Learner looking for cruiser

[slane]

Hey All,

This will be my first post here :-)

I should say that I am a new rider (6 months) and know very little about anything. I live in auckland, and do use my bike for getting to work and back (but I am keen to go on some longer weekend trips)

I currently have a 2004 Suzuki GSX 250. I had a go on my friends 250 cruiser bike (don't know model sorry) and liked the feel of it. Also, I like the style of cruisers. So I thought I might sell my GSX and get a cruiser 250 for the length of my restricted.

I guess I have 2 questions:
1) What do you think about a cruiser versus sports bike (in the 250cc range, and later when I get my full)
2) What would be a good choice for a 250 cruiser? My price range is around the $4K mark.

Cheers All

[sil3nt]

Read this thread http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=96732

[Slyer]

Virago! Or something.

[slane]

Thanks for the forum link. I have had a bit of a look at a few other forums. It really seems as if the Suzuki Intruder is the forum favourite. I might start looking on Trademe at those. They do look really nice :-)

[stanleychung]

Hi Slane, 250 cruisers are great (i've got the suzuki VL250 myself) but being you only have 6 months before your full (and the chance to upgrade to bigger stuff) why dont you stick with your GSX and upgrade to a bigger cruiser after you get your full. 6 months will pass really quickly.

Unless you plan to stay 250 for a while. Then thats different.

[Bren]

Welcome Slane....When I started riding I started on a Kawasaki Z200, then a GN250. Forget all the bad talk bout the Ginnys, they are a real good commuter and as reliable as hell (at least the older ones are anyway). That would be my choice for a learner 250. I know there are some who would say they are fugly and I tend to agree, but when you start out you need a somewhat forgiving and reliable bike...thats just my 2 cents worth anyway.

Good luck with whatever you pick up...
...Bren

[slane]

Yeah, GN250's are a good learner. I have had my GSX 250 for 6 months now, so I'm fairly confident on a bike. Also, I grew up on a farm, so I have rode farm bikes alot.

The bike I get next I want to float me through until I get my full licence. I feel that a GN250 might keep me happy for a little while, but prob not my whole restricted period.

[sunhuntin]

ive got a virago 250, and absolutely love it. i had 2 ginnys previously [one got munched by a car, and still started first pop, and the second was shit from the words "please start, im gonna be late AGAIN!"]
the virago is really comfy for long distances, and reliable as all hell... shes got me to bluff and back twice, which i wouldnt trust a ginny to manage. ive done up to 12 hours in the viragos saddle, stopping only for petrol and food, and only been a tad sore at the end of the day. generally, they go for a bit higher than your $4k limit [mine was $5k before trade in] but you may get one cheaper on tardme.

if you have any major questions, i suggest you pm crashe... shes basically the wiki for all things virago. lol

[retro asian]

I've ridden GN's, and no offence to GN owners but they have nothing on the VL250. Also I wouldn't class a GN250 as cruiser.

Stanley made a good point that you might want to upgrade later?

But the only limitations I've found is it's a bit slow accelerating up steep hills...

[Slyer]

I've ridden GN's, and no offence to GN owners but they have nothing on the VL250. Also I wouldn't class a GN250 as cruiser.

Stanley made a good point that you might want to upgrade later?

But the only limitations I've found is it's a bit slow accelerating up steep hills...
Such is always the case on a 250, especially a cruiser with no tacho. :bleh:
2nd gear is a common occurrence for me on steep hills.

[dasser]

Hi Slane,
Well done on coming around to a great style of MC " The Cruiser"
:laugh::laugh:
I agree with stanleychung wait until you get your full then you can buy something bigger.
I enjoy a GZ250 and a LS650 , see my profile pic's.
The red one is the 650, the green a 250.
while the 250 uses half the amount a petrol. The 650 is a lot more fun.
I'm not saying to buy a Suzuki LS650 because they have their problems.
Mostly the cam chain tensioner.
What ever you do, good luck enjoy.




Hey All,

This will be my first post here :-)

I should say that I am a new rider (6 months) and know very little about anything. I live in auckland, and do use my bike for getting to work and back (but I am keen to go on some longer weekend trips)

I currently have a 2004 Suzuki GSX 250. I had a go on my friends 250 cruiser bike (don't know model sorry) and liked the feel of it. Also, I like the style of cruisers. So I thought I might sell my GSX and get a cruiser 250 for the length of my restricted.

I guess I have 2 questions:
1) What do you think about a cruiser versus sports bike (in the 250cc range, and later when I get my full)
2) What would be a good choice for a 250 cruiser? My price range is around the $4K mark.

Cheers All