Virago or Intruder for a newbie

[roks]

I'm looking for a 250cc bike, first choice would be the virago or the intruder, I was also including the Suzuki GZ but a bike shop told me to preferably get a twin over and above a single....any suggestions people?? I'm in Christchurch

[Waylander]

Go the Virago mate. Great bikes they are.

[MSTRS:Me]

I'm looking for a 250cc bike, first choice would be the virago or the intruder, I was also including the Suzuki GZ but a bike shop told me to preferably get a twin over and above a single....any suggestions people?? I'm in Christchurch

If you are after a 250 cruiser, the bike shop advice is correct. Add the Kawasaki Eliminator to your look-at list.

[roks]

the bike shop said a v-twin would be better for highway cruising, and since I will probably have this bike for 2 years, I don't want something I'm going to tire of. I'll check out the Kawasaki, but I'm a virago fan from way back after I dated a guy with an 1100. Very reliable bike and was very kind to me when I rode it round the block.

[Waylander]

the bike shop said a v-twin would be better for highway cruising, and since I will probably have this bike for 2 years, I don't want something I'm going to tire of. I'll check out the Kawasaki, but I'm a virago fan from way back after I dated a guy with an 1100. Very reliable bike and was very kind to me when I rode it round the block.

Did I mention that I ride an 1100?

[MSTRS:Me]

Did I mention that I ride an 1100?

Shameless.

Bike: .
Location: I want to go home
Posts: 4,491

You wouldn't be wanting to leave us now, would you?

[Waylander]

Shameless.

Yes

You wouldn't be wanting to leave us now, would you?

Long story.

[roks]

Did I mention that I ride an 1100?

So you're a little biased then??? But they are a good bike. Still pricey though and not very plentiful down here in Canterbury

[Waylander]

So you're a little biased then??? But they are a good bike. Still pricey though and not very plentiful down here in Canterbury

lol Just a tiny bit.
Guy on this site called Virago has an 1100 down in your area I believe (well, Otago mostly) Same with another bloke calling himself The Preacher. Not many XV250's down that way that I know of though...

Several up this way though. 2 in Auckland (used to be 3) another in Tauranga and a few other Virago's here and there of all sizes.

[campbellluke]

If you are getting a 250cc, get a 4 cylinder. Only way to go.

[roks]

I know there are some up there, I've seen the ads *sob* I've got a good mate with an Intruder who would go check out a virago for me in Aucks and have it shipped down....shipping would cost about $500.00...I've already checked out that idea.

[crashe]

Buy a Virago 250.... that are great to ride....

Yep I am biased as I ride one...
Had mine for 5 years.. and love it..

(Thats me on mine in my avator....)

[Paul in NZ]

Personally.....

I'm not a fan of japanese cruiser bikes but... I'm not really a fan of japanese bikes anyway so...

BUT... If you want a cruiser style bike the 250cc Virago has a pretty good reputation for reliablity. Having said that you WILL be tired of it inside a month if you want it to go fast. If you want other options and have a longer inside leg measurement look at the beautiful Yamaha SRV 250 (also rare) and if you are both tall AND affluent the Honda 250cc VTR which is a bloody stunning bike ....

If you do go the Virago way - PLEASE change the handlebars. The one thing the japanese have never mastered is how to make elegant handlebars which is why they probably invented those horrible alloy fork top clipon things.. aarrgghh!

Just my opinion of course but it's certainly worth what you paid for it ;-)

Paul N

[roks]

I'm only 5'2" hence my need for something low to the ground.....like me!

[Ixion]

Well, I like single cylinder 4 strokes m'self - more powerful ,less to go wrong, and cheap as chips to run. But the Virago certainly has a good rep, and particularly with the ladies. I think everyone who has had one has been happy with it (accepting the residual unhappiness of only being able to have a 250 when you want something bigger )