Wanting to get on two fast wheels

**JimO** · 15th May 2011, 21:23

my vote is also for the vtr250. Great little bike my boys love theirs

**ClutchITUP** · 15th May 2011, 21:41

Of course the vtr250 is better bike its a honda! But when have you ever seen a
yr 2000 vtr250 for 1800$?
its semi modern an simple its not going to cost alot if it breaks an he seems to like it

If you can afford a VTR its a much better bike
If you afford a 600RR its a better bike again an so on an so on

**Slyer** · 16th May 2011, 00:39

For commuting? Can't go wrong with an FXR150.
Cheap to buy, cheap to run. Faster and nicer than a GN250.

Some say that you need a 250 minimum for the motorway, but really you don't.
As soon as you get a 250 they'll argue you need at least a 650 for long distances. Then they'll tell you a 1200 is best...
That FXR looks pretty tidy and it's a good price.
I say do it.

**EJK** · 16th May 2011, 01:09

Originally Posted by sil3nt

Barely. I would not get anything less than a 250 if you plan to use the motorway a lot. Might be able to get away with a Scorpion 225.

FXR is (just barely) faster than a Scorpio, aswell as with (just barely) higher topspeed.

Originally Posted by 98tls

At first probably not,a month later

without doubt.Im an old bugger and way out of touch re what price you should be looking at for a decent 250,hopefully someone who knows will post up soon.

Originally Posted by Slyer

For commuting? Can't go wrong with an FXR150.
Cheap to buy, cheap to run. Faster and nicer than a GN250.

Some say that you need a 250 minimum for the motorway, but really you don't.
As soon as you get a 250 they'll argue you need at least a 650 for long distances. Then they'll tell you a 1200 is best...
That FXR looks pretty tidy and it's a good price.
I say do it.

I agree to both comments above.
By comparison, FXR is by far cheaper to maintain, say, than a V-Twin or IL4 (not sure about GNs tho).
Slightly easier on gas, narrower tyres (big savings here), cheap chains and sprockets (once I got a set of chains and sprockets for less than $40), 1lt engine oil etc and so on.

Other "faster" 250s, well, performance comes with a price.

Your call. In my opinion, while I owned a FXR, I had no trouble having fun (cept overtaking). Just chuck some sticky tyres (say, Bridgestone 39SS. They are CHEAP) and you are ready to race (literally). Mind you, many bucket racers race on FXRs and there is a reason for it.

Originally Posted by actionjackson

But will a 150 get me to 100km and would it be able to go on the motorway and keep up?? thanks

0-100kph is no problem. 110kph to 130kph (overtaking) is the tricky part. Compared to a GN or Yamaha Scorpio, FXRs got closer gear ratio (6 speed) and higher reving engine (12,500rpm I think, GNs and FXRs got 9,500-10,000 rpm redline). I once went touring on a FXR (from Cape Reinga to Wellington). But listen carefully here, I'm saying it is "capable", not comfortable. ;-)

**GrayWolf** · 16th May 2011, 21:37

Originally Posted by actionjackson

Well after riding a scooter for a good couple of years now have decided to upgrade and get a big boys bike (well a start at least) so have just been looking through trademe and would like to know a couple of things **Sorry if the questions seem dumb am new (be nice)
Hi mate, firstly a bike will handle quite differently from a scooter, so if you have not ridden a bike on the road be prepared for that.
FXR150? Ok I have to admit that untill my partner decided to learn, my 250 days are errrr; decades past.

She has a GN250, yes an FXR etc is/are slightly faster, (and remember 20kph in real terms is only SLIGHTLY faster) but the old GN has been around since christ was a corporal. It is a very forgiving bike to ride (yes I ride a big bike usualy).. spares are plentiful, and cheap. You WILL likely chuck it down the road, GN is a LOT cheaper to repair. THey are not the fastest, but I see a fair few in use on the Wellinton Highway as commuterers. And remember, IF the proposed changes to the learner law do finaly arrive? The bottom is gonna drop out of the 250 and under market overnight for reasale value. Nothing wrong with the 'fast bike syndrome, we all did it as learners.

1) Would a 125cc be fine on the motorway?
Honest answer NO, the issue is the lack of 'real world' power. simply put, the faster a small bike reaches for top speed? it HAS to lose power elsewhere. At 80kph+ you do NOT have enough 'real world' power for any safe overtaking manouver in commuting traffic. Lower top speed? May mean a more easily ridden bike, but less ability to keep up to motorway speeds. Any small bike will be crucified by strong headwinds.

2) what style of bike would be easiest to learn on?
The one that suits you physicaly (not cramped, does not make you feel uncomfortable over the distance you'll travel) What is your actual 'need' for the bike? Just a commuter? everday transport? Only transport? Sports riding positions will give aches and pains in the end over a distance, sitting upright? is 'less comfortable' at speed, but is superior in commuting traffic for vision.
Take into account your weekly spending budget. Consumables like tyres, chain lube, petrol consumption, Servicing costs etc etc

3) what should i be looking for?
SEE ABOVE

Would this be good to start
I would also recommend one of these for a learner 250 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-374879392.htm
Only reason I didnt get one for SWMBO is she is a total novice and the GN is better suited to her height.

Any help would be great thanks

Rodney

Hope that helps a little, however they are only the opinions of a BLOODY OLD FART!

**jaffaonajappa** · 16th May 2011, 21:44

Originally Posted by GrayWolf

Hope that helps a little, however they are only the opinions of a BLOODY OLD FART!

) Would a 125cc be fine on the motorway?
Honest answer NO, the issue is the lack of 'real world' power. simply put, the faster a small bike reaches for top speed? it HAS to lose power elsewhere. At 80kph+ you do NOT have enough 'real world' power for any safe overtaking manouver in commuting traffic. Lower top speed? May mean a more easily ridden bike, but less ability to keep up to motorway speeds. Any small bike will be crucified by strong headwinds.

Argh. couldnt cut'n'paste properly. Anyways.
Mate - I thought similar to what you have said here. But....have you ridden the new breed of small bikes lately?
Bought a new commuter bike last week - 150cc (ok its bigger than the 125 you are talking about, but.). Its absolutely sweet as on the motorway. goes from 70 to 110 similar pace as cars. 110 to 125ish takes a bit, thinking it will manage maybe 140 once its all run in.

But the important bit is that 80 to 110 increase - important for lane merging etc on the motorway. The new 150's are fine. (Them really new 125's are actually even faster btw).

Model: YZF R15.

**DrunkenMistake** · 16th May 2011, 22:11

Originally Posted by jaffaonajappa

Argh. couldnt cut'n'paste properly. Anyways.
Mate - I thought similar to what you have said here. But....have you ridden the new breed of small bikes lately?
Bought a new commuter bike last week - 150cc (ok its bigger than the 125 you are talking about, but.). Its absolutely sweet as on the motorway. goes from 70 to 110 similar pace as cars. 110 to 125ish takes a bit, thinking it will manage maybe 140 once its all run in.

But the important bit is that 80 to 110 increase - important for lane merging etc on the motorway. The new 150's are fine. (Them really new 125's are actually even faster btw).

Model: YZF R15.

Those things are awesome!, im gonna test ride one some point soon, just havnt had the chance to organise it

**Leyton** · 16th May 2011, 22:24

Originally Posted by actionjackson

But will a 150 get me to 100km and would it be able to go on the motorway and keep up?? thanks

Hiya

Don't be too swayed by CC rating. It does not count for too much... for example, a Suzuki GN250 slug does not compare to a Hyosung 250cc slug compared to some 2-smokin Aprilia RS250cc rocket :P

A Honda CBR 150 for example, will get you too 100 no problem, however you will find at that speed it will feel as gutless as your scooter going 50km/hr. I would suggest getting perhaps a 250 with more torque then power if you concerned with acceleration. So perhaps a Ninja 250, or if you don't want a sporty bike.. perhaps a Hyosung GT250 Comet. The Ninja is a parallel twin, and the Hyosung is a V-Twin. The V-twin will give you smoother and gentle power.

Hyosung have a bad rep for quality, and they are not far wrong, however all failures are minor.

Honda are revealing a new CBR250 out in the next month or two ? If you are going new.. it is actually a very competitive price. I think they are starting them at around $7500.

Any way you go.. you will get your confidence on the 250... and you will be looking back wondering what the big worry was about and you will be wanting more power

The better you can beat the cages on the road the safer you are, keep that in mind as well. Exp on the motorway if you have to accelerate away from situations that you can not otherwise brake or steer clear of.

**jaffaonajappa** · 16th May 2011, 23:58

Originally Posted by Leyton

Hiya

I would suggest getting perhaps a 250 with more torque then power if you concerned with acceleration. So perhaps a Ninja 250, or if you don't want a sporty bike.. perhaps a Hyosung GT250 Comet.
--------
The better you can beat the cages on the road the safer you are, keep that in mind as well. Exp on the motorway if you have to accelerate away from situations that you can not otherwise brake or steer clear of.

Yep - cant argue with that.

+1.!

**GrayWolf** · 17th May 2011, 11:48

Originally Posted by jaffaonajappa

Argh. couldnt cut'n'paste properly. Anyways.
Mate - I thought similar to what you have said here. But....have you ridden the new breed of small bikes lately? Yes, and have been overtaken by 'Quillman' a couple of years ago on a tuned 2T 150 on the Taka's whilst riding an FJ1200......
Bought a new commuter bike last week - 150cc (ok its bigger than the 125 you are talking about, but.). Its absolutely sweet as on the motorway. goes from 70 to 110 similar pace as cars.
THAT is my point, it cannot outpace an accelerating car, and we all come across the asshole who just aint gonna be passed by a &^*# motorcycle at some time 110 to 125ish takes a bit, thinking it will manage maybe 140 once its all run in. GN250 does about the same top speed, 140ish
But the important bit is that 80 to 110 increase - important for lane merging etc on the motorway. The new 150's are fine. (Them really new 125's are actually even faster btw).
YUP THEY ARE, but again to get high performance, they lose tractability elsewhere and that isnt 'commuter friendly' power delivery

Model: YZF R15.

I guess to sum up, I changed from an old FJ1200 to a ZZR1100, of course the Zed is quicker, does handle better, BUT! in top gear roll on at 80 or 100 km's? the FJ EATS the zed untill you are into serious 'licence removing' speeds. Before anyone comments about different gears, revs at 110 kph they are within a 300rpm's of eachother in top gear.

**Beren** · 18th May 2011, 08:58

Having had my 250 for a month I wouldn't want anything smaller... But then I do a lot of open road riding. Would have expected a 125 to struggle getting up hills or battling against the wind at motorway speeds? Also it is really useful to be able to kick down a gear and be able to accelerate up past 100 when needed and that you will definitely struggle with.

OT can you still get a 400 on a restricted? Thought I was on the 250 till I got my full...