Help plz on what 250cc [Archive]

Oli

10th August 2008, 18:51

Hi there kbers

i posted a few months ago before i got my fxr150 and u were all great help so i thort i would ask again for your advice :D

ok so i have a 2002 fxr150 at the moment and its going great but as you do i really want to be able to do more with my motorbike than commute and ride around town, i live near the country so im really looking for a bike that can keep up with 100km with extra to spare if i need it. So far i have been looking intently at all the differnt options available and think that if i could get specific advice for me it would be nery helpful, here goes.

Ok so i live in nelson where very little 250's come on the market at all which is annoying to start with, im not a young hoon just wanting to go fast on the learner licence but rather one that wants to enjoy a ride without hoping that the bike wont kill itself for reving so high for ne great distance. Looking around the new laws for the bikes are scary cus i was serouisly thinking about a two stroke 250 ie nsr/tzr but now it looks like i wont be able to ride one ( if i bought one b4 the law change am i allowed it untill i get full licence, 1yr to go) . So now i think the CBR and ZXR are good and fast but are like 15-20 yrs old which is getting on a bit.

Looking at the newer inline fours like the hornet, bandit(i think) and the vt250 honda which are around 10 yrs old which is a little less risk and the same price, but are these powerful enough to get me ne great distance? Then i look at the new bikes available like the Gt250R and the ninja250, it is good that these are new but also i heard that they actually arent the fastest tools in the shed. Also something to consider is the resale value and the proposed new laws are confusing me alot as to what is allowed in the 250 range and also when it comes into effect.

I know that it looks like just another terrible boy racer type but on a bike its not the case at all i just want to be able to go riding and have fun with having to hide behind a car going 95 and not being able to pass.

I would love ne advice u have too offer very much, thx in advance.

ps. im in love with the ninja at the moment so all to do with that too plz.

eratic

10th August 2008, 20:53

Im kinda in the same boat aye... Except I can get my full licence but have no bike to do it on... I like the idea of a new bike (ninja or hyosung) but am afraid of the resale value 6 months down the track..

The zxr,rgv,nsr,cbr,rs250 all look enticing but they are all old and/or very expensive for something I wouldnt have very long.

Whats the fine for riding a bike bigger than 250cc on your restricted? As ive had mine for 3-4years haha

Henk

10th August 2008, 21:04

Not sure what the penalty for riding a bigger bike is these days but I wouldn't get too hung up about the 250 resale. People are starting to buy them because they are cheap on gas as much as the fact that they are learner legal. Nobody seems to know when the learner rules are supposed to change anyway.

avgas

10th August 2008, 21:08

you can pass a car up to about 130 on an FXR. they top out about 150.
my friend and i used to blast around on RG and FXR 150's.
If you want a 2 stroke why not just get an RG150
under the new laws you will still be sweet and they are good for nearly 50kph faster than the FXR.
you wont go much quicker on a hyosung or vt/vtr250.
baby hornet or an SL230 would be my picks if you MUST get a 250.
if you become a road side cross i will be really fucked off and come down and kick your ass however

avgas

10th August 2008, 21:12

Whats the fine for riding a bike bigger than 250cc on your restricted? As ive had mine for 3-4years haha
$460 and you walk home.........its all fun and games until you get caught.
I wasn't even doing anything wrong - cop had to get his quota before midnight and i was cruising home on the GB at 11:30pm.....routine check and i was fucked.

McJim

10th August 2008, 21:21

If you've never ridden anything bigger a twin cylinder 250 will suit you fine.

Honda VT250, Spada, VTR250
Suzuki GSX250
Hyosung GT250, GT250R
Kawasaki GPX250, ZZR250, Ninja 250

All of these bikes will easily shoot past a car doing 100kph (given the correct use of throttle and gearbox) and all of them would be fine for touring around New Zealand.

People call 250 twin cylinders gutless because they're used to bigger bikes. 40 years ago 30 horsepower was considered plenty by many.

eratic

10th August 2008, 21:22

Really $460... thats a bit excessive haha half the fuckers who get done for drink driving dont even have to pay a fine that big.

I just need something to get my confidence back for my full licence test thats why i dont really want to fork out and buy a 250 that I know i wont have for very long..

kimjie

10th August 2008, 23:10

go for a hornet... you have the beauty of an simple bike but the power close to cbr250rr (actually hornets are detuned cbr engine) you'll love it revving up to 16k with no problem and that fat tyre me love...

well it's your decision what bike you want... try to ride it on first and fell them... what's more comfortable to you then go to that...

blue eyed savage

10th August 2008, 23:18

i ride a 250 bandit. chopped pipe and its all good http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=883pXymFwwQ
me and my bike

blue eyed savage

10th August 2008, 23:23

zxr 250 is the best allround bike for my needs. my mate rides one but u do have to look around for a good one

The Pastor

10th August 2008, 23:34

i ride a 250 bandit. chopped pipe and its all good http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=883pXymFwwQ
me and my bike
Thats a really boring video.

blue eyed savage

10th August 2008, 23:35

its a start how about http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=5-6aMY-7YcM

lostinflyz

10th August 2008, 23:44

if you really keen on new laws look at a 400. an older vfr400 nc21 is cheap and really reliable,but can be uncomfortable (like the fxr i imagine). but these are much better long distance bikes than a 250.

If you just want a bit more mid range a vtr250 or similar are good. top speed wont be that great (160ish) but they are much better riding bikes than the wee fxr with a bit of V-twin grunt. If you want a warranty then the gt250 or ninja are a good bet.

The 4 pot 250's are stupidly overpriced. if you are considering these go with the 400. Not only are they cheaper they are much better on the road to ride with the extra grunt, dont handle any worse and again cost half the price. similar reliabilities as well as all the bikes are older.

If you got the cash a GS500 might be an option as well under the new laws. These are hugely popular in aussie as a learner.

As for 2 strokes i have no opinion. All i know is the 250 ones are even more stupidly overpriced than there 4 stroke cousins

Zuki Bandit

11th August 2008, 07:28

i ride a 250 bandit. chopped pipe and its all good http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=883pXymFwwQ
me and my bike
Yep the Bandit does me just fine. Plenty of grunt for overtaking at highway speeds!

Oli

11th August 2008, 18:42

thanks for your input so far guys keep it up and help me out of a pickle :D

and also if i could find a good cheap 250 two stroke is it worth looking at becasue of the new laws or would those really take quiet a while to come through?

kiwifruit

11th August 2008, 19:02

I'm listing a zzr250 tomorrow, will post the link to the $1 res auction

Slyer

11th August 2008, 19:05

Ninja 250! Go go go!

PirateJafa

11th August 2008, 19:22

and also if i could find a good cheap 250 two stroke is it worth looking at becasue of the new laws or would those really take quiet a while to come through?

There are a lot of 250cc two-strokes that will still be legal if the Govt does follow in Australia's footsteps. RDs, RZs and TDRs straight off the top of my head for instance.

Whether or not they are all ideal learner bikes is another matter, but I believe that any bike can be a "learner" bike - it depends on the rider.

imw-hornet

11th August 2008, 21:23

Hi Oli

Have you given the Hornet a bash yet ( :oi-grr:) if not give it one ,,, they are great bikes , yes its a 250 but with a big bike feel ,,,, hmmmmm that back tyre :gob: ,,, it can be ridden like a nana in town and get given horns on the way home if need be ,,,,, :devil2: what a sound and feeling once over 10k yea ha :2thumbsup, ok enought raving about the hornet , go and give it a bash and decide for your self , main thing is , it must feel good to you , enjoy and let us know :yes:

racefactory

11th August 2008, 21:59

2 stroke 250 definately worth having. I got a TZR250 it hasnt missed a beat. love it.
Me and my mates have all got them and they are great... just got to change the top end after 15 000 km and thats it. Easier and cheaper to rebuild than 4 stroke. Not saying anythng about 4 strokes though i have a 4 stroke myself and love it. Great fun. Just make sure your at least somewhat willing to maintain it and its all good. As you should be with any bike. People way make a fuss of 2 stroke reliability. In my opinion its just as reliable, being such a simple engine you just check a few thing and clean and replace a few things every so often and its fine. truck loads more power.

HTFU

11th August 2008, 22:30

i just want to be able to go riding and have fun with having to hide behind a car going 95 and not being able to pass.

Most of the riding I do on my gpx 250 is on the open road. It was an upgrade on the GN 250 and I bought it new for $6000 when I had my full license (would have liked a 500-650 twin but there was nothing available in NZ at the time for less than $10000).

I ride the hilly back road from Otorohanga to Hamilton weekly and have no problems maintaining 110km/hr on all the hills.

As for passing if I come up to a car doing 95-100km/hr a change down to 5th is normally all I need to pass and if its up a hill or into the wind I hit 4th and this goes up to 120km/hr pretty quick so more than enough time to pass.

The new ninja is pretty much the same power and may be a good option, as is the hyosung which apparently has even better fuel economy. I get 300km from the 15 L at a good cruising speed.

There are some of the suzuki 500gs faired bikes still available for $7800 that came out a few months after I got mine. Would have got one myself if they were around.

Oli

11th August 2008, 22:33

yea thats true about the 2 stroke the only reason why i havent tryed looking serouisly at one is the new learners law, i kno that its only just in the pipeline but i dont want to be caught out in a year. Also the resale value would be less if u wouldnt be able to keep it ona learners, tho in saying that being a two stroke i would have it for longer.

CB ARGH

11th August 2008, 22:45

And the awards go to:

Coolness: Honda CBR250RR MC22
Style: Honda CBR250RR MC22
Price: Honda CBR250RR MC22
Fuel Efficiency: Teletubbie Scooter
Sound: Honda CBR250RR MC22
Rider Comfort: F*ck that :oi-grr:
Rider Satisfaction: Honda CBR250RR MC22
Rider Depression: H___sung (I didn't say it, you're just ASSUMING!)

Overall Winner: Honda CBR250RR MC22 (what a guess).

I heard that there is going to be a new release of the Honda CBR250RR MC22.

I'm bullshitting, by the way.

Worthless Poster Award: StClingin

Slyer

11th August 2008, 23:09

Go for a 2 stroke if you don't mind it breaking down a tad more often and all the smoke. :P

imw-hornet

12th August 2008, 07:45

There's nothing like the smell of 2 stroke in the morning, hmmmmmmmm:shifty:

McJim

12th August 2008, 08:06

You could always get a RG150. My missus had one of them for a year or so. Goes like a cut cat.

kiwifruit

12th August 2008, 08:38

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=170775133&ed=true

rachprice

12th August 2008, 08:40

yeah man the rg150 would be all good.....my rgv fucks out quite a bit but I love it! I think it has taught me a lot too haha
Im sure that with the new laws they cant tell you that you can no longer ride a bike that you own. Surely those who already owned 250 2 strokes are exempt, Im in the same boat!

CB ARGH

12th August 2008, 08:46

Surely those who already owned 250 2 strokes are exempt, Im in the same boat!

I wouldn't hold your breath! :scooter:

Oli

12th August 2008, 14:08

MSTRS

12th August 2008, 14:31

Bandit and Hornet are inline 4cyl 4 stroke. Don't be put off the older ZXR/CBR etc - their reliability etc are well known, individually it is how they've been maintained.
Personally, I think learners are better off with a v-twin - the torque makes them friendlier and in real terms they have plenty of power and speed. The pick of the v-twins (I'm talking 4 strokes here) is the Honda Spada. An up-spec'd VTR, they have more power and a 6 speed g/box. You can pick up a good one for $3ish

racefactory

12th August 2008, 15:14

one problem with 250s is that they all look like dogs bollocks apart from the 2 strokes and zxr250.

i say go for a 2 stroke... doubt this law will come up any time soon.. (they always say this stuff)- you'll have heaps of fun, wont be needing to upgrade to another bike since it will have tons of power. you'll also get to learn something about engines on a simple motor design if you dont already know much- when you go to refresh the top end. its easy to maintain them! they are so simple! they are already well priced compared to some of the rip off 4 stroke 250s, so you'll have no trouble with resale value.. despite any law. reason for this is that it's FAR from just learners who love the 2 stroke 250s because they are the lightest and fastest turning bikes and have such character. if you really like bikes and engines and can give at least a half arsed mechanics effort then definately go for one.

theres a nice tzr250 on trademe at the moment.

Oli

12th August 2008, 15:25

what would you reakcon of this one ? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-169771686.htm if u said spada

arwe they not too old? although the resale would be the same

MSTRS

12th August 2008, 15:31

Check it out for sure. The kms are really low, but then all Spadas are imports, many of which were ridden very little in Japan. If that one is genuine and in good straight condition, I wouldn't hesitate.

Oli

12th August 2008, 16:25

thanks alot im having a look at it tomorrow and dropping into the local motorcycle dealer so they can have a look at it for me and see if its all good. But in the mean time keep the advice plz as im acutally going nuts as to whats out there and the choices lol. :D

PirateJafa

12th August 2008, 19:18

have spent the afternoon looking at bikes and have come to a few conclusions, i really like the shape and feel of the bandit and ninja. Havent had a chance to ride either cus raining. No hornets around nelson at the moment but it looks like a bandit right? Question- Is the bandit an inline 4? and also in performance would a bandit/ninja/hornet perform better?
A Bandit is a inline four.

Bandits and Hornets are essentially the equal of each other.

Bandits and Hornets would perform better than a 250R.

They're all nice bikes though. Horses for courses.

Slyer

12th August 2008, 19:23

Mmmm, the ninja is a V-Twin.

PirateJafa

13th August 2008, 05:47

Mmmm, the ninja is a V-Twin.
Try a parallel twin!

Slyer

13th August 2008, 15:59

I swear it was.. but yeah you're right. :girlfight:

Oli

13th August 2008, 17:23

MSTRS

13th August 2008, 17:55

i had a ride on the spada and had the dealership check it over for me and i said that i was wanting a bike to go on the open roads as well as in town so they suggested that i didnt get the spada, they had a bandit that they are selling on behalf of in the store so i had a quick spen on that and WOW. I now know what people mean by the inline fours sound differnt and are like a buzz lol. The bandit is for 5 grand and looks in pretty good nick and is a 1997 and has 38 000 kms on it. Its really tempting but i dropped into a car/motorbike dealership and they said that they would be on the look out for any CBR250RR or any hornets coming into nz from import. They also said that getting an import was good because they dont get thrashed in jap like they can in nz so there is less risk and also the checks they go through to get into nz. So whats your thoughts on this so far? And is a Bandit still gonna make me as happy as a hornet/CBR250RR on the open road considering i would prolly never get to ride either if i got the bandit so the comparision wouldnt be so influential?

THANKS KB'ers U ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is a crock of shit! Of course they want to sell you the bike they have in stock...they get a kickback from the sale price. I'm not saying a Bandit/Hornet/CBRR etc is no good - they are just fine - but the Spada is just as capable in or out of town.
At the end of the day, we want you to buy a bike that you are happy with, and will do what you ask of it, so make up your own mind. Can I just suggest that you take your advice from people in the know, who have nothing to gain by steering you this way or that??

Jerry74

13th August 2008, 18:07

try a Kawasaki ZR 250 Balius or ZXR 250 nice wee punchy engine, economical and really reliable.

PS They are really quick for a 250, 19000 rpm redline.

;)

PirateJafa

13th August 2008, 18:29

i had a ride on the spada and had the dealership check it over for me and i said that i was wanting a bike to go on the open roads as well as in town so they suggested that i didnt get the spada, they had a bandit that they are selling on behalf of in the store so i had a quick spen on that and WOW. I now know what people mean by the inline fours sound differnt and are like a buzz lol. The bandit is for 5 grand and looks in pretty good nick and is a 1997 and has 38 000 kms on it. Its really tempting but i dropped into a car/motorbike dealership and they said that they would be on the look out for any CBR250RR or any hornets coming into nz from import. They also said that getting an import was good because they dont get thrashed in jap like they can in nz so there is less risk and also the checks they go through to get into nz. So whats your thoughts on this so far? And is a Bandit still gonna make me as happy as a hornet/CBR250RR on the open road considering i would prolly never get to ride either if i got the bandit so the comparision wouldnt be so influential?

THANKS KB'ers U ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Bandit is essentially the equal of any other inline four 250. The differences between the inline four 250s are negligible. Great little bikes.

However, $5,000 sounds like too much for what you're looking at. I bought my old Bandit 250 for $3,500 with just 12,000 on the clock, although it was a '94.

Oli

13th August 2008, 18:44

ok thats good to kno thanks about the inline 4's being very similar.
Also i kno what you mean MSTRS about the spada meaning a mean little machine but i want this bike to last be for along time cus this is a lot of money so i just want to get more bang for my bucks and i have already concluded that i would need to spend around 5k ne way, but other wise i think the spada would have suited me fine. Is 38 000kms ok for that age for the bandit?

EDIT: also what is the difference between the CBR250RR 1990-1993(think) and the CBR250RR 1994, i heard that the 1994 hasnt the same hp

sefer

14th August 2008, 01:12

Check it out for sure. The kms are really low, but then all Spadas are imports, many of which were ridden very little in Japan. .

Maybe, but it could just have easily been owned by a (actual or wantabe) Bōsōzoku. Plus 250s and under aren't subject to the expensive, hard to pass, Shaken test (or as it's also known, the shake-down) , which is why a lot of seemingly very new and little used cars and bigger bikes get exported.

In saying that personally I'd love a Spada, that would have been my first choice over my ZXR for my first bike if I could have found one at the time.

Rookie Rider

14th August 2008, 01:57

I have just joined up with Kiwi Biker. Defintely a Learner Rider. Just bought my baby a Virago. Excuse my ignorance but what are these law changes everyone talks about, Is there a site I can have a peek at? Or is this the typical govt out to screw with our heads again?
Enjoy reading the comments keep it up.:clap:

disenfranchised

14th August 2008, 07:57

Also i kno what you mean MSTRS about the spada meaning a mean little machine but i want this bike to last be for along time cus this is a lot of money so i just want to get more bang for my bucks and i have already concluded that i would need to spend around 5k ne way, but other wise i think the spada would have suited me fine. Is 38 000kms ok for that age for the bandit?

Just another point to note (not sure if it's the same everywhere) but the workshop I get my bike serviced at charges slightly more for more cylinders on the bike...presumabley as there are more things to check etc.

Given what I've read on the Spada, it sounds perfect, having the easy to ride torquey nature of the v-twin, but still having comparable-ish top end power to some of the newer inline 4 bikes.

The spada might be older, but with less K's and if it's been well maintained it would probably be a much better buy (plus it's cheaper..the difference buys a lot of nice protective gear)

MSTRS

14th August 2008, 09:09

EDIT: also what is the difference between the CBR250RR 1990-1993(think) and the CBR250RR 1994, i heard that the 1994 hasnt the same hp
In '93 the Japs agreed to restrict the HP of their 250s so from then on, the bikes didn't have quite the same top speed. Perhaps.

...stuff about Jap hoons...
In saying that personally I'd love a Spada, that would have been my first choice over my ZXR for my first bike if I could have found one at the time.

Given what I've read on the Spada, it sounds perfect, having the easy to ride torquey nature of the v-twin, but still having comparable-ish top end power to some of the newer inline 4 bikes.

The spada might be older, but with less K's and if it's been well maintained it would probably be a much better buy (plus it's cheaper..the difference buys a lot of nice protective gear)

hXc had a Spada for 2 and half years. He did 25,000k on it, town and country, all over the North Is. We had to do the camchains, but it never gave any trouble. This particular bike was electronically timed at 172kph so if top speed is important (along with losing your licence) they have some go. And they are brilliant handing too.
If you want an in-line 4, have a look at the guy selling a very nice FZR on here. I think he wants too much, but it is really low ks (if genuine) and comparable to ZXR and CBRR in power/price