Suzuki Marauder 125 vs 250?

[Sharry]

Hi Guys I would appreciate opinions on two SuzukiGZ250 Marauders that are on trade me. As in how are they to ride both as a comutor an out on road trips. And are these reasonable prices?
One is a 1998 for $3,300 with just under 18,000kms.
The other is a 2004 for $4,000 with 18,000 kms (this one closes in two hours).
Even though I would rather spend 3k than 4k I need a bike that will be reliable and hold its value reasonably.
I have not been on a bike for too long to mention until I did John Wrights refresher course yesterday. I am thinking from that I need to restart on a 250but know that I will want to upgrade either in cc or physical size of 250 in 6 months or less.
As I am simply itching to be back on a bike I may buy one that I find does not suit my needs. All constructive opinions will be valued.

[The Lone Rider]

Hi Guys I would appreciate opinions on two SuzukiGZ125 Marauders that are on trade me. As in how are they to ride both as a comutor an out on road trips. And are these reasonable prices?
One is a 1998 for $3,300 with just under 18,000kms.
The other is a 2004 for $4,000 with 18,000 kms (this one closes in two hours).
Even though I would rather spend 3k than 4k I need a bike that will be reliable and hold its value reasonably.
I have not been on a bike for too long to mention until I did John Wrights refresher course yesterday. I am thinking from that I need to restart on a 250but know that I will want to upgrade either in cc or physical size of 250 in 6 months or less.
As I am simply itching to be back on a bike I may buy one that I find does not suit my needs. All constructive opinions will be valued.

Go for a 250, not a 125. 250 is easily manageable, and the extra power will be handy.

[Chill]

As a GN250 owner I'd say it's stupidly easy to handle, at less than the price you're looking at for a 125...

[Sharry]

Thanks LLama and Chill I do believe that a 250 is the smallest I should start on or I might be in a walking frame before I get another 400cc. What I am not sure of is 3-4,000 a reasonable price for these?
Thanks

[The Lone Rider]

Thanks LLama and Chill I do believe that a 250 is the smallest I should start on or I might be in a walking frame before I get another 400cc. What I am not sure of is 3-4,000 a reasonable price for these?
Thanks

Well I say it's too much, as I have a 250 vtwin I've been trying to sell and haven't managed to sell it and right now seems I'd have to let it go for not much more then what you'd be paying for those older 125s.

But in saying that, 250s have a premium price on it as everyone legally has to have a 250 at some point in the licensing process.

Would help if you showed the auctions. I have a friend who picked up a SR250 for $1200 and it goes fine but just needs touching up and a few seals replaced.

[Sharry]

Appolagies my mistake they are 250's not 125's.

[Chill]

I got a new GN250 for $3,300 + on road costs. In hindsight, I would advise getting a second hand 250 in good nick. They are usually ok and easy to flick on because everyone without a full needs a 250. Second hand GN's are $2.5k-3k for a decent one. Virago's, or Hyosung GV250's (if you like cruisers) and Hyosung GT250R's (if you like sports) are probably the best value, at a few $k's more than Gn's (i think), if you have the money.

[The Lone Rider]

Or the big mother of 250s, Honda Magnas

GN250s arent being made anymore so I'm told by Mythical.

[Sharry]

I got a new GN250 for $3,300 + on road costs. In hindsight, I would advise getting a second hand 250 in good nick. They are usually ok and easy to flick on because everyone without a full needs a 250. Second hand GN's are $2.5k-3k for a decent one. Virago's, or Hyosung GV250's (if you like cruisers) and Hyosung GT250R's (if you like sports) are probably the best value, at a few $k's more than Gn's (i think), if you have the money.

Thanks Chill,
I noted that you have a GN and have also noticed that the ones on trademe are 2-3,000 which is all about I can affrord as nobody wants to buy my van off me which I was going to finance the bike and gear.

Have you taken your GN on 250 or any other rides? how do they handle out in the open?

[Chill]

I keep mine well oiled, with a good tight chain, and it goes 100-120 kph fine, as long as you're not into a head wind or up a hill.

In saying that, I've gone over the Rimutaka Hill many a time, and I've overtaken hundreds of cars, and only been overtaken by one or two sports cars, and a few bikes. They are light, cheap, efficient, and a nice style (imo).

I've taken mine up to Northland from Wellington and back, no problems. Just keep her well oiled inside and out...

[Sharry]

[QUOTE=LLAMA SOLA;1361104]Or the big mother of 250s, Honda Magnas

WOW I just googled her. She is one bike alright. A bit heavy for a 250 maybe but she's one classy girl.

[Sharry]

I keep mine well oiled, with a good tight chain, and it goes 100-120 kph fine, as long as you're not into a head wind or up a hill.

In saying that, I've gone over the Rimutaka Hill many a time, and I've overtaken hundreds of cars, and only been overtaken by one or two sports cars, and a few bikes. They are light, cheap, efficient, and a nice style (imo).

I've taken mine up to Northland from Wellington and back, no problems. Just keep her well oiled inside and out...

Thanks for that Chill. That puts a better light on the GN for me.

[Chill]

Sweet as. One other thing: be prepared for other bikers not to wave back! I wave 90% of the time, and don't get many back! Whether it's because they can see I'm on a GN or not I don't know...

[The Lone Rider]

[QUOTE=LLAMA SOLA;1361104]Or the big mother of 250s, Honda Magnas

WOW I just googled her. She is one bike alright. A bit heavy for a 250 maybe but she's one classy girl.

Should see the one I have for sale then :P

I've met several women who ride them and are quite happy with them.

[Sharry]

[QUOTE=Sharry;1361113]

Should see the one I have for sale then :P

I've met several women who ride them and are quite happy with them.

So are you saying you have a magna for sale? How much are you wanting for her? I would at the end of the day have a Honda over anything else if I can afford it. I have a good friend in CHCH who would check it out for me.