A good 250cc motorway commuter?

**kmuir** · 15th December 2011, 17:42

Hey yall,
im jus looking at buying my first bike, and i need some help on the direction to go in.
i will be using it to commute regularly from browns bay (north shore) to the city, and to eden park to see my girl.
i need to buy a good 250cc that can get me round town and keep me going quick on the motorway without frustrating me... (something thats comfortable at around 110kmh) im not a crazy speed demon so i dont need something that goes 180km.

il be taking the odd long ride ranging from 45mins to 3 or 4 hours to family batches etc.

so really i want something thats capable of going round town and that will keep me happy when im on the open road for 20mins to town or 4 hours.

im looking to spend less than 4k. nothing over 5

im not really attracted to the flash sport bikes like a ninja.. but i dont mind the look of a scorpio, thats more naked. but im open to anything from a cruiser or dual sport look.
im about 6'3 and 80ish kg. so i need to be comfortable. thanks for ANY help

your all awesome.

**davereid** · 15th December 2011, 18:32

Currently you are limited to 250cc. The Gubberment has said it will soon be introducing the LAMs scheme, which will you allow a range of motorcycles up to 650 cc.

While it may be tempting to wait, the NZTA never get anything in on time, and if LAMs is the exception the beer is on me.

However, once LAMs is in place the value of 250 cc motorcycles may drop, as they currently attract a premium price due to the requirement to have one during the leaner stage.

Most commuter 200-250 cc motorcycles like the scorpio, gn250 etc will make reasonably hard work of sustained 110km/hr stuff particularly if you are a larger build.

But, assuming you have no interest in a dual purpose bike, the Scorpio has developed an excellent reputation, and is very well priced.

Now, if you want a dual purpose bike, the world opens a new door for you.

What ever you do, try and find a bit of cash for a good fitting helmet, gloves, stout boots and if you can afford it a decent motorcycle jacket and pants.

New Zealand has this amazing feature. It doesn't matter how short your trip. One day it will rain when you did not expect it.

**kmuir** · 15th December 2011, 18:36

i am definitely interested in dual sport. i really like that look feel and sound.

any suggestions??

**Bytor** · 15th December 2011, 19:52

Originally Posted by kmuir

i am definitely interested in dual sport. i really like that look feel and sound.

any suggestions??

Yamaha TTR250

Easily do the ton and a decent seat height for your tall frame

**cheshirecat** · 15th December 2011, 21:24

heard a lot of good things about the Honda Hornet, good forums, big rear tyre and bullet proof engine. If anyone hasnt mentioned it yet go and see many different makes as pos, sit on them, take for a spin if they let you. Often the right bike comes to you. well they do for for me.

Good luck

**SMOKEU** · 15th December 2011, 21:29

Go for an MC19 or MC22 CBR250 if you want something fully faired. They're a great bike (I just sold my tidy MC19 CBR250R with 32,000km and pretty much brand new tyres for $3200). Otherwise a Bandit or Hornet 250cc are good naked bikes. A VTR250 is also good if you like twins.

The frame size of the CBR250 is a little small for someone your height (I'm 1.92m tall) but I didn't really find it uncomfortable unless I was on a 150km + ride, after which my ass felt like I just got out of an African jail.

**ducatilover** · 15th December 2011, 21:47

Bikes for the taller chap that aren't dual purpose would be:
Honda Hornet.
Hyosung GT250, GT250R, GV250.
Kawasaki ZXR250A and C.
Suzuki GSF250 Bandit.

All of the above do 110km/h with ease.
The Hornet would be my recommendation on your budget, many have done over 100,000km with no issues.
Second would be Bandit or Hyosung, the Bandit performs better, but the Hyosung is also a great little bike and very roomy.
The ZXR is the roomiest of the sportier bikes and by a fair margin the quickest in my list, but they suffer camchain tensioner issues and the majority have been flogged and raped so the suspension and brakes tend to be shit.

Any dual purpose bike will fit you.
Many of the cruisers should fit too.

**Sable** · 16th December 2011, 00:02

MVX250 or KR250 would be my first pick

**Tigadee** · 16th December 2011, 08:46

If you've got long legs, the Hyo GT250 (r or Comet) may not be comfortable with long rides. The seat height certainly is great but tall dudes may find their legs tucked in a bit too much under them with the footpegs almost under their butt. I certainly didn't find the Comet comfortable to sit in, even though it seemed tall enough for my 6' 1"...

**nzmikey** · 16th December 2011, 09:17

Honda Hornet is nice

I have had mine for just over 7.5mths now & I love it , I did 11,000 in the first 6mths & it has never missed a beat , around town , down the motorway , all day rides on the open road .

give me a few months & you can have mine

**kmuir** · 16th December 2011, 18:51

Im liking the look/cost and ability of the hornet, and the Hyosung GV250 is absolutely beautiful i want it NOW. hopefully it feels right. il see what pops up on trademe around auckland over the next few weeks and try do some test rides.

**kmuir** · 16th December 2011, 18:52

Originally Posted by nzmikey

Honda Hornet is nice

I have had mine for just over 7.5mths now & I love it , I did 11,000 in the first 6mths & it has never missed a beat , around town , down the motorway , all day rides on the open road .

give me a few months & you can have mine

hey if im looking still in a couple months i may have to take you up on that!