensive, and if your starting out buying the gear with it is a bit much.
for alot of younger ones or first timers, it is cheaper and better to get a car.
bit of a shame.

[Ixion]

250s aren't dear. Nor are 150s. 250s that manage to evade the intent of the law are dear.

If you MUST have 200kph while on a learners- don't complain if it costs.

You can pick up completely serviceable bikes for < $1000. Entirely adequate for learning to ride - and having a whole heap of fun, which is what it's supposed to be about.

[martypants]

Thanks for your comments and individual opinions, when I first started looking I didnt know ZXRs were one of the quickest 250's available, just liked the way they looked actually, and certainly not looking to evade the intent of the law, and certainly not looking at riding around at 200kph! I also see a trend of performance will cost, fair call.. but where some may call it complaining I would rather say it is MY opinion that a rough around the edges 1989 250 is NOT worth 6k, that was all. Thanks for pointing out that having fun is what its all about Ixion, I'm glad I havent spent my hard earned dosh to do something I wouldnt enjoy.

[Roj]

Gotta get this out of my system, 250 prices are so overated!

You are not wrong there, I picked up a 1989 VT250Fg for $700, needed a battery and back tyre for the warrant, then rego, not the tidest looking bike but goes well, mechanically very good, needs a little more work but very suitable for my son as a learner bike.

Take the time and look around:Punk:

[Roj]

BUY MY BIKE!!!!

Much better than the gn250 and the other crap. :rockon:


yes a GN 250 with different cosmetics:dodge:

[Macktheknife]

Get smart, buy an old dunger for $700-1000, do it up and sell it for a profit when you are done with it.
You get to learn heaps about fixing/servicing bikes, have fun, ride heaps, feel good about your skills, and make a profit at the end of it! Where is the bad in that?

[Maverick]

I guess a lot of it comes down to how long you will have the bike for and how much experiance you have with bikes already.
If you are under 25 its a long time to be stuck on a GN250, I nearly bought one on my return to biking and I am so glad I didnt now. At least with a VTR, Bandit, Hornet etc you have a bike that will let you grow into it and expand your skills, go on rides with others and generally push your boundries when you are ready in addition to being a better preperation to step up to a larger bike.

[eventergal]

My first little CB Honda was $600.00. Mind you that was 17 years ago and in Canada but used bikes in that country at the moment go from $1000.00 and up depending on what you want.

[wildpudding]

Get smart, buy an old dunger for $700-1000, do it up and sell it for a profit when you are done with it.
You get to learn heaps about fixing/servicing bikes, have fun, ride heaps, feel good about your skills, and make a profit at the end of it! Where is the bad in that?

Pretty much what I'm doing with my 2nd GSXR 250. Its in the process of getting a newer engine, and replacing a few worn out parts, and it will hopefully be on the market in a couple of months. I'll probably sell it for for around $2500-$3500, you should buy my bike mate!hehe

Stefan

[T.I.E]

You can pick up completely serviceable bikes for < $1000. Entirely adequate for learning to ride - and having a whole heap of fun, which is what it's supposed to be about.

you serious, dam what ya got?
i know a few that could do with some cheap transport.

[Ixion]

Some examples. can't say if all or any of them are any good cos I haven't checked. But they'd all be possibilities.There's one most weeks on Trademe.
The H100 would be my bet if I only had $1000. If you could go to $1200 the GN would do very nicely

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=77801990&key=552426
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=77650048&key=552426
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=78432634&key=552426
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=77894572&key=552426
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=77259810&key=552426
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=77239595&key=552426

[Ixion]

Fair enough. But don't complain about the price. My point was that you can get serviceable bikes for under $1000. Of course you're not going to get a 'busa for that. If he wants a nice newish bike, sure go for it. But don't whinge that it costs too much. Y' get what you pay for.

Entry level biking cam still be cheap, If people want to pay more for a fancier/newer/faster etc bike, sure, that's their choice.

[martypants]

Fair enough. But don't complain about the price. My point was that you can get serviceable bikes for under $1000. Of course you're not going to get a 'busa for that. If he wants a nice newish bike, sure go for it. But don't whinge that it costs too much. Y' get what you pay for.

Entry level biking cam still be cheap, If people want to pay more for a fancier/newer/faster etc bike, sure, that's their choice.
Excuse me Ixion, My point was that a shitty 89 shouldnt cost that much, see my earlier post, I am not a whinger thank you very much.

[Hawkeye]

Excuse me Ixion, My point was that a shitty 89 shouldnt cost that much, see my earlier post, I am not a whinger thank you very much.


Aren't we a tetchy one. 5 posts and already having a go at one of our (>8000 post) senior members. I'm sure you are going to fit in here quite nicely.

My first bike cost me $100 and another $250 to get it road worthy. It may not be a rocket. It may not be what I finally want. But that $350 got me on the road, got me onto my restricted and very shortly, will get me through the full. Then I'll look around for the bike I WANT. Oh! Silly me... It's already sitting in the garage waiting.
My point. It doesn't matter what you get at the start. It is just a means to an end. Focus on the end of the tunnel and just use whatever method you can to get there.

[McJim]

Hey Martypants!

Is it true? Have you managed to score a '99 4 cyl 250cc for less then $5K?

Good on ya mate!

[Roj]

Aren't we a tetchy one. 5 posts and already having a go at one of our (>8000 post) senior members. I'm sure you are going to fit in here quite nicely.



I think he is trying to get across his point about the 250 market being overpriced



Thanks for your comments and individual opinions, /snip/
but where some may call it complaining I would rather say it is MY opinion that a rough around the edges 1989 250 is NOT worth 6k, that was all. /snip/


And unfortunately as has been pointed out earlier in this thread supply and demand is what causes the problem...

personally I think we should welcome a new member with their own opinions (which is what all these ramblings are):dodge:

The "senior members" try to give good advise but it doesn't always fit with what the person hearing it is looking for.

So hello to martypants:scooter:

Why don't you write up an intro to let us know what you are looking for and tell us a bit more about yourself

[Ixion]

I think he is trying to get across his point about the 250 market being overpriced



But it's not. You can buy a brand new 250 for $3400. And a good range of second hand ones for < $2000. As I've shown ,and as Mr Hawkeye confirms, <$1000 if you hunt around.

If someone wants to pay an extra $4000 "evade the law because I have to go 200kph on my learners" surtax, then go for it. But don't complain that bikes are overpriced. Penis extensions are always expensive. As is evading the law.Bikes are cheap

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and good on them for expressing it. Mine is that if someone believes they can't have fun learning to ride unless their bike has X bhp, then they don't understand what it's all about. And probably won't hang round for long.

[bert_is_evil]

I'm with you Ixion - if your are really into riding bikes you will ride whatever you can get your hands on and love it. I'm not saying that it isn't important to like the way your bike looks, just that it shouldn't be the most important factor.

The true value of something is equal to what a person is prepared to pay for it, if people are prepared to pay 5k for a shitter then that is what it is worth, end of story (supply, demand, percieved value, opportunity cost bla bla bla). If you are not prepared to pay that much then congratulations you are smarter than many (in my opinion).

[bert_is_evil]

In a couple of years the 250 market will be flooded with people trying to flog off their 2nd hand Hyosungs and the problem will be solved.

Disclaimer:
No offence is intended by the author to Hyosung owners, this is merely a comment on market share and the current trend in sales.

[lukelin250]

i payed a premium for mine but i feel its worthit.
1. it will hold its value
2. im not able to get a full licence for a fairly long time (18 months)
3. i do want somthing fast as i have had a full cage licence since age17 and if i had the money i could buy a bugatti veyron but on my bike licence can only ride a 250cc!!! what the fuck??? so a bit of speed i do need.
4. I had a GN250 i did love it to peices and its always great to ride a bike no matter what, but i was in danger of growing bored with it all.
5. buying a sporty 250 youll be onto the 600's no probs,,its alll good training

[bert_is_evil]

i payed a premium for mine but i feel its worthit.
1. it will hold its value
2. im not able to get a full licence for a fairly long time (18 months)
3. i do want somthing fast as i have had a full cage licence since age17 and if i had the money i could buy a bugatti veyron but on my bike licence can only ride a 250cc!!! what the fuck??? so a bit of speed i do need.
4. I had a GN250 i did love it to peices and its always great to ride a bike no matter what, but i was in danger of growing bored with it all.
5. buying a sporty 250 youll be onto the 600's no probs,,its alll good training

I don't see the relevance of the full car licence

[martypants]

Yes tis true mcjim, I have purchased a 99 Bandit for under 5000, and am very happy with my buy. Its very tidy and most importantly I feel I got value for my money.. just gotta fit twin turbos and a blower that I had lying around to hit that magic 200kph mark! hahaha...(just jokes people) oh and also it looks real good too! Shite look at the time, best I go and have a cruise before its time to go back to work!!

[Roj]

Yes tis true mcjim, I have purchased a 99 Bandit for under 5000, and am very happy with my buy. Its very tidy and most importantly I feel I got value for my money.. just gotta fit twin turbos and a blower that I had lying around to hit that magic 200kph mark! hahaha...(just jokes people) oh and also it looks real good too! Shite look at the time, best I go and have a cruise before its time to go back to work!!


Good to hear you have got what you wanted.. take care on the riding and let us know how it goes:scooter:

[McJim]

Yes tis true mcjim, I have purchased a 99 Bandit for under 5000, and am very happy with my buy. Its very tidy and most importantly I feel I got value for my money.. just gotta fit twin turbos and a blower that I had lying around to hit that magic 200kph mark! hahaha...(just jokes people) oh and also it looks real good too! Shite look at the time, best I go and have a cruise before its time to go back to work!!

's got vvt - you should be good for 180kph as it is - my goodness - how much faster do you need it to go?

[ynot slow]

hi for my 10 cents worth,why not go for an xr or dr or similar dual purpose bike,can ride on road and off road,gives you a broad range of skills hooning up hills or along beach away from people of course,may pick one up reasonably cheap but then you won't loose much when you hit the larger road bike.:scooter: