Kawasaki ZZR 250 [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

Disco Dan

13th February 2007, 18:58

for a 250, its pretty heavy. More a touring bike. Top end is pitiful (140kph).
crashes well, ie little damage and pretty sturdy/solid. Poor wind/air flow for highway speed, and very prone to crosswinds blowing you into next week! Great for a learner - predictable throttle response and forgiving handling and clutch control. Prone to popping the bottem end bearing and making one smeg of a noise at idle.

..my 2c.

Drum

13th February 2007, 19:03

PRO - That is pretty low K's for those sturdy Kwaka 250 engines.

Gremlin

13th February 2007, 19:41

Top end is pitiful (140kph).
At least 160kph indicated :whistle

crashes well, ie little damage and pretty sturdy/solid.
no, not really... front indicators are usually the first to break, due to being so prominent. Can't buy them wrecked.. as they are usually broken. Despite the bike being made for 14 years, it will still cost around $70 PER indicator. Fairings usually follow right after that. Just Fairings in Hamilton makes them tho.

Good little bike, what I learnt on. If you weigh around 100, be prepared to bottom it out... regularly, despite stiffened suspension. :crybaby: Its certainly not the fastest, no matter how I tried, I couldn't match the zxr/cbr, despite being on the gas earlier.

Otherwise... good little learner.

Donor

13th February 2007, 19:48

Cheers for the info so far folks... I've had one offered to me at a reasonable price, and am finding it just too damn tempting.

Daisy is a nice bike, but is not "me"

I'd have to sell Daisy, then my cage, and probably just be able to buy the Kwaka, though the wife is all about "what if you want to go back to a car" and "what about if you need to pick the kids up"

Well, I plan to never go back to 4 wheels. There is no joy in it for me anymore - 2 wheels have ruined me for transport. I even m'way to work and home now!

Pick the kids up? Shit, I work 11 hours and finish at 6pm, chances of that happening are minor to zip! Worst case, we have friends and family with cars, they bleed free tech support off me, they can bloody well do me a favour once in a while.

But, as I will never be able to make myself understood, I'll probably end up selling Daisy, and waiting 30 years til I retire, then looking at another bike.

Bloody women!

MotoGirl

13th February 2007, 20:20

The ZZR is a damn good bike. Cajun and I owned a '94 model and ran up 50,000km on it while we were learning to ride. OK, it'd probably feel gutless after riding my 1k, but at the time it had enough power to do what we wanted.

We easily used to ride two-up and cover 600km in a day. We kept it well maintained and serviced, changed the oil every 6,000km etc, and never had a single problem with the bike.

If anyone says they're slow, they're lying. I went to the Akarana Rage back in '99 and was happily blowing away guys on Harleys two-up! Cajun had the speedo off the clock...

zeocen

13th February 2007, 20:52

Godamnit Donor go for it!
We can be engine buddies! (ZZR and GPX have the same engine)

ZZR's were my first choice but the GPX offer I got I couldn't pass up, assuming your riding style hasn't changed since we last met I would say the bike would suit you very well. It took me a lonnnng time to get confident at 100k and the gpx was very forgiving at letting me get there, and sail's quite comfortably at 100(...and a little beyond hehe).

Just do it! And then let me test ride it to see what I missed out on!:second:

/Edit, oh yeah, what Disco Dan said is true.. they can almost sound like wannabe mini ducati's at idle, but I don't mind the sound. It's quite unique :)

Donor

13th February 2007, 21:33

Just do it! And then let me test ride it to see what I missed out on!

Heh, hopefully, I'll be in takanini test riding tomorrow arvo... want me to txt ya? :D

Ixion

13th February 2007, 21:39

You'll regret it.

But if you do want to sell Daisy let me know. At the very least we need to vet and approve any new owner. Not just anyone is worthy of a two stroke you know.

Donor

13th February 2007, 21:47

You'll regret it.

But if you do want to sell Daisy let me know. At the very least we need to vet and approve any new owner. Not just anyone is worthy of a two stroke you know.

Yes I will, and yet no I wont.

Daisy is a character bike, a classic really, and is a good ride. But I am not comfortable with her - and to be honest, the love she needs to be restored to fuller beauty, I can't afford to bestow upon her.

I have had rumblings from some chap of certain asian/bushwhacker descent, fervently prattling on about wanting her as a track bike. Not sure how to take that one frankly... I'm not sure who would be bad for who, nor in what sense really...

zeocen

13th February 2007, 22:52

Heh, hopefully, I'll be in takanini test riding tomorrow arvo... want me to txt ya? :D

OOoerr, that's pretty tempting!
I might be off to Whangamata tomorrow but if not I might be dead keen!

Alternatively if you test ride it and still aren't sure you're more than welcome to give my GPX a go, a few things aside I'm pretty sure it would handle just like the ZZR ?

Lucy

14th February 2007, 07:02

I'd have to sell Daisy, then my cage, and probably just be able to buy the Kwaka, !

Good grief! How expensive is it? And/or how little is your cage worth? Should you be picking the kids up in it anyway?????

;)

Chisanga

14th February 2007, 07:29

How are we going to tell that its you if you are not riding Daisy?

McJim

14th February 2007, 08:07

Daisy is part of your personality dude....Don't do it!

MSTRS

14th February 2007, 09:52

Swapping a little missile for a damp squib?? DON'T DO IT!!!!!!

pocketcracker

14th February 2007, 11:57

Hey Man .. Was awsome riding with ya's at the westpac ride .. thankz for that.

Just wondering wat ya want to spend .. $$$$ ?

Will have my bike u for sale at end of week .. Just replaced the indercators today after little mishap on the ride ..

1993 X913 gsx-f Across 250cc .. that performs like a 400cc .. will ask around the $3000 Ride away Price ..
H
Thats with brand new ..

Front pads.
rear pads.

Front sprocket.
rear sprocet.

Heavy Duty O-Ring Chain.

Cluth,Speedo Cables.

Anti-frezze.

And brand new rego. & Maybe W.o.f ..

Chisanga

14th February 2007, 12:18

If you sell Daisy and buy a new "cookie cutter" bike every time I see you i'm going to let your tyres down :nono: :oi-grr: :kick: :weird: :motu:

Daisy is awesome if you HAVE to sell her just wait another 6 months until you get your full, we love you Donor but don't be such a :baby: :)

LilSel

14th February 2007, 12:48

Top end is pitiful (140kph).

????? Mine is unmodified... and I've had her a lot faster than that...
More than the 160 Gremlin stated too.... :dodge:
How?? *shrug*... I dunno... must've had a tail wind? lol...

zeocen

14th February 2007, 14:14

Don't listen to these fools, geeeeeeeet ittttttttttttttttttttt
;)

Donor

14th February 2007, 19:58

I rode it today.

I rode the sexyness.

Behold. I'll let you absorb the image before I tell you the rest...

:love: :love:

Chisanga

14th February 2007, 20:00

I rode it today.

I rode the sexyness.

Behold. I'll let you absorb the image before I tell you the rest...

:love: :love:

The tires look well over-inflated to me :)

I suppose you bought it then?

Donor

14th February 2007, 20:05

The tires look well over-inflated to me :)

I suppose you bought it then?

Sort of... subject to a few conditions...

Chisanga

14th February 2007, 20:10

Sort of... subject to a few conditions...

Like Jamie and I not beating you half to death for selling Daisy? :)

But seriously... tell me what happened ....

Donor

14th February 2007, 20:14

Not a lot to tell...

I went to the yard, jumped on, stropped out through Ardmore then back through Papakura - probably a good 15 min squirt.

My god... the Z just falls into corners without any assistance, doesn't feel every bump, and leaves my hearing in a reasonable working condition.

I now must begin the painful task of selling Daisy.

Then, the coin I get for her will become a deposit, thus gaining me the Z, the balance to be paid when I sell my cage (which SWMBO is using til insurance pay out for hers sometime next week)

Sad, but not entirely. I felt worlds better on the Z than I have ever felt on Daisy.

I have found the right bike for me. Now I just need to find the right person for Daisy.

Chisanga

14th February 2007, 20:17

You shouldn't have any issues selling Daisy. If I had the spare dosh i'd buy her :)

New bike then eh? exciting :)

Donor

14th February 2007, 20:18

You shouldn't have any issues selling Daisy. If I had the spare dosh i'd buy her :)

New bike then eh? exciting :)

Aye - very exciting!

Just need to watch out for that Zeocen character, I suspect I'll have to hide me keys from him for a bit... :D

I go now to seek the oracle via PM...

gijoe1313

14th February 2007, 20:41

Donor

14th February 2007, 20:49

Aieeeee! Daisy is leaving the fold? You mad fool you! As soon as you do it, you'll regret it and later on, you will be berating yourself for it! :weep: You need to sell it to someone who will love it and pat it and polish it and talk to it and buy it new bling and ... :o

You're right... best I stipulate those points in the Tardme ad!

You do realise that I'd only be holding it for you until you come back to your senses :lol: Ahhh what a shame, you need to hold on to it so when you do come back to Daisy, she'll still be there waiting for you to give her the love it needs :love:

Hmmm, do I have an early bid? :lol:

You're a cruel and unusual biker...haven't you read all those posts by ghosts past who have all lamented their decisions? :eek5:

The cheek of it! :angry2:

1) Shiny
2) Slower
3) Better handling

2 out of those 3 things are leading contributors to my decision. I'd expand on that, but it'll just result in me being beaten to a small red puddle... :dodge:

zeocen

14th February 2007, 22:16

Aye - very exciting!

Just need to watch out for that Zeocen character, I suspect I'll have to hide me keys from him for a bit... :D

I go now to seek the oracle via PM...

Mate, if my keys can turn on my old mans ZZR1100 it sure as shit can turn on a ZZR250 :scooter: :scooter: :scooter:

Watch your back !

Chisanga

14th February 2007, 22:25

Mate, can turn on my old mans ZZR1100 it sure as shit can turn on a ZZR250 :scooter: :scooter: :scooter:

Watch your back !

Is this some bizarre Kawasaki sex ritual that Donor is being initiated into?

zeocen

14th February 2007, 22:32

Curse your selective quoting!

xwhatsit

14th February 2007, 22:54

zeocen

14th February 2007, 23:27

Also, what's the name of this rosey bike? (looks like it has the late model GPX tribal designs on it too, bonus points!)

It/she's gotta have a name.

Gremlin

15th February 2007, 00:14

More than the 160 Gremlin stated too.... :dodge:
How?? *shrug*... I dunno... must've had a tail wind? lol...
I can guarantee it had a lot of drag... and I did mention it was indicated... I think some I know got it to 170 ish...

LilSel

15th February 2007, 07:43

I think some I know got it to 170 ish...

:yes: thats more like it :D....

gijoe1313

15th February 2007, 14:33

I think at the very least, Daisy should be offered to KBers first! :yes: Keep her in the family so to speak - none of this gallavanting around with other hoi-polloi bikers who don't know her history! :oi-grr:

It's true - people's nicks do reflect their personality here ... Donor ... he gets Daisy donated to him free of charge...not nary a coin... and now here he is, flogging off her good bits in exchange for some filthy lucre and a stutter at the end of the alphabet ZZer! :weep:

Oh, the humanity of it all! :shit:
Oh, for the love of a good owner! :love:
Oh, will he never shut up? :shutup:

Peace out. :rockon:

toymachine

15th February 2007, 16:57

Egads man arn't you worn out from the kids yet?

Donor

15th February 2007, 17:18

Also, what's the name of this rosey bike? (looks like it has the late model GPX tribal designs on it too, bonus points!)

It/she's gotta have a name.

I think you just named her!

Rosey... I like it - keeps with the bloom theme!

Donor

15th February 2007, 17:21

I think at the very least, Daisy should be offered to KBers first! :yes: Keep her in the family so to speak - none of this gallavanting around with other hoi-polloi bikers who don't know her history! :oi-grr:

KBers WILL be getting first pick, 'tis only right and proper.

It's true - people's nicks do reflect their personality here ... Donor ... he gets Daisy donated to him free of charge...not nary a coin... and now here he is, flogging off her good bits in exchange for some filthy lucre and a stutter at the end of the alphabet ZZer! :weep:

Actually, my nick stems from a word on my licence... :D

Oh, the humanity of it all! :shit:
Oh, for the love of a good owner! :love:
Oh, will he never shut up? :shutup:

Peace out. :rockon:

You know, I can see you on a RZ... :scooter:

Donor

15th February 2007, 17:28

:( :( :( :( :(

A sad day :(. Oh well, I have to say it is shiny -- and probably feels very polished and `professional' after Daisy! Congratulations on finding your bike.

Still a bit sad, though.

How much are you looking for for Daisy?

To be honest, after riding to and from work today on Daisy, I'm not sad at all - which is sad in itself!

I don't have a firm figure in mind, I'd love to think 3, would be happy with 2.5 and would probably negotiate round 2... of course KB folk would be shown special consideration, but would have to be willing to undergo rigorous vetting by Oracle Ixion... :stoogie:

Lucy

15th February 2007, 18:13

Actually, my nick stems from a word on my licence... :D

:

Hey! We have something in common - so does mine!

:Punk:

xwhatsit

17th February 2007, 01:59

To be honest, after riding to and from work today on Daisy, I'm not sad at all - which is sad in itself!

I don't have a firm figure in mind, I'd love to think 3, would be happy with 2.5 and would probably negotiate round 2... of course KB folk would be shown special consideration, but would have to be willing to undergo rigorous vetting by Oracle Ixion... :stoogie:

Good luck, although I'd say you probably won't need it, as you'll likely get that easily :)

Ixion? What the hell would he know about riding a two-stroke?

Donor

17th February 2007, 08:56

Good luck, although I'd say you probably won't need it, as you'll likely get that easily :)

Hope so - more I get, the soonier I can have my shiny!

Going to post her up on TM tomorrow, and probably here as well.

I would like to do it today, but as I am going to be joining the 250 ride tomorrow for one last fling and chance for goodbyes, I figure I can wait one more day.

Then... begone yellow beasty... Rosey wants to come home :love:

gijoe1313

18th February 2007, 19:03

Oh the travesty, the power and the passion!
He that knows not what he has will forever be damned to perdition of biker hell! ( A 25cc pink zimmerman walking frame with a bicycle bell and tassles )

Daisy will be waiting for you, that first lover who gave you all she had, which you have so tragically spurned!

Daisy will be forever haunting your waking moments, as she rides past with loud pipes and smoky sauciness!

Daisy will be on a trackday, in her pit, allowing you to take her out in those unguarded moments, away from your Rosy!

Tarry not long with her feelings, she has a new paramour, but the love of her life, the lightness of her step, the sparkle of her headlight is all for you!

Oh the callousness of being cast aside by her heartless monster of a master!
Oh the legerdemain demanded of other Champions rallying to her cause!

Daisy will ride again!

MSTRS

19th February 2007, 07:12

...

Behold.....

Naff colour. Eh, McJim?

Donor

19th February 2007, 17:36

Sadness!

No new shiny for me today... :crybaby:

gijoe1313

20th February 2007, 16:14

Sadness!

No new shiny for me today... :crybaby:

In the words of a certain Simpson character ... "Har har"

As a biker, I commiserate with you - but sheesh bro! You had a nice little two stroker smoker! Will come to senses one day, you will!

zeocen

20th February 2007, 19:08

I feel an "Initiate the ZZR" coming on..

I promise I won't pretend to kick this one when I pull up next to it! I will hug it with open arms!

Donor

20th February 2007, 20:00

I feel an "Initiate the ZZR" coming on..

I promise I won't pretend to kick this one when I pull up next to it! I will hug it with open arms!

Hopefully, tomorrow I'll hold you to that! :Punk:

zeocen

20th February 2007, 20:10

I'll be home all day so if you get it early give me a text and I'll definitely be up for a ride!

Chisanga

20th February 2007, 20:13

Exciting. Hope everything goes well and you get Rosey tommorrow and have a safe 'initiation' ride :)

zeocen

20th February 2007, 20:17

If he does he'll get a severe beating for hurting the best 250 bike ever made ;P

Chisanga

20th February 2007, 20:30

the best 250 bike ever made ;P

:no: :nono:

Donor

20th February 2007, 20:32

I'd tell everyone you pushed me... they saw what you did on Sunday, there's not a jury in the world that wouldn't convict ya!

Starting work ultra early tomorrow, in the vain hope that I can finish even earlier, thus increasing Rosey acquisition potential!

zeocen

20th February 2007, 20:36

:no: :nono:

I know, I know. My taste is incredibly obscure (my big step up will 99% be a ZZR, what can I say? I'm a fanboy :shutup: )

Donor

20th February 2007, 20:43

I know, I know. My taste is incredibly obscure (my big step up will 99% be a ZZR, what can I say? I'm a fanboy :shutup: )

Just lemme put 100k's on the clock before you beat me, steal the keys and kidnap her will ya?

zeocen

20th February 2007, 21:08

Donor

20th February 2007, 21:14

Well, the ZZR I was thinking of has around 800cc more than the 250 version ;)
But in the mean time, a 250 would be good *ponders*

I wonder if my keys would fit, they've fitted other kawasaki's before .. I have like a kawasaki skeleton key

You too will be enchanted by the Shineyness of the Rosey.

And I am SO having her alarmed... with a bigassedmuddefarkinglyhuge Rottweiler tied to the pillion seat...

Chisanga

20th February 2007, 21:17

And I am SO having her alarmed... with a bigassedmuddefarkinglyhuge Rottweiler tied to the pillion seat...

She will be alarmed as soon as you put your big ass on her seat :rofl: