First bike advice

[blossoming]

Hello,

I've been reading KiwiBiker lately just to get a feel around what bike i should buy for my first bike.

I have yet to sit the learners test which is this coming Saturday so I'm pretty sure I should be able to pass it.

So, in foresight, I was wondering what good 250CC bikes do folks at KB recommend?

I have a budget around 4.5k so I think I should be able to get a pretty decent bike at that price range. I was looking towards the Hyosung GT250R but lately I've been reading some negative reviews which have slightly put me off but I'm staying optimistic that there are people within KB who have it themselves and can actually tell me more than the average online review.

I've also looked at the NSR250 and the CBR250R.

I really don't have a target bike in all honesty, but preferably one that is well-known within the community for being a good commuter (I possibly want to drive to uni in it) but also not too slow and also reliable would be a good start.

I've been looking through dealerships lately but nothing good has popped up mainly because of their prices so trademe has been pretty much the last resort. There are quite nice bikes within the Auckland area and I've pretty much relied on my mate to introduce me to some bikes but I would also like more than just one opinion.

Thanks for all your help.

[quickbuck]

Firstly,
Welcome to Kiwibiker.

Now, good thing you asked about your bike.....

What I will say is that there is no way I am actually going to recommend one particular bike.... or else you will end up with what I want to buy you...

You mentioned NSR and CBR.
Good, I can see you like sporty, and plastic.

If your budget is 4500, then stay away from the NSR.
The NSR is a two stroke that is best to actually be left to the experts... and not a good commuter.... unless you want to turn up to Uni smelling like 2 stroke oil... with a bike that may not have survived the traffic.

The CBR is a great little machine. They go really well, and are well sort after.

Others to consider are VTR250's. They are reliable, and have two cylinders, not 4 like the CBR.
They also tend to be much easier to ride. More low down torque... not a lot, but more than the CBR.
Other bikes to consider
Suzuki GSX250 Invader 2003 on.
Kawasaki ZZR 250.
Kawasaki GPZ 250.

Interestingly Yamaha don't do a twin cylinder sporty 250.... But the Zeal is a neat bike. 4 Cylinder engine, but tuned for more low down grunt... for a 250.
It is naked though.

As for a 250 being slow.... nope. Most will leave your standard falcodore for dust. You are looking at a power to weight of over 200 horsepower per tonne.
That is heaps more than most cars.

Remember to leave about $1000+ aside for some really good gear too (if you haven't already got it).

The thing is get your L plates, and take all sorts of bikes for a ride.
You may be surprised what YOU like.

Good luck.

[CB ARGH]

Wow, quickbuck pretty much covered it all. I agree on the fact that the NSR wouldn't be an ideal beginner's bike, far too much power.

The CBR would be a goodie though :whistle:

[fatzx10r]

welcome to kb mate. kawasaki gpx are a good bike, been around for years and are easy to maintain. but if you want something with a bit more go a cbr or zxr would be a better choice than a 2smoke, most 2strokes have been thrashed and are 3 parts worn out. get out and test ride a few once you get your licence and see wich bikes you like the feel of

[Gummie]

My two cents also.

have a sit on them to as you may find they don't fit you.
I liked the look of the ninja 250 but i didn't fit it phisically.
Sometimes thats where a bike shop can have there advantages as they have a range even to just sit on.

Ok im spent

Oh yea welcome to KB

[MsKABC]

Votes here for the gpz and the gpx, hubby and I started off on them. Of course mine was way older and much more naff looking than his, but boy did it kick arse in a singing competition ;)

The VTR is a good bike too.

We're v-twin fans in this house....can you tell? :laugh:

[blossoming]

So I'm guessing CBR's are preferably the way to go? And that the Hyosung's don't fair too well within the community?

Also, when I'm buying what kind of mileage should I be looking at? Also I was wondering what parts of the bike I should be looking for hidden areas where it may cause trouble in the future?

Thanks for all your input.

[Jerry74]

Do not buy a Hyosung... you get em free with a Big Mac happy meal....

Hahaha They are not worth looking at by the way lol

Get a Kawasaki ZXR or a Honda CBR

[kiwifruit]

welcome to the site :)

(older) cb250 or similar, simple, ergonomically neutral, bike for under 2k would be my advise for a first road bike

eg: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-199568816.htm

[LardEmbargo]

have a sit on them too as you may find they don't fit you

yeah, visit some bike shops and try them out for size first off. I found the Hyosung felt too big for me when I was out looking around for a first bike. It's styled as a bigger bike (I think the 250's about the same size as the GT650R if you stand them next to each other) which is fine if you're a taller/bigger person who'd be cramped up on a smaller bike. Or alternatively if you're one of those people who has an all-consuming need for your bike to look like it's got a bigger engine than actually it has.

Anyway, I felt too far away from the ground, the centre of gravity felt too high and the broad tank felt too sort of obtrusive.

But for a taller person who, you know, has a thing for big tanks. Probably just the thing.

So once you've tried some out for size, next thing take a couple for a test ride as well and see what the riding position's like, make sure that's comfortable too. Of course you can sort of tend towards the kind of bike that fits your mental picture of you riding around looking cool, but don't forget it'll suck trying to learn on something that doesn't fit or you can't get comfortable on.

Good luck with finding one that's right anyway

ps VTRs are good :/

[hospitalfood]

hey there blossoming. if you are after something with a bit of speed ( which is good ) and you are new to riding there is a chance you will crash before to long. I did.
Don't get me wrong, I am not giving you a hard time.
I think it is fair to say that those of us who enjoy speed have all crashed at least once, i have had a few. most of them happened in the early days of riding. touch wood.
So........my advice is get something fast but not to flash, if it looks a bit rough no problem, you will probably upgrade to a bigger bike as soon as you can.
I would get good gear. leather jacket, gloves and pants. sturdy boots with heel protection at the least, or good road boots. i would not spend heaps on a helmet myself ( others may not agree ), just something reasonable because it could be trashed if you bin.

there is also info on how to crash well if you hunt for it. i learnt to jump clear of impact with cars. the hard way.
if you go to group rides with KB riders you will learn to ride faster than you would riding by yourself. better and faster technique in less time is what i mean. and if you are selective about who you learn from you may even learn to ride safer.

[blossoming]

So...I suppose Hyosung's aren't exactly the way to go.

While CBR's, ZXR's and VTR's are considered to be good learner bikes. I will surely take this on board when I'm choosing my bike of choice. The only problem of the VTR's are just the aesthetics, like without the fairings they look ...yeah. But despite the lack in looks, they do supposedly perform very well.

Thanks for the tips hospitalfood, I'm sure such advice will be invaluable in the future.

I'll probably go to the Wednesday night meetings just so I can improve on my riding after I obtain the bike, although riding from East Auckland all the way up to Westgate isn't exactly close.

[sinfull]

no way I am actually going to recommend one particular bike.... or else you will end up with what I want to buy you...

stay away from the NSR.
.


Ummmmmmm



The NSR is a two stroke that is best to actually be left to the experts... and not a good commuter.... unless you want to turn up to Uni smelling like 2 stroke oil... with a bike that may not have survived the traffic
Expert = "Having, involving, or demonstrating great skill, dexterity, or knowledge as the result of experience" C/O dictionary.com
Majic word that aye, experience !
Experience= knowledge or practical wisdom gained from what one has observed, encountered, or undergone: C/O dictionary.com
Not many experts left out there now when it comes to the two stroke !! Most are fearful of it !
Fearful= full of awe or reverence: C/O dictionary.com
Have you smelt a two stroke lately phaaaoooorrrrrrr (find that word in the com)

[balans]

I have a Hyosung GT250R and have found it to be ok, a good choice for a first bike.

It is a comfortable bike for commuting on, and a nice bike to ride out of town. It isn't a quick bike, but it's only a 250 and the only other bike I have ridden enough to compare it to is an FZR400 so not really a fair comparison. It is probably a good amount of performance for a first bike, enough to be interesting but manageable for a learner.

Looks wise it is a nice looking bike, and non bikers probably don't realise that it's just a korean 250. Closer inspection of some of the components makes me think they wouldn't look out of place on a decent ride-on lawnmower, but they do the job. It is only really an issue unless you are parked next to a Ducati and have a case of bike envy.

I haven't had any trouble with it mechanicaly, but the K's are probably too low to make any recommendations as to longterm reliability.

VTR's look cool, but I think the naked look is something that grows on you the more you get into bikes. Well that was the case for me anyway.

[blossoming]

I was wondering what kind of mileage for a second hand bike am I look for?

Under 20,000km?

[jrandom]

Get a brand new Yamaha Scorpio 225 for $4,000. Best learner bike on the market right now. Wonderful wee machines.

<img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v649/166/80/812139905/n812139905_990349_6194.jpg"/>

[MsKABC]

but I think the naked look is something that grows on you the more you get into bikes. Well that was the case for me anyway.

:yes: Definitely the case for me - when I first got into bikes, I liked fully-faired bikes only, but ended up with a gpz (with a bikini fairing) for my first bike. Now I have a naked bike, and I really like it :D

[Gummie]

I'll probably go to the Wednesday night meetings just so I can improve on my riding after I obtain the bike, although riding from East Auckland all the way up to Westgate isn't exactly close.

Give me a PM i you want to go i come from the deep south;) and i believe some come from your area too. just post up in the apropriate thread and someone should stick there hand up.

[quickbuck]

Ummmmmmm


Have you smelt a two stroke lately phaaaoooorrrrrrr (find that word in the com)

Why, yes I have.......
As my CBR is still broke, I am getting the NS 50 VINNED and using it as my daily commuter.

Amazing how many memories the scent of Castrol TTS brings back ;)

[Fatt Max]

welcome to kb mate. kawasaki gpx are a good bike, been around for years and are easy to maintain. but if you want something with a bit more go a cbr or zxr would be a better choice than a 2smoke, most 2strokes have been thrashed and are 3 parts worn out. get out and test ride a few once you get your licence and see wich bikes you like the feel of

Welcome dude,

Great advice. I'm a 'larger' fellow and looked at heaps of 250's before I decided on mine. It came down to comfort which is a major tick box when you are looking around.

You have a decent budget to spend so that should see you right to cover off all the requirements.

On a side note, you have now had a taste of what a great site this is judging from the previous posts. Keep at it, be safe and enjoy.

Let us know how you go with the bike mate....:Punk:

[Insanity_rules]

Welcome dude. First things first, do your BHS on whatever 100cc nightmare they rent for the test. I did mine on a cb125 that was so old it was insured against fire, theft and maori war party. Reason is they fit the cone weave well.

Then visit heaps of shops and ride as many 250's as you can get away with. Not only will you find the right bike, you'll find a shop that you can create a relationship with too.

Personally I wouldn't buy a learner bike with too much fairing as when you drop it (and lets face it every learner drops it at least once) it'll cost less to fix. Oh and on the two stroke thing my old RG 250 was mean even compared to the cbr 600 I had before the bike I have now so I wouldn't unless your a old hand dirt biker thats just legalising.

My 2 cents. Have fun whatever you decide.

[blossoming]

I'm surprised how easy the BHS test was. And yeah, I took it on a CB250.

Anyways, my mate recommended me an Aprilia RS125 but after researching that bike on these forums didn't give me the best impression of it.

I'm currently looking at a CBR250RR from a private sale which I'm going to take a look and possibly a test drive as well.

I was wondering if the Suzuki GSX250 were good bikes?

And with recommendation to get a bike without much fairings, I really should get something like a VTR?

And yeah, I'm trying to book with as much people around the Auckland region to test out their bikes.

Thanks all for your recommendations and advice.

[hospitalfood]

the higher it revs the faster it will wear out, if you go high revving you want reasonably low k's, low revving can be a bit higher.
250 cc revving fours i think 40,000 k's is high.
lower revving twins 60,000 k's is high.
a four stroke will be more reliable, and probably easier to sell later.
if you find a four cylinder with low k's and minor crash damage it may be worth looking at, could leave you more to spend on gear while giving you performance.

[ducatilover]

basic way to put it

two smokes- generally quick and harder to rape
il4 with fairings -mc22 and zxr are the way to go there id take an mc22 [reliability]
nakeds- buy my spada.:innocent:

[Big Zappa]

Stay away from bikes with fairings because you will drop it :P

I speak from experience, I've dropped mine while parking it (windy day etc :P) and I just looked like an idiot and picked it up. Had it had fairings I would have looked like an idiot and been out of pocket for the repairs.

[quickbuck]

Stay away from bikes with fairings because you will drop it :P

I speak from experience, I've dropped mine while parking it (windy day etc :P) and I just looked like an idiot and picked it up. Had it had fairings I would have looked like an idiot and been out of pocket for the repairs.
They come up better from a stand still drop than most expect.

Nakeds are the ones that cost in a slide... at least the plastic protects the aluminium casings from grinding on the ground.

[blossoming]

So its one or the other perhaps...

Oh one thing I need to ask you guys is quite important.

What should I be checking on a second hand motorbike? Certain parts? Servicing history? Please advise me.

[samgab]

So, in foresight, I was wondering what good 250CC bikes do folks at KB recommend?

I have a budget around 4.5k so I think I should be able to get a pretty decent bike at that price range... preferably one that is well-known within the community for being a good commuter (I possibly want to drive to uni in it) but also not too slow and also reliable would be a good start.

Put me down for a vote for the VTR250. You'll get a really nice mint one for the amount of money you're planning on spending (I assume you already have protective gear: Helmet, jacket, pants, boots, gloves?).
They are great fun and easy to ride.
They have sufficient grunt for a beginner-medium rider.
Economical.
Reliable.
Great build quality.
Look really good, IMHO.

I test rode quite a few different 250's, and it was my fave. Thus the purchase.

Oh, and you ride, rather than drive, a bike. :)

[samgab]

So its one or the other perhaps...

Oh one thing I need to ask you guys is quite important.

What should I be checking on a second hand motorbike? Certain parts? Servicing history? Please advise me.

You really have to take someone along with you who knows about bikes. There's a lot of stuff to check or be aware of.
Some things I like to check:

Mileage. If it's low, check stuff like the wear on the hand grips and gear shift rubbers, which should be worn in accordance with the claimed Kms.

Yes, service history, if available.

Chain and sprocket condition. The chain shouldn't pull away from the rear sprocket much, there should be about 25-35mm up/down play on the chain, and the teeth shouldn't be sharp, or asymmetrical.

Oil colour and condition.

Play in steering.

Unusual engine noises.

That all lights, switches, and electrics work.

Dents, scratches, signs of being dropped, etc.

Shifts through all gears smoothly. Where the clutch grabs.

Suspension.

Brake pads and discs, wear.

Revs right up to the redline when warm without missing or smoking or dying.

Starts easily and idles smoothly.

Rego, WOF - get them to get a new WOF before you buy it. If they refuse, wonder why?

Do a lemoncheck http://www.lemoncheck.co.nz/
or www.vir.co.nz
or for free, but not as extensive: http://www.carjam.co.nz/
$1 txtb4ubuy to see if any finance is owning http://www.ppsr.govt.nz/cms/searching-the-ppsr/txtb4ubuy

Ummm, that's all that springs to mind atm... But there are plenty of things I've missed out.

[Quailboy]

My vote is with the CBR250RR MC22, but of course it would be. Mine is 30,000kms, which is okay, it should (with regular servicing) last to 100,000km easily.

As said above, spend as much as you want on the bike, but make sure you have enough left over for the gear! Leathers or good cordura (but thats another topic).

When you go to view the bike, make sure before you start it that the owner hasn't warmed it up prior. If so, let it cool down and make sure it starts first or second time. Check for any odd noises etc...
Obviously ask for receipts of servicing, electrics all work, brake pads, check chain and sprocket condition, tyre wear so you know costs that may come up later - all common sense really.

I live in East Auck and as Gummie said, throw up a thread or drop a PM and I'm sure someone will be keen.

G/L!

[samgab]

VTR's look cool, but I think the naked look is something that grows on you the more you get into bikes. Well that was the case for me anyway.

Yeah, totally. I was all about the fairings a few years back, I thought bikes with fairings were the best looking things ever, but now I'm starting to favour the naked or even the street-fighter style more.
Hornets look pretty mean, with the fat tires and what-not.

[blossoming]

Oh wow, thanks so much for your input. Haha, I have a mate who is pretty keen on bikes...but motogp ones so, yeah...

I've also found this:

http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html

I think this guide should help me with all the know-hows on what to check for a used bike.

[quickbuck]

Yes, over all a good guide.
There are some things in there that are a bit over the top, but on the whole it is better than going in blind.

OTT things like: Fork seals should be replaced every 15 to 20k miles...
I consider these to be "On Condition". Replace them when they leak.
It may be way more than 20k miles.

Also, if you are looking at low kilometer imports, due to long periods of sitting, all the seals dry up. Then as soon as you hit the picks you break the seals, and they need to be replaced.
I have wrecked about 5 sets last week.
Not hard to change though, so all good.
Saves the customer bringing the bike back the next week.

[blossoming]

I got my licence today. *yay* XD

And I did test drives of a Suzuki GSX250 and the CBR250RR. And I've checked all three bikes on their suspension, brakes, lights, horn...

By just comparing the looks of the CBR and GSX, the CBR looks better and the seats are a bit lower which gives me a feeling that I'm *in* the bike rather than on it.

And performance wise, while the GSX has a lot of go, the acceleration was a bit stiff and not as smooth as the CBR. The gear changes were a lot smoother on the CBR but I still need to get used to it.

The CBR that I am pretty keen for, as my mate pretty much had two thumbs up on, is a CBR250RR MC22 1991 which has done 30,000km's. Everything was pretty decent, chain, sprockets was in good nick. And the brake pads are basically new. It's been serviced at Red Baron. $5000 for bike, two bike stands (front and back), and full gear except for the boots but the helmet has been scratched (which I'll probably get a new one.).

There was another CBR250RR which we looked at for $4800. It was 1990 version with 20,000km's. This bike was driven by a bike mechanic and it has been taken care of pretty well. I can see from the way he showed me that he has spent quite a effort on it by changing spark plugs, air filters, straightened the forks, carbs striped and cleaned and F&R brake fluid changed. A few scratches and cracks mostly on the fairings but it was in pretty good condition, but not as good as the 1991 version if it had been well cleaned.

Any advice?

[samgab]

I got my licence today. *yay* XD

And I did test drives of a Suzuki GSX250 and the CBR250RR. And I've checked all three bikes on their suspension, brakes, lights, horn...

By just comparing the looks of the CBR and GSX, the CBR looks better and the seats are a bit lower which gives me a feeling that I'm *in* the bike rather than on it.

And performance wise, while the GSX has a lot of go, the acceleration was a bit stiff and not as smooth as the CBR. The gear changes were a lot smoother on the CBR but I still need to get used to it.

The CBR that I am pretty keen for, as my mate pretty much had two thumbs up on, is a CBR250RR MC22 1991 which has done 30,000km's. Everything was pretty decent, chain, sprockets was in good nick. And the brake pads are basically new. It's been serviced at Red Baron. $5000 for bike, two bike stands (front and back), and full gear except for the boots but the helmet has been scratched (which I'll probably get a new one.).

There was another CBR250RR which we looked at for $4800. It was 1990 version with 20,000km's. This bike was driven by a bike mechanic and it has been taken care of pretty well. I can see from the way he showed me that he has spent quite a effort on it by changing spark plugs, air filters, straightened the forks, carbs striped and cleaned and F&R brake fluid changed. A few scratches and cracks mostly on the fairings but it was in pretty good condition, but not as good as the 1991 version if it had been well cleaned.

Any advice?

First, congrats on the licence. Hope to see you at the Wednesday NASS's real soon.
Secondly, The CBR250RR is an excellent bike, no dispute.
It's build well, very good quality, and goes like stink.
the MC22 with the gull-arm is the one to get too.
I'd say either of those sounds good, but after riding them both, if you prefer the '91, that'd be a good one to get. The bike stands will come in very handy if you plan to do some basic servicing yourself, and you need to get the gear anyway... just as long as it fits properly.

I test rode a couple of MC22's too, and I agree, they have a good "in-it-rather-than-on-it" feel to them. :niceone::niceone: Two thumbs up.