I want your 5 cents

[PJ_tpl]

Hi there guys,

Ive seen the logic in buying a bike and would like some recommendations on a 250. I work in the city mon-fri and travel from hobsonville, so im on the motorway 90% of the time.

Have had my eye on a few zxr's and cbr250rr's.

zxr:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-144028606.htm?key=260361

cbr250rr:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-144709256.htm?key=262214

The zxr seems exactly what im after, and i was wondering if anyone could fault it?

Or recommend me another bike? Total sub 7k inc gear

Also, where does everyone buy their gear in auckland? Is there a particular place i should be supporting now im a kiwibiker member?

Cheers

Pete

[NOMIS]

Sup brotha,

Get a hornet, and try motomail outlet store we can go on sat?

[Disco Dan]

If the sole purpose for this 250cc bike is commuting then a sports bike is going to be a pain... zxr's and cbr's etc love corners!! It is like giving someone a ferrari and having it restricted to 20kmph...

Get yourself one of those yamaha scorpio things...

[NOMIS]

If the sole purpose for this 250cc bike is commuting then a sports bike is going to be a pain... zxr's and cbr's etc love corners!! It is like giving someone a ferrari and having it restricted to 20kmph...

Get yourself one of those yamaha scorpio things...

ewwww gay!

[PJ_tpl]

Im not too keen on a cruiser. I like corners just as much as a sports bike. I predict driving the long way home in the evenings because i work 11.30am - 8.30pm..

^^ lol agree with you si

[Disco Dan]

ewwww gay!

yeah I agree but the dude was asking for advice on a good commuting bike... the scorpio does the trick - great for lane splitting..

But hey, I cant really talk as I lane split on the mighty ZX11 ...negotiating a big fat whale through lines of cars takes skill matey!!

[NOMIS]

yeah I agree but the dude was asking for advice on a good commuting bike... the scorpio does the trick - great for lane splitting..

But hey, I cant really talk as I lane split on the mighty ZX11 ...negotiating a big fat whale through lines of cars takes skill matey!!

haha hey do u do the n/western in the arvos? think ive gone past you a few times. well u let me past after i sat up your ass. ( if that was you )

[PJ_tpl]

yeah I agree but the dude was asking for advice on a good commuting bike...

Sorry i didnt explain too well. Im definitely after a sports bike.. Need to rape nomis' ass round the corners when we go cruising

[Disco Dan]

haha hey do u do the n/western in the arvos? think ive gone past you a few times. well u let me past after i sat up your ass. ( if that was you )

What? Nope not me... not many people need to actually 'pass' me while im splitting... well other than skidmark (lol)

I live 200 metres from where I work - so bike is just for fun. (and shopping)

[007XX]

If the sole purpose for this 250cc bike is commuting then a sports bike is going to be a pain... zxr's and cbr's etc love corners!! It is like giving someone a ferrari and having it restricted to 20kmph...

Get yourself one of those yamaha scorpio things...

I agree with the fact that a sportbike will be a massive pain for commuting. Take especially good care if the rider is relatively tall in respect to the bike's height.

But the Scorpios do lack in street cred admitedly (sorry EJ :o)...

What about a VTR250? Got street cred, comfortable to the max (I can vouch for that), awesome little bikes all round and retain their value for either resell or trade in (which is definitely to be kept in mind). Also, one can be easily found for the budget you seem to be in...

[NOMIS]

Sorry i didnt explain too well. Im definitely after a sports bike.. Need to rape nomis' ass round the corners when we go cruising

well thats just silly, dont wana have to join me in court

[Taz]

I'll recommend a brand new GPX250R over all these 18 year old ZXR's and CBR's every time. $5995 brand new. What are you waiting for?

[Nagash]

If you're keen to take it out for some decent rides aswell, I recommend the ATNR or on one of the 250 coro loop rides, then I don't spot any fault with the green Ninja. I reckon it'll be a blast aslong as you don't kill yourself.

You'll have more then enough pace on the motorway probably enough to get you a fair few speeding fines. The wind may be an issue.. those fairings can act like a big sale but riding in heavy wind is just another skill to be picked up.

I say go for it, and ride safe.

[Disco Dan]

Sorry i didnt explain too well. Im definitely after a sports bike.. Need to rape nomis' ass round the corners when we go cruising

ahh I see, in that case I would have to agree with the gunstrappedtoherthighchickthatis007XX and recommend the VTR

[NOMIS]

What? Nope not me... not many people need to actually 'pass' me while im splitting... well other than skidmark (lol)

I live 200 metres from where I work - so bike is just for fun. (and shopping)

haha yeh i think skid mark has to pass everyone.

[The Pastor]

I'll recommend a brand new GPX250R over all these 18 year old ZXR's and CBR's every time. $5995 brand new. What are you waiting for?
corner speed?

[007XX]

Cheers DoubleDs :laugh: :D

Also one thing before going considering bikes: How about taking similar models for a little trundle around the block?

Test riding should be a big part of the buying process...

[Mikkel]

Commuting on a 250 sportsbike is sweet. :yes:

My bullshit detector goes red when looking at the ZXR. It's a nice looking ZXR for sure... However, if it's a '93 it shouldn't be putting out 45 hps at the crank (new restrictions in Japan for 93 - so they drop the IL4 250s down to ~39). Unless it has been derestricted it shouldn't have that output and certainly not be able to do 175 km/h in a headwind!
If the bike had been derestricted it would be good to know when, where and how.

That said I can warmly recommend ZXRs :)

The CBR looks pretty good, it's a '92 model so it should have the 45 hps engine. Honda engines are pretty much bullet proof which is good.

[PJ_tpl]

Mmmm, im still set on ZXR. Dad bought me a ninja when i was a kid, and barely let me ride it.. Im still in love with them.

The VTR lacks lethalness, the gxr has too square cyclops a light..

Whats an ATNR?

[Taz]

corner speed?

Wow gpx's don't have corner speed?? Whatever RM. I stand by my recommendation and if the GPX isn't sexy enough then there's the new ZX2R at a grand dearer.

[Disco Dan]

Mmmm, im still set on ZXR. Dad bought me a ninja when i was a kid, and barely let me ride it.. Im still in love with them.

The VTR lacks lethalness, the gxr has too square cyclops a light..

Whats an ATNR?

ATNR - Attack The Northern Riders

Its a cult. Some may say a gang.

(p/t)

[007XX]

Mmmm, im still set on ZXR. Dad bought me a ninja when i was a kid, and barely let me ride it.. Im still in love with them.

The VTR lacks lethalness, the gxr has too square cyclops a light..

Whats an ATNR?

:thud:

Auckland Thursday Night Ride...you got to come along at some stage :2thumbsup

Meeting at the Shell station in Westgate at 6.30pm.

[NOMIS]

Mmmm, im still set on ZXR. Dad bought me a ninja when i was a kid, and barely let me ride it.. Im still in love with them.

The VTR lacks lethalness, the gxr has too square cyclops a light..

Whats an ATNR?

Well get a friging hornet then lol, and im sure the only 250's that where restricted where 250's destined for uk market eg cbr's zxr's gsx's ect tell me if im wrong. but my bike more than 40 hp

[PJ_tpl]

Well get a friging hornet then lol, and im sure the only 250's that where restricted where 250's destined for uk market eg cbr's zxr's gsx's ect tell me if im wrong. but my bike more than 40 hp

You know i dont wanna hornet man. Your bike is wicked, but i dont want the same as both you AND dyllan, especially because i want a sports bike. frigging nomis, do some work.. i am :girlfight:

And to the above post, i work till 8.30pm unfortunately.

[Disco Dan]

:thud:

Auckland Thursday Night Ride...you got to come along at some stage :2thumbsup

Meeting at the Shell station in Westgate at 6.30pm.

Yeah.. shes right... :whistle:

Although ATNR did give Deathstar erectile dysfunction... :banana:

[PJ_tpl]

there's the new ZX2R at a grand dearer.

^^ I like that suggestion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_ZX-2R

Similar stance to a ninja

[007XX]

Although ATNR did give Deathstar erectile dysfunction... :banana:

I do not know this Deathstar you are speaking of unfortunately...

Did you teach him to ride? :dodge: :laugh:

[Disco Dan]

I do not know this Deathstar you are speaking of unfortunately...

Did you teach him to ride? :dodge: :laugh:

Nope, he left KB along with his brother after the shame of it all... :devil2:

[PJ_tpl]

What about RGV250's?

Anyone had experience with these

[Mikkel]

^^ I like that suggestion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_ZX-2R

Similar stance to a ninja

The new ninja isn't a 250 sportsbike... Ask skidMark about it ;)


What about RGV250's?

Anyone had experience with these

2-strokes are much more temperamental. A bit more maintenance - and a lot more peaky in the way power is delivered.

I'm sure they are a lot of fun - but I wouldn't consider them a learners bike.

[PJ_tpl]

Hmmm thanks bud. I still love the look of this ninja

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/2/61887602_full.jpg

^^ How do you host images on kiwibiker?

Where else can i get that mean stance :(

[HungusMaximist]

Those 250 sports bikes are great but make sure you do your homework thoroughly.

An old bike is always an old bike so expect a bit of negligence and don't be surprised if it turn out to be an 'lemon'.

The best advice I can give is to you is, being open minded doesn't hurt. And not owning a ZXR or CBR isn't gonna hurt either as long as you've made the right purchase.

Don't be fixated on one mindset/direction because when you get out on the road and start mingling with other bikers you'll be fairly surprised how well a VTR/GN250 can carve corners, and I've seen plenty of GN250s keep up in the corners against the big boys riding 600's and 750's.

Remember your skills runs usually out before the bikes does, having a bike that has street cred doesn't do jack if you can't ride.

[CookMySock]

if you are commuting at open-road speeds, something larger than a 250 will be a lot more comfy and a lot less hard work. If you never get past 60km/hr then the 250 will be easier.

Check out the GT250R and GT650R.

DB

[PJ_tpl]

Ill look into those. Cant really have anything larger than 250 due to learners licence unfortunately

[NOMIS]

Ill look into those. Cant really have anything larger than 250 due to learners licence unfortunately

dont get a hyoshit lol they look cool but there underpowered i rekon,

[Taz]

^^ I like that suggestion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_ZX-2R

Similar stance to a ninja

Your wikipedia link is just for the old ZXR250/ZX2-R .
This is what I was suggesting...... The 2008 ZX2-R Ninja. $6995 RRP

[PJ_tpl]

Ahhh yup, i know the ones. 70% new engine and drivetrain. Ill be looking into those also. I love the ninjas

[FROSTY]

My er "qualification--20 odd years on and off commuting on Aucklands Motorways. This has been on a variety of bikes from a 150cc up to a 1300cc bike

Apsolutely unreservedly I would reccoment a VTR250.
Why? 1)light and narrow,
2) No fairings to get munched.
3) for a 250 plenty of low down stomp to get yaself outa trouble
4) a "natural" riding position that has a two fold advantage a-easier on your wrists and neck b-better leverage when manouvering through the cars and c the more upright riding position makes it easier for you to see and be seen
5) except atspeeds quite frankly you shoulknt be thinking about now they are a capable sport bike. -ie the suspension and brakes WORK and are well balanced
6) FOR YOUR MONEY--compared to an equivilant sport bike they are good value for money
7) they have a REPUTATION for having great longevity compared to other bikes in the price bracket
8) in a minor crash you are most likely gonnna be upset but damage to the bikes likely to be superficial-anything with a fairing you have either good freinds who repair plastic or deep pockets --or I guess dont care about scuffs n stuff

[NOMIS]

yo to be honest man i rekon the vfr a cool bike wouldnt mind one my self.

[NOMIS]

yo to be honest man i rekon the vfr a cool bike wouldnt mind one my self.

Sorry misspreint i meant to say VTR mt bad

[NOMIS]

yo to be honest man i rekon the vfr a cool bike wouldnt mind one my self.

Sorry misspreint i meant to say VTR my bad

[avgas]

pj whats ya skill like on a bike? Ridden much off road? or on road?
No skill try something simple to start off with aye

[PJ_tpl]

pj whats ya skill like on a bike? Ridden much off road? or on road?
No skill try something simple to start off with aye

Last bike i rode was dads rebel last year. I dont like the upright natural position

[FROSTY]

pJ--REBELS AINT URRIGHT THEY BE CRUISER

[Ixion]

I've laid on an extra shift at the Gene-O-Kleen ("evolution you can see") production line. Tell all your mates to get sprotsbikes too. Don't thank me, it's the least I can do.

[Unit]

Test riding should be a big part of the buying process...
When will you people learn? All bikes need to be test owned, you can trial them further :scooter:

[The Pastor]

Wow gpx's don't have corner speed?? Whatever RM. I stand by my recommendation and if the GPX isn't sexy enough then there's the new ZX2R at a grand dearer.

gpx has corner speed, just not a lot of it :devil2:

[Taz]

gpx has corner speed, just not a lot of it :devil2:
How fast is your bike around a corner at the moment? It's not? oh well. The road aint the race track and most 250's will do the speed limit comfortably. But no all you guy's want a sportsbike 250 cause you all wanna be valentino?

[The Pastor]

How fast is your bike around a corner at the moment? It's not? oh well. The road aint the race track and most 250's will do the speed limit comfortably. But no all you guy's want a sportsbike 250 cause you all wanna be valentino?
nah old rossi is too slow

[discotex]

nah old rossi is too slow

Young people these days... They all want to be bloody stoners.

[jcupit69]

I had a zxr and commuted 60km every day and took it for a blat on the weekends in the twistys and loved it!!!!

When it comes down to choosing between the zxr n cbr though the best thing to do is go and ride them and see which you like. cbrs r good, but i felt to big for it???? others will say they prefered the cbr, so go have a test ride and see which suits you.


dont get a hyoshit lol they look cool but there underpowered i rekon,

and i have to agree with this comment, same with the new ninjas too.

[jrandom]

Buy a VTR250, and remember, there's a big difference between the 'upright/naked' riding position and the 'cruiser' riding position.

[discotex]

Yeah get a ZXR.. They crash well... Not.. Will be a write off almost definitely.

Seriously, get a bike that'll last your 6L and 6R with little depreciation then get the sprotsbike of your dreams. Hornets, Bandits and VTRs all fit the bill.

Check out this thread for what happened to my ZXR in a low speed crash with a car.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=60442

Had it not been someone else's fault (like most bins on these pocket rockets) I'd have lost well over a grand on excess and increased premiums on my new 600.

Not to mention resale value unless the repairs were pefect.

One slip at the lights is all it takes to ruin a faired bike.

But hey... It's your life and you're welcome to ignore the sound advice out there. Just be prepared for told-ya-so if you fuck up.

[Zuki Bandit]

My er "qualification--20 odd years on and off commuting on Aucklands Motorways. This has been on a variety of bikes from a 150cc up to a 1300cc bike

Apsolutely unreservedly I would reccoment a VTR250.
Why? 1)light and narrow,
2) No fairings to get munched.
3) for a 250 plenty of low down stomp to get yaself outa trouble
4) a "natural" riding position that has a two fold advantage a-easier on your wrists and neck b-better leverage when manouvering through the cars and c the more upright riding position makes it easier for you to see and be seen
5) except atspeeds quite frankly you shoulknt be thinking about now they are a capable sport bike. -ie the suspension and brakes WORK and are well balanced
6) FOR YOUR MONEY--compared to an equivilant sport bike they are good value for money
7) they have a REPUTATION for having great longevity compared to other bikes in the price bracket
8) in a minor crash you are most likely gonnna be upset but damage to the bikes likely to be superficial-anything with a fairing you have either good freinds who repair plastic or deep pockets --or I guess dont care about scuffs n stuff
Good advise Frosty, makes perfect sence!

[jcupit69]

Yeah get a ZXR.. They crash well... Not.. Will be a write off almost definitely.

Seriously, get a bike that'll last your 6L and 6R with little depreciation then get the sprotsbike of your dreams. Hornets, Bandits and VTRs all fit the bill.

Check out this thread for what happened to my ZXR in a low speed crash with a car.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=60442

Had it not been someone else's fault (like most bins on these pocket rockets) I'd have lost well over a grand on excess and increased premiums on my new 600.

Not to mention resale value unless the repairs were pefect.

One slip at the lights is all it takes to ruin a faired bike.

But hey... It's your life and you're welcome to ignore the sound advice out there. Just be prepared for told-ya-so if you fuck up.

Good point, check out what happend to mine when i hit a 4x4 at bout 50kmh.....http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1406841#post1406841

[NOMIS]

Good point, check out what happend to mine when i hit a 4x4 at bout 50kmh.....http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1406841#post1406841

Oh fark me, that sux man. Yeh wel old pj is to cool for a hornet or a bandit or a VTR gunna be funny when he does drop what ever he gets he gave me shit about droping my bike on its side, he said " man u suck, tour bike gunna look like dylans hunk of shit soon" Doesnt realise how easy it is todo,

[NOMIS]

By the way pj when you get a chance check out these guys pics on how easy a bike is to write off, bloody faired bikes huh.

[avgas]

Buy a VTR250, and remember, there's a big difference between the 'upright/naked' riding position and the 'cruiser' riding position.
Tassles??????????????????????

[NOMIS]

Tassles??????????????????????

hahahahaha handel bar moe leather waistcoat and a yeeehaw when you ride

[007XX]

When will you people learn? All bikes need to be test owned, you can trial them further :scooter:

:girlfight: Stop it already you...:spanking:


Buy a VTR250, and remember, there's a big difference between the 'upright/naked' riding position and the 'cruiser' riding position.

Exactly what I said...but apparently, the VTR is not "lethal" enough...:rolleyes: :laugh:

[NOMIS]

Exactly what I said...but apparently, the VTR is not "lethal" enough...:rolleyes: :laugh:[/QUOTE]


well everything has to = death for him to be interested or at least look scary.
haha you wont convince him

[PJ_tpl]

Exactly what I said...but apparently, the VTR is not "lethal" enough...:rolleyes: :laugh:

well everything has to = death for him to be interested or at least look scary.
haha you wont convince him

Yup you know the one simon :) Has to look like death. It will be insured death, but still death none the less. If i could afford a cuda or a charger as my daily id be driving that.. because its DEATH (but only in matt black of course) !

On a more serious note, it was my dad that taught me what i know about riding and he is an extremely cautious man. He doesnt see the point of even owning a bike in auckland city, so hes moved to kaipara. Ive been tossing up the option of a VTR and ive come to the conclusion no. Because its not what i want. I dont want a naked bike, even though some of them look wicked cool.

The zxr and cbrr are still my options. Im going to have a chat to a guy at work today (if he turns up) and see if he can pull a string or two in the shop so i can trial an 08 ninja for the weekend.

Fingers crossed

[NOMIS]

organise ur basic hanlding and that first i dont think theyl let u and if they do give me a blast. haha

[Mikkel]

Young people these days... They all want to be bloody stoners.

Stoners aren't fast - just smooth :yes:


As for crashing a faired bike - yes there's more to repair. They'll be just as mechanically robust as any other 250 ccm though.

There are people out there that can do wonders with plastics for not much money at all really.

[jrandom]

Stoners aren't fast...

:bash:

<img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/34dil1t.gif"/>

:rockon:

[PJ_tpl]

yah trick yah

[Dodger]

Hyosung maybe? ;)

GT250 (http://dealer.motorcycletrader.co.nz/ItemDetail.aspx?ResultsPerPage=10&ResultsPerPage=10&DealerID=161713&item=8359&MTA=False&SortBy=4&sid=118A3A4F7CE0&ShowThumbnail=True&Alias=motorcycletradernz&AdvertiserReference=5059527&N=0&OrderBy=3) = $6290 new

I'm up to 20000ks now commuting everyday and the bike is great, gw555 is up to 60000+kms now and has had no problems.

[Kittyhawk]

I do not know this Deathstar you are speaking of unfortunately...

Did you teach him to ride? :dodge: :laugh:

Someone tried but failed....."fucked" if I know what went wrong...

Just call into red baron and ask for spitroast...:oi-grr:

[PJ_tpl]

I bought a hellrot red 328i instead :) What a fag.. lol