GSX250 vs CBR250

[SMOKEU]

I'd like some advice on the late model GSX250s (2003, 04, 05). I am also interested in a 1989 CBR250 which I have looked at and has only done just over 8,000km and it is in a mint condition. I just can't make up my mind as to what I should buy out of those 2 choices.

[Evilg]

I'd like some advice on the late model GSX250s (2003, 04, 05). I am also interested in a 1989 CBR250 which I have looked at and has only done just over 8,000km and it is in a mint condition. I just can't make up my mind as to what I should buy out of those 2 choices.

Don't want to rain on your parade, but the CBRs odo only goes up to 100 000kms, so unless you can track its usage, it's more likely to have done 108,000 kms .... plus I hear they are very easy to wind back with just a screwdriver.... just saying, 8000km seems low

[MSTRS]

The GSX will be relatively heavy and slow, but very forgiving in the initial learning stage.
The CBR, by contrast, will be light, very flickable and quite quick. But you do need to rev them hard to get the best performance.
Both bikes will be expensive to drop, because of fairings.
Whilst it is true that 8000k seems very low for the CBR, just remember that if it's a recent import that mileage is not unusual. If it's been here awhile then, yes, be wary of that reading. Carjam the rego if it has one. That will give you the readings at it's wof checks.
The CBR, being one of the performance 4 cyl 250s, will hold it's value better.

[mark247]

If the CBR is mint, buy it. Those GSX250's are whales.

[SMOKEU]

I was very suspicious about the low mileage at first, but the CBR is being sold at a dealership as a fresh import (not even vinned yet) and it appears to be in an immaculate condition for its age, except for a small crack in one of the rear fairings. The petrol tank has no scratches on it nor do the other fairings. It looks almost showroom condition. Surely if it had been around the clock it would show telltale signs of wear and tear. They want $5k for it including ORC and it comes with a 3 month warranty.

[3umph]

If it looks and feels low k and original then it proberley is... some parts will wear and show it if it has done higher k's... I think the winding back of speedos is not really a big problem these days as it use to be...

ours has done 17000k now but when it first come into the country was about that k's I think from memory from the rego papers...

what I look at is the overall tidyness of the bike... sprockets, brakepads, how loose some pivot points are, tyre condition, broken bolts.... where it has worn if you can notice any... how tight the engine feels... plastic condition and fairing mount condition etc etc

[Evilg]

I was very suspicious about the low mileage at first, but the CBR is being sold at a dealership as a fresh import (not even vinned yet) and it appears to be in an immaculate condition for its age, except for a small crack in one of the rear fairings. The petrol tank has no scratches on it nor do the other fairings. It looks almost showroom condition. Surely if it had been around the clock it would show telltale signs of wear and tear. They want $5k for it including ORC and it comes with a 3 month warranty.

In that case, it sounds like a great deal to me.... oh and CBR > GSX any day

[SMOKEU]

Are the MC22 models much better than the MC19?

[Evilg]

Are the MC22 models much better than the MC19?

What I know from a friend who used to race em:

Depending on year, engines are basically the same for all intents and purposes(I think 1994+ models lost 5 hp)
The brakes on the mc22s are superior
the handling on the MC22s is superior

[3umph]

On the road I dont think you would really notice a big difference...

the mc22's have twin front disks and I think they have a slightly higher rev limit

[Slifer]

Pfft, Those who say GSX250s are like whales/heavy, are wrong.

If so why can i get my "whale" up?

I advise you to get the newer, more reliable, GSX XD

[Weaver]

The MC22 is a fantastic bike. I can't comment on the Suzuki as I haven't ridden one.
Even if the one you are looking at has done over 100,000k's so what? If it runs okay then it'll be sweet as long as it gets regular oil changes. Check the inside of the fairings for plastic welds. If it seems to good to be true it probably is.

[Skinnyninny]

I used to have a GSX250, well about 1 month ago i hit a log on the road and low sided at about 30km/h. Unfortunately I wrote the bike off due to the fairing repair and new exhaust coming to a total cost of $4600. So my advice would be to go with a naked bike such as the Honda Hornet which pumps out40hp and if I am correct has the same engine as the CBR less 5hp. Obviously as i am sure you are aware the GSX is a twin Parallel where as the CBR is an inline 4 so as stated before it will hold its re-sale value for longer. The CBR is quite a bit smaller than the GSX so gets quite uncomfortable on long rides. I could ride my GSX all day without any numbness or pain. I could also get about 470km on the tank including the reserve where as i only get 230-260km on my hornet.

Hope this helps... Dan

[Quailboy]

They want $5k for it including ORC and it comes with a 3 month warranty.

Do it! :drool:

What livery is it?

[Brett]

Pfft, Those who say GSX250s are like whales/heavy, are wrong.

If so why can i get my "whale" up?

I advise you to get the newer, more reliable, GSX XD

Because you can wheelie ANY bike. I have even seen balance point wheelies on a 20+ year old 50cc scooter, and it was lifted up off the throttle with the owner on it.
They are good reliable bikes, but thy cant compete with the CBR or the ZXR.

[Candle]

go with the cbr the gsxs just dont have the same kinda pick up that the cbrs do and as far as the mc19 or mc22 goes ive raced my mate on his mc22 and its really not all that much faster than the mc19 but the make up its totally different not even the mirrors are the same so at the end of the day it comes down to what yo like the look of and what gets you going. but go for the cbr over the gsx there just slow

[Slifer]

Because you can wheelie ANY bike. I have even seen balance point wheelies on a 20+ year old 50cc scooter, and it was lifted up off the throttle with the owner on it.
They are good reliable bikes, but thy cant compete with the CBR or the ZXR.

That is true, but i'd still rather have the reliability of a 5 y/o bike that's going to last easily up to 50,000ks than a 19/20 y/o zxr or cbr thats probably gone over the clock and has got no mechanical history what-so-ever and probably going to crap out after another 5000ks