TZR250 - as a commuter and first bike?

**Beren** · 14th April 2011, 09:39

Hi,

I've been saving up since my last thread and I'm finally close to being able to go and a bike - as long as it is a budget beast.

I found the below and would love some advice:
http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/Vi...TWN+250+250%7c

Is there anyone about in Henderson that would mind taking a look at it for me?
Would be highly interested to find out how much it is going to cost to get it on the road. TBH I was of the thought that even if I didn't fall madly in love with it - at that price I can get it road legal and flog it on at a price that means I can get a hornet if a 2 stroke doesn't suit.

Also, I commute from KKK into the CBD every day - and this would become my commute vehicle for a while. Is there anything I specifically need to bear in mind?

Cheers All

**jim.cox** · 14th April 2011, 10:03

Originally Posted by Beren

Also, I commute from KKK into the CBD every day - and this would become my commute vehicle for a while. Is there anything I specifically need to bear in mind?

Cant say that a TZR would be my choice as a communter, or as a first bike for that matter...

They are pretty highly strung - go like the clappers but have a narrow power band.

Plus the riding position is prety head down, arse up

And there is all that plastic to break

And they dont have the world's best reputation for reliability

Just my $0.02

**_STAIN_** · 14th April 2011, 10:31

sexyist TZR made but very fragile motor, not what you want for commuter

**Beren** · 14th April 2011, 10:53

Hmmm ok thanks for the input - was orignally looking at a VTR or an inline 4... guess I will go back to the drawing board!

Ah - just seen a Jade going for a very good price - medium mileage but don't suppose that's much of an issue if it has the same inline 4 as the CBR?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=367511710

64,000 Kms I would guess just means someone has used it as a commuter - I don't suppose any friendly KB'er would mind giving it an initial look to see if it is worth a close look?

**Dodgy** · 14th April 2011, 11:50

Especially avoid the reverse cylinder TZR - they were well noted for being dreadful, lovely chassis shame about the motor... And that one looks like a real basket case...

**Slyer** · 14th April 2011, 12:12

Hahah, worst first bike and commuter you could have picked.
Go for a twin 4 stroke.

**imdying** · 14th April 2011, 12:14

Would commute fine, just a bit of a waste is all.

You also sound like a poor student. If that's the case, look for something a little less high strung. They give trouble if maintenance is neglected.

**Beren** · 14th April 2011, 12:29

Originally Posted by imdying

You also sound like a poor student.

LOL - not quite, just an immigrant Pom with not a lot of money. Moving and taking 3 months to find a job ate pretty much all of my surplus cash and has taken a few months to get back to a spot where I can just about lay out the money to get a bike. the 1 1/2 hour commute thanks to the northern is making my desire to get a bike that much more pressing!

**tigertim20** · 14th April 2011, 13:21

great bikes overall.
bad first bike if you have never ridden before.
awful first bike if you have no mechanical knowledge.
TERRIBLE first bike if you want to commute on it.

**jim.cox** · 14th April 2011, 13:21

Originally Posted by Beren

LOL - not quite, just an immigrant Pom

In that case I'd suggest a small trail bike - something like a Dr250 - they make a great commuter and you can use them to see many out of the way parts of the country where you would never dream of taking a road bike

**Chancebmx25** · 14th April 2011, 13:37

Tzr are a great bike but u js gta watch with two smokers if the engine on that has blown i would not go near it, it looks like rubbish, two strokes need a high level of maintenence u have to take care of them. And so look for one tht has had a rebuild etc, keep em tuned and they go hard . U wnt be dismissed otherwise forget it and get a batty ole 4 thats limited. Cheers

**imdying** · 14th April 2011, 13:39

Originally Posted by jim.cox

In that case I'd suggest a small trail bike - something like a Dr250 - they make a great commuter and you can use them to see many out of the way parts of the country where you would never dream of taking a road bike

Second that.

Save up and get a tidy standard looking one, a repaint is a pretty good indication it has been for a skate (even if they're hidden it well). People that're too tight just to repaint the damaged bits with factory items are probably not the people you want to buy a 2 stroke from. Remember that Kiwis are for the most part poor and stupid hillbillies that can't manage anything too complicated.

**Beren** · 14th April 2011, 14:10

Originally Posted by jim.cox

In that case I'd suggest a small trail bike - something like a Dr250 - they make a great commuter and you can use them to see many out of the way parts of the country where you would never dream of taking a road bike

Unfortunately a trail bike is a way down the list, the other half wants to be able to use the bike and she is nearly a dwarf

so a tall trail bike wouldn't be on the cards.

I have been looking for a Spada, VTR or one of the bare inline 4's Bandit, Hornet, Jade etc... and will probably be saving another month yet to get one - just saw this and was dreaming of having a properly quick bike as my first trip out on two wheels.