Opinions please, Suzuki VL250

[KelvinAng]

I thought they're pretty good bikes (at least on paper, but I don't really know very much about bikes). Nothing on TardMe except dealer advertisements, and few people discuss these bikes here. So just wondering... are they so good that nobody is willing to sell them, or are they so bad nobody's buying? Or... am I in the wrong forum?

Yeah I know everyone has different opinions but I've love to hear them all...

[Rosso]

Gidday KelvinAng,
I have just joined the Forum and noticed your query on the above.
I purchased a Suzuki VL 250 Intruder last November and have had a great run out of it so far, after a lot of looking around at various bikes ,it was the one that stood out and was the most comfortable to ride, they look great and sound like a bigger bike. I havn,t owned a bike for quite a few years and felt it was wiser too start off again with a smaller machine.
Your right about not seeing too many on Trademe ,I guess I was lucky and picked this one up and all the riding gear for $1000 bucks cheaoer than the dealer had on it, it had done 1100K.
No doubt I will upgrade in a year or so , as you do
Cheers
Rosso

[Edbear]

The two best 250 cruisers on the market are the Suzuki and the Yamaha, closely followed by the Hyosung.

It would be a toss up between the Suz and the Yam, but mainly would depend on brand preference. It is possible that if you're tall the VL would be a better fit. You can't really go wrong with either, though I was disappointed that Suzuki saw fit to change the dual exhausts to a single muffler. Doesn't look as good IMO, though again, others may disagree.

Both have excellent build quality and are virtually bulletproof.

[Edbear]

Oh PS. Welcome both of you to KB!:niceone:

[1 Free Man]

where do I start?????
I have had my Intruder since the weekend before Easter. As of 6.00pm today I have clocked up 3908 km. I have never owned or ridden a road bike in my life (I'm 54). I have found it so easy to get along with. For a first timers bike I would say you wont go past it. The only thing that I have an issue with is the seat is too soft and when the air goes out of it you end up sitting on the plastic part under the foam. I am having the seat re-done Tuesday by MCDONALD MOTOR TRIMMERS in Tauranga.
I dont think you will find an INTRUDER on the market 2nd hand just yet. As I understand it the VL250 INTRUDER have only been coming into the country since last year.
I can't compare with any other bike but as far as BANG FOR YOUR BUCKS goes I don't think you can go wrong. $6380 brand new on the road with full warranty.
I looked at the HYOSUNG(sp) as well as they are a little cheaper, about a grand I think, but went for the Suzuki because I just liked the look of it.
Next step for me will probably be a C50T BOULEVARD.:first:

[damo]

VL250 is a great bike. There are some 2nd hand ones around, however do a proper check on the vin and frame serial numbers if you buy one.

cos mine was stolen and I'd hate for someone to buy it unawares hahaa

[Edbear]

...Next step for me will probably be a C50T BOULEVARD.:first:


Well of course I couldn't possibly comment...:rolleyes:

[KelvinAng]

Thanks guys for sharing your opinion. I didn't know the VL250 is new in NZ, so that might explain why it's quite rare on the 2nd hand market... I like the look and sound of it, plus $6000+ brand new seems like quite a good deal for a bike this good on paper. If I recall correctly the Yamaha one cost quite a bit more.

Is there anything about this bike that you guys wish it had or is different? I do agree the twin exhaust would have look way cooler, and possibly removed to keep cost low I guess.

[woodboats]

Excellent bike.
Before my wife upgraded to her 650 V Star she had the 250 Intruder.
Plenty of power for what it is, good handling and can go all day at 100-110.
You do have a bit more if needed but for road travel those are acceptable speeds.
I used to love taking it for a ride, lots of fun.
We ended up putting saddle bags and luggage rack on for touring.
At the time I felt the Intruder was the better bike for cost as compared to the Yamaha. Don't get me wrong, the 250 Yamaha is also a good bike but cost wise it I would look at the Intruder.

[duckonin]

250 VL has been around for a few years now with the two into one single exhaust...Great little bikes cheap to run with a lot of go in them, not many second hand ones around for those reasons..they were $8000 plus ORC a few years back...Great buying load one up easy to ride Auk Welly and back no prob, but do stay well to the left of the center line.....IDGITS coming toward you want you side also..:argh:

[Metalor]

Well, if I had the choice on any 250 to ride I'd probably ride the VL... nicest looking 250 in my opinon! Sadly, money is a bit of a problem for me :P

[KelvinAng]

Excellent bike.
Before my wife upgraded to her 650 V Star she had the 250 Intruder.
Plenty of power for what it is, good handling and can go all day at 100-110.
You do have a bit more if needed but for road travel those are acceptable speeds.
I used to love taking it for a ride, lots of fun.
We ended up putting saddle bags and luggage rack on for touring.
At the time I felt the Intruder was the better bike for cost as compared to the Yamaha. Don't get me wrong, the 250 Yamaha is also a good bike but cost wise it I would look at the Intruder.

I've always been wondering how the VL250 would perform as a touring bike. Do you remember how much does installing the saddle bags and luggage rack cost you?

[KelvinAng]

Well, if I had the choice on any 250 to ride I'd probably ride the VL... nicest looking 250 in my opinon! Sadly, money is a bit of a problem for me :P

Money is a problem for most people! :-) Actually I also question myself many times the logic of spending so much on a 250 because I know sometime in the near future I'm bound to get my Full and then will want to sell this and get a larger bike.

But the VL250 is such a beauty and it doesn't pop up used too often...

[1 Free Man]

I've always been wondering how the VL250 would perform as a touring bike. Do you remember how much does installing the saddle bags and luggage rack cost you?

hi there
I have, 3 weeks ago, bought Pannier bags and support bars for my INTRUDER.
As usual I cant find the F**k'n invoice. I think they cost me $650 all up. The intruder bags are small but better than nothing. They are well made with SUZUKI imprinted on the front of them. The down side of them is the crap way which you secure them to the bike. They supply a length of leather lace to cut in half and tie the bags to the support bars. I am takinng them to the uphostery guys to see if they can come up with a better idea. I'm thinking velcro or something like that. I could see the leather tie coming loose after a while on the road and the things flying off. :argh:
I am taking the bags in tomorrow when I get my seat re-done. Watch this space and I'll keep you up with the play.
As WOODBOATS said the INTRUDER cruise's at 100-110 sweet as. Would do it all day I think:clap:

[woodboats]

We used the Venture luggage rack (approx $225) and saddle bags from Trade Me $185.
With one up you can carry any amount of luggage with that set up.
Have ridden 2 up a few times and is fine for short trips, no real problem for the bike but it is only a 250 so have to keep that in mind with 2 up.

The darn little thing always got more attention than my bike! Not many folks believed it was only a 250 due to the nice cruiser design. Of course another bonus is with the low seat it is easy to keep your feet flat when stopping.

[woodboats]

Just a few photos on how it was decked out.
I couldn't help myself;) I had to dress the the little thing up a bit.

Sigh, Now she wants the same things for her Yamaha!

[KelvinAng]

That's indeed a beauty, woodboats! Thanks for sharing the pics.

I can understand why that "darn little thing" is a looker. A quick google search also turn out comments similar to yours. She's really quite a beauty and sounds really good. It's going to be 1-up riding for me as far as I can tell so I guess I shouldn't worry about it being a 250 cruiser.

So, when we can see pics of a decked out Yamaha V-Star? ;-)

Keep us updated on your bags, 1 Free Man. I know what you mean about the bags falling off. Sounds weird that that's all Suzuki would give to keep the bags on the bikes. Then again, I've once saw a Hayabusa in Singapore with one of those scooter carrier box attached to the back, so maybe Suzuki aren't that smart when it comes to accessories after all...

[johnnyflash]

I went looking for a second bike (for commuting) a little while ago and after riding many 250's the ONLY one in consideration was the intruder, I found the new intruder 250 felt the BIGGEST bike ride wise, most laid back cruiser style in that size range. But no I didnt buy one as I found hopping of the 1500 onto 250 was just too much, so I settled on a 800 as my commuter bike.
But as a first bike its got to be one of the best all round for performance and looks in the cruiser style.. TEST RIDE em ALL bfore you buy anything :-)

[Blossom]

I thought they're pretty good bikes (at least on paper, but I don't really know very much about bikes). Nothing on TardMe except dealer advertisements, and few people discuss these bikes here. So just wondering... are they so good that nobody is willing to sell them, or are they so bad nobody's buying? Or... am I in the wrong forum?

Yeah I know everyone has different opinions but I've love to hear them all...

Just found this thread and thought I would add my 2c worth.
I brought a vl250 2008 model in March I think I paid $6000 for her with wof and reg. I brought some saddle bags off a local dealer (http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?cPath=54&products_id=157) for $180 and have found no need to have support bars to hold them up.
Its an awesome bike. My hubby rides a rf900 yet still enjoys taking my girl out for a blat. She cruises at 110 easy as. I have not taken anyone else out on her but I think she would handle it fine.
We test rode I think every 250 on the market from the virago to the maurader and the vl was the best bang for buck. I nearly went for a magna but $5500 for a 10yr old magna or $6k for a brand spanking new intruder was hardly a difficult choice. The guys at colemans suzuki let us take the floor model out for a test drive and we were sold.
Good luck hunting. I have a few pics of the girl in my profile if you want to have a look.

[KelvinAng]

Thanks for that Blossom.

There's no doubt the VL250 is excellent value for its class. I'm a bit reluctant to buy a brand new 250cc cruiser actually, the logic being I'll probably want a bigger bike when I get my Full, and that the 650cc Boulevards aren't that much more expensive!

This "250 tax" is a bit ridiculous I think. The Burgman 250 scooter actually cost more than the Burgman 400 :mad:

[chubby]

Kelvin

Then if its just a transition bike you want, does it matter what you ride (within reason)? I am sure the VL will hold its value as good as any (allowing for the impending changes to the rules on licencing) but your right at $6k there will still be a loss and even then maybe a hard sell due to price. That loss is minimised on the purchase of say a cheaper, older GN that has an almost sold before you advertise feel about it. If your looking to top up as soon as you go full then why not get a good little GN etc and squirrel your money away for the Bouvelard of broken dreams (sorry, the music line just hit me as i was writing, no offence intended).

Then again as a transition bike, just grab anything (again within reason)????

PS if anyone does know about the sale of a GN......

[KelvinAng]

Then again as a transition bike, just grab anything (again within reason)????

Know what you mean, chubby. Thought of that before. I'm not in a hurry to get anything (at least 4 more months before I can take my Restricted test) so shall see if any decent deals come up along the way.

[chubby]

sounds like a plan. If cruisers are the way you want to go then thats great, but does it have to be in transition??? I can see your wrestling with this as we speak and so your comment 'see if any decent deals come up along the way' is a very good one. Don't restrict yourself as you will get what you want in short time.

Good luck in your search.

[KelvinAng]

Very observant! :-)

I have a wee bit of a problem... I have a fetish for bikes designed for roads. I love them all (and this includes "racer" bicycles - technically known as "road bikes", as opposed to "mountain bikes" or "trial bikes").

I can see myself eventually owning a cruiser, a sport bike, a naked bike, a big scooter and a three-wheeled novelty bike of sorts sometime in the future. Problem is picking the starting point (and finding a flat with a huge garage). The 250cc bike will most likely be transitional (why keep a 250 when a 400-600 cost just a grand more?) BUT if I can get a good deal on a 125cc sport bike I might keep that. There's something about these small sport bikes that I find... cute... for lack of a better word. Plus, they probably make decent commuters should I sell my 50cc scooter (not that I don't like that scooter.... it has fantastic handling and unbelievable fuel economy, but it will probably be the sacrificial lamb when it comes to keeping my number of bikes in check - if that ever happen).

I also like the bike to be able to do a bit of touring. Come summer I hope to be able to do a ride from ChCh to Tekapo (one of my favourite place in NZ), and I think a cruiser will be well suited for the job, which is why I'm considering a VL250 (good value for money, even with the 250 tax applied).

[Blossom]

Ah I see your problem. Well if you want to do some touring before you get your full and upsize the bike then I guess you will need a reasonably grunty 250. Having owned a gn250 before they are a great bike but I personally never used mine for touring as it could not sustain 100k well. The resale on the 250s is good though. I have seen 2 vl250s for sale 2nd hand. Both with around 1500-2000k on the clock and both sold for $5300 which is only a loss of around $700
But I see your point. Perhaps an older 250 like the kawasaki EL250. Cheaper than new but not a lot of them around though and still way over priced. IMHO
Well keep us posted. and good luck

[Blossom]

As I was lurking about thismorning I found this http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=73936

You might want to check it out. :yes:

[KelvinAng]

Hi Blossom, thanks for the link and thoughts. I thought 1500-2000 km is quite a short distance to have it depreciate by $700 but it's lesser than what my scooter would have depreciated in the same amount of distance. Seems like a used VL250 would be the way to go aye.

[Blossom]

I think it comes down to loving what you ride. If you love it you will ride it. If you dont you will just use it when you need to. At least that is how it is for me. Good luck with the hunt, hope you find what your looking for.

[blossomsowner]

wow.........blossom is so wise.............you should listen to her.....

[blossomsowner]

just remember what the great philosopher maximus said



"there is no replacement for displacement

[Blossom]

just remember what the great philosopher maximus said



"there is no replacement for displacement

Ignore him....hes being a prat:dodge:

[KelvinAng]

LOL you guys made my day :apint:

[Blossom]

Your welcome. The man is nowhere near that witty in real life but he keeps me amused.

[Griffin]

Hi, Ive just joined KB and found this forum - I think Im going to be on here for days catching up on all the threads.
Just to put a spin on your discussion - I had a look at both the 2007 Suzuki VL250 and a 2001 Yammy XVS250 when I went to purchase my first bike 7 months ago. I ended up with both bikes side by side and I couldnt take my eyes off my Yammy. Im not sure what happened in 2000 / 2001 with Yamaha in the Dragstar / Virago 250 range but they got it just right... its a beautiful lookin 250 cruiser and most people who see it guess at it being a 400 minimum. To me, the later model viragos and intruders all seem a bit less meatier. I can highly recommend the Yamaha XVS 250 as an awesome first bike, Im sure the Intruder would come a close second :msn-wink:

[KelvinAng]

Thanks for that, Griffin.

I haven't really considered Yammys because they generally cost more than the Suzis. Didn't totally rule them out, however! Still keeping my options open. For all I know I might end up with a 250cc scooter :scooter:

[Griffin]

Yeah, I have to admit - the choice on the floor was the 2007 suzuki or the 2001 Yammy and they were both at $5995 + orc. I know that I could have had a 'brand new' bike but Im all about the look and to me the Dragstar with its low profile, long wheelbase and twin pipes... well, it just had the look.

[KelvinAng]

So I was out riding out my little Vespa to work today, and for most of the way, riding in front of me, was a rider on a Kawazaki EL250. Actually I haven't recognised the bike but I really liked it, so I noted the rego number and did a carjam search to find out what it is. Came back to KB and did a search, and found my old thread...

Things had changed since I solicited opinions on the VL250 a year ago. I've got a Hornet 250, got my full license, sold the Hornet and haven't gotten a replacement (the economic situation is to blame). That EL250 got me lusting for a cruiser again... of course, it wouldn't replace the Hornet in my heart, but I've got a big heart that would accommodate many bikes :sweatdrop

So, C50T eh?

[stanleychung]

Well since you now have your full, you have a world of choice. The only limit is really your wallet. The C50 is a great bike if you like it but the best thing to do is to test ride as many cruisers as you can. I'm sure you'll find one you will love even more than the Hornet.

Personally I'm hankerin for Harley of some sort. Enjoy your shopping ;)

[Anita S]

I thought they're pretty good bikes (at least on paper, but I don't really know very much about bikes). Nothing on TardMe except dealer advertisements, and few people discuss these bikes here. So just wondering... are they so good that nobody is willing to sell them, or are they so bad nobody's buying? Or... am I in the wrong forum?

Yeah I know everyone has different opinions but I've love to hear them all...

I have an Intruder VL250 2009, Ive owned a Suzuki 400 Savage (thumper) and a Harley Sportster and I reckon the intruder is one of the most comfortable bikes Ive ever had the pleasure of owning, it does as its told, is economical, goes fast (had it comfortably to 130 on the motorway to catch up to speeding biker husband) looks and sounds great and handles well with the exception of tight cornering at low speed (you need to almost to a 10 point turn slow turn around roundabouts), I recently took out an awesome Honda spirit 750 for a test ride and while it was comfortable and easy to handle I was happy to return to my intruder. They are probably hard to get because noone wants to sell them!

[KelvinAng]

Oh wow, thread revival :D

I've now gotten myself a 2nd-hand but lovely 2008 Suzuki Boulevard M50. I guess it would ride like a bigger version of the VL250 I'd imagine, both being twin-cylinders. I love how I can get 22-25km/L of gas out of her when I'm doing open road speeds 80% of the time in my commute to work (50km away from home).

Was just riding her into town and back yesterday and despite the sub-zero temperatures I was enjoying the ride. I do wish I have a windshield and one that extends to the hands though!

[jasonzc]

Oh wow, thread revival :D

I've now gotten myself a 2nd-hand but lovely 2008 Suzuki Boulevard M50. I guess it would ride like a bigger version of the VL250 I'd imagine, both being twin-cylinders. I love how I can get 22-25km/L of gas out of her when I'm doing open road speeds 80% of the time in my commute to work (50km away from home).

Was just riding her into town and back yesterday and despite the sub-zero temperatures I was enjoying the ride. I do wish I have a windshield and one that extends to the hands though!

i just upgraded to a '10 M50 from the VL. It just seems to do everything easier than the VL, that is not to say the VL was a bad bike! All my commuting is done on the motorway and 80k zones with hills and whatnot, the 250 required a lot of throttle to maintain speed whilst the M50 will just power up a hill, no problems at all.

The only thing i didnt like about the VL was that i was slightly too tall for it and always had to sit towards the back of the seat, im 6'2. I really loved my ol VL, was my first bike and would recommend to anyone really...

[KelvinAng]

The only thing i didnt like about the VL was that i was slightly too tall for it and always had to sit towards the back of the seat, im 6'2. I really loved my ol VL, was my first bike and would recommend to anyone really...

Yea, I got myself a "big bike" because of the commuting speeds as well. 50km one way along the coastal road, mostly 100km/hr. No hills although winds can sometimes be an issue. Was originally looking at big scooters but the motorbikes tend to have better value for the same money in the 2nd hand market so I went with that.

Two years ago when I was looking to buy my first bike I've actually decided to get the VL250, and as none was on Trade Me I popped into the local Suzuki dealer here and was prepared to buy one new. Unfortunately they had none in stock, and could not get their hands on one until two months later, and that's only if I pay a deposit for it right now so they can get one ordered in. I wasn't too comfortable with buying a bike I've never test-rode and in a riding style I'm not familiar with, so i walked away and went into another shop, saw a nice 2nd hand Hornet 250, researched on it, test-rode it and bought it. I still miss that lil ol'hornet. The consolation is that the new owner of my former Hornet works near me and I get to see her in the carpark almost every day :sunny:

[daveaengland]

Yea, I got myself a "big bike" because of the commuting speeds as well. 50km one way along the coastal road, mostly 100km/hr. No hills although winds can sometimes be an issue. Was originally looking at big scooters but the motorbikes tend to have better value for the same money in the 2nd hand market so I went with that.

Two years ago when I was looking to buy my first bike I've actually decided to get the VL250, and as none was on Trade Me I popped into the local Suzuki dealer here and was prepared to buy one new. Unfortunately they had none in stock, and could not get their hands on one until two months later, and that's only if I pay a deposit for it right now so they can get one ordered in. I wasn't too comfortable with buying a bike I've never test-rode and in a riding style I'm not familiar with, so i walked away and went into another shop, saw a nice 2nd hand Hornet 250, researched on it, test-rode it and bought it. I still miss that lil ol'hornet. The consolation is that the new owner of my former Hornet works near me and I get to see her in the carpark almost every day :sunny:

Hi all, just cruising for reviews of the Suzuki Intruder and came across this forum (hopefully someone's still reading it after so long...). I'm considering buying one as a first bike for weekend rides in and around Brisbane, and would love any opinions on its performance up/around mountains and hills (I'm presuming that since this is a Kiwi forum you've all done your share of mountain rides :) ).

Does it perform ok on a mountain climb?

Cheers,

Dave

[The Lone Rider]

It's a 250.

It will perform like any other 250 v twin.


A 90cc will go up a mountain.

A 250cc will go up a mountain but easier than a 250.

A 750 will go up a mountain, but easier than a 250.

[daveaengland]

It's a 250.

It will perform like any other 250 v twin.


A 90cc will go up a mountain.

A 250cc will go up a mountain but easier than a 250.

A 750 will go up a mountain, but easier than a 250.


That's really my question - as I said, this will be my first bike, and I'm trying to figure out if it will be suitable for the style of riding I want to do. Am I going to be constantly frustrated by its lack of guts trying to get up a hill? (We don't really have mountains in Brisbane...) If so, perhaps I should be getting something larger like the Virago 650, even though that extra power means it might not be as suitable for a beginner? Or do you think it will handle the hill climbs reasonably well? I'm only 80kg, so not that much for it to haul around, after all...

[Edbear]

The VL250 will be fine for most riding around town and shorter trips on the highway but you will very quickly be wanting more torque for the hills. The 650 Yammie is a good bike and owners really like them. I had the Suzuki C50T and it was everything I wanted in a bike. Fast or slow, one-up or two-up, it did everything we wanted. Economical too! I suggest trying a couple out before you make your mind up.

[skinman]

It really depends a lot on you, some people are not confidant enough to have a more powerful & heaver bike as their first, some are. If you are reasonably confidant & most of your riding will be 100k/hr I would get a bigger bike as the 250 cruisers run out of legs a bit at motorway speeds. 400-600 would be enough and not as heavy as a larger bike.