Comments please

[Lteejay]

Can I get some feedback on this bike please.......suitability for first time rider, price (how much to offer), how easy it is to get parts, anything else .......thanks kbers

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=80539292&key=28148

[vifferman]

Can I get some feedback on this bike please.......suitability for first time rider, price (how much to offer), how easy it is to get parts, anything else .......thanks kbers

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=80539292&key=28148
I'm not familiar with this bike, so the only comment I'll make is that while fully-faired bikes provide protection form the elephants (and elements too, if there are some about) they are not a great idea for first-time riders as they will inevitably be dropped and repairs are expensive.

If you're inexperienced, then something without so much plastic would be a better idea, particularly if it's a bit ratty. You can always trade up to something prettier when you've a few kilometres under your belt.

[Lteejay]

I'm not familiar with this bike, so the only comment I'll make is that while fully-faired bikes provide protection form the elephants (and elements too, if there are some about) they are not a great idea for first-time riders as they will inevitably be dropped and repairs are expensive.

If you're inexperienced, then something without so much plastic would be a better idea, particularly if it's a bit ratty. You can always trade up to something prettier when you've a few kilometres under your belt.

Thanks - heard that from others also, but dont think i want a naked.

[dnos]

hey dude, the range on these is apparently quite low due to the storage where the tank normally would be.
It would be a decent bike for a learner and some people who have owned them reckon they are great bikes. but sorry i can't really say what it would be worth (I would think less than 3g though).
What other types of bikes have you been looking at? i wouldn't rush into this one if i were you, take your time and look at a few different options.
And if your keen on this one then make sure you have a really good check over and a ride on it.

[Lteejay]

hey dude, the range on these is apparently quite low due to the storage where the tank normally would be.
It would be a decent bike for a learner and some people who have owned them reckon they are great bikes. but sorry i can't really say what it would be worth (I would think less than 3g though).
What other types of bikes have you been looking at? i wouldn't rush into this one if i were you, take your time and look at a few different options.
And if your keen on this one then make sure you have a really good check over and a ride on it.

Looking at GPX, ZZR that sort of range. Whats the tank size on a average 250 - if there is such a thing?

[timorang]

It is a 13 yo bike. Another problem with all the fairings is that the servicing time and costs are increased in order to gain access to filters, drain plugs, spark plugs etc, plus being a four cylinder the costs of servicing would be higher than a single or a twin (remembering that it is also an older bike). There are a couple of newer (2004) GSX's for sale on trademe, which have full fairings. These are quite heavy and down on power from what you are looking at, but I would consider them to be a better buy. Note their engines are parallel twins so maintenance will be simpler and cheaper, and possibly better torque. Hope this helps.

[Lteejay]

It is a 13 yo bike. Another problem with all the fairings is that the servicing time and costs are increased in order to gain access to filters, drain plugs, spark plugs etc, plus being a four cylinder the costs of servicing would be higher than a single or a twin (remembering that it is also an older bike). There are a couple of newer (2004) GSX's for sale on trademe, which have full fairings. These are quite heavy and down on power from what you are looking at, but I would consider them to be a better buy. Note their engines are parallel twins so maintenance will be simpler and cheaper, and possibly better torque. Hope this helps.

Cheers dude - will take a look, but they will probably be out of my price range (3k)

[Theatre]

Get a 2 stroke! Nice and quick and then you'll have money left over to repair any fairing damage. Just remember to keep on top of maintenance.

Give the hyobag GT250 a whirl at a bike shop. If you like it, check around tardme for a while, used GT250s usually go pretty cheaply for a newish bike. There have been rumours about dubious build quality involving the handlebars breaking from light drops.
The upside about that model you linked is that theres somewhere to put your helmet when you park the bike.
Another bike to keep your eye out for would be the VT250 spada. I'm sure hXc will pop by with info on that.

[Roj]

As with any sports bike, the handling is a little more difficult to master than a dual purpose or cruiser, and of course the older bikes need more TLC. Just remember to take your time and pay attention to the lessons of others, if possible team up with a mentor in your area

[HenryDorsetCase]

I say to people to buy a Honda CB250RS to learn on:

light weight
single banger
surprisingly quick (not fast...but quick due to light weight)
good ground clearance and "droppability"... no fairing.
Reliable as a stone axe.

anything with more widgets has more stuff to go wrong. esp in this age range.

my 2c.

[crazybigal]

not a bad bike, id say better than the new gsx250 anyway! had one for a few weeks, pile of junk! and parts are way overpriced! (thats suzuki for ya)
as far as the others ,gpx zzr, cbr all good bikes! the pick would be prob a cbr250rr but $$$$$ for one of those. would not go 2 stroke if you dont know how to look after it. remember your prob going to drop it at some point so a naked bike will take more of a beating. the gsf250 bandit is a super we bike.
comes down to your budget! spend 3 grand and if your not careful you will be spending another grand on chain ,sprocket, tyres, brake pads, fork seals, all adds up!
good luck with finding a bike

[BarBender]

Dont piss around asking these guys what they think...
Does mum still make your lunch?

Get it and get out there. :Punk:

[Lteejay]

Dont piss around asking these guys what they think...
Does mum still make your lunch?

Get it and get out there. :Punk:

Easy for an experienced biker to say, but with no experience what so ever, I appreciate their feedback. Even yours :D

What about
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=79968867&permanent=0

[Whynot]

lol, wish i had "fast" double mufflers ....


Kawasaki GP-X 250 Ninja
- Double Muffler, fast!


GPXs seem to be a popular learner bike and are fairly reliable from what i've heard :)

[dnos]

Hey, I think those sort of bikes your looking at would all be pretty good for learning on. With your budget it will be about finding something suitable that is in decent nick - and won't need a bunch of money thrown at it on tires, chains, other maintenance. So check out anything that looks good, that across would be fine, or a gpx or zzr, spada, or similar. Make sure you know what to look for or take someone else who does. And preferably test ride it. There are a few threads regarding what to check pre purchase do a search.
Good luck

Just a note, have you got riding gear? If not you will need some cash for that too.:niceone:

[crazybigal]

gpx is much like the zzr but i hear a we bit faster and twin front disc's?
if you know nothing about bikes, get it checked over by a bike shop b4 you fork out your cash, may cost you 60 bucks or so but well worth it.


Easy for an experienced biker to say, but with no experience what so ever, I appreciate their feedback. Even yours :D

What about
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=79968867&permanent=0

[crazybigal]

does yours not? haha sucker


Dont piss around asking these guys what they think...
Does mum still make your lunch?

Get it and get out there. :Punk:

[zeocen]

lol, wish i had "fast" double mufflers ....




GPXs seem to be a popular learner bike and are fairly reliable from what i've heard :)

Reliable, learner friendly, forgiving, looks great for its age... but fast? So far I ain't seen that on it's resume! Gets to 100 quickly though, but I wouldn't call it "fast" as the trademe guy describes if you're putting it in the same slot as cbrr's/zxr'rs etc..

Damn good bike though, *hugs his gpx*

[Lteejay]

Just a note, have you got riding gear? If not you will need some cash for that too.:niceone:

The riding gears about all I got at the moment. Spent a bit on the gear as I figure it should last a while and I kinda have an attachement to my bits and bobs.

[Lteejay]

lol, wish i had "fast" double mufflers ....




GPXs seem to be a popular learner bike and are fairly reliable from what i've heard :)

LOL - nice

[dnos]

Good on ya, that will take away the temptation of spending it all on that shiny bike.

[BarBender]

Easy for an experienced biker to say, but with no experience what so ever, I appreciate their feedback. Even yours :D

What about
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=79968867&permanent=0

Who says I'm experienced?
And what does experience have to do with it anyway?

The point of my feedback is that you should get on the bike and ride rather than shaping your decisions on other peoples views (which are in large based on their preferences and conjecture around your likes, physicality and needs)

[BarBender]

does yours not? haha sucker

No she doesnt anymore. She died of a heart attack last month.

[Lteejay]

Who says I'm experienced?
And what does experience have to do with it anyway?

The point of my feedback is that you should get on the bike and ride rather than shaping your decisions on other peoples views (which are in large based on their preferences and conjecture around your likes, physicality and needs)

When you couple your own decisions and thoughts (along with many other things) with the experience of others, it forms a great basis for a wise decision; even if that decision in the end ignores or takes into account those very same thoughts of others. Yes, I am a big enough person to make my own decisions, and I am also a big enough person to know when and when not to take the thoughts of others into consideration. Thanks

[BarBender]

When you couple your own decisions and thoughts (along with many other things) with the experience of others, it forms a great basis for a wise decision; even if that decision in the end ignores or takes into account those very same thoughts of others. Yes, I am a big enough person to make my own decisions, and I am also a big enough person to know when and when not to take the thoughts of others into consideration. Thanks


All I ever said was get on the bike (any bike) and ride.

Hopefully you're wise enough (and big enough) to add that to the basis of a wide decision.

[Lteejay]

All I ever said was get on the bike (any bike) and ride.

Hopefully you're wise enough (and big enough) to add that to the basis of a wide decision.

Cheers Barbender, I know what you mean. Just trying to not pay to much for a bike. All I want to do is get on a bike - hopefully before xmas as I dont think I can wait too much longer.:done:

[Lteejay]

Cheers for everyones feedback - always appreciated.

[Alice]

A good few months back Sarge posted somthing that I found really helpful on buying a second hand bike.If you go to "search" and type in - buying a used bike Sarge, you will find that info.There is a detailed list of things to check that has come off bikepoint as well as a guide he had come up with.
Good to read.

[Roj]

When you couple your own decisions and thoughts (along with many other things) with the experience of others, it forms a great basis for a wise decision; even if that decision in the end ignores or takes into account those very same thoughts of others. Yes, I am a big enough person to make my own decisions, and I am also a big enough person to know when and when not to take the thoughts of others into consideration. Thanks

A good peice of wisdom, and probably one of the great things about the KB site is that there are enough members to get just about every viewpoint on any given subject

The end result hopefully is that you will get enough of an idea to know what you need to look for to get the bike you want,good luck with your bike purchase:rockon:

[Lteejay]

A good few months back Sarge posted somthing that I found really helpful on buying a second hand bike.If you go to "search" and type in - buying a used bike Sarge, you will find that info.There is a detailed list of things to check that has come off bikepoint as well as a guide he had come up with.
Good to read.

Cheers Alice - will take a gander

[Lteejay]

A good peice of wisdom, and probably one of the great things about the KB site is that there are enough members to get just about every viewpoint on any given subject

The end result hopefully is that you will get enough of an idea to know what you need to look for to get the bike you want,good luck with your bike purchase:rockon:

Thanks Dude - the more luck the better.:2thumbsup

[hamie1]

Do you like red?
If you were a chick you'd be picking it on colour.
Looks straight enough but what would I know.
Do you like red? I do :yes:

[Lteejay]

Do you like red?
If you were a chick you'd be picking it on colour.
Looks straight enough but what would I know.
Do you like red? I do :yes:

Love red, and would prefer bright bike as most of my gears are black - gotter have something to be seen (hubby would have flashing lights afixed to every part of my bike including me, if he could) Really just looking at bikes within my price range of 3K