Need help from ZZR250 riders

**Gremlin** · 22nd April 2005, 18:59

A ZZR250 is on my shortlist as a possible bike.

This bike has popped up on trademe, but is damaged. I've asked the seller if there is any other damage etc. Waiting for a reply.

Basically, this could be a cheap way to score a good bike, but it would need to go into the shop to be fixed up, since I have nought knowledge about bikes. I need your experience and knowledge of costs etc that might be incurred to get the bike up to its good standard again.

All up, I'd like to get the bike up and running for 3 grand or less (less is better

). From the description, it seems it will come with the front mudguard and light, but the fairing would have to be welded/replaced.

I'm also hoping that most will overlook it as not viable (damaged bikes always seem cheaper (inc cost of fixing)). Yes, I realise the irony of bringing to the attention of people hear, but I need some advice from people with knowledge...

**justsomeguy** · 22nd April 2005, 19:15

Mate!!! This is KB, we should be able to sort you out!!!!

ZZR's are a great bike. They are great for commuting and even touring. Once you learn to ride well they will be able to keep up with any 250 4-stroke.

(Come on how many times are you gonna ride over 150 when the CBR's and ZXR's will kill you)

Remember no matter what your budget test rides are free. So make sure you ride as many bikes as possible cruisers to naked to sports before you buy a particular one.

Cos if you're under 25 you will have this bike for a l-l-l-l-ooong time, like decades.

**John** · 22nd April 2005, 22:18

DUDE THATS MY OLD BIKE !

I'm in tears, well the total repairs to the bike were to cost 9k for kawasaki parts, but wouldnt take much to get her running again, just needs fairings - I only had it 2/3 months, awsome runner nothing wrong with it 230km to a tank and god, I'm so sad - I'll help you fix her up if you want

It also has a new set of dunlop GT501's on it bloody good tires

**Gremlin** · 23rd April 2005, 00:07

S'pose it had to happen...

From the description, it didn't seem to have any major problems. I posted some additional questions as well. Mainly, what accident occurred to have fairing damage, and the headlight and mudguard to not be on? You didn't mention any additional damage (such as forks, levers, and pegs).

Why would it cost $9000?? I was wanting to confirm more, but all it seemed, from the description was that the headlight and mudguard needed to be put on, wof obtained, and the fairing welded/replaced.

The scratched exhaust was no major for me (unless it was just about a hole...

) since if it was scratches, then no issue, I'm a learner (may end up scratching a new one and that would be bad) and could replace that when I had more money.

**John** · 23rd April 2005, 00:14

Nah I'm not selling it I dont know who that guy is.

But the damage was to, stands (centre and side), gear shifter, peg (maybe) - front and side plastics. and thats about that.

I will try dig up what happened, the accident was at about 25kmph so it isnt anything major, I'd turn it naked IMO.

Btw I got a letter from LTSA yesterday about it asking me to pay them 250$ I was like I dont even have the bike lol, so they are chasing up the insurance company so you better check that out.

**John** · 23rd April 2005, 00:17

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=8253

**justsomeguy** · 23rd April 2005, 00:19

Originally Posted by John

DUDE THATS MY OLD BIKE !

Whoa..... small world ......i hope we can keep it in the family

**Gremlin** · 23rd April 2005, 00:39

ooh, err... I dunno. From the sounds of whats damaged (pegs, levers etc) time for parts, putting it back together and the cost of parts, probably not a good idea for a first bike.

Have to keep looking... hope you find a buyer though...

**John** · 23rd April 2005, 00:42

Originally Posted by Gremlin

ooh, err... I dunno. From the sounds of whats damaged (pegs, levers etc) time for parts, putting it back together and the cost of parts, probably not a good idea for a first bike.

Have to keep looking... hope you find a buyer though...

Nah I'm not selling it I dont know who it is - I cant honestly say what it needs i pretty much couldnt move after the incident and it was picked up by the mechs about 5mins after i got home so dont quote me on anything.

**Gremlin** · 23rd April 2005, 00:44

yeah, its that unknown for a first-time biker that would do me in.

I would start with good intentions, and be in waay over my head before I knew it...

**flyin** · 23rd April 2005, 08:33

good bike, low kms, cheap as f**k! I think most the ZZR's on here have a bit of a rash on the fairing...... "whens that ZZR'250 plastic welding evening........

I'd say its worth a look aye, at least a test ride! take the bike to a workshop and get them to check it out, Quote repairs.....

**John** · 23rd April 2005, 09:00

9k for kawasaki parts.

It wouldnt cost much if you did it yourself, just NEEDS an headlight fairing, and maybe a new centre stand/side stand/gear lever/brake lever and idicators that would be about it, I crashed it after about 3 months of having it so mechanically perfect I was 1st NZ owner IT WAS registered to me one day ago when I got a letter for 249$ of registration :| so I quickly corrected that, you might want to ask about it when you talk to him about it because its currently registered under AMP's name - anyways sucked to let it go, But I decided to give it to the insurance and put it in as a writeoff.

**flyin** · 23rd April 2005, 12:38

you dont need a center stand, gear and brake levers can be bent into a useable position easily, looks as though this may have been done allready?!!? so that leaves indicators, and a front fairing (poss just a light and a bit of fibrelgass) , try dimantlers for parts before going for new parts......there may be aftermarket parts available nice and cheap around too.... possibly go for a streetfighter look....

that motor sounds like it's been treated well by John and has done LOW kms which is always nice as you will hopefully have long enough to pay for all the bodywork before anything expensive packs up in the go department....... New tyres are neat too.....

Look at me go........ I could be a bike salesman...... got any jobs goin guys..WT? SB?

**Gremlin** · 23rd April 2005, 17:38

Well, today I had the time to go and have a sit on some bikes (and look at sizing for gloves, helmet, jacket) at AMPS and Mt Eden Motorcycles.

AMPS only had a VTR250, but nice. Helpful guy (helped a lot with helmets), but he kept talking about good 600s. Not there yet buddy. Give it 2 years.

Thanks to a very helpful Gareth at Mt Eden, and the sitting on a 250F Across, I realised that wanting fairings was a stupid idea. I had always thought of fairings as being able to have the whole leg behind it, but with the sports/tourers, those fairings are just about non-existant.

Also, sitting on a hornet, (been modified to twin exhausts) I liked it. A lot. That full sized back tyre is beautiful as well

Now at least, any costs associated with fairings if I bin won't exist. Now I get to choose all over again. But as usual, it seems the bikes I like everybody likes, so they are more expensive.

But Gareth, wow, what a great guy. I was straight up, told him I doubted I could buy the bike from him but he still answered every question, and said that when I had the learners I could go back and test some bikes, find out what I like etc.

Once I have a full, and want to upgrade, Mt Eden will hopefully be my first stop.