Honda VT250FN any good for a first bike?

**fatboy323** · 20th April 2011, 19:07

Hey all,

Ok, I got my learners a couple of weeks back and been looking at some bikes. I was really wanting a CBR250RR, just because it's cool and fast

But I saw this today and figured "what a heck?" it seems like a bargain, highish km's but it's a honda. Same engine as Spada from what I can see.

So would it be a reasonably reliable bike for the next 9 months and a good bike to learn on?

Cheers

**Fatt Max** · 20th April 2011, 19:32

Well done mate,

Looks ok but I am no expert. Talks the talk I suppose. If you have anyone there 'in the know' to tag along when you have a look then that would be a good idea.

No need to rush into anything though, you have all the time in the world so enjoy every day.

Good onya

**_STAIN_** · 20th April 2011, 19:41

an excellent choice, pass on the CBR for now

**bogan** · 20th April 2011, 19:42

Me and a flatmate had VT250s to learn on, F2 and FG so a model or two earlier then that one. Could be high kms for a 250 if it was used for lots of short commutes and not too well maintained, but fewer but high km trips and/or good maintenance should make the engine last a lot longer. Mine lost compression around 40thousand km (5 years older though). Apart from that it was pretty bulletproof and fun to ride, definitely enough power for a learner to have fun with.

**Insanity_rules** · 20th April 2011, 22:29

Just keep an eye on the timing chain and tensioners and you'll be fine. Good bike, good on the open road and reliable as all hell. I still have my 88 VTZ with 41Ks up and still have fun with it.

**ducatilover** · 20th April 2011, 22:39

Very good bikes. Similar motor to the Spada, different cams etc bringing the power down to 33hp. Nice wee things to ride and that's a good price. I wouldn't be too concerned about the Km's, they are good for over 100 thou if kept maintained well. Check for ticking/tapping when the motor is running, the cam chain tensioners can be a prick, it's best to pull them out and have the oil feed made slightly larger, this cures them

**DrunkenMistake** · 20th April 2011, 22:51

PM sent :]

**fatboy323** · 21st April 2011, 08:49

Thanks to all, went and had a look at it straight away, and overall I think I'm going to pass on it. Why?

PROS:
- older owner
- oil changed about half a year back
- good learner engine
- reasonable size (bigger than the CBR at least

)

CONS:
- it's a bit rough, more so than in TM photos (and I viewed it under the lights)
- most of the front cowling held together by ducktape (spelling?) as well as the seat
- rusty ding in the tank
- chain not adjusted or particularly clean
- rear tyre approaching end of its life
- high km

In the end it just didn't feel right, so I'll take Fatt Max's advice and will keep looking

Originally Posted by Fatt Max

Well done mate,

No need to rush into anything though, you have all the time in the world so enjoy every day.

Originally Posted by bogan

Could be high kms for a 250 if it was used for lots of short commutes and not too well maintained, but fewer but high km trips and/or good maintenance should make the engine last a lot longer. Mine lost compression around 40thousand km (5 years older though). Apart from that it was pretty bulletproof and fun to ride, definitely enough power for a learner to have fun with.

Originally Posted by ducatilover

Very good bikes. Similar motor to the Spada, different cams etc bringing the power down to 33hp. Nice wee things to ride and that's a good price. I wouldn't be too concerned about the Km's, they are good for over 100 thou if kept maintained well. Check for ticking/tapping when the motor is running, the cam chain tensioners can be a prick, it's best to pull them out and have the oil feed made slightly larger, this cures them

**fatboy323** · 21st April 2011, 08:50

Originally Posted by DrunkenMistake

PM sent :]

Replied

**ducatilover** · 21st April 2011, 08:59

That's not really high Km.... My Spada had 154 thousand when I sold it and i know of another that did 120 thousand before shitting itself, hadn't had an oil change in 50 thou or something crazy.

**fatboy323** · 21st April 2011, 09:07

Originally Posted by ducatilover

That's not really high Km.... My Spada had 154 thousand when I sold it and i know of another that did 120 thousand before shitting itself, hadn't had an oil change in 50 thou or something crazy.

That IS crazy

But in the end it was just one of the Cons and it was on the bottom of the list