Ninja 250R vs Hyosung GT250R

[Rych]

Hey everyone, I'm planning to purchase my first bike in about two months and currently looking around at different options. I originally was looking at the older models such as CBR250RR's and ZXR250's as they had more power and I had a ride around on my mates CBR and it was a blast. But I think I'd prefer something new and know where its been.

I'm sure these two bikes have been compared before but I was wondering what the pro's and con's are of the two, I keep hearing so many different things I don't know what to choose. (Ninja 250R / Hyosung GT250R)

Cheers, Rich. :Police:

[Leaf]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=66124

A thread discussing that very comparison.

shorted summary possible: both decent if unspectacular. Sit on/test ride both to see which suits. Cant really go far wrong with either of them

[James Deuce]

Duuuuuuuuuuude.

There's been about 15 threads started on this very subject in the last 6 months.

The search thingy does work.

I'll distill the arguments for you. There are basically two sides to the equation.

1. A huge bunch of guys who've been riding for about 3 minutes will insist that the Ninja is a four cylinder engine of 7000 hp. It's not. It's a parallel twin that has been developed by Kawasaki into a robust and reliable power plant that will be faster than anything you've ridden.

2. An equally ill-informed crowd of lads who've ridden bikes for about 2 minutes will insist that the Ninja is shitty and "old skool". It's not. If you want new, price and finish are pretty spectacular, especially the black ones.

3. Everyone will call the Hyosung "shit". They're not. Sure, bits of it are a bit cheesy, but overall, it's vastly better put together than something I would have been riding in my 250 phase like my long missed Rg250. Sure I had more power, but the Hyosung is masses of fun in the twisties and doesn't need an engine rebuild every 20,000kms.

4. The Kwaka doesn't put out 45HP. The Hyosung doesn't put out 35HP. I'm picking mid-30s for the Kwaka and early 30s for the Hyosung. I've ridden both.

5. Check my signature out. Yes, I am that grumpy.

6. Welcome to KB. The search engine is your friend.

[Rych]

Hey cheers for the replies, yea I did try the search and didn't find what I was looking for.. :p

[JayRenner]

I know nothing about the Kawasaki.
I have a Hysoung 250GT (naked lower reving version)
It's got enough Omph for me atm. It does rev bit high at 110km thout (8-9k) redlines at 11k the 250GTR revs higher though.
My main complement for the my Hyosung is that it is hard to stall (I still manage to) as it's got a good bit at the bottom end. (I have nothignt o compare this too though)
That and it's pretty big so looks ok and good for tall people

[placidfemme]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=66124

A thread discussing that very comparison.

shorted summary possible: both decent if unspectacular. Sit on/test ride both to see which suits. Cant really go far wrong with either of them

The best response yet. Both are equally as good. It really just comes down to personal preference.

You' ve ridden a mates CBR so I assume you at least have your learners, take them both out for a test ride and then make up your mind, afterall its how YOU feel about it, not how everyone else felt. :girlfight:

[Roki_nz]

Hey everyone, I'm planning to purchase my first bike in about two months and currently looking around at different options. I originally was looking at the older models such as CBR250RR's and ZXR250's as they had more power and I had a ride around on my mates CBR and it was a blast. But I think I'd prefer something new and know where its been.

I'm sure these two bikes have been compared before but I was wondering what the pro's and con's are of the two, I keep hearing so many different things I don't know what to choose. (Ninja 250R / Hyosung GT250R)

Cheers, Rich. :Police:

Starting a thread like this is like opening a can of worms

[CB ARGH]

Starting a thread like this is like opening a can of worms

Add a bit of sauce and wewt! Spaghetti! :love:

I've got myself set on a CBR250 MC22. Their beautiful machines, parts are vastly available, and they'll definately be a head turner.

Not sure about the Kawa. But the Hyosung always has a bad thing about it. If you ask about the Hyo at a store, the guy will usually (all people I asked did the very same thing actually) go... "well.... it's alright... sold a few in the past... yeah".

I wouldn't recommend one, but I wouldn't tell someone to steer away from it. Their beautiful pieces of machinery, but sluggish (from what I have been told - no personal experience here) in power, they weigh a tonne, so power to weight ratio doesn't sound too good. Steel frame, dude, it's a thing of the past.

I think you should keep that dream on the wall in poster format... and get a bike that has a bit more background to it, rather than Hyosung...

who used to manufacture sewing machines :laugh:

[avgas]

Buy a GSXR1000 K10, heaps of horsepower, really light - perfect for learners really

[James Deuce]

Add a bit of sauce and wewt! Spaghetti! :love:

I've got myself set on a CBR250 MC22. Their beautiful machines, parts are vastly available, and they'll definately be a head turner.

Not sure about the Kawa. But the Hyosung always has a bad thing about it. If you ask about the Hyo at a store, the guy will usually (all people I asked did the very same thing actually) go... "well.... it's alright... sold a few in the past... yeah".

I wouldn't recommend one, but I wouldn't tell someone to steer away from it. Their beautiful pieces of machinery, but sluggish (from what I have been told - no personal experience here) in power, they weigh a tonne, so power to weight ratio doesn't sound too good. Steel frame, dude, it's a thing of the past.

I think you should keep that dream on the wall in poster format... and get a bike that has a bit more background to it, rather than Hyosung...

who used to manufacture sewing machines :laugh:

Hyosung have been manufacturing engines for Suzuki for 30 years. Korean Industry builds the majority of the world's large vessel shipping fleet. There's nothing wrong with a Hyosung. Any of the small issues that people bitch about can be fixed and you'd still have plenty of change from GT or GTR compared to a VTR250.

If you haven't ridden and spent a bit of time with the product you have no room to comment. The very best thing about them is they aren't built for midgets. That is meaningful in a place like NZ.

Good luck finding a CBR250 in reasonable nick. 250 owners are brutal and the newest CBR is still more than 10 years old. I've seen one second hand ZXR250 of all the 250cc bikes I've been asked to look at for people that was well looked after. If you do buy a seriously over priced CBR make sure you get it checked out by someone with some idea of what the are looking at. The endless list of woe about seized brake calipers, worn valves & guides, rusty chains, hooked tooth sprockets and suspension with no damping is really getting old.

It usually starts with a, "My bike is making a funny noise" thread, "Moves to a "Cylinder 3 has no compression and the mechanic says I should rebuild the engine and gearbox and I paid $7k for this PoS" thread, and ends up a "*Insert dealer here* ripped me off, they suck" thread.

Buy new.

Don't buy second hand. Even after six months, all those people who reckon they have mastered their GN250 literally have no idea of just what a well maintained and ridden GN is capable of. Learning how to ride a motorcycle has nothing to do with the bike you are riding and everything to do with staying alive liong enough to get a clue. Old bikes = hidden costs.

New you get a warranty. You have four choices at the moment at the "expensive" end with Honda, Hyosung, and Kawasaki and and a couple of Good Uns like the Yamaha Scorpio at the cheaper end of the spectrum. A DR-Z or KLX 250 with two sets of wheels (road & off road) is an even better bet for the average, non-vertically challenged learner. You'll learn a lot more about riding and yourself with a bike that isn't restricted to paved roads.

If you have a limited budget you are much better off buying a new Scorpio than a tatty CBR/ZXR/GSXR and not being able to ride it because it's broken all the time.

I understand why you young uns go for the penis extension over the inexpensive and reliable transport option. I'm not dead yet. However, think very carefully about buying a second hand bike with 13 or 14 owners and no service history. 9/10ths of them shouldn't be on the road.

[Damantis]

Starting a thread like this is like opening a can of worms

Damn right. I had my heart set on the new ninja too but because they are selling them quicker than they can be shipped in, I was looking at a 3 week wait just for a test ride! Having test ridden 2 cbrs ( an mc19 and an mc22 ), a '90 kawa zxr, and a '08 Hyosung, I decided on the honda but made sure I got an mc22 with low k's. Have just had it serviced at boyds in Hamilton after putting 4000kms on it in less than 5 months! and is running very well. You need to think about how long you intend to keep your first bike too. Buying a fully faired brand new bike is gonna piss you off royally when you drop it . . . and you WILL drop it, more than likely more than twice!:doh:
I found the Hyo a bit clunky and sluggish but was easy enough to handle and you gotta admit its a nice looking bike. I thought the riding position was a bit too agressive on the zxr but was fun tho.
As many will tell you, you just gotta take a few bikes for a blat and see wot floats your boat :eek:

[CookMySock]

The very best thing about them[ the GT250R] is they aren't built for midgets.this is true, but the shawty-ass girls look awesome on them. :love:


DB

[Jez]

this is true, but the shawty-ass girls look awesome on them. :love:


DB

girls in general look damned hawt on bikes!!! :Punk:

[Ryan432]

Don't buy second hand. Even after six months, all those people who reckon they have mastered their GN250 literally have no idea of just what a well maintained and ridden GN is capable of. Learning how to ride a motorcycle has nothing to do with the bike you are riding and everything to do with staying alive liong enough to get a clue. Old bikes = hidden costs.

I understand why you young uns go for the penis extension over the inexpensive and reliable transport option. I'm not dead yet. However, think very carefully about buying a second hand bike with 13 or 14 owners and no service history. 9/10ths of them shouldn't be on the road.

you are channeling my exact thoughts!! GN250 is the perfect learner bike get that! its cheap and reliable and you can have a blast on it, don't let anyone tell you that other bike will have better handling, more power etc etc because that makes no difference to you, you will be able to take your GN onraod, offroad and basically anywhere you want! and it won't cost you alot of money so when you get your full you will have money for a bigger bike!!

[NOMIS]

It usually starts with a, "My bike is making a funny noise" thread, "Moves to a "Cylinder 3 has no compression and the mechanic says I should rebuild the engine and gearbox and I paid $7k for this PoS" thread, and ends up a "*Insert dealer here* ripped me off, they suck" thread.



Maybe for some but for all? pssh bull shit to that. nothing wrong with a second hand bike. if your not thick, yet to have any kind of problem at all with my bike.

just get a honda good luck destroying one with a lil simple maintainance

[TKDSKIP]

Do all sports bikes fall out of favour after 10years or is it just 250s?

I would agree that most leaner riders are very tough on bikes and a 15year old CBR would have seen a few, but there are likely to be few that have never been thrashed as many leaners feel happy just potting along.

Most people new to biking are likely to really care for there new pride and joy as opposed to an older someone who buys a new bigger bike every couple years and rides them to the limit.

New bikes are a great option if you can afford to go that way, with peace of mind and other sensible stuff. But if you want a sports bike 250 then look no further then a CBR/ZXR none of the new bikes will touch them.

[James Deuce]

Do all sports bikes fall out of favour after 10years or is it just 250s?

I would agree that most leaner riders are very tough on bikes and a 15year old CBR would have seen a few, but there are likely to be few that have never been thrashed as many leaners feel happy just potting along.

Most people new to biking are likely to really care for there new pride and joy as opposed to an older someone who buys a new bigger bike every couple years and rides them to the limit.

New bikes are a great option if you can afford to go that way, with peace of mind and other sensible stuff. But if you want a sports bike 250 then look no further then a CBR/ZXR none of the new bikes will touch them.

I think you're missing the point a little.

I'm no bike mechanic, but I know when steering head bearings, shocks, suspension linkages, wheel bearings, swingarm bearings, cables, brake lines, seals and carbs are shot. I've seen one good ZXR 250 out of approx 20 Bandit 250s, GSXR250s, CBR250, both R and RR that unsuspecting suckers, I mean mates have bought, that haven't had issues needing serious money thrown at them. It simply isn't fair to sell bikes that were designed to last a couple of years to people who have no idea. I've seen it time and again.

Most people new to biking clean their bike a lot. I know I did when I started out. That isn't the same as maintaining a motorcycle correctly. Adjusting and lubing cables and controls? No idea. Top end rebuild every 20,000kms for a performance 2-stroke? No one told me. Valve adjustments every 6-8000kms for a typical small capacity four stroke? You what now?

It's not a case of them going out of favour, I simply can't understand why people would avoid a rusty mid-90s Celica like the plague and then go and buy an early-mid 90s 250 Sportsbike with a fresh paintjob and not a single moving part that is operating within tolerance, if it can still move at all, and every piece of alloy covered in white fur, except for the nicely polished frame spars.

[yod]

time for a makeover Jim? very fetching

:yes:

[Mikkel]

I would agree that most leaner riders are very tough on bikes and a 15year old CBR would have seen a few, but there are likely to be few that have never been thrashed as many leaners feel happy just potting along.

Tui anyone? The average kiwi male getting into biking is just looking for something he can trash and his idea of DIY maintenance is based on WD40 and duct-tape.

A highly strung engine such as the 4-stroke 250s which has (pre-1993) a specific power output of 180 hps/l from a naturally aspirated, carburetted engine requires a great deal of mechanical sympathy if you want to have any hope of keeping it performing according to spec. (BTW - my 750 has a better fuel economy than my 250.)

Personally I was very lucky and picked up a mint '89 zxr250a with only 18,500 kms on the odo-meter for $5,000. Still, I threw at least a thousand bucks at it inside the first 2 months to replace wheel bearings, chain and sprockets, getting a leaky fork seal replaced, new tyres and brake pads. Then a couple of months later the cam-chain started making funny noises and another $650 was spent refurbishing the cam-chain and cam-chain tensioner - a faulty part caused slight mechanical destruction and required four valves to be replaced (at cost to the garage luckily) as well as a new cam-chain setup to be installed.
I've changed oil approximately every 2,500-3,000 kms and gone through 3 sets of new tyres. I've now done 13,500 kms on the bike and it goes better than ever. I really shouldn't sell it now, but I need the garage space :(

You add it all up - it hasn't been cheap to own and run since I insisted on doing it properly. That said I don't regret it at all! And I have honestly not seen one 250 sportsbike that could compare to mine... :no:

Jim2 is right on the money, if you want something sporty-ish to learn on the new bikes are going to be the most economical option. On the other hand, if you can afford it, you might get more fun out of the older ones... Ultimately motorbiking and sensibility doesn't really go hand in hand IMHO.

[avgas]

I agree the Jawa 250 sport took alot of effort to maintain.....lol jokes
But have to agree with Mikkel a bit. Bike i had best fuel eco on was GB400 (22km/L) and worst was my RG150 (8km/L after the engine was worked).
The 955i was good on gas but shit on tyres (2-5,000ks).
FZ is a little in the middle of it all.
ZXR was too loud.
The other GB's wern't ridden enuf.
TS was fantastic except for the fact that it had sat still and rusted for 20 years before i got it.
Infact kid if you want the ultimate learner bike get a TS/ER - i cannot fault them except for looking ugly.

[NOMIS]

Tui anyone? The average kiwi male getting into biking is just looking for something he can trash and his idea of DIY maintenance is based on WD40 and duct-tape.

IMHO.

You forgot hammer and and pinchbar. ........

And the $6k i have worth in my garage

[Gubb]

You forgot hammer and and pinchbar. ........

And the $6k i have worth in my garage

I bet your cock is huuuuuuuuge.

[Ragingrob]

Picture this (for the 250 pessimists) -

1988 CBR250r, done 40,000km, fairings a little rough, bought for $2,700. 6 months and 14,000ks later the only thing that's caused problems and I've needed to replace was the original 1988 reg/rec for $180.

Bike runs strong with no mechanical problems noticed over the 14,000ks. General servicing I've replaced tyres, and chain and sprockets.

It's been maintained by the last owner and I have continued the maintenance... Dunno about the previous owners... But c'mon, these 250s are designed to be thrashed. An F1 car would die if you never revved it right up there. And when I say thrashed, I mean thrashed and serviced well.

[NOMIS]

Picture this (for the 250 pessimists) -

1988 CBR250r, done 40,000km, fairings a little rough, bought for $2,700. 6 months and 14,000ks later the only thing that's caused problems and I've needed to replace was the original 1988 reg/rec for $180.

Bike runs strong with no mechanical problems noticed over the 14,000ks. General servicing I've replaced tyres, and chain and sprockets.

It's been maintained by the last owner and I have continued the maintenance... Dunno about the previous owners... But c'mon, these 250s are designed to be thrashed. An F1 car would die if you never revved it right up there. And when I say thrashed, I mean thrashed and serviced well.

Because its a honda.

[NOMIS]

I bet your cock is huuuuuuuuge.

wow how did you guess? :-)

[James Deuce]

It's been maintained by the last owner and I have continued the maintenance... Dunno about the previous owners... But c'mon, these 250s are designed to be thrashed. An F1 car would die if you never revved it right up there. And when I say thrashed, I mean thrashed and serviced well.
They're actually designed to last a couple of years and be replaced with the next model. Don't get me wrong. If it's been looked after well and good. 90% of them haven't. If you want a really good 250 there are plenty of Hornet 250s popping up that are 2004-2006 and are around the $7-$8k mark.

[Candle]

id go with a cbr as i have one myself the zxrs just sound like your strangling a cat and the hyosungs just don't have the pick up but if you want my opinion get q two stroke for you first bike they teach you how to ride hard and to red line every change and then youl be ready for a cbr and youl acually ride it propertly cuz you l be used to thrashing it

[zeocen]

id go with a cbr as i have one myself the zxrs just sound like your strangling a cat and the hyosungs just don't have the pick up but if you want my opinion get q two stroke for you first bike they teach you how to ride hard and to red line every change and then youl be ready for a cbr and youl acually ride it propertly cuz you l be used to thrashing it

If this is the new generation, I'm so outta here lol ;(

[mtroskill]

Until reading this thread was seriously considering the GT250r as my first bike.....

Mt Eden Motor Cycles seemed to speak reasonably of it .. as far as a bike for a learner goes - and was pretty impressed with the advice they gave..seemed genuine.

What other options are there out there for someone who is 6'5?? (250R looks awesome but is too small).

Would prefer to stick with something that is no more than 3-5 years old if possible.

[Gubb]

What in this thread has put you off? I'm 6'4" and fit in the Hyo superbly.

[NOMIS]

Until reading this thread was seriously considering the GT250r as my first bike.....

Mt Eden Motor Cycles seemed to speak reasonably of it .. as far as a bike for a learner goes - and was pretty impressed with the advice they gave..seemed genuine.

What other options are there out there for someone who is 6'5?? (250R looks awesome but is too small).

Would prefer to stick with something that is no more than 3-5 years old if possible.


Go for a hornet then, most of the 2001 hornets come with stainless exhaust ect so take a nosey. they go bloody well and axr and cbr owners underestimate them.. mind you twisties probally a diff story. but it does go bloody well.

[avgas]

If this is the new generation, I'm so outta here lol ;(
Don't worry at this rate so is he.....

[CookMySock]

Until reading this thread was seriously considering the GT250r as my first bike.....Why ? It is a little down on power compared to the inline4's, but then so are the inline4's compared to the 2strokes, but the GT250R flies along happily at 120k's and gets up there plenty quick enough.. and its a great bike to learn to corner on.

The only thing wrong with learner sportbikes is they are hard on your wrists under 70km/hr. If you are rarely on the open road with it, its going to hurt. A lot.

Best advice, and you will hear it all over this site, is RIDE IT, and I mean an hours' ride.

Anyways, whatever you buy you will love it. ;)

DB

[mtroskill]

Seems like a lot of the negative comments towards the hyo here may be unfounded.

Bit of a thread high jack - but would a scorpio be alright for tall people...90% commuting in town? It's half the price, but lacking a little in top speed?

Sorry for the highjack...might start a separate thread. Guess the best advice ultimately will be to try them on anyway...

[Gubb]

I had a Scorpio for the day while mine was being serviced.

Awesome fun, insanely maneuverable, enough grunt for Commuting (Probably not so on the Motorway though). But it would be very hard to live with due to my, and your height.

[fizbin]

I would have to agree with Gubb on this!:rolleyes:
I am a shade under six feet and a fat so and so, and found that the only bike that i felt secure on was the hyosung. although i love the GSX i had for the short time i always did feel like i dwarfed it.
I will admit the Hyo has it's short comings the power output is not as great as somthing like a CBR, or ZZR ect but the fact of the matter is, it is a learner bike ride it get competent then move on to a bigger bike.
Thse bikes are great to learn on, the handel well once you run them in, mine has never missed a beat 4500km and i dont think gubbs has either and he has done somthing like 12000km.
In saying that the bike is not for everyone. Test ride if you like it buy it.

[Roki_nz]

you are channeling my exact thoughts!! GN250 is the perfect learner bike get that! its cheap and reliable and you can have a blast on it, don't let anyone tell you that other bike will have better handling, more power etc etc because that makes no difference to you, you will be able to take your GN onraod, offroad and basically anywhere you want! and it won't cost you alot of money so when you get your full you will have money for a bigger bike!!


When i was looking for my first bike i was planning to get a gn250 look around only one bike shop has one, then i saw a blue gsx and it called me. While getting the gn250 is one of the most logical bikes to get, it simple does not have the looks of a sports bike. Let face it the gn250 ain't pretty

[firefighter]

dude you really want a brand new 250????? think about it seriously, I told my mate not to get a brand new 250 as you grow out of them so quickly, and really only want them until you can leagally get a bigger bike, he didn't listen and he regrets it, he had to run it in, give it a big 1000km service etcetc and now its worth no-where near what he paid, go second hand they hold their value, and are just as good really.

[CB ARGH]

dude you really want a brand new 250????? think about it seriously, I told my mate not to get a brand new 250 as you grow out of them so quickly, and really only want them until you can leagally get a bigger bike, he didn't listen and he regrets it, he had to run it in, give it a big 1000km service etcetc and now its worth no-where near what he paid, go second hand they hold their value, and are just as good really.

This is the exact reason that I decided to not go for a brand new 250. Running in the bike is good in some cases and bad in others. Good as it makes you NOT give the bike shit, as you want it to have a decent future. Bad because if you wanted to give it shit, you can't. Also the price drop is massive, unbelievable how the resale value of a Hyo 250GTR is about the same as a 250/4.

Yes the feeling of a brand spanking new bike is wicked, I'd love the feeling. But keep that feeling for later, you've got the rest of your life to own a brand new 600+cc beast!

[Leaf]

Also the price drop is massive, unbelievable how the resale value of a Hyo 250GTR is about the same as a 250/4.

That has more to do with older 250's (CBR, ZXR's etc.) being way overpriced, than a result of a massive drop in value of a new 250 after its been run for a couple of years.

A GT250r 2nd hand may be similar in price to the older 250's...but a new one only costs around $1.5-2G more, with warranty and peace of mind included.

[mtroskill]

dude you really want a brand new 250????? think about it seriously, I told my mate not to get a brand new 250 as you grow out of them so quickly, and really only want them until you can leagally get a bigger bike, he didn't listen and he regrets it, he had to run it in, give it a big 1000km service etcetc and now its worth no-where near what he paid, go second hand they hold their value, and are just as good really.

If money was no obnjective I owuld go with the GT250R...

But yea, why not buy new when I can pick up a brand new scorpio for$3.7k? seems like a pretty decent deal and first time I would have owned a brand new vehicle. The Honda hornets (i think??) are 6k for one thats a few years old...

[Roki_nz]

Come on guys let it die

[Benjiboi]

I've just brought a '07 250 Hyosung, had it for just over a week now.
I umm and ahh, looked at forums like this all over the net and even posted a thread like this.
Finally made up my mind to buy it was a second hand only one nz owner and roughly 2k cheaper than from dealer, so for a year old bike it was a great deal.
My experience so far is that its a decent bike, although its not super powerful it is a learner bike and I'm still learning every time I ride so for me its perfect.
The way I looked at it, for every good reveiw of a bike there is always a negative one, and all are based entirely on peoples opinions.
So try it out I certainly don't regret it.

Plus if you remove the 250R sprawled across the side most people don't know it is:Punk:

[Benjiboi]

Hmm Why does my profile pic not show??:doh:

[Benjiboi]

Sorted :cool:

[kimjie]

Maybe for some but for all? pssh bull shit to that. nothing wrong with a second hand bike. if your not thick, yet to have any kind of problem at all with my bike.

just get a honda good luck destroying one with a lil simple maintainance

i second that... get a honda you won't have any troubles at all... build to last yah

i myself drive a honda... ain't livin there but am here livin in the origins of honda...:2thumbsup