First bike.... Yay or Nay?? Advice needed!

**Mad_Honda** · 30th October 2016, 19:04

Hey guys Jayden here, i'm brand spanker to this forum so go gentle would ya! haha

But anyways onto the topic ... I'm looking at buying my first bike (250-400cc LAMS APPV)... I'm not a total noobie to bikes, as i have ridden dirt the odd time in the past before dad sold my xr200(rip)

To keep a story short, i've been eyeing up this 1989 CBR250R, with slight damage. (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...?id=1189682640)

I'm mainly a Honda fan. but i like Kawazaki's, Yammies and i've found the Hyosungs to be rather appealing too...

Is there anything to be concerned about these bikes? What should i be looking for ? i'm averagely mechanically inclined etc..

I'm the typical young guy, the bikes gotta sound and look good! (fell in love with this sound...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KsFLuqpib4&t=12s)

I'll stop rambling now, any advice will be greatly appreicated !! Just trying to avoid buying a lemon as a first bike. Cheers Jayden.

**onearmedbandit** · 30th October 2016, 20:29

Loved the hot little 250's we had as kids in the 90's, damn they were fun. That's all I have to say, someone with first hand experience will be along soon enough. But if the bike stacks up, buy it and enjoy yourself.

**Mad_Honda** · 30th October 2016, 20:36

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Loved the hot little 250's we had as kids in the 90's, damn they were fun. That's all I have to say, someone with first hand experience will be along soon enough. But if the bike stacks up, buy it and enjoy yourself.

Seems cheap enough! Would you expect to pay that amount for an older bike with decent km's on it?? Or do you reckon its a lemon?

**mossy1200** · 30th October 2016, 21:46

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1188470665.htm
Good option offer 2k and spend 500 on transporting it to you.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1188470665.htm
Looks like a good older 4cylinder option also

Im not sure I like the way the cbr is missing the rt hand bar weight. Idd be having a good look at it before buying. How hard it went down on the rt side at some stage would be nice to know and you still have to find a left fairing etc aswell.

**mossy1200** · 30th October 2016, 21:49

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1419...48760223389%7D

Not sure if that link will work but its a facebook site MOTORBIKES FOR SALE NZ

**onearmedbandit** · 30th October 2016, 21:51

Originally Posted by Mad_Honda

Seems cheap enough! Would you expect to pay that amount for an older bike with decent km's on it?? Or do you reckon its a lemon?

IMO I think it's priced realistically if it checks out mechanically. Very low km's for its age though, kind of dubious. Hard to tell without laying eyes on it.

**Mad_Honda** · 30th October 2016, 22:19

Originally Posted by mossy1200

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1188470665.htm
Good option offer 2k and spend 500 on transporting it to you.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1188470665.htm
Looks like a good older 4cylinder option also

Im not sure I like the way the cbr is missing the rt hand bar weight. Idd be having a good look at it before buying. How hard it went down on the rt side at some stage would be nice to know and you still have to find a left fairing etc aswell.

Its obviously been in a side over like you said and by the horizontal scuffs. But in all honesty it doesn't bother me a hell of lot seeing as it'll be just a learner bike anyways... In regards to that right side weight, would that affect the balance of the bike at all? If she checks out to be mechanically sound I'll definitely buy it. But i kinda don't like the statement "as is where is" they put on there :/

Edit: cheers for the reco bike link! Those ninjas are noooice, but that colour is a bit too ugly for my liking tbh 😂

**Mad_Honda** · 30th October 2016, 22:26

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

IMO I think it's priced realistically if it checks out mechanically. Very low km's for its age though, kind of dubious. Hard to tell without laying eyes on it.

Will definitely give it a good eye over, problem is the auctions being run through an agency outfit. So you can't just ring up and go in whenever, you have to book an appointment ugh lol

**WristTwister** · 30th October 2016, 22:52

**Mad_Honda** · 30th October 2016, 23:48

Originally Posted by WristTwister

Bloody great video mate! Thank you very much! He seems like a hard case motovlogger! lol reminds me a bit like ol BakerXDerek 👍

**WristTwister** · 31st October 2016, 00:15

Originally Posted by Mad_Honda

Bloody great video mate! Thank you very much! He seems like a hard case motovlogger! lol reminds me a bit like ol BakerXDerek 👍

Yeah Dodge does some helpful motovlogs.

CHEAH!

**Mad_Honda** · 31st October 2016, 01:02

Originally Posted by WristTwister

Yeah Dodge does some helpful motovlogs.

CHEAH!

Ayyyy that's it😉👌👌

**Tazz** · 31st October 2016, 02:06

That's no show pony and you always take a risk with older bikes, but go the CBR. Fun as fark. You'll more than likely get back what you pay for it when you're finished too unlike a lot of other learner options.

I loved mine and learned many more good than bad habits from it.

Pros: Light enough to throw around, decent brakes, enough power and range to load up for some L plate touring, plenty of new and second hand parts about.

Cons: Aesthetic parts (like plastics) are spendy, no good fer yer missus to hoon on with you (even if she has a tiny ass), some complain the seating position aggravates their arthritis, but considering the range is only about 2-3 hours worth of gas it's not that bad.

**onearmedbandit** · 31st October 2016, 07:37

Originally Posted by Mad_Honda

. In regards to that right side weight, would that affect the balance of the bike at all?

Heck I've only got one bar on my bike and it doesn't affect balance. But then again I'm kind of speshal.

**Mad_Honda** · 31st October 2016, 09:29

Originally Posted by Tazz

That's no show pony and you always take a risk with older bikes, but go the CBR. Fun as fark. You'll more than likely get back what you pay for it when you're finished too unlike a lot of other learner options.

I loved mine and learned many more good than bad habits from it.

Pros: Light enough to throw around, decent brakes, enough power and range to load up for some L plate touring, plenty of new and second hand parts about.

Cons: Aesthetic parts (like plastics) are spendy, no good fer yer missus to hoon on with you (even if she has a tiny ass), some complain the seating position aggravates their arthritis, but considering the range is only about 2-3 hours worth of gas it's not that bad.

Well its a good thing i'm single atm then

haha Cheers for the reply! Its good to hear from somebody who's ridden one first experience!

In regards to selling after i'm done with it, like you said, i'd rather buy a cheaper bike for now when i'm learning instead of forking out a butt tonne of money buying a newer bike to then get rid of it half of what i'd paid for it!