Coming around for a cruiser

[F5 Dave]

That is a low mileage clean one, didn't know they were still new in '11 & no idea what they were new. Spadas have been around since the dawn of time. Shock can be an issue on higher mileage but condition is a key factor.

[Glowerss]

This info is looking good so far team!

I had a little test ride on a GV250 today - I was pretty impressed. Smooth sailing and a solid ride (could even take my hands off at 100KM/H and it stayed rock solid) plus the fuel tank was attractive at 16L but not too sure if it's worth the money.

I'm not concerned about going fast, just cruising for long periods of time at 100K but at the same time not struggling to get there.

There's a few Hornets around the Wellington region, may have to treck down there and recce those bikes as well as a nice SV400 Red baron has for sale.

What year/mileage is appropriate for the price in regards to the Honda's?

RB Wellington is worth a visit, as whitetrash on the forums works there and will see you right.

The SV400 they have is not on the LAMS list nor will it be as it is outside the power/weight ratio ( I've already previous tried to get it added and was denied).

[Gremlin]

That is a low mileage clean one, didn't know they were still new in '11 & no idea what they were new. Spadas have been around since the dawn of time. Shock can be an issue on higher mileage but condition is a key factor.

Yup, stopped probably in 2011. Was 9-10k I think brand new...

[Old Steve]

This info is looking good so far team!

I had a little test ride on a GV250 today - I was pretty impressed. Smooth sailing and a solid ride (could even take my hands off at 100KM/H and it stayed rock solid) plus the fuel tank was attractive at 16L but not too sure if it's worth the money.

I did 24,000 km on a GV250, a 2006. The chrome left something to be desired up until 2007 I think, and I fitted a ScottOiler to reduce chain maintenance. Paid $3200 for it with about 9,000 km on it about 2 1/2 years ago. I used to cruise at 115 to 120 on mine, runs out of passing power though above 100 km/hr.

Google Motorbikes, put in GV250. The first one looks reasonable, 2008, 11,000 km for $3800. Might be available for mid 3K.

Then further down (second from the bottom) there's a silver/grey 2008 one done 7000 km with a start price of $2300 on it and a buy now of $4000. That should be around mid to high 3K I think.

[wharekura]

I had a little test ride on a GV250 today - I was pretty impressed. Smooth sailing and a solid ride (could even take my hands off at 100KM/H and it stayed rock solid) plus the fuel tank was attractive at 16L but not too sure if it's worth the money.

I have a GV250 2007. I get just under 300km with a tank and its my commuter which does very well and reliable. Ive ridden mine for a year almost every day. I do rides with Laxed Out Riders which average 230kms per ride and it copes fine - its just not a fast bike with buga all ground clearance.

[hippie]

Ive got a hornet a would recomend one easily as its upright riding position with good power for what it is. im 167 cm and can have both feet on the ground easy as. dont go near the blue hornet in wellington.
These bikes are good for long trips my maiden voyage was from auckalnd to wellington in the rain and hail a long day riding but the next day was not sore one bit the only thing is it gets breezey when/if you get up over 140ish they are a decent bike with good rubber selection because of the tyre size and fairly economical i was getting 260ish ks before i hit the reserve tank on the open road.

[Reubix]

I've now test ridden a CBR250 2011, CBR125 2012, GV250 2006, and the S40 2004 650.

The cruiser style still appeals to me, looks sexy, and feels right. Apart from the GV250 and the S40 are there any more suggestions?

[James Deuce]

EN500 is the only other one I can think of.

[GrayWolf]

Heya Team

I got f**ked over on a purchase of a 250 Rebel, shoulda read the guides on the forums here but in any case I'm flicking it off on TM and looking into something else - besides this whole LAMS thing may work in my favour.

I'm after a nice easy bike to ride for a short person (under 1.7M) that has marvellous fuel economy as I want to explore my new surroundings of the Whanganui-Manawatu region.

I have been looking into the Suzuki S40 Savage, a 2003 model here in town at a dealership with 15k on the clock for $5000. Seems like a good deal but at the same time I want easy cruising at 100KM/H and a decent sized fuel tank. And yeah, leaning towards the cruiser form as it appears to suit shorties like myself but I can be convinced otherwise.

Looking forward to hearing what you gentlemen have to say

Cheers
Reuben

Hiya,

The S40 has the worst fuel range imaginable - around 120 to 140 Km on a tank. While they're promoted as a cruiser, they're basically a "commuter" - not really designed for open road work. A single-cylinder with little power, and crappy suspension.

There's several LAMS options for V-twin cruisers, but the prices are soaring due to demand.

Replies like this, bagging a bike as it's 'gutless' only really goes to show how ill informed the modern rider is. Yeh I know 'rot on ad nauseum' about the 'old days'... however to put it it this way, look up the power and top speed of the old 500/600cc singles of firms like BSA. Most were LUCKY to reach 140kph (80mph) probably accelerated slower too. Guys like my granpa and dad's age's road these 'commuter power' bikes by today's so called standards, for hundreds of miles (OK, as long as they didnt break down )... There is too damn much of this 'gutless' mentality today unless it's over 150bhp. Ridden to it's abilities (I used to live in invergumboot, and one of the Ulysses stalwarts Max (goldwing) missus had the 'yellow peril' a S40/Savage.. and she rode that bloody thing all over the country) the S40 will do the job, it's a single lung 'plodder' 100kph cruising along enjoying the ride? Perfect!.
Dont be put off by numbnuts crowing about a bike being gutless, its their opinion, I've owned some of the fastest bikes around (in their day) last one being a ZZR1100, which is STILL a lot of bike today. My MT is as quick on the road in 'general riding' as the Zed.. it's only when the 'boys' get together for a thrash over the taka's at 120+ that a 'low power' or cruiser is going to lose out on engine performance.
If anything you see floats YOUR boat? then buy it and sod anyone else's opinion.

[scumdog]

.. There is too damn much of this 'gutless' mentality today unless it's over 150bhp. Ridden to it's abilities (I used to live in invergumboot, and one of the Ulysses stalwarts Max (goldwing) missus had the 'yellow peril' a S40/Savage.. and she rode that bloody thing all over the country) the S40 will do the job, it's a single lung 'plodder' 100kph cruising along enjoying the ride? Perfect!.
Dont be put off by numbnuts crowing about a bike being gutless, its their opinion, I've owned some of the fastest bikes around (in their day) last one being a ZZR1100, which is STILL a lot of bike today. My MT is as quick on the road in 'general riding' as the Zed.. it's only when the 'boys' get together for a thrash over the taka's at 120+ that a 'low power' or cruiser is going to lose out on engine performance.
If anything you see floats YOUR boat? then buy it and sod anyone else's opinion.

What he said!

[Virago]

Replies like this, bagging a bike as it's 'gutless' only really goes to show how ill informed the modern rider is. Yeh I know 'rot on ad nauseum' about the 'old days'... however to put it it this way, look up the power and top speed of the old 500/600cc singles of firms like BSA. Most were LUCKY to reach 140kph (80mph) probably accelerated slower too. Guys like my granpa and dad's age's road these 'commuter power' bikes by today's so called standards, for hundreds of miles (OK, as long as they didnt break down )... There is too damn much of this 'gutless' mentality today unless it's over 150bhp. Ridden to it's abilities (I used to live in invergumboot, and one of the Ulysses stalwarts Max (goldwing) missus had the 'yellow peril' a S40/Savage.. and she rode that bloody thing all over the country) the S40 will do the job, it's a single lung 'plodder' 100kph cruising along enjoying the ride? Perfect!.
Dont be put off by numbnuts crowing about a bike being gutless, its their opinion, I've owned some of the fastest bikes around (in their day) last one being a ZZR1100, which is STILL a lot of bike today. My MT is as quick on the road in 'general riding' as the Zed.. it's only when the 'boys' get together for a thrash over the taka's at 120+ that a 'low power' or cruiser is going to lose out on engine performance.
If anything you see floats YOUR boat? then buy it and sod anyone else's opinion.

Dude - he's asked for opinions?

Sure, the S40 will cruise nicely at 100kph. But he wants a good-size fuel tank - the S40 ain't gonna float that boat.

[mossy1200]

If I had a learners idd opt for a revere 650 honda. Really fun to ride and comfortable also.

[Reubix]

With all the fluffing around I've been doing over the past couple of weeks I've decided on two... The reasons being is that there are plenty for sale in the region so I can inspect/test ride them and they seem to tick all the boxes or at least ones that are 'each to their own'. That fucking VTR down in Levin was a sack of shit, bit of a shame but oh well.

The Hyosung GV250 - why?
Firstly I like the bike, it looks meaty and flashy and will catch a few eyes when it's parked up or on the road. All that chrome makes it look like you're driving a disco ball around town but I dig it. The engine seems pretty sound, she purrs along at 100KM/H and then has plenty of power to go a little further, plus the acceleration isn't bad at all. The tank is 16L and with a range of 300KM I'll be more than happy. The riding position is fine, except for my feet (I'd probably invest in running boards or a wee mount to rest my heels on) as it feels like they're going to slip off unless I tuck my toes under the controls. Comes with a packrack and a nice fat seat for a lazy-boy style ride. Seems to respond to me shifting my bodyweight around better than any of the other bikes I've ridden (even the CBR250R) The downside is how long it'll be before I want something else more powerful, the unknown of the reliability of Hyosung products even though some swear by 'em, and the relatively high purchase price for a 250 cruiser.

The Suzuki Savage/LS650 Boulevard - Why?
A big fuck-off single cylinder which is very easy to maintain and service, doesn't look like a flashy bike - just a bike that'll work every time. Low maintenance set up all around. Nice controls and a very tidy package. It has the grunt to cruise around at 100KM/H even with a passenger and will have a relatively low depreciation due it fitting into a very tight niche' in the market of LAMS approved cruisers over 250cc. This is the kind of bike I could potentially keep for a very long time so long-term moneywise it makes more sense. Downside is the smaller fuel tank and the lighter feel on the road making it slightly more prone to being knocked about by the wind. Also the exhaust note HURTS MY EARS due to it being so 'tinny' so there is a bit of extra money I'd have to put into it in the first instance.

In car sense:
The Hyosung GV250 is a Hyundai Santa Fe
The Suzuki Savage is a Toyota Corolla

[Reubix]

Well.... I fucked all of the above right off and bought this:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=520768480

2007 Yamaha Scorpio with 2500K on the clock. Mint condition for $3k

It ticks all the boxes (except for the cosmetic appeal) and does a bloody good job of being a learner bike that boasts reliability, economy, and superb handling.

[Zamiam]

Good on you. Enjoy