Opinions wanted please.

**phaedrus01** · 29th August 2009, 14:31

Hi I have been getting around on a scooter for the last year and have decided to get my license and get a bike, I already have all the gear and have a budget of around $3k. I am not after anything too flash or new. Not after speed either just a simple reliable bike which is easy to maintain and get parts for.

I am currently thinking about a;

GB250-My top choice so far, Like the simplicity and styling.(have considered buying a GB400 and just riding it in the hope I don't get pinged, but decided it's not worth it for me.)
GPZ250-Like the price.
TU250 tracker-Simple single, sweet styles

Would consider an IL4 but to be honest for the price I am looking at I think they would be well thrashed, so yeah.
And possibly a Ginny, but I'd rather not if I have a choice.

Most of my riding is strictly commuting, 30 mins each way through 50-70 kph zones, I would just feel safer on a 250 with bigger wheels,brakes and power than I do on my scooter.

Any info would be appreciated
Cheers

**hospitalfood** · 29th August 2009, 14:33

i think you are brave asking for opinions here, and that indicates that the GB400 is the right mount for you at present.

move on up from scooterland. bloody good !

**MSTRS:Me** · 29th August 2009, 15:06

this would be brilliant
or this
or even
spoiled for choice

**cheesemethod** · 29th August 2009, 16:36

The TU250 is pretty much a GN250 with a different tank. My opinion is that if you're doing the commuting you're doing every day, then the GN or TU would be your best bet. Super cheap on gas, super cheap on parts, and overall a great bike for their price. Sure, they're not the best on the open road, but unless you're out doing long distance touring on it every weekend it will do just fine.

**motorbyclist** · 1st September 2009, 02:25

Originally Posted by phaedrus01

GB250-My top choice so far, Like the simplicity and styling.(have considered buying a GB400 and just riding it in the hope I don't get pinged, but decided it's not worth it for me.)
GPZ250-Like the price.
TU250 tracker-Simple single, sweet styles

you're on the right track - just remember to have someone who actually knows what it is you're looking at to have a test ride and thorough inspection or you may well end up with a lemon.

remember the GB is older and will ultimately require more work/effort to keep it on the road, compared to, say, the GPX250 (and there's a guy at uni selling his one for around 3k - asfaik tidy bike in good nick but needs a new rego).

same goes the GPZ - we don't see many of those around any more so might pay to find someone who owns one and see what they're like to run

clearly I don't need to get into why a GN is a horrible machine, which saves a long post, but remember the TU is the GN motor, and the Volty is essentially the same pile of rusting steel chassis. the Tracker ~~IIRC is a cool little beastie though hard to find in NZ, it is made in japan to japanese spec.~~ no, must be mistaken with another bike of similar name we had at a uni learner ride. TU is just a GN, so steer clear if it's made in china. maybe look at the gsx250 invader? personally i'd just dodge any suzuki that isn't an fxr150.

imho the honda vtr250 is one of the best learner/commuter bikes out there but might be juuust out of your budget range. The older model vt250 spada, however, might be more affordable and aren't half bad either

**sunhuntin** · 1st September 2009, 09:02

ginnys are good little bikes if you can get an 80s/90s one. the new ones are rusty right out of the crate. i had an 86 one, and it still started first pop after it got hit by a car, whereas my 06 one wouldnt start even on a sunny day.

**motorbyclist** · 1st September 2009, 15:02

Originally Posted by sunhuntin

ginnys are good little bikes if you can get an 80s/90s one. the new ones are rusty right out of the crate. i had an 86 one, and it still started first pop after it got hit by a car, whereas my 06 one wouldnt start even on a sunny day.

+1, but i have a serious gripe with the handling and overall performance of the bloody things (compared with other machines in the learner range)

**MSTRS:Me** · 1st September 2009, 15:22

Give this one a serious look at. Much better than the singles.

**McWild** · 1st September 2009, 15:38

Don't get a 400 if you want insurance to take you seriously.

**mowgli** · 1st September 2009, 15:44

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Give this one a serious look at. Much better than the singles.

I know the owner of this one. Can even help out getting it to Auckland.

**phaedrus01** · 1st September 2009, 17:15

Hey cheers everyone for all the helpful thoughts.
I ended up getting a GB250 and I love it!!!
Sounds so sweet..
So now I have the cool job of keeping an early 80's honda in sweet running order, should be fun!
Stay tuned for all the noob "how do I fix this" questions