LAMs on a budget

[Tazz]

Agreed a WELL MAINTINED 250 sprottie is fun,,, but there's the rub, most ARENT, they are raped and fucked grenades in waiting. Yes the GS is a bit heavier, but that weight is comparative, it's still a fairly 'light' bike... It's advantage IS it's more flexible engine wise, more planted (weight) on poor surfaces. Doesnt have to be ridden 9/10th's to get anything out of it.
Yup a 250 inline is a good commuter,,, but then maintenance costs factor in,, a 250 4cyl costs to service the same as a 1000 4cyl. Plus it probably red lines at double the revs of a GS500.
A 250 will bring a 'smile to your dial' I can remember quite clearly my first 250, a Kwacka S1 250 triple,,,, My earlier bikes, specially the CB175 are still smiled on with affection. However after riding 'bigger' bikes? The limitations of a 250 become apparent.
The high performance 250's were introduced AFTER the UK went to a 125cc learner limit, (because of the Suzook X7 and Yam LC250's) in the early 80's. So the 'supersports' 250's you enjoyed in the mid 80's onwards were never meant for the learner market... remember what you call a 'dog' for performance (Hyo) is as FAST as those final 250's released in the UK.

Great for commuting (sports we're talkin)? Yeah back when you didn't have a choice.

250cc same to service as a 1000cc, just quietly ignoring all other costs? Do you work for Fairfax in the statistics department or something :P

250 Hyo as fast as early 90's 250s? Numbers on paper and drugs aside have you actually ridden one?

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod..._250R%2014.htm

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...x250r%2092.htm

[Icemaestro]

Personally having looked at cheap commuters, with some of them being lams approved, I would have no hesitation looking at a 250 - the vtr250 or vt250 spada are good solid reliable bikes, ninja 250's go forever (I had one around the clock), gs500 is a reliable cheap commuter, so is the honda bros 400, as well as cb400 (less around though). Wouldn't recommend bmw f650 due to past issues with reliability. hyo's if you have to post 2008/9 is when they stopped having major problems.

That's my 2c from having owned a wide variety of bikes 650cc and under both lams and non lams approved.



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[GrayWolf]

Great for commuting (sports we're talkin)? Yeah back when you didn't have a choice.

250cc same to service as a 1000cc, just quietly ignoring all other costs? Do you work for Fairfax in the statistics department or something :P

250 Hyo as fast as early 90's 250s? Numbers on paper and drugs aside have you actually ridden one?

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod..._250R%2014.htm

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...x250r%2092.htm

To clarify.. what I was meaning is, the Hyo is as fast as the 'final' 250's (learner) released in the UK.... X7/Yam LC........
The Hyo IS faster than the old Kwack 250-3cyl (unless you get the original S1a/b).... faster than the GT 250's, as fast(er) than the air cooled RD's. So for us old fuckers, who rode those bikes as young un's.... the Hyo isnt a slow 250.

If you go to a dealer (generally) they have a service charge for A/B/C services, and a cost for 1/2/3/4 cyl bikes in each service type..... the only real difference is consumables.. less oil, maybe cheaper brake pads, cheaper tyres etc. But the labour costs will be the same.

Have I ridden a 90's 250? Yes, I probably rode all the ones from mid 80's and early 90's... I doubt I'd fit on one now... and the riding position would 'crucify' my neck, wrists and knees.

No I dont work in Fairfax sonny........ as you were!!!