250 for a newbie

[Sm1thy]

I’m new here but here goes…
I recently moved to NZ because my family is here. I’m looking for a 250 to get to work but also enjoy the open kiwi roads. I got about $5k to spend. Quite fancy something bit sporty either faired or naked, just not a cruiser. Was thinking along the lines of a Honda VTR250 second hand? Or should I borrow $2k and fork out for a brand new Kawasaki Ninja 250R?

Any thoughts?
Cheers

[Jantar]

Check out this post for a take on the best learners bike. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=69394

If possible buy one with a few thousand kms on it, as they do sometimes have teething issues when new. But they can be dropped and sustain very little damage. No plastic bits to break. Economical, and generally reliable.

The issues they do have (like speedo suddenly stops working) are generally due to poor maintenance by the rider, are cheap to fix, and teach you a lot about looking after your bike.

While you are on your L plate they are perfect, and after you are ready to move to a GPX , GSX or CBR you will be more confident and ready.

[MaxCannon]

I've owned a GN250 for the past 12 months and it's been pretty reliable.
The clutch cable broke shortly after I got it, other than a flat tyre it's the only time it's ever had a problem with it.

While it's fine for around town it's down on power on the open road.
In strong winds or up big hills it's hard to sustain 100kph.

The VTR250 seems to be the pick of the used 250 market. Tidy examples can be had for around the $5K mark and it's a bike that will keep you entertained even after you have been riding for a while.

With the GN250 I'm desperate to upgrade but can't afford to right now.

[McJim]

I had a VTR250 for a year. Loved it. Behaves impeccably at slow speeds and can get up and boogie a bit when you need it to.

however if you want sympathy from everyone else get a Ginny.:rofl:

[Stromble]

How tall/big are you... that would affect your choice..

I learnt on a Hyosung GT250R, awesome looking and great handling 250 Vtwin sports bike.. You can probably pick up a great couple of year old model for 5K ish

[Ripperjon]

I just bought a ninja 250 the other day.

I don't have a whole lot to compare it to ( its my first ) but i can highly recommend it to you. It is very easy to ride. I have virtually zero bike experience and i feel so relaxed on it.

I was a little intimidated when i saw it and was not really looking forward to riding it off the forecourt. But 10-20mins later i felt comfortable with it and now i just love it.

I rode a GN when i did the basic handling test ( not for long though ) and as far as i can remember it felt a bit more cumbersome and although ( i think) the ninja is a bit heavier, it actually feels lighter. (Probably low CG i suppose)

Anyway, they're both great bikes but if you go with the ninja, you won't regret it.



Just don't drop it!

[Ripperjon]

Oh yeah, the Hyosung might not be a bad idea either.

They're a bit bigger and heavier but look nice and are available within your current budget.


Oh, and don't forget that you gotta use part of that budget for good gear if you value your skin.