In the market for a FAST 250! [Archive]

The_Ego

23rd January 2005, 20:12

Hey people! :2thumbsup

I used to have a Kawasaki ZZR250 years ago which I sold before ever getting my M/C licence. Now I'm in the market once more for a 250cc road bike. I was quite keen on the 2 strokes, Honda NSR250 or Suzuki RGV250 cause they look mint and are FAST! But now I'm thinking of getting a 4 stroke because a few people have told me that 2 strokes have expensive maintanence/reliability issues. So I'm looking at maybe a Kawasaki ZXR250 or Honda CBR250 or Yamaha FZR250 or something. I want a fast bike cause I like speed :devil2: and it has to be tidy and reliable bike so probably low kms. I only want to be paying for the usual maintanence and not for expensive repairs and I'd like to think I'd get a reasonable resale price when I upgrade after I get my full licence. I've been looking on www.trademe.co.nz where there looks to be some nice NSR's, ZXR's, and CBR's and I was thinking of spending $4K but I think I may need to spend more if I want a tidy and reliable bike. Especially if I buy from a dealer instead of private. What bikes would you recommend and why? With these road/race type bikes I notice they have small/thin seats. I imagine they're quite hard and uncomfortable on longish (30mins+) trips? Are there any issues having a custom made seat made with a bit more padding? Like would it play up with front/rear weight ballance, centre of gravity, braking and handling? Can anyone recommend an honest bike shop to give me a good deal in Auckland?

Advice/knowledge appreciated!

Cheers :headbang:

riffer

23rd January 2005, 20:26

But now I'm thinking of getting a 4 stroke because a few people have told me that 2 strokes have expensive maintanence/reliability issues. So I'm looking at maybe a Kawasaki ZXR250 or Honda CBR250 or Yamaha FZR250 or something.

Good idea.

I want a fast bike cause I like speed :devil2: and it has to be tidy and reliable bike so probably low kms. I only want to be paying for the usual maintanence and not for expensive repairs and I'd like to think I'd get a reasonable resale price when I upgrade after I get my full licence.

In that case your absolute best bet is to find someone who imports them straight from Japan. Get one before its been ridden in New Zealand. Every other bugger in NZ who buys these bikes wants to thrash them as much as they can, then flick them off when they buy a 400 or 600. For that reason alone I would personally stay away from bike that have had a few owners in NZ. However you can get some good ones if you look.

I've been looking on www.trademe.co.nz where there looks to be some nice NSR's, ZXR's, and CBR's and I was thinking of spending $4K but I think I may need to spend more if I want a tidy and reliable bike. Especially if I buy from a dealer instead of private.

You may not necessarily get a better bike from a dealer. But you may get a better warranty.

What bikes would you recommend and why? With these road/race type bikes I notice they have small/thin seats. I imagine they're quite hard and uncomfortable on longish (30mins+) trips? Are there any issues having a custom made seat made with a bit more padding? Like would it play up with front/rear weight ballance, centre of gravity, braking and handling?

ZXR, FZR, CBR are all goood starter fast bikes. However, you should also consider the VTR250, the FZX250 and even the GSX250, which although not sports bikes are very good nonetheless.

Chances are, you will either bin it or want to trade up faster than you originally thought, so don't throw a heap of money at a 250.

You would be better off learning your craft on a bike you're not scared to slide down the road, and use some of that money on something to wear.

StoneChucker

23rd January 2005, 20:41

I bought a '87 CBR250 from Laglands Motorcycles in Masterton. Cost me $4000. Looked absolutely mint, and went really really well. I'm a solid guy, and it carried me easily to 165km/h (Faster on a long straight, downhill or especially if someone lighter rode it). Didn't cost me much maintanance, apart from one major service, on my own whim, not by necessity.

Sold it as a trade in to a dealer for $3000, dealer then sold it for $4000.
Seat was fine for long rides (3-4 hours), it did become a little sore after that. (infact, my current bike is more comfortable!).

I've tried the GSX250's. They are nice bikes, but I didn't get as much of a sporty feel as I did from the CBR. As for the other types, I can't say. I'd reccomend you look around a few dealers first (at least 3). They can almost always be heckled down a bit, and you can finance it. Stick on an extended warranty for good measure and you'lll be set. I'd hate you to be stuck with a lemon off trade-me (however, if you know your stuff, you'll get a better bike/price off trade-me).

Keep us informed.
Dave.

Velox

23rd January 2005, 23:33

You gotta go for the mighty Jade 250 mate! :yeah: heh heh. Unfortunately though they're either out of production (sorry - "limited edition") or not imported into NZ so you might have to settle for the CBR which is second best!
I got my seat 'customised'/redone-cheaply-and-therefore-lumpy-and-ugly and it's fine comfort and handling wise (although I don't think you could ever really affect the handling too much with the seat unless you got some really slippery covering and were sliding around on it all the time).

The_Ego

24th January 2005, 00:30

Hey guys cheers. :ride:

Celtic you raise some good points, especially about learning the craft on a bike I don't mind skidding down the road on! :Punk: Though I did actually ride my ZZR250 around for a few years every other weekend (without a licence). Rode around locally but also from Auckland to Bay Park and Auckland to the Pearoa Street Race. So I can ride, I wouldn't say I was great, but capable, I was chasing my old man on his highly modified J1000LTD. So I was riding quite fast, the ZZR had a high top end, I believe it was the fastest 250 of it's day, something like 240kph. I had had it doing 185 passing a truck. Actually I think I'm lucky to be alive thinking back... :o Anyway...

Check out these bikes... I love the ZXR but that GSX is a good price for a near new bike... Hmmmmm.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=21256794

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=21424970

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=21458143

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=21036654

aff-man

24th January 2005, 07:03

Zxr250's are awsome and they have the one of the best resale values as well as the cbr. The links you just posted well the first one the guy wants way to much for it in that condition. The second could be dodgy . The third is gutless if you looking for a faster 250. And the 4th is a 2-smoke so it will be quick but be prepared to fork out major dosh for maintainance. How fast you want to go exactley

Moral of the story best 250's are the zxr/cbr. Abot 5-6k in a bike shop. Quick and handel great..... If you buying private. Make sure you get a pre-purchace check done and check the compression. :Punk:

inlinefour

24th January 2005, 07:32

not the new type. I'm looking for a RD250LC as I remember owning one, what it could do and all the fun I had on it. :ride:

riffer

24th January 2005, 08:13

The ZZR had a high top end, I believe it was the fastest 250 of it's day, something like 240kph.

Most unlikely my good man.

Try 180km/hr restricted, 200 km/hr unrestricted. I think even an Aprilia RS250 might struggle to hit 240 but I could be wrong.

FWIW, My FZR750R (unrestricted) has over 100 HP at the back tyre and makes it to just under 250 km/hr indicated, which would be in reality about 230. Of course it gets there a bit quicker than a 250. ;)

R6_kid

24th January 2005, 11:20

if you dont mind doing some work, or possibly having a streetfighter then there is/was an FZR250 at action bikewreckers on the shore. he wanted $1200 for it, only needs a little attention and new rego etc... i think it was an early 90s model...

Coyote

24th January 2005, 11:41

You would be better off learning your craft on a bike you're not scared to slide down the road, and use some of that money on something to wear.
Damn right. This is the problem I'm facing with the CBR

SPORK

24th January 2005, 11:50

Coyote

24th January 2005, 11:58

Zxr250's are awsome and they have the one of the best resale values as well as the cbr.
But be warned. When I was searching for my 250, I was hearing constant rumours of the 250 rule changing most likely to 400. We phoned the ltsa and they said they're planning to take it to the government, but it's likely to be put on the back burner cause of elections. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is if the law does change to 400, 250 resale prices will fall. My CBR was 5500, and when I come to sell it, I could get away with 5500, when/if the law changes, I’d be expecting 3000 for it.

Even with this over my head, I got the CBR, and I'm very pleased with it :niceone:

Coyote

24th January 2005, 12:01

Ok, so importing...

How much would it cost to import, say a Honda Hornet 250, or an XR250R? I've pretty mcuh shortlisted these ones because I can chuck then down the road and there is no fairings to replace, and speed isn't what I really desire.
You want the Hornet so you can modify it aswell. Thats all well and good but if you are struggling to get the money to buy the bike in the first place, I wouldn't get worked up about modifying it.

Get a GN250 :bleh:

marty

24th January 2005, 13:30

Most unlikely my good man.

Try 180km/hr restricted, 200 km/hr unrestricted. I think even an Aprilia RS250 might struggle to hit 240 but I could be wrong.

FWIW, My FZR750R (unrestricted) has over 100 HP at the back tyre and makes it to just under 250 km/hr indicated, which would be in reality about 230. Of course it gets there a bit quicker than a 250. ;)

i had a stock 2001 RS250. it was good for 210k. i spent a grand on induction and exhaust and got 225k, but that was lying on the tank tapped out.

it seems ridiculous that my TL will do that with ease.....if you've got your full, but don't want a litre bike, i'd be hunting the 600's - they are the same price as a 250, but so much more capable. don't go the 400 way, unless it's an NC30

aff-man

24th January 2005, 13:55

But be warned. When I was searching for my 250, I was hearing constant rumours of the 250 rule changing most likely to 400. We phoned the ltsa and they said they're planning to take it to the government, but it's likely to be put on the back burner cause of elections. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is if the law does change to 400, 250 resale prices will fall. My CBR was 5500, and when I come to sell it, I could get away with 5500, when/if the law changes, I’d be expecting 3000 for it.

Even with this over my head, I got the CBR, and I'm very pleased with it :niceone:

With the current stance towards speed i don't think the gov-bum-ment will be wanting to put nOOb's on bigger bikes do you???

riffer

24th January 2005, 14:30

You want a fast bike Ego?

Try this one on trademe (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbike-Parts/Performance/auction-21545194.htm)

aff-man

24th January 2005, 16:11

You want a fast bike Ego?

Try this one on trademe (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbike-Parts/Performance/auction-21545194.htm)

Shit that thing would be balls to the wall........ with that sorta power and that sorta weight you could get yourself into trouble..... speacially since it's a 2-smoker, But man it would be a rush... Put that on the back wheel without any problems :gob: :gob: Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaa

The_Ego

24th January 2005, 17:04

My god that thing would fly! :ride: Brutal. :2thumbsup A bit much for me I think. :baby: Cheap though aye...

Coyote

24th January 2005, 17:09

Woohoohoohoooooo, wouldn't mind that bike.

If only I had the money

Sycophant

24th January 2005, 18:19

I have an only slighty-crashed GSX250F (Across (http://www.hyp4r.com/mct/across/across.htm)) that I will be selling in the next couple of months... I has some fairing damage, but other than that is in fine running condition (would probably be a little better with a tune up, but it certainly isn't in bad condition) --- It'll do 140-150 without too much effort. Probably faster but I've never really wanted to go a whole lot faster.

But it isn't going to be on the market for a couple of months (I am about to become a dad, and I am planning to stay off bikes for a while, just because I'd hate for something bad to happen).

riffer

24th January 2005, 18:53

I am about to become a dad, and I am planning to stay off bikes for a while, just because I'd hate for something bad to happen.

:crazy: :pinch: :no: :no: :no:

Is that you or your wife speaking?

There's a heap of us here with young kids, and wives due to give birth.

My fourth will be here in less than six weeks.

NEVER use that as an excuse sycophant... :mellow:

cowpoos

24th January 2005, 21:58

Two strokers arn't that expensive to maintain...and are a very much a do it your self bike if u feel [note....IF YOU FEEL LIKE] changing rings and or pistons
Very bacsic motors....very easy to pull apart replace things....no oil changes to care about....no timing to worrie about.....just a no bullshit motor....
any clown can do pistons and rings...But they don't have to be done as often as people are lead to believe.

What if you ZXR250 drops a valve....? now that going to be expensive!!!

I'ld recomend tzr250 or rgv250....ring a mechanic at a local suzuki shop and ask them how often and how much maintaince is on a rgv250? compared to a cbr250rr zxr250 etc? I'm not take a once off service ask about long term!!!!

Just a thought.

Ps: someone is selling a lovely looking tzr250 in motorcycle marketplace mag at the moment....its about $4k

Stevo

24th January 2005, 22:28

Ok, so importing...

How much would it cost to import, say a Honda Hornet 250, or an XR250R? I've pretty mcuh shortlisted these ones because I can chuck then down the road and there is no fairings to replace, and speed isn't what I really desire.

Why on earth would you want to import a bike?
Could buy a new GN250 for 3000 or there abouts. Would cost over a 1000 just to get a import thru customs from what I read on a LTSA thing the other week. (2 wks ago). I've heard that it is only worth importing more expensive bikes, ie litre plus or performance bikes

SPORK

24th January 2005, 23:16

Shudder.

GN250?!

Sorry, I just vomited all over my computer monitor.

Sycophant

25th January 2005, 08:48

:crazy: :pinch: :no: :no: :no:

Is that you or your wife speaking?

There's a heap of us here with young kids, and wives due to give birth.

My fourth will be here in less than six weeks.

NEVER use that as an excuse sycophant... :mellow:

Nah, that's my idea. I'm not a fantastic rider, and I don't have the greatest gear, so for the moment at least I am going to step down for a while. I just don't really feel like having the risk in my life.

I only really use my bike for commuting around the city, and so much of the time my safety rests entirely on the drivers around me -- and we know what they are like...

I certainly isn't a permanant thing, but I will give it a rest for a while until I have more free time and money and can make motorcycling a proper hobby rather than my sole means of transport.

cowpoos

25th January 2005, 20:10

fastest 250....kawasaki kr-1s 250....55 rearwheel horses....222.4 kmph measured [not bullsh*t kmph...real ones]

This bike made 220bhp per litre at the rear wheel....unmatched even today by any road going production bike....i fact...I doubt if there is or has been a bike that can match that at the crank!!!! zx-10 makes 152bhp [at the wheel measured] per litre....

But the engines were crap so don't buy one....they were to highly strung...to hard to ride....my one not only tankslap like a bastarded....it bitch slapped aswell....amung other nasty habits it had....like...the ooooohhh so embaressing NOT STARTING after if reach runnig temp....you'll be kick starting the bloody thing til it cools right down before it even pretended to fire

I hated that dam bike but loved it at the same time....it could drag off a mate on his fzr1000 in a strait line....but at the same time used as much gas if not more....hmmmm..... :sneaky2:

anyway.....buy a rgv250 or a tzr250 they're reliable and they behave themselves.... :banana:

Coyote

25th January 2005, 20:15

Shudder.

GN250?!

Sorry, I just vomited all over my computer monitor.
Why? The GN250 is the pimp daddy of 250s. All dat chrome bling bling man, its the shizz man

inlinefour

26th January 2005, 03:05

Shudder.

GN250?!

Sorry, I just vomited all over my computer monitor.

I owned one for a while. As soo as I got my next bike (RZ350LC), I severly delt to the Suzuki and gave the POS away :whistle:

Jonty

26th January 2005, 19:27

My ZXR has been great. I picked it up from a dealer with 18Km and $4000. Fairly reasonable. I have had it for 6 months and have not had to spend any money on it!! I would strongly recommend it for a learner machine as the GSX it a bit of a whale and if you are a good rider it may be a bit boring :whistle: . As for the seat, I can ride for about an hour and a half until my ass starts hurting. The tank only holds about 175ks of gas so regular fuel breaks help prevent complete numbness.

I'm sure you shouldn't have to look too far for one around the same price, I wouldn't go over $5K if I were you becasue its not long before you want to upgrade. :rockon:

avgas

26th January 2005, 19:32

i had a stock 2001 RS250. it was good for 210k. i spent a grand on induction and exhaust and got 225k, but that was lying on the tank tapped out.
it seems ridiculous that my TL will do that with ease.....if you've got your full, but don't want a litre bike, i'd be hunting the 600's - they are the same price as a 250, but so much more capable. don't go the 400 way, unless it's an NC30
Bummer dude, my RG after it was worked did 210, and an RGV250 my mate had did 240 :yes: . What year was ya RS cos the 98' was the year to get it - carbon firbre galore

XTC

26th January 2005, 19:39

not the new type. I'm looking for a RD250LC as I remember owning one, what it could do and all the fun I had on it. :ride:

People used to remember when they owned a bonnie which was oil tight and would sit on 120mph all day and nothing would fall off it or break.....:)

aff-man

26th January 2005, 23:07

inlinefour

26th January 2005, 23:09

People used to remember when they owned a bonnie which was oil tight and would sit on 120mph all day and nothing would fall off it or break.....:)

From what I've heard from Triumph owners that would never happen, so I guess there would be much silience? :thud:

onearmedbandit

27th January 2005, 00:04

Bummer dude, my RG after it was worked did 210, and an RGV250 my mate had did 240

That must've been an impressive RGV. Was it a track bike or road thrasher? How much hp did it deliver?

The_Ego

27th January 2005, 19:04

Awesome guys, I think the ZXR sounds like me aye. Interested in one at the moment for sale by a fellow forum member actually. Waiting to see some pics but it sounds pretty mint. I don't think I'll get a 2 stroke anytime soon, I think in the future I'd like to experience riding/owning a 2 stroke. Perhaps when (if) I'm ever a good enough rider to put one through its paces! Actually talking about 2 strokes... You know those 2 stroke 500 GP bikes, can you register and legally ride them on the road in NZ? I've never seen one but I reckon that would be pretty mean. I know Kawasaki used to make one in the 70's, my old man was telling me about it, I think he said they were nicnamed the "widowmaker" cause they were so crazy to ride. He used to have a H2 250, bet he wishes he still had it! Speaking of old Kwakas... When I was 15 (now 25) I learned to ride on my old mans highly modded (5k of performance mods) mint condition 82'? Z1000LTD (bored to 1076). Shit that was fun! He sold that in 97' I think. But I remember the pull, after that it was a bit slow jumping on my ZZR250 hahaha. I like to mention I learned to ride on that bike, it was such a beast. :bleh: Clocked 170mph (275km) 2 up racing and HSV once. I remember this one time I was riding pillion cause I didn't have a bike at the time, we were on our way back from Bay Park I think. We got sent on a detour cause SH2 was closed for some reason, anyway... It was fun at the time but sounds stupid now... We weren't only keeping up with a 750 on the straights, we actually pulled past him every time, but when we got to the twisties the 750 left us behind. We were going hard, scraping the new pipes and all ahahaha... :stupid: Oh well, I like to think I'm a little more sensible than the old man. :Oops:

ktulu

4th February 2005, 22:00

That RGV race bike on trademe was mine, got rid of the thing because I didn't have the time to take it out on the track nor the money as I had just spent over 2 grand on the engine of my RGV road bike which is now for sale, if you're interested mate just give me a PM and you can check it out.

or see http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports-tourer/auction-22097865.htm

Atomic

5th February 2005, 13:19

I dont think id ever buy an old bike again.
First bike was an 92 FZR250RR that had hit went fork first into the side of a car, was then repaired (but frame not checked for alignment) and
used on the road once again....only problem was it was now a tank slapping demon that would get out of shape on any corner after hitting the smallest of bumps even in a straight line over a big bump could throw the bars side to side!!! In the end it threw me off with a big high side at well over 100kph which left me feeling pretty sorry for my self.

I guess any bike could of had a prang and then cosmetic repairs and onsold as a potential tank slapper (even the 03 Krr I bought but im confident it has a straight frame after my mate tackled a few corners at speed and I couldnt afford new anyway) and things could end in tears!

I guess my advise would be......
If you plan on spending around $4K, you could get a brand new bike and experience trouble free motoring, warranty, modern technology etc etc etc.
I think the Kawasaki KRR150 is down to $4000-$4500 now from last years $6000. Mine has over 17,000ks on it and still goes well so reliability isnt an issue and as an indication of performance, I heard that 2 smokers RG150 was keeping up with my mates (Arven) R6!

IMHO the KRR is the better looking brand new sports machine available in the under 250cc class available on the NZ market (Excluding Prilly RS!), the GSX looks like a tourer, FXR a spaceship and the rest are naked. I only comment because you like the look of RGV, NSR etc etc. The KRR could certainly do with some fat rubber and maybe single seat cowl to finish it off. Its extremely light and easy to throw around (124kg dry) and even though it lacks top end acceleration above 100k, goes pretty well down low.

Good luck finding a bike regardless of which way you go.

Cheers
Lance

P.S
My mistake sorry, the KRR is still fetching $4,995. but still cheaper than last year by $1k.
http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=611278&TabID=3553&Alias=bikepointnz