Pretty much made up my mind

[Chisanga]

Well today I did had some test riding goodness around the busy streets of Auckland.

My concerns for 250cc Cruiser style bikes seem well founded as due to my height (6'1") my knees feel as if they are going to 'roll over' the top of the tank as they stick up quite high.

I took a GN250 from Coleman's for a ride around K'road and surrounds and despite my initial nervousness I enjoyed my ride and felt that this is probably the best bike for me to learn on to get up to my fullin 9 months before investing in a bigger bike that is more suitable to what i'm after.

No real scary moments, just getting used to idiots in cars who don't look for motorbikes right outside a motorbike shop (yoi would think...)

So I think the GN is the way to go for me... didn't feel too intimidated by it and I know I will get bored from it's lack of power but as I say I plan on having it for only 9 months or so...

So does anybody have any last minute comments, suggestions? I know the GN has issues with things like its chrome etc. but I would appreciate nay other comments from those in the know...

See post #4 for update

Cheers
:done:

[Mr. Peanut]

I'd skip the GN and at least have a look at the Yamaha Scorpio 225. Suzuki have been getting away with the shite build quality too long.

At least test it... Please...

[twinkle]

I downgraded to a gn250, but to be honest i'm having more fun on it than my old gpx250, or any other bike i've ridden so far. Thrash it, ride down gravel roads with it, rip around a paddock with it. The best thing about them is parts are cheap and readily available and it is simple and easy to fix:yes: better to crash a gn than a cbr :eek:

I'm the same height as you and have done a 10 hour riding day on the gn just fine :wari:

but the build quality is crap on the new ones, might pay to buy an old one.

[Chisanga]

Hmmm ... an update. My dad and I just had a frank and open conversation about buying "crap" motorbikes and reckons I should buy something decent like a Honda VTR250 as a first bike instead as overall quality wins the day as far as he is concerned and you don't want to be emergency breaking wishing you spent the exra 3 grand ish before you smashinto the back of a truck. Plus it lasts longer...concerned with the whole "Made in China" thing and rust etc.

I can afford it (just) and wanted to see what other people thought

[RantyDave]

I should buy something decent like a Honda VTR250 as a first bike
The only thing against the VTR's, other than how much they cost, is that they're quite small. Have you tried a Hyosung?

Dave

[Karma]

Ironically people have been saying good things about the hyosungs... I'm on the fence about them personally, but it's a lot of bike for the money.

In regards the GN... I rode one for a week or so whilst mine was busted, I'm 6'5" and had to sit on the pillion seat, making using the rear break uncomfortable.

[Chisanga]

Have you tried a Hyosung?

Dave

Cheers Dave. Do you mean the Comet GT250?

Certainly cheaper, I will add it to my test ride list, thanks.

Not as good looking as the Honda IMHO though

[MVnut]

Buy the VTR, not a crap gn:rockon:

[Maha]

Cheers Dave. Do you mean the Comet GT250?

Certainly cheaper, I will add it to my test ride list, thanks.

Not as good looking as the Honda IMHO though

When buying?.....think ahead to the resale?
The VTR will fetch you more than say, the Comet?
Buy that i mean....hold its value....:yes:

[Chisanga]

When buying?.....think ahead to the resale?
The VTR will fetch you more than say, the Comet?
Buy that i mean....hold its value....:yes:

Are you a poet? Because if you are not then I really have no idea what you just said :gob: :)

[Maha]

Are you a poet? Because if you are not then I really have no idea what you just said :gob: :)

Holy crap....look at that?.....thanks for pointing that out....
Next time you read, something i say....remember its never in doubt...:mellow:

[Chisanga]

Holy crap....look at that?.....thanks for pointing that out....
Next time you read, something i say....remember its never in doubt...:mellow:

What is clearly 'never in doubt' is that you seem to be having a love affair with question marks ;)

[Bussaman]

Feck no, dont buy a GN.
I had one for about 3 months and the whole time i kicked myself for not buying the CBR i also looked at.
The Comet looks good, especially in black. Id test ride that for sure before i made up my mind.

[bull]

Ive had my Hyosung for two weeks so cant really say much for the longevity of it but as a new rider whom had not ridden any bikes i find it very comfy and great power distribution from the vtwin. I elected for the GT250R fully faired and am happy with my choice, im 6 foot and 125kg and it carries me fine, i dont feel like im a clown on a mini bike and it is very responsive in the corners. Just had my first run through some minor uphill twisties tonight and it handled great, was riding like a nana but the bike gave me confidence that i could push it a little harder on the next run.
All up i spent 9K total on my bike and safety gear.

No idea about any of the other bikes so wont make comment, this is just my view of the Hyosung GT250R.

[Chisanga]

IS the Hyosung GT250 the same as the GT250R except for the R model being fully faired?

[Karma]

From what I'm aware, yes. But you have to factor in that the fairings weigh a little bit in themselves, and therefore the GT250 has a slight speed advantage.

[Wenier]

In 9months time what are you planning to step up to and what motorcycle experience have ya had before now?

[Chisanga]

In 9months time what are you planning to step up to and what motorcycle experience have ya had before now?

Either a cruiser style or a naked bike.. haven't really looked at models. If I buy a more expensive bike i'll probably hold on to it a bit longer.

Basically zero riding experience before getting my learners last week

[Brett]

Go for either the honda or the hyosung (never thought i would want to recommend one of them...) over the GN. The GN, IMO, is just too gutless and slow. Too little of an overall package.

[Karma]

If you've only just got your license how you gonna get a full in 9 months?

[Ixion]

He's over 25. 6 months on L , defensive driving course, 3 months on R

[Karma]

Blimey... only had to be over 21 in the UK and held a car license for 2 years or summat... took me a week to get my full :D

[Chisanga]

If you've only just got your license how you gonna get a full in 9 months?


He's over 25. 6 months on L , defensive driving course, 3 months on R

What he said. But knowing me I probably wont hit all the dates exactly so it's more likely to be 10-12 months in reality :)

[LardEmbargo]

IS the Hyosung GT250 the same as the GT250R except for the R model being fully faired?

pretty much yes, from looking at them side by side in my friendly local Hyosung Emporium.

From wot I could tell the R is sposed to be more race-styled, so the riding position looked less upright than the GT250 Comet. Maybe had clip ons? Definitely had different instrumentation, with digital readout instead of dials. Think it also gets a double front brake disc instead of the single on the Comet, possibly of benefit for those of us requiring additional stopping power after additional momentum gained from all the pies at lunchtime.

Apart from that I think it's the same bike, just with fairings on.

[Kflasher]

I would not spend too much money a 250 if you are planing to trade up as soon as you can, look for something that will give you a good founding of skills for the future. Be it a GN of Sport style bike, skills is you main aim at the moment. Maintanence is another issue to consider a simple bike will give you skills you will use on your more expensive pride and joy. (my thoughts)

[Sketchy_Racer]

Get the VTR.

Its a awesome looking bike, that is good quality and will hold it's resale value.

It's a no brainer really.

Unless you want some Korean crap (hyosung) that looks like it was put together by 10year olds..... Oh, wait! they are!

[Chisanga]

Just came back from taking the VTR for a test ride! I don't think it is even possible to compare it to the GN250 they are so different.
The VTR is the better bike in every way except of course price.

So I guess I have some hard thinking to do :)

[bert_is_evil]

I would say you get what you pay for, but in terms of 250's you really dont!

[Wenier]

I was meaning engine size of ya next bike not type, but that my fault left my question open to interpretation. Was just gonna suggest that if ya making a bike step up say 250 upto a 600 that ya might find it more benefical to you to stay on the 250 for longer and learn how to ride that hard first.

[Chisanga]

I was meaning engine size of ya next bike not type, but that my fault left my question open to interpretation. Was just gonna suggest that if ya making a bike step up say 250 upto a 600 that ya might find it more benefical to you to stay on the 250 for longer and learn how to ride that hard first.

Haven't really thought about it too much. Most of the bikes I like seem to be around the 750-900cc range. Not sure how much of a step up it will be. What do people recommend?

I'm in no rush, if I feel that i'm not ready for a bigger bike then I'm sure that I will hold on to whatever 250 i'll get for longer.

[Lucy]

sorry, up too late. shoulda been a pm.

[Hawkeye]

Haven't really thought about it too much. Most of the bikes I like seem to be around the 750-900cc range. Not sure how much of a step up it will be. What do people recommend?

I'm in no rush, if I feel that i'm not ready for a bigger bike then I'm sure that I will hold on to whatever 250 i'll get for longer.

Your talking as if it is next week when you are going to move up!

It is going to be a minimum of 9 months before you can get your full. The skills required to ride a big bike should only ever be learnt on a smaller bike that you are capable of handling and one which is not going to put you into an early grave.

You just need a bike to get out on the road and start leaning those skills. Until you have some K's out there, how do you expect to make a decision on your next bike. Yes there are bikes out there that we fall in :love: with. The problem is they are either too expensive for most pockets, or they are not suitable for the type of riding being done.
A friend of mine has just sold a 2 smoker because she was only commuting 30k on it. She spent more time cleaning the plugs because they were constantly sooting up. Cool bike to look at but totally impractical for the riding she was doing. (she also has a HD for week-ends).

Dont' worry about the big bikes until it is time. Think of now, and the learning curve you have to go through.

[Chisanga]

Your talking as if it is next week when you are going to move up!

It is going to be a minimum of 9 months before you can get your full. The skills required to ride a big bike should only ever be learnt on a smaller bike that you are capable of handling and one which is not going to put you into an early grave.

You just need a bike to get out on the road and start leaning those skills. Until you have some K's out there, how do you expect to make a decision on your next bike. Yes there are bikes out there that we fall in :love: with. The problem is they are either too expensive for most pockets, or they are not suitable for the type of riding being done.
A friend of mine has just sold a 2 smoker because she was only commuting 30k on it. She spent more time cleaning the plugs because they were constantly sooting up. Cool bike to look at but totally impractical for the riding she was doing. (she also has a HD for week-ends).

Dont' worry about the big bikes until it is time. Think of now, and the learning curve you have to go through.

I'm not thinking about big bikes really. I was just trying to answer someone else's question.

[Hawkeye]

I'm not thinking about big bikes really. I was just trying to answer someone else's question.

Not a problem... Just don't get suckered into something because of what the masses on here think. It's only 2 or 3 days ago someone recommended (attached below ..:love: ) for a newbie..
Ok That's extreme, but peer pressure can be a :wacko: :nono: thing

[Wenier]

From a V-twin 250 to a 750-900 ya gonna notice a huge difference and if ya werent very confident in being able to really ride the 250 hard it would set ya back in starting to ride at a comfortable and smooth style on the larger bike.

Thats jus in general of course.

[hec]

I am know for being a bit dim.... but
what about a trail bike - ok they are not real 'off road' bikes and they dont corner like a road bike - they just kinda flop into corners on their large front wheel (I should know I have an XJ900 that does that) but
They are cheap and simple, a 250 is not a runt size for a trail bike, up for a bit of light off road duty, good around town, good for the taller rider, cheap to run and a blast.. very difficult to take a 250 mild custom style GN seriously IMHO

[Indiana_Jones]

I'm 6' 3" and I find the FXR150 is comfy, wouldn't wanna be on it for hours on end, but I rode a GN125 and I looked crack up lol

-Indy

[crazybigal]

are you dead set on buying new?
what about the these, all good bikes secondhand.

kawasaki zzr250
hondas vtr250
suzuki bandit

I have had all 3!
zzr is easy going no fuss inline twin. avarage power and brakes.

vtr nice riding position, not so good in the head wind though!, good re-sale.
fantastic brakes for a we bike.

bandit, well built, little screamer inline 4. good fun, servicing will cost you more than the honda.
Im 6'3 80kg and i could ride all of them all day no problem.

[vifferman]

If you're not planning on sticking with the 250 for long, then buy summat that's either really cheap (but reliable), or that will hold its value (if you don't trash it).
I'm about as tall as you (give or take a cm), and I'd recommend getting a trailie, for two reasons: They usually have a decent amount of room, they're robust when you drop them (no panels to break), you can do some dirt riding which is excellent for learning some MadSkillz, and they're easy to work on.

Did someone say summat about the Spanish Inquisition..?

[McJim]

IS the Hyosung GT250 the same as the GT250R except for the R model being fully faired?

There are a couple of differences.

Handlebars - Comet has one piece 'R' has clip ons (lower down..more racey)
Footpegs - Comet they are about 15mm forward of the position on the 'R'
Readout - sexy digital readout on the 'R' - plain ol' dials on the Comet.

Same frame/suspension/engine/gearbox essentially.

I have doubts about parts availability from Hyosung. I have a VTR - got me a crate damaged one to save on cost - fixed it myself.

Would you consider an old Spada by Honda? It will save you money and keep it's value.....

[Roj]

I am know for being a bit dim.... but
what about a trail bike - ok they are not real 'off road' bikes and they dont corner like a road bike - they just kinda flop into corners on their large front wheel (I should know I have an XJ900 that does that) but
They are cheap and simple, a 250 is not a runt size for a trail bike, up for a bit of light off road duty, good around town, good for the taller rider, cheap to run and a blast.. very difficult to take a 250 mild custom style GN seriously IMHO


They can be a good choice, but it really depends on what you want to use it for.

There are many riders who have learnt on offroad bikes, you tend to learn a wider range of skills

A friend of mine has an XT225 with dual purpose tyres, can do a bit of light off road work and happily commute in town, even had no trouble traveling 300+ ks to the cold kiwi.

[Chisanga]

I am know for being a bit dim.... but
what about a trail bike - ok they are not real 'off road' bikes and they dont corner like a road bike - they just kinda flop into corners on their large front wheel (I should know I have an XJ900 that does that) but
They are cheap and simple, a 250 is not a runt size for a trail bike, up for a bit of light off road duty, good around town, good for the taller rider, cheap to run and a blast.. very difficult to take a 250 mild custom style GN seriously IMHO

That's an interesting suggestion. But, to be honest, when I imagine myself on a motorbike, I just don't see me being on a trail bike.

Don't have anything against them really but I guess they just ain't my thing :)

[Chisanga]

are you dead set on buying new?
what about the these, all good bikes secondhand.

kawasaki zzr250
hondas vtr250
suzuki bandit


Considering the small difference between new and second-hand prices on most bikes I pretty much decided to buy new.

I've seen some bikes on the shop floor for $6k having done 34,000 km etc. I think it is just worth it to spend the extra dosh to get a new bike, better warranties, knowing nobody has thrashed it before you etc.

[Chisanga]

I have a VTR - got me a crate damaged one to save on cost - fixed it myself.

Would you consider an old Spada by Honda? It will save you money and keep it's value.....

What is your opinion on your VTR? Is it a 2005? I don't think they do black any more. Seem to have good power for a bloke my size +- 95 kg and comfortable for my height 6'1" although I only rode it for 15 mins or so.

See above post regarding my thoughts on second hand bikes

Edit: Where in East Auckland are you? I'm in Bucklands Beach myself.

[crazybigal]

yes but your a noddy if you pay some shop like red baron 6k for a 3k bike!
find somthing on retardme you like and get someone with bike experience to look at it or get it checked by a pro. when your done with it, you should be able to sell it for what you payed for it.
Lots of people only buy from a shop cos they are poor and have to finance them
you wont get your 8k back on your vtr after a year!


Considering the small difference between new and second-hand prices on most bikes I pretty much decided to buy new.

I've seen some bikes on the shop floor for $6k having done 34,000 km etc. I think it is just worth it to spend the extra dosh to get a new bike, better warranties, knowing nobody has thrashed it before you etc.

[McJim]

What is your opinion on your VTR? Is it a 2005? I don't think they do black any more. Seem to have good power for a bloke my size +- 95 kg and comfortable for my height 6'1" although I only rode it for 15 mins or so.

See above post regarding my thoughts on second hand bikes

Edit: Where in East Auckland are you? I'm in Bucklands Beach myself.

I like my VTR...quite a lot...however now that I've had the bike 6 months I fancy something a bit gruntier. Around town and through twisties it's ideal. I rode mine all the way back from Taupo with no ill efects - it will sit happily on the motorway between 120 and 140 kph. A great bike to learn on - you'll probably lose about $600 (depreciation) per year on it.