New biker chick needs advice

[cleopatraxxx]

im looking at saving up for a 250cc bike and wondering if anyone can give me some advice, i dont want to spend to much, so am definately going second hand, and im still on my learners license for years now, so cant go over 250. i love the idea of leaning forward into my bike, not sitting back, something sleek... any ideas?

[Marknz]

IMHO, a Honda VTR250 is still the best bike for learners out there. Not exactly sleek, but not a cruiser either. Plenty of threads in here about them so have a browse.

[Hitcher]

How tall are you? Is leg length an issue? If so, that will limit your choices.

[Kiwifire72]

I no expert so don't listen to me
I was in same boat as you as was my other half
I ended up with brand new Hyosung gt250r and love it
big bike feel 250 bike motor
the boss went for a Kawa gpx 250
and hated it after 300 km she traded in on hyosung
now she is happy as larry
but look around try tem out don't let people persuade you in anyway
you will buy the bike you like not the bike people tellyou too

[Kiwifire72]

oh and also what the Hitcher said is true too

[WarlockNZ]

Everyone knows where i stand .. The Hyosung Gt250R is the bike for you : )..

welcome to the site .. it's a mad house ... oh .. and watch out for Disco Dan ... LOL

[Mom]

Welcome to KB! You have done the right thing asking for advice, there are heaps of threads of discusions about this if you do a search, when you have some time use the search engine and read away! There will be many and varied opinions, read them, then go and visit a few shops and have a sit/ride on some of the shortlist I am sure you will make. Best of luck! Make sure you let us know what you have decided on.

And Warlock..........leave Disco alone!.........he is harmless really!

*Hopes this does not bring another undies comment forth from him*

[duckaddict]

You can't go wrong with CBR250RR :yes:

[Kiwifire72]

Everyone knows where i stand .. The Hyosung Gt250R is the bike for you : )..

welcome to the site .. it's a mad house ... oh .. and watch out for Disco Dan ... LOL
Maybe she can take our bikes for a test ride
we have a red and Mango here
or you have????? colour wise lol

[moT]

get your self a cbr250r or a nsr250 or a rgv250 if u get the 2 stroke ones make sure u get them rejetted with expantion chambers :msn-wink:

[Storm]

Welcome aboard mate, best of luck finding the right bike for you.
I shall give my advice thusly: test ride everything you can. New, old, red, black, green, purple, dirt, street, odd looking, anything and everything

[gijoe1313]

Now, now leave the poor lass alone ... what you really need is a Hornet! :lol: Sorry just had to get on the bandwagon :whistle: :innocent:

I know that you were looking for a "cheaper" 250 (is there such a thing?) and I guess the little ol'hornet is at the higher end of the used 250 market! :weep:

Never mind! I'll still be here rabbiting on about hornets if you really need more info! :msn-wink:

And oh, yeah - good on ya for asking fer advice! :yes:

[MVnut]

Honda VTR250:scooter:

[Momentum]

I may have a 1991 cbr rr up for sale very soon
they are wicked little bikes i have had it for about 18 months now and its been alot of
fun

I am able to go for my full onces I turn 25 on the 29th of this month

I droped it at manfield on sat so i am getting the bits to fix it at the mo

just some leavers and plastic broken

its done 48 0000k's
just had new air filter
chain and sprokets were done about 6 months ago
i have a new clutch ready to go in it and will do oil and oil filter at the same time.

send me a pm if you want to know more

[Swima]

Hi Ya.Theres plenty of choice and its a buyers market so do some homework.My young fella went from a Honda 50 to a GPX Kawasaki,and paid about $2000.That may have been a little too much,but thats the sort of thing you..as you put it ..lean into.Suzuki GN250's are bulletproof,but have a more upright position.Get on and go for a ride on as many bikes as you can.Thats the only way you will know

[Oakie]

Have a look at the Kawasaki Eliminator, EL250. Not the later V twin but the earlier (circa 1990 / 1993) parallel twin. De-tuned so not as powerful as some other 250s but dead easy to ride and will last a long time. (Mrs Oakie has one and loves it).

[Paul in NZ]

How tall are you and more importantly - whats your budget like?? 250s are expensive...

[Sanx]

Congrats on deciding to get yourself a bike. It's a decision you may come to regret one day: probably the day you have to justify buying a litre-class bike to your other half, plus full leathers, performance exhaust and so on.

CBR250s are great little bikes. Relatively cheap to run, but damn good fun on tight twisty roads. Fast enough to keep you entertained, but not quite powerful enough to get you into too much trouble unless you ride like a hooligan.

I'm not selling mine, but you're more than welcome to give it a go if you want.

[flat battery]

Honda VTR250:scooter:

I have a VTR250 and it's great :love: It's quite an old one but it's still going strong. I haven't tried many other 250s but I would recommend it! Hoping to have a pic up soon, it's fully faired, I think the newer ones are naked. Not sure what your budget is but it cost me just over 2K.

[90s]

If you search you'll find loads of people have asked the same question as you. And every time I have replied I add the same comment:

if you want to "lean forward" and don't want to pay much go for the RG150. Sure its 2-stroke, but for $2k you'll get $5k+ cbr250 performance. A no-brainer really.

[Sniper]

I dont think a CBR, ZXR, NSR, RGVR or any RR should be the bike for you. Not until you are confident with your riding

[Squiggles]

Mrs got a Purple ZZR250 for $1800, mint paint and only 30,000 on the clock
nice bike, too girly for me though

[MyGSXF]

Welcome to kb chick!!!! :Punk:

As some of the others have mentioned, & I thoroughly agree.. go round the shops & check out adds in the paper etc.. & sit on & possibly try as many different bikes.. styles, shapes, brands, colours..:shutup: as you can!!! That way you will end up with a good feel of what you really like.. or didn't like.

I did the same when I got rid of my old xv750.. tried ALLSORTS!!!! & even though my bike looked like an utter sack of shit when I first saw her (had been in storage...) as soon as I sat on her.. I KNEW she was my bike!!!!!!!!!!!! got her bloody cheap, spent a week with a friend cleaning her up & replacing bits & pieces.. till she looked beeeeeeeaUtiful!!!!! :love:

Good luck with your search!! :yes:

Jen :rockon:

[Rosie]

if you want to "lean forward" and don't want to pay much go for the RG150. Sure its 2-stroke, but for $2k you'll get $5k+ cbr250 performance. A no-brainer really.

2-stroke 150s are great little bikes to learn on. :niceone:

[NinjaNanna]

Mrs got a Purple ZZR250 for $1800, mint paint and only 30,000 on the clock
nice bike, too girly for me though


I agree with Squiggle here, if you want to go as fast as possible on a 250, go for a CBR - but be prepared to pay more,

I think the ZZR is the perfect compromise between riding position, style and speed. My first bike was a 10yr old ZZR with 50,000kms, started it beside a brand new ZZR (even looked the same) and it made all the same noises and rattles.

Happy hunting

[Qkchk]

oh .. and watch out for Disco Dan ... LOL

Probaly the best advice you could get............... :dodge:

[WarlockNZ]

Probaly the best advice you could get............... :dodge:

Thank you .. thank you ... I'll take a bow on that one ... mu ha ha ha

[Meekey_Mouse]

Hey :) Welcome to the site.

Trying bikes out is a really good idea, I bought my first bike with out seeing or riding it (not recommended, although the bike itself was great). It was a GSX 250... nice bike but not the right one for me :shutup: I'm quite short, so the width and the height of the GSX just was not practical.

One thing to think about, if you're wanting to go for longer rides then half an hour (I'd say you would) is not just what the bike feels like for a short test ride or standing still but imagine what the position of the bike will feel like after 2-3 hours of riding. Every time I got off the GSX it felt like my shoulders had been stretched apart, as I had to reach for the bars all the time.

But I'm sure no matter what bike you get, you'll love it :rockon:

[Baldyheed]

Don't be quick to part with your cash. Shop around, see who is doing what deals, any nice extras/gear thrown in free, or a nice bit of discount. Welcome to the fold, and have many many years of enjoyable bike riding.

[Str8 Jacket]

2-stroke 150s are great little bikes to learn on. :niceone:

Yep, gotta agree there. After I "got rid of" my 250 I really learned alot on my 150 2smoker. Nice and light and alot cheaper than 250's. Though 2smokers can be a bit temperamental at times I never had any mechanical issues with mine. I reckon you probably want to try out a few different bikes and see what you actually feel comfortable on!

[cleopatraxxx]

I may have a 1991 cbr rr up for sale very soon
they are wicked little bikes i have had it for about 18 months now and its been alot of
fun

I am able to go for my full onces I turn 25 on the 29th of this month

I droped it at manfield on sat so i am getting the bits to fix it at the mo

just some leavers and plastic broken

its done 48 0000k's
just had new air filter
chain and sprokets were done about 6 months ago
i have a new clutch ready to go in it and will do oil and oil filter at the same time.

send me a pm if you want to know more

how much for one of those? im only 5 ft 4 am i tall enough for it? more details please...

[McJim]

Whereabouts in Auckland are you? You could get a lot more advice from talking to a bunch of 250 riders and sitting on their bikes - mibbe even taking them for a short blat to see what fits and what you like. That way you won't be forced into feeling obliged to a salesperson who reluctantly let you have a test ride for example. ypu can also make friends with an 'Expert' who will gladly accompany you to various trademe bargains and tell you how shit they are and what they're really worth.

Welcome to 2 wheels and to KB.

[Sanx]

how much for one of those? im only 5 ft 4 am i tall enough for it? more details please...

You're easily tall enough. My other half's 5' dead - and she can just get her both feet down.

[GOGAL]

Good advice taking as many as you can for a ride before you decide. My tuppence worth to you is to make sure you can get your feet flat on the ground for your first bike - makes you heaps more confident when you are parking and slow maneouvering. There is nothing worse than being on tippy toes in gravel when you are still learning.

[McJim]

My other half's 5' dead .
You can get some nasty diseases from Necrophilia Sanx. Be careful. :rofl:

5'4" isn't that short though - the real issues seem to be for riders of 5' and less - especially if they have thicker legs.

[Chickadee]

Welcome aboard Cleopatraxxx, your welcome to sit on my RG150 (we're in East Aucks) and I'm sure other Kb'ers will be happy for you to sit on their bike and see how you feel perched on them. I love my 2-smoker, cheap, plenty of pep (faster than most 250's so you don't end up bored off your arse after a short time). What's your budget and where in Auck's are you?

[BIKEGAL68]

i brought a bike before i rode it and i so regreated it .......... i ended up traded a brand new bike in for another after doing 300km cause i didnt try before i brought it ...........so do have a ride on some an get the feel.................... riding is so much fun if u like what u r riding on :)

[discotex]

how much for one of those? im only 5 ft 4 am i tall enough for it? more details please...

You'd be plenty tall enough for a CBR250rr (Honda) or ZXR250 (Kawasaki). I'm 6' and my ZXR is really too small for me. They're both pretty small bikes compared to their bigger brothers (the 600's and 1000's).

You'd be looking at $3k+ from trademe and $4k+ from a dealer for either in good nick and add a grand for a '92 or newer one. If you don't mind a few scratches you could get one that's been recently dropped for less. Either that or freight one up from south of the Bombay hills.

Neither bike is easy to learn on though.

If you need a test pilot or want to sit on my ZXR feel free to PM me.

Here's some listings from trademe that might help you get a feel for what's out there.

GN250 - Cheap as chips and easy to ride:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=104807117&key=139382

VTR250 - Like a grown up GN. More power, better brakes etc:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=104305786&key=154476

GSX250 - Fairings, more 'sport' riding position, good for motorway riding:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=104214036&key=141871

ZZR250 - Similar to the GSX but probably more power generally more refined:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=105237548&key=141871

CBR250rr - Baby sport bike. Looks good, goes fast:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=104629780&key=141871

ZXR250 - Just like a CBR250 only better :niceone:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=105380626&key=149217

There's the Suzuki Bandit and Honda Hornet as well but this list is getting massive so I'll let someone else dig them out :)

[scracha]

i love the idea of leaning forward into my bike, not sitting back, something sleek... any ideas?

Nothing hornier than a chick on a thumper if you ask me.

[avgas]

Any bike is good. Just get one.
They all have good and bad sides. so my recommendation is go test ride 10+ bikes. Sleep on it.
Buy a bike the next day that suited u best.
Its what i did when i bought the RG many moons ago

[Bend-it]

I started on a Bandit... look where it's got me! ;)

[cleopatraxxx]

im not in the market to buy a bike yet, thanks!!!

[breakaway]

i love the idea of leaning forward into my bike, not sitting back, something sleek... any ideas?

Suzuki RG150

[Coxy]

Hi, CBR250R is my bet, its a baby blade, will enable you to keep your feet on the ground and plenty fast enough. You will be able to lean into the bike behind the fairing and it will give you the riding experience you need, to progress to a bigger bike in time. It will also hold its value and you will be able to probably sell it twelve months down the line for what you bought it for. Buy a good one that has no corrosion and service history and youll love it. If you are brand new to biking then you are welcome to come for a ride with me to see if its for you. Cheers and ride safe, Coxy.

[cold comfort]

Good advice-here's one off (aus)trade me

[babyblade250rr]

i would recommend myself cbr250rr, they are alittle more pricey than some of the other 250 sports bikes but they are soooo reliable and for what they are will probably out perform all other 250's (With the exception of 2 strokes) they have a very low seat height 735mm if my memory serves me correctly and you get over 200kms on a tank of gas 13L, Another option to look at is the zxr250 yet another great 250!! with very similar values


good luck though with whatever you choose

[Lteejay]

Now, now leave the poor lass alone ... what you really need is a Hornet! :lol: Sorry just had to get on the bandwagon :whistle: :innocent:

I know that you were looking for a "cheaper" 250 (is there such a thing?) and I guess the little ol'hornet is at the higher end of the used 250 market! :weep:

Never mind! I'll still be here rabbiting on about hornets if you really need more info! :msn-wink:

And oh, yeah - good on ya for asking fer advice! :yes:

Go go Hornets.

[ceebie13]

Six months down the track and we're still offering advice! I bet Cleopatra has a Tuono Factory by now!!

[Kimbo]

Haya! Warm welcome to Kiwibiker! First off, there is very few people I know of that are wise enough to ask for advice firstly so... Good on ya! In my humble opinion, based on nearly fifteen years on two wheels, ive never owned a street bike, 250cc. Ironicaly its because of that fact that your doing the right thing! I rode somewhat illegally for many years to my own detriment! However, now that i'm arguably more 'mature' id like to think i'd be able to pass on some of what iv'e learned, however small that maybe! In all seriousness, I've read all of the threads thus far and agree with all of them except the two stroke thing, in my opinion, go four stroke...Smoother power delivery. I also believe Hitcher has a relavant point re# leg length which leads me on to agree with Kiwifire72, MOM, and especially Storm and swima. Go for a ride on as many as you can prior to committing to ANY! Dont forget if your not sure on ANYTHING! Just ask away to anyone here...You sure as heck wont get the typical salemans B/Shite here! Nah, honest! Enjoy your experiance and dont get pressured into nothing you dont want! Once again......Welcome to KB!

[Kimbo]

Haya! Warm welcome to Kiwibiker! First off, there are very few people I know of that are wise enough to ask for advice so... Good on ya! In my humble opinion, based on nearly fifteen years on two wheels, ive never owned a street bike, 250cc. Ironicaly its because of that fact that your doing the right thing! I rode somewhat illegally for many years to my own detriment! However, now that i'm arguably more 'mature' id like to think i'd be able to pass on some of what iv'e learned, however small that maybe! In all seriousness, I've read all of the threads thus far and agree with all of them except the two stroke thing, in my opinion, go four stroke...Smoother power delivery. I also believe Hitcher has a relavant point re# leg length which leads me on to agree with Kiwifire72, MOM, and especially Storm and swima. Go for a ride on as many as you can prior to committing to ANY! Dont forget if your not sure on ANYTHING! Just ask away to anyone here...You sure as heck wont get the typical salemans B/Shite here! Nah, honest! Enjoy your experiance and dont get pressured into nothing you dont want! Once again......Welcome to KB!

[Wiki Drifter]

errr... think yooz fallas scared her off... (last post Sept '07)

[EnzoYug]

Haya! Warm welcome to Kiwibiker! First off, there are very few people I know of that are wise enough to ask for advice so... Good on ya! In my humble opinion, based on nearly fifteen years on two wheels, ive never owned a street bike, 250cc. Ironicaly its because of that fact that your doing the right thing! I rode somewhat illegally for many years to my own detriment! However, now that i'm arguably more 'mature' id like to think i'd be able to pass on some of what iv'e learned, however small that maybe! In all seriousness, I've read all of the threads thus far and agree with all of them except the two stroke thing, in my opinion, go four stroke...Smoother power delivery. I also believe Hitcher has a relavant point re# leg length which leads me on to agree with Kiwifire72, MOM, and especially Storm and swima. Go for a ride on as many as you can prior to committing to ANY! Dont forget if your not sure on ANYTHING! Just ask away to anyone here...You sure as heck wont get the typical salemans B/Shite here! Nah, honest! Enjoy your experiance and dont get pressured into nothing you dont want! Once again......Welcome to KB!

Maybe i'm guessing but I think your words are falling on deaf ears Kimbo....
Check the date before you post... :P