150 to 250cc - Worth the upgrade?

[JudaBaker]

Hi all. First post here on these forums.

So after many years of wanting a bike, I finally bought my first one (a Suzuki FXR). It's awsome fun to ride around on, but the problem is, that after a couple months, it already seems too slow. Especially above 50km/hr and going uphill.

Is there a much noticable difference in acceleration between a 150 and a 250cc bike? I go up and around the hills at least twice a week and it can be painfull sometimes trying to pick up speed on an incline, so I've been thinking about buying another bike, either a Ninja or GSXR 250. I just don't know how much difference it would make, compared to the cost.

I havent found a dealer that will let me test ride a bike on a learner licence yet, so am looking for some advice from experienced riders. Would you say it's worth spending money to upgrade 100cc, or just stick with the FXR until getting a full licence?

[Thaeos]

Nothing wrong with the FXR, bloody fun little bike that you can flick around no problems. I started on one then moved to a 250cc Honda Hornet, and the difference in acceleration between it and the FXR is like night and day. Although you would get used to that and want something faster after a couple months or so as well.

[Lurch]

I would say it depends on what the upgrade was. There are plenty of 250s that wouldn't be worth spending the money on.

There's always the Hyosung GT250/R I got mine as an 'upgrade' from my first bike, a RG150. It definitely served me well until my full and has ample power to pull a medium weight rider around.

[breakaway]

Nope, not worth it. Just do your time and upgrade. Most 250s are in poor condition, and if they're in good condition, the seller wants ridiculous money for them.

Also I'd stay away from GSXR250s. Hardly any around - there's a reason for that.

[Hiflyer]

Depends on how much extra it's going to cost, I would say go for a reliable 250, but how long till you can get your full

[SMOKEU]

Is there a much noticable difference in acceleration between a 150 and a 250cc bike?

Yes, an RG150 will be a lot quicker than a GN250. Buy a CBR250.

[Ender EnZed]

How long til your full?

[YellowDog]

How long til your full?

This has to be the question, as your hunger for a bit more power will keep growing until you get up to a >600cc bike.

This could be a costly exercise.

[JudaBaker]

How long til your full?

At least 16 months and thats if I do a course on the restricted liscence to reduce the time.

Been thinking abit and I reckon I'm guna go with a new ninja, I've had alot of troubles with the FXR already as it doesn't seem to have been maintained all that well, not keen on another second hand bike after all this drama.

[Lurch]

At least 16 months and thats if I do a course on the restricted liscence to reduce the time.

Been thinking abit and I reckon I'm guna go with a new ninja, I've had alot of troubles with the FXR already as it doesn't seem to have been maintained all that well, not keen on another second hand bike after all this drama.

There's nothing like the feel of a new and unmolested bike that you know will be maintained to your standards. There's also nothing like the first time you scratch (or worse) your new true love.

[scracha]

I havent found a dealer that will let me test ride a bike on a learner licence yet, so am looking for some advice from experienced riders. Would you say it's worth spending money to upgrade 100cc, or just stick with the FXR until getting a full licence?

Cue 100 replies saying "just ditch the L-plate and you'll handle a GSXR1000 bro"

[JudaBaker]

Cue 100 replies saying "just ditch the L-plate and you'll handle a GSXR1000 bro"

Nah I would rather have insurance and full use of my legs.

[avgas]

Ah the FXR......a heavily underestimated bike.
Contrary to how the engine feels - they are actually designed to have the shit revved out of them. I suggest that if your having issues below 50kph, DOUBLE your RPM. Chop it down a gear.
Gearing is set to around the 140-150kph mark, so feel free to use all 6 gears on motorway but stay out of top gear around town. In fact use gears 1-4 round town if you want the power.

So to answer your question - no, no need to upgrade. Blow up/crash/drop/have stolen this bike first - then if that occurs and your still on L-plates on something else.

[gijoe1313]

Of course, if you are still keen as, get yourself a nice lil'ol'hornet ... someone here is selling one for a sharp price of $3.8k (better than what they normally cost!). I still own mine and ride it still (gone around the clock already and still going strong the day I bought it)

[JudaBaker]

Well, I've gone out and put a deposit on a brand new 2009 Kawasaki Ninja. Figure I can sell it at a reasonable price when I get my full, and until then I will actually have something to take pride in and take care of, the FXR has turned out to be in a lot worse condition than I first thought.

So there you go. Don't buy cheap run-down second hand bikes.