Give me your opinion!

[Ragingrob]

Here are 5 bikes I've found on trademe that interest me if my GN manages to sell itself...

So, which would you recommend and why/why not??

Any input greatly appreciated!!!

Honda VTZ - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=121098768

Kawasaki ZXR - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=123516551

Kawasaki Eliminator - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=123929445

Honda CBR - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=123932181

Kawasaki ZZR - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=124205719

Thanks!

[jim.cox]

So, which would you recommend and why/why not??

None of them.

Why not? They are all small road bikes. They gain you nothing over the GN

A trail or dualpurpose bike is more versatile - especially if you can step up to a 600 or 650

Just my $0.02

=mjc=
.

[Ragingrob]

Hmmm since I'm on my learners I'm just looking for somethin with a bit more than the GN...but if none of those give any more grunt than it...?

[klingon]

Of course I would say stick with the GN - I ride a Volty!

I'm only going to upgrade from the Volty when I have my full, so I can upgrade to a 'big' bike in one simple step rather than going through several 250s. Meanwhile I can go bike-window-shopping to my heart's content.

So yeah, that's my recommendation.

[WarlockNZ]

You missed the GTR

HERE (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-122964212.htm)

grrrr

[0arbreaka]

You cant really go wrong with a zxr.

[_intense_]

cbr250rr (MC22) if you want performance, its the hardest of the 4cyl 250s, but not by much, a good zxr is sweet to. both of em a re old 2nd handers though, and may hav had much abuse, be wary about them. a good one is a gem, a dud will cost you heaps. nxt choice would be a vtr

[imdying]

VTs are shite and just love to go bang if they've been neglected or getting long in the tooth. Very carefully check the stanchions on the ZXR, if they're even slightly pitted they'll chew out those new fork seals in record time, and fixing that properly ain't cheap. Keep the GN.

[The Pastor]

cbrs are ok bikes, MUCH MUCH better than a GN!

[homer]

waste of time going from a 250 to another 250 youll be bored in 10 mins

[Ragingrob]

Oh and by the way my GN has done 32,000...if that changes anyone's opinion...

[dino3310]

Hmmm since I'm on my learners I'm just looking for somethin with a bit more than the GN...but if none of those give any more grunt than it...?

if your still on your learners why are you worrying about how much grunt you got,gain some experience first then get a faster bike when you graduate through your liciences,be patient grasshopper you got a life time of riding ahead of you:scooter:

[Ragingrob]

It's just I do a lot of open road/motorway riding and I find the GN needs to be pushed to hang around 100!

[Grinner]

How long till you are of the learners?
Might be best to keep saving until you can move up the cc ratings.

[Ragingrob]

Had learners for like a month only lol...still almost 2 years before I can move up!

[dino3310]

It's just I do a lot of open road/motorway riding and I find the GN needs to be pushed to hang around 100!

i thought 70klms per hr on a learners was your max speed.

[SVboy]

Save some more and buy a newer lower kms Honda vtr?

[Ragingrob]

i thought 70klms per hr on a learners was your max speed.

Well we all know how dumb and dangerous that is, and that no learner sticks to that, and that most cops don't care...So yeah...Especially when you live in a 100km area!

[delusionz]

A watercooled twin or 4 banger will give you alot more pleasure than your GN250, However it will wear off over time. Pick something modern if you go ahead with it, 20 year old bikes can be costly.

[Ragingrob]

Hmmm it's just some talk about chinese GNs has got me worried about it conking out and costing me...

But maybe the best option for me is to keep my GN over summer and earn some money and then think about getting somethin new for my restricted which I'll get when uni starts again.

[dino3310]

Well we all know how dumb and dangerous that is, and that no learner sticks to that, and that most cops don't care...So yeah...Especially when you live in a 100km area!

yeah i know what you mean Auckland motorway traffic on a little Gn would suck

[Ragingrob]

Yeah so I just throttle up and cruise along at the speed of the traffic :), revving nice and high haha.

[Mikkel]

Mate it really depends on what you want from a bike... if you want to go fast there are 250s out there that'll do that (of course they won't go as fast as similar models with bigger engines).
As was posted in another thread here the two strokes are rather "delicate" - so if you're new to the game go for a four stroke unless you're into your mechanics.

Myself, I'm quite happy with my ZXR250 and find that it's powerful enough to cruise comfortably at 120 km/h - and it's also quite fast when you rev it out (19k RPM sounds hysterical though). It's nice and agile and will do me 22 km/litre of petrol - let's just say I really enjoy my commute these days despite the traffic and traffic lights.

If you wanna go on longer trips the 250 sports tourers might be worth considering (can't remember what they're called).
As for the sports bike I guess there aren't too much difference between the different models (CBRs, ZXRs, GSXRs and FZRs?) except that hondas tend to be a bit more expensive. I just went for my ZXR because it looked mint and had only few kms on the odometer - but I was looking at the other models as well.

[discotex]

waste of time going from a 250 to another 250 youll be bored in 10 mins

Nah a GN250 to a ZXR250 is a big jump in power and handling.

Mine is up for sale in 4 weeks so I can upgrade. Check out my profile pic. She's mint :drool:

[imdying]

waste of time going from a 250 to another 250 youll be bored in 10 minsCan't say I agree... I've just purchased another 250 to supplement my thou... just gotta buy the right 250 :yes:

[slopster]

You forgot the bandit 250 which I reckon is the best price/performance compromise in 250's. Crash cheaply too.

[ducatilover]

gn250s are pathetic. they are dangerous on the open road as they get blown around alot and the brakes are crap...no power to get you out of trouble...flexi frame...uncomfy....not as economical as people say they are.
i have riden a few of the bikes you are looking at and the zxr isnt too comfy but it would be my choice. the cbr would be my second. stepping up to a 650 or 600 is a huge step from a gn250 and i dont advise it. the zzr wont keep you amused but i garauntee the zxr/cbr will. awesome little bikes:clap:

[ducatilover]

You forgot the bandit 250 which I reckon is the best price/performance compromise in 250's. Crash cheaply too.

and they look great:bleh:

[manwithav8]

Had learners for like a month only lol...still almost 2 years before I can move up!

Think of how much you would have saved when it is time to get a big bike...

If you tyr and get something now, you will want to ride more to show it off which means more gas.

More power generally means more servicing costs etc. By the end of two years you won't have a penny saved to get that bigger bike with...

Do it hard for two years then do it with a sweet new ride.

[Mountlocal1]

Think of how much you would have saved when it is time to get a big bike...

If you tyr and get something now, you will want to ride more to show it off which means more gas.

More power generally means more servicing costs etc. By the end of two years you won't have a penny saved to get that bigger bike with...

Do it hard for two years then do it with a sweet new ride.

Agreed... It ill be well worth the wait. At the least keep it over summer and save some cash. If you do this buy the best CBR/VTR/ZZR/ZXR you can afford. Get a mech check brfore you buy. If you get a minta you'l lose bugger all when you upgrade.

Good luck!! And ride safe if you get a more powerful bike. :niceone:

[ducatilover]

my gn250 used more petrol than my spada. i do open road riding and city riding and a fair bit of corner carving, i just got 260km from the spadas 11 litre tank on 95 unleaded. usaully i expect 240km from a tank and the gn was getting 210km on the same roads.

[Nasty]

You can't make a decision using a poll .. you need to make it be getting your arse out there and sitting on the bikes .. .each bike has a slightly different sit position and peg position for the feet. until you try them you won't know the best way to go and may go from bike to bike to get it right. Also with the different positions there are different parts of your body that may take the impact .. so look for something which you are comfortable on and that your body will be able to handle for both short and slightly longer rides.

[manwithav8]

what I am about to post alot will disagree with but hey...

My first bike is the bike i have now. The Duc M900 so apart from riding the Army KLR250's on the odd occasion I have never owned or had a decent ride on a road bike....

So, time to get a bike the mrs says "spend a decent amount on a decent bike so you don't have to keep upgrading" so I did.. Bought the monster for 8K and will keep it for many a year.

Now if I were single or had to save my own money to buy a bike, I would make do with what I have so when I do upgrade I might be getting that 1098 or R1 or ZX10... So as I said, doing it hard for a short while ( 2 years isn't that long) should give you good rewards at the end of you L plate and restricted time...

You are still on two wheels living the life so thats what matters for now...

ME, I was just lucky the mrs wanted me to have a bike as bad as I wanted a bike..

[ducatilover]

what I am about to post alot will disagree with but hey...

My first bike is the bike i have now. The Duc M900 so apart from riding the Army KLR250's on the odd occasion I have never owned or had a decent ride on a road bike....

So, time to get a bike the mrs says "spend a decent amount on a decent bike so you don't have to keep upgrading" so I did.. Bought the monster for 8K and will keep it for many a year.

Now if I were single or had to save my own money to buy a bike, I would make do with what I have so when I do upgrade I might be getting that 1098 or R1 or ZX10... So as I said, doing it hard for a short while ( 2 years isn't that long) should give you good rewards at the end of you L plate and restricted time...

You are still on two wheels living the life so thats what matters for now...

ME, I was just lucky the mrs wanted me to have a bike as bad as I wanted a bike..

you lucky man. my mrs hates me haveing a bike. but thats cos im an idiot:confused:

[manwithav8]

you lucky man. my mrs hates me haveing a bike. but thats cos im an idiot:confused:

When I first spoke of a bike I was thinking around the 3K mark and will upgrade when I got my full. Was looking and the VTR, Hornet and bandit in the 250cc.

Then she suprised me and mentioned spending upto 8K, so I contacted EMOTO in chch and had it all sorted in a matter of days. Then a week later the monster turned up...

It didn't matter that I couldn't ride it for 2 months due to still having the restricted, i was happy to wait it out.....

The mrs wants to go everywhere when I get the bike out so that helps...

I WILL one day own a 1098 but that will be a little while away yet..

[ducatilover]

Then she suprised me and mentioned spending upto 8K, so I contacted EMOTO in chch and had it all sorted in a matter of days. Then a week later the monster turned up...



The mrs wants to go everywhere when I get the bike out so that helps...

I WILL one day own a 1098 but that will be a little while away yet..

:msn-wink::niceone: hmmm i feel some jealousy here, i was looking into buying the 2000 zx6r in dave anderson in masterton and i had the money ready etc.....but the mrs wants me alive or something. sentmetal bitch haha:Pokey:

[manwithav8]

:msn-wink::niceone: hmmm i feel some jealousy here, i was looking into buying the 2000 zx6r in dave anderson in masterton and i had the money ready etc.....but the mrs wants me alive or something. sentmetal bitch haha:Pokey:

don't let her find this forum lol...

I will say you should be jealous lol... I am allowed what I want hehehehehe

Sorry dude, had to say it.. Why would you want a kwaka anyway??? lol

[ducatilover]

Sorry dude, had to say it.. Why would you want a kwaka anyway??? lol

well it was a nice bike lol and relatively cheap:niceone:

[manwithav8]

well it was a nice bike lol and relatively cheap:niceone:

would she notice the difference in what you have now and the ZX6? lol Could always chage and say you had a repaint

[ducatilover]

would she notice the difference in what you have now and the ZX6? lol Could always chage and say you had a repaint

haha shes not that blonde....:( and my spada sounds "p fried" because of my magic exhaust mods:banana: ive told her that i dont care what she says and im getting it when im 20 next year

[manwithav8]

haha shes not that blonde....:( and my spada sounds "p fried" because of my magic exhaust mods:banana: ive told her that i dont care what she says and im getting it when im 20 next year

good boy.. So what are these exhaust mods you have made then?
I hope you did it properly..

Cored? partially cored? Shortened? End cap opened???

[ducatilover]

good boy.. So what are these exhaust mods you have made then?
I hope you did it properly..

Cored? partially cored? Shortened? End cap opened???

reverse megaphone end can. polised ports.:2thumbsup gave me a whole lot more top end [still pathetic] but less torque. sounds great...untill i start going fast and then it gets very very loud hehe

[manwithav8]

reverse megaphone end can. polised ports.:2thumbsup gave me a whole lot more top end [still pathetic] but less torque. sounds great...untill i start going fast and then it gets very very loud hehe

sometimes loud is good though, the cagers can hear you so they know your there..

I have cored cans on the Duc, straight through perf pipe with exhaust bandage...I think the internal diameter all the way is about 2inches I think.. Very loud if I get on it...

Pull up to a cage at the lights, see driver on cell, blip throttle, they soon learn I am beside them..

[manwithav8]

lets get this back on track....

I still beleive you should hold onto the GN and save your pennies...While it doesn't seem like much right now, later will be all good.

[Ragingrob]

OK keep the GN I think at least for a while. Realised today on the motorway as I'm getting better coping with the wind that I can boost around at 110 and it feels all good. Also probably a good bike to ease my way into the mechanics of it all :).

[manwithav8]

OK keep the GN I think at least for a while. Realised today on the motorway as I'm getting better coping with the wind that I can boost around at 110 and it feels all good. Also probably a good bike to ease my way into the mechanics of it all :).

Set a goal for that big bike when you are able to upgrade, look at prices now and start saving... You will appreciated it so muh more when you get it...:Punk:

[HTFU]

Raginrob I actually think the whole wait to get a big bike thing is over stated on this forum. People telling you to ride the GN for 2 years until you can get a bigger bike. Thats crazy talk, I wouldn't wish it on my mother in law. You won't regret owning and riding a 250 twin. Try and take some for a ride this week ( you on study break aren't you)

From what I can gather you are using your bike for commuting as well as a bit of fun riding. You don't seem to be a hoon on a bike but I can understand the need to have a better bike than the GN. People should try riding one as I did, to fully appreciate its not a 100km/hr bike. That is, you can't pass on them, they struggle into the wind, chew the gas and simply, the motors, from advice I have been given will struggle to do decent Ks without work due to chinese build and materials.

A new Hyosung GT at $5600 ride away or a GPX $6300 ride away are pretty awesome deals and they are good reliable bikes. Nothing beats owning it from new and to me this represents your best option. Going for another second hand bike with ks on it is just asking for a similar experience as the GN.

And the talk of this bigger bike stuff, yeah sure I also would love a bigger bike (mostly for reducing passing time on the other side of the road), but in reality its only going to improve my riding experience if I start breaking the law on a bigger bike. 0-100 km in 6 secs and the ability to use this power in the corners with reduced risk of high speed crashing or tickets from the law is pretty damn fun on a 250.

I have ridden with a few guys now on bigger bikes and nearly all of them have done some risky riding and its simply because they have the power and want to use it from time to time and sometimes its the wrong time. You only need to read some of the posts on here to realise people are moving pretty quickly on their bikes around the place. Some of these people are of the mindset you are not riding unless its on a big bike.

If most of your riding was in 50km/70km zones I would say stick with the GN for now. But instead I am saying sell it and ride away from it as quickly as you can on your new 2 cylinder beauty :clap:.

[Dave-]

ZXR, only because it's the least ugly of the ugly headlight 250s

[T.I.E]

same engine as the gpx inline twin robust, great for touring as they are really comfortable, long trips would be fine on it, and it will cruise at 110kph-120 easily. more so than the GN. inline fours are ok, too revvy and crap for comfort. the zzr has a bit of pep, not super fast but not slow like a GN. unfortunately high ks on the model ya looking at. but ive seen a hell of alot higher on those little twins. the zxr's have fast strong engines.
if ya getting off a GN try a 250 twin. its easier to ride than a 4, and less stuff in the engine.
honda is a bit old, but i see retail price on the 250's is huge.
what ever ya get look after it and ya probably wont lose any money.
but take some bikes for a test run.

my choice the ZZR 250. they handle better than the hondas. just slightly. but thats only my preference.

[Ragingrob]

I've got the GN on trademe for a pretty high price thinking that I'm not in a rush to sell it right now due to middle of exams and if I get the price then it'd be awesome and make things easy but if I don't, I don't mind.

The main reason I wanna change is due to living in a 100km area and travelling on the motorway most days. I can push the GN and cruise around 100-110ks but get pushed around a lot and revving high. The acceleration from say 70-100 is shite lol. My Corolla can beat this bike 0-100 easy.

So, maybe after exams I'll lower the price if it hasn't been sold and then I can do a bit of saving and get another bike, maybe brand new as robignevil says. Definitely new has it's advantages like warranty, pristine condition, and if looked after will last.

After exams I'll also keep an eye on trademe and see if I can have a ride on a few different bikes to see what I like the feel of. Although I'm not sure how many people are keen to have a learner test ride their bikes...

[discotex]

Although I'm not sure how many people are keen to have a learner test ride their bikes...

Yeah it's one reason I'll be trading mine in if I get a decent trade. Don't want the hassle of people fresh from basic handling skills smashing up my bike...

That said I'd be ok with test rides from people who stump up the cash while they ride incase they bin it.

If you want to get a feel for a bike go to the dealers. They will let anyone with a licence take any of their 250's out as you'll just pay their excess if you smash it up.

[Ragingrob]

If I was to go and test ride a few of them...I've got one major question - Is there any difference in reliability and problems and everything of say the Hyosung Gts, Kawasaki GPXs and Honda CBRs, or are they all pretty much around the same rating overall in terms of reliability and power? So then it'd just be a personal choice regarding comfort etc?

[ducatilover]

the hyobags are supposedly dodgy on the electrical side of things.
cbrs are fairly bullet proof but may need a bit more routine maintenance.

if you test a bike and it makes you happy and you enjoy it buy it. theres no point riding a bike you dont feel comfy or safe riding:2thumbsup

[Ragingrob]

And the ninjas? :P

[ducatilover]

the gpx/gpz are fairly bullet proof and theres a few nice ones on tardme now. personnaly id take a zxr250 over the lot, but thats cos the go, look and handle the best imho:niceone:

[jim.cox]

you lucky man. my mrs hates me haveing a bike.

There is a simple solution - get rid of the mrs :)

[ducatilover]

There is a simple solution - get rid of the mrs :)thtas a very simple fix....:Pokey:

i get things from her that i dont get on a bike:buggerd: and chocolate

:cool:

[HTFU]

is there any difference in reliability and problems and everything of say the Hyosung Gts, Kawasaki GPXs and Honda CBRs,

The honda CBR is an older bike that hasn't been available new for a few years (as far as I know) Honda still do a naked 250 twin VTR which is more along the lines of the Hyosung GT (comet) but it is $8000.

If you get an autocar magazine it has a list of all the bike brands and their current models. A lot of confusion on this thread with all the 250 variations. If you stick with a model that is still current, parts etc are going to be more available and the mechanics will be working on more of your bike, so (in theory) will know their way around it more efficiently (cheaper and better job done). All in my humble opinion of course. :cool:

[phoenixgtr]

You forgot the bandit 250 which I reckon is the best price/performance compromise in 250's. Crash cheaply too.

My thoughts exactly. No fairings to break, they've got plenty of go, handle like a dream and you can pick one up for half the price of a ZXR or a CBR

[Squiggles]

Keep the hell away from the vtz, best one there'd be the zzr, but why not a bandit or something like that?

[jim.cox]

It's just I do a lot of open road/motorway riding and I find the GN needs to be pushed to hang around 100!

I still recon a DR250 or XR250 could be the go

They're all good at those speeds - and still give you another +20km/h for passing

[Pancakes]

Give him a break everyone! Any of these 250's will be way better in all respects bar that ugly as shit Eliminator! CBR's, good bike, lots of parts. ZZR, sweet too.

[breakaway]

From the posted list, you should only be considering the CBR and ZXR. Or a ZZR if you find one shit cheap.