FXR vs CBR

[vtech]

Heh, can't make my mind up. Both models are 150cc

Pros and cons of both bikes? Which would you prefer? Also found out about the KR and RG but both are 2-stroke, so would probably require more attention and i just want something thats cheap, easy to run and hassle free to get me into the city really.

Your thoughts would be appreciated,
cheers

[Ragingrob]

FXR I found rather uncomfortable and didn't know if I'd ever be able to have babies, also the mirrors are terrible. It is very easy to manoeuvre though and quite fun.

CBR I've never seen a 150 but you should just get a 250 anyway cause you'll grow out of a 150 way too quick!

[Vacarious]

cbr150 are crap on the open road, can barely pull 120 and are unstable.. but what 150cc is?

250 is the way to go, you will get used to the power as everyone does and have enough power when you are confident enough.

gn250 are excellent for around town just as long as you dont go too far out of town.

regarding the 2-strokes, they are dangerous machines even the 150s.
hit the power band for the first time is a whole new feeling but getting it around a corner can be fatal. too much maintanance and petrol prices nowadays wont be good for your pocket.

anyway thats what i think ;)

[wildpudding]

Had an FXR as my first bike and would recommend it. Very very cheap to run, servicing is simple if needed, and they go pretty good, even better if you fit some decent tyres. Fast enough to ride on the open road no problems (I didn't follow the 70K speed limit while on my L). Not really suitable for anyone bigger than a normal size person.

Had a few issues with mine, advice for you is don't get overproactive with the servicing, ie if it isn't broken dont fix it!

Stefan

[Nagash]

Never heard of a CBR 150... Though after google imaging it, it looks nice! (below)

FXR 150's are alright, Sinister took his all the way to Cape Reinga and back. I have a FX 125 which I find to be a pretty amazing little bike.

I would recommend a 250, if you're worried about power honestly don't be. 250's have very little in 'em. But if you are dead set on a 150 I would go for.. the CBR 150. Cause it looks pretty dead sexy, though I can't imagine it'll be cheap.

[Ragingrob]

I would worry about not having many parts around for the CBR150, doesn't seem to be many of them in NZ at all... FXRs and GNs are great starter bikes, just know that you will probably grow outta them a lot faster than you think! Give it a few months and you'll be wanting to step up to the biggies already!

[Meekey_Mouse]

cbr150 are crap on the open road, can barely pull 120 and are unstable.. but what 150cc is?

250 is the way to go, you will get used to the power as everyone does and have enough power when you are confident enough.

gn250 are excellent for around town just as long as you dont go too far out of town.

regarding the 2-strokes, they are dangerous machines even the 150s.
hit the power band for the first time is a whole new feeling but getting it around a corner can be fatal. too much maintanance and petrol prices nowadays wont be good for your pocket.

anyway thats what i think ;)

Dangerous :rolleyes: Rofl... Have you ever ridden an RG150? The power band is very tame... Unless you pull the clutch in, give the throttle hell and drop the clutch... Which is a bad thing for any no0b!
Sure if it's your first time on a 2-stroke it might take you a day to get used to the powerband, but after that you'll be sweet :banana:

They are pretty good on maintenance as well, just like any bike... You just have to buy a good on at the start. At least with 2-strokes if you don't, then it's cheaper to replace engine parts and there isn't a whole lot to the engines.

I do agree that a 250 is the way to go, but sadly many are overpriced now days. Here's hoping the new laws will change this a bit, but at the same time... Am I correct in that the new laws are dropping ZXR250 and CBR250's?

[Wiki Drifter]

For a first bike, I'd go for the FXR, its alot cheaper. I've ridden a CBR150, the vibrations from the handle bars are pretty intense at >100km/h, like putting your hands on a washing machine during spin cycle, they get pretty numb after 10 minutes.

[90s]

Dangerous :rolleyes: Rofl... Have you ever ridden an RG150? The power band is very tame...

Have you ever ridden an RG150? Above 8k they are anything but tame, and they are faster than the 250s mentioned here. I could outdrag CBR250s up to a point on mine, although it was very very close.

RGs make excellent commuters. I couldn't stand a gutless bike that had a theorectical top whack of just over 100. As much as I like the look of voltys and a few other starter 250s unless you can have plenty of power of reserve at 100kph on the motorway I would look elsewhere if your journey contains motorway riding.

Ginny's etc are good little bikes, but I would either invest in a 250 I would be happier with long-term (bearing in mind the upcoming law changes) or get a 2T 150 that is faster, cheaper and just as reliable, and for which demand will stay strong due to the bucket racer market.

[90s]

Never heard of a CBR 150... Though after google imaging it, it looks nice! (below)

FXR 150's are alright, Sinister took his all the way to Cape Reinga and back. I have a FX 125 which I find to be a pretty amazing little bike.

I would recommend a 250, if you're worried about power honestly don't be. 250's have very little in 'em. But if you are dead set on a 150 I would go for.. the CBR 150. Cause it looks pretty dead sexy, though I can't imagine it'll be cheap.

Oh, I posted a while back I saw one of these recently on Lorne St. In the flesh it had a super weedy undernourished look, and was about as wide as a coathanger. None of that RG/KR "real bike" look.

Apprillia 50ccs look more convincing.

But as it is really just the CBR125 (in the same way the UK has the RG125) it is an OK starter bike ...

[xwhatsit]

about as wide as a coathanger.
After seeing one in real life I thought that was its strong point :D

Narrow bikes are hot :2thumbsup

[phoenixgtr]

I travelled over 25,000kms on my FXR in the 16 months I had it. The longest trip I did in 1 day was approx. 500kms. All this crap about them being gutless is just people not knowing what they're talking about. Top speed is around 130kph, however, but they'll sit on 100 till the cows come home and they're soooo much fun on the corners. Riding an FXR is about learning to get everything you can out of the bike.

In saying that if I were you I'd look at a 250. Something like a bandit would be really good (my fiance has a bandit and it's a hoot to ride).

I wouldn't bother with a CBR150. They're ridiculously over-priced at over $5k and (I'm assuming), very similar to an FXR.

[90s]

I travelled over 25,000kms on my FXR in the 16 months I had it. The longest trip I did in 1 day was approx. 500kms. All this crap about them being gutless is just people not knowing what they're talking about.

Not a single post on this thread says that FXRs are gutless.

There is one about the mirrors being bad, somebody found them uncomfortable, I think that GNs & Volty's are too slow for habbitual motorway commuting etc.

Overall the FXR is a nice bike and adequate to learn on. The question is what would you recommend if you had the choice?
Personally as I posted if I was looking cheap I would go the RG route - it is a much superior bike to the FXR. But then again if you can afford a fair 250 such as a GSX250 I would get that.
Rather the FXR though at $2k than a CBR150 at $5k.

[Capinure]

Theres a few cheap GSX-R250 on trademe , not quite as expensive as the ZXR's and CBRs and only a tad slower.

But you want something hassle-free for around town..I'd recommend the GN250 it will never fail you.

[fergie]

go for the honda, it's much easier to say "cbr" than "gsxr":msn-wink:

[tgb_novice]

Just to add on this when I can :yes:.
Why does no one seem to recommend a Scorpio ?:confused:
My hidden motive is because I am planning on buying one soon, so want to know more about it as well :scooter:

[breakaway]

regarding the 2-strokes, they are dangerous machines even the 150s.
hit the power band for the first time is a whole new feeling but getting it around a corner can be fatal.

Sorry I have to ask. Have you ever ridden a two stroke?

[disenfranchised]

Why does no one seem to recommend a Scorpio ?:confused:

Yeah I'm surprised about that too...for the money a new scorpio looks nicer than a new GN.

If someopnes really set on a 125 (why??) then I've seen a few Suzuki GX125 bikes around...on trademe now and again.

We don't get the Yamaha 125 here in NZ do we?
http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/products/motorcycles/supersport/yzf-r125.jsp
They look pretty, but are probably still quite slow really.

And for the brave, there's always the chinese imports
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-156179724.htm

or this
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-156273118.htm

[tgb_novice]

regarding the 2-strokes, they are dangerous machines even the 150s.
hit the power band for the first time is a whole new feeling but getting it around a corner can be fatal. too much maintanance and petrol prices nowadays wont be good for your pocket.

anyway thats what i think ;)

I am not so sure about the above :no:, I used to ride a 125 2 Stroke Suzuki (Its called Suzuki Shogun in case u r interested) for 6 years :banana:, not in this country admittedly , but the power band was just smooth ass and you could wheelie it as much as you liked :devil2:, mileage was not great but 24 - 27 km/l was standard (Getting to 100K was hard but staying there is a way harder ah!!) .
I know they r not environmentally friendly but they did give you that stupid grin on the face that nothing else could ... :yeah:

But as times move on I guess 2 Strokes r out & 4 Strokes r the future, so on with the times :cry:.

[ehab2weelr]

But you want something hassle-free for around town..I'd recommend the GN250 it will never fail you.

my mate had an fxr 150 was a mint bike no problems at all, he dragged a gn250 and smocked that gn, only thing i didnt like about the fxr was its short gears.... at the light when turns green by the time you cross to the other side of the road youd shift up 4 gears...
but other then that id go for the fxr.:niceone:


Just to add on this when I can :yes:.
Why does no one seem to recommend a Scorpio ?:confused:
My hidden motive is because I am planning on buying one soon, so want to know more about it as well :scooter:

Scorpios are good bikes better then the gn in my opinion. and at least there over 200cc :rolleyes: haha

[90s]

After seeing one in real life I thought that was its strong point :D

Narrow bikes are hot :2thumbsup

Narrow is good, but ... seeing as they have made it look like a super-sport bike in the side plan, to then see it so narrow from any other angle the CBR150 just looks like a cardboard cut-out of a bike.

[vtech]

Im not really into the GN look, and the reason it has to be under 250cc cause my old man won't let me get one unless its under that haha

[xwhatsit]

Im not really into the GN look, and the reason it has to be under 250cc cause my old man won't let me get one unless its under that haha
GN250s are actually 248cc or something, aren't they?

:devil2:

[vtech]

yeah, but its still apparently too much power for me to handle :rolleyes:

[xwhatsit]

yeah, but its still apparently too much power for me to handle :rolleyes:
Hmmph, GN250 is a better bike in terms of that compared to an FXR150/CBR150. Low redline, smooth gentle gutless thumper all the way up. FXR150/CBR150 revvy little bastards, not making much less horsepower, but much lighter.

GN250 nice, relaxing, easy to control, and probably slower (or maybe on par) with an FXR150.

If you're really nutty about them, you could always get a GN125.

[Sparky Bills]

Both the FXR and the CBR are good bikes.
Either way you should be happy.
But you will grow out of it pretty fast as they are not very powerfull.

Great for learning though.
Good luck. :niceone:

[90s]

yeah, but its still apparently too much power for me to handle :rolleyes:

For your Dad:

GN250 - 22 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
RG150 - 37 bhp @ 10,800 rpm
FXR150 - 20 bhp @ 9,900 rpm

Now maybe you see why I'm RG150 all the way baby!

He'll deserve what he gets if you get the RG. Funnily enough I test rode for a few hours each the GN & FXR back to back. I have read that the FXR really puts out 16 bhp dynoed not 20 bhp (those are all official Suzuki figs) but for my money the FXR had much more grunt than the GN. I put both through a circuit that included a fiar few steep climbs, where I did not like the Ginny at all.
Having said all that any motorbike is great. Good luck on you getting one. Make sure your Dad gets you good gear - don't skimp on that!

But here's a little present if he won't see sense:
http://www.sumotorrent.com/en/details/213500/Suzuki%20FXR150%20Service%20Manual.html

[vtech]

Cheers man, but i cant view it (some error). Is there any chance you could upload somewhere else?
Thanks a bunch, looks like im set on wat type of bike im getting, just got to find the right one!:2thumbsup

[90s]

Sorry, not having ever had an FXR I haven't got the manual - just posted the link. Its a torrent, so you need to load it into the client (such as utorrent or bittorrent) - guess you know that?

[vtech]

Yeah, but i just couldn't access the link for some reason but i can today... weird. Btw there's no seeders either :argh:

[n0regret5]

fxr's are bulletproof and despite being not-so-comfortable on longer rides they aren't too bad around town, once you get over the MEGA short first gear they're really nice bikes with plenty of grunt. plus it'll do 140km/h before it hits the redline. cbr won't..
i'm all for hondas but after owning an fxr for 5 years i gotta say i'd pick it anyday. plus i reckon it looks better..

[90s]

Yeah, but i just couldn't access the link for some reason but i can today... weird. Btw there's no seeders either :argh:

Good luck with that - hopefully some peers will come online and you can grab it for them. Otherwise you might find the manual on here somewhere if you use the search function.

[Meekey_Mouse]

For your Dad:

GN250 - 22 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
RG150 - 37 bhp @ 10,800 rpm
FXR150 - 20 bhp @ 9,900 rpm

Now maybe you see why I'm RG150 all the way baby!

He'll deserve what he gets if you get the RG. Funnily enough I test rode for a few hours each the GN & FXR back to back. I have read that the FXR really puts out 16 bhp dynoed not 20 bhp (those are all official Suzuki figs) but for my money the FXR had much more grunt than the GN. I put both through a circuit that included a fiar few steep climbs, where I did not like the Ginny at all.
Having said all that any motorbike is great. Good luck on you getting one. Make sure your Dad gets you good gear - don't skimp on that!]

The RG generally puts out 29hp :)

How's the bike search goin vtech?

[Badjelly]

Just to add on this when I can :yes:.
Why does no one seem to recommend a Scorpio ?:confused:
My hidden motive is because I am planning on buying one soon, so want to know more about it as well :scooter:

There's plenty of info about Scorpios elsewhere on this site, including some written by yours truly--just do a search.

How do commuter singles (Scorpio, GN250) compare with the sportier machines with smaller engines being talked about here (CBR125, FXR150)? I don't know really. Personally I can't see why anyone would pay $5000 or so (new) for a CBR125 when the Scorpio boasts more power for $1000 less. But maybe the smaller, sportier machines have better suspension or brakes or something. And having ridden the Scorpio back into a screaming Wellington southerly along the motorway on Sunday, after the Badjelly Inaugural Ride(tm), I can see that fairings on small bikes might have some advantages.

[90s]

The RG generally puts out 29hp

Suzuki figs are 36 hp (27 kW), and I have seen dyno tests on stock online somewhere for 33.

Either way they're a lot more powerful than the other bikes listed, even if you don't take their figs with a pinch of salt. The FXR dyno on stock was 16.

Having ridden a GN, RG & FXR back to back I would say the RG does feel about twice as powerful.

Its not all about power of course - 2Ts have their price.

[vtech]

The RG generally puts out 29hp :)

How's the bike search goin vtech?

Hey man, its going alright i spose. My dads come round to the idea and is even considering getting his own gn250 now haha (although it was mostly just a thought id doubt he'd follow through)
Apart from not actually having a bike yet its good. Ive had a look at some of the chinese bikes, but the seem to be all rubbish and im not a big fan of the looks. I really keen on getting an fxr, but i just got to find the right one i spose. I know what im looking for, and i really want to get a bike before my bhs, but being a complete newbie i wouldnt have the confidence to take 1 for a test drive and i probably wouldnt pick up the really important things anyway. I might ask a mate of mine :2thumbsup but then again.......

Anways, i'll post another topic about gear, i just want to get some opinions on different brands. I'll keep u all updated anyway.

[Hardcore DJ]

I'm in the exact same position as you mate!:yes:

My Step-dad used to be a motorcycle instructor back in the UK, and his personal opinion is that anything with an engine bigger than 150cc is too much for any beginner motorcyclist to handle!

So i've been looking at 2 bikes that are well within his 'Restrictions', the RG150and the FXR150. I opened a thread a while back asking for info on the FXR.

So here's what i got:

Acceleration to 100km/h: 7-8 seconds (Based on ave. person)
Top Speed: 150km/h
Fuel Consumption: 30 - 40km/L
Cruising Speed: Will cruise at 130km/h comfortably
Reliability: Very reliable and easy to mantain, also a good bike to learn DIY bike maintenance!

I don't know too much about the RG150, sorry!

Hope i have been helpful enough!

Cheers

[fridayflash]

Dangerous :rolleyes: Rofl... Have you ever ridden an RG150? The power band is very tame... Unless you pull the clutch in, give the throttle hell and drop the clutch... Which is a bad thing for any no0b!
Sure if it's your first time on a 2-stroke it might take you a day to get used to the powerband, but after that you'll be sweet :banana:

They are pretty good on maintenance as well, just like any bike... You just have to buy a good on at the start. At least with 2-strokes if you don't, then it's cheaper to replace engine parts and there isn't a whole lot to the engines.

I do agree that a 250 is the way to go, but sadly many are overpriced now days. Here's hoping the new laws will change this a bit, but at the same time... Am I correct in that the new laws are dropping ZXR250 and CBR250's?
i agree,the powerband on the rg 150 is tame,not like a mx bike
and plenty of them have done 20,000k b4 1st top end rebuild

[zalforce1]

hey vtech as a rider of an FXR i would definately recommend it for a newbie biker. the bike is very forgiving. the clutch is easy to use and acceleration is good enough to smoke cars at the lights.

the FXR looks wayyy better then the CBR. CBR is all stupid and pointy at the front :sick:

i never took a cbr for a test ride but at the price they are selling for who would want to?? i dont reckon they are worth the price sellers are asking for (3.5-4.5K)

get a cool FXR for 2.5 and then upgrade after a year and get ur money bak. thats the way to go!

good luck.
Faizal

[EJK]

I recommend the FXR aswell. It's a good bike (geez how many have said that already? hahaha)

nuff said, its a good bike... ;)

[avgas]

GN125 or GN250 if you want hassle free, fun riding.
After seeing them in china i understand now what bulletproof means. They go where other bikes fear to tread.
Plus the 2 months i had on a GN125 i found it very enjoyable and not slow at all for the bike. Sits on about 120 fine, 130 is definitely tops.
Also they are incredibly cheap to ride.
I liked the speed of the FXR, but hated the digital speedo and the carrot-up-the-arse seat.
I liked the looks of the CBR150 - but it felt like rubbish on the road.
If i were buying sub 300 - i would get a XR/KDX....motard, if i were buying sub 200cc i would buy a GN125