250cc First Bike help

[Devil]

Does the zzr really have a higher seat?
I'd have thought it would be the easier one to handle with the upright riding position. Easier motor to use with the twin instead of the peaky 4.

Yeah, definately higher. The riding position is good, but its the stopping and putting her feet down where the problems would be.

[slob]

Thought about a GN250? Don't laugh people!

I agree with White trash's suggestion for a Suzuki GN250. They're REALLY easy to learn on, sustain bugger all damage in a crash and keep their value AND have a LOW seat height. You could get a cheapo 2nd hand one ($1000-$1500), get up to speed on your handling traffic skills and sell it for the same price as you paid for it in a few months, say on you get your restricted.

PS: The Yamaha SR250 is similar, but doesn't have front disc brakes (neither do the old GNs)

[SPman]

My G/F got an FZR250 as a first bike (well, first for a looonng time), and loved it.
When you are shorter, the riding posi is not as extreme - hell, they were designed for short arses in the first place

And being a learner doesnt give you a monopoly on dropping a bike! If people are scared of dropping a bike, we should all be riding around on old shitters!

[Motoracer]

And being a learner doesnt give you a monopoly on dropping a bike! If people are scared of dropping a bike, we should all be riding around on old shitters!

I know eh, every one keeps on sayin you have to learn on the dirt cause you bin bikes in the begining stages. Its all about atitudes really, if you respect the machine, it wont bite or spit you off. Once you get the hang of it after a while THEN you can kane the arse of it (cause even if you get into shit, you will have the experience to get out of a tight spot *hopefully*). While saying that, at the same time, it is true however that dirt riding will give you advantages over a lot of skills when you convert to the road from dirt.

I started on a road bike and I didn't drop a bike till I was well into bikeing and started going on rides etc. I tried teaching a mate of mine how to ride but every time he got on it, he crashed it. He was just way too over confident with him self.

The key is learn at your own pace!

As for a first bike, go the GNs all the way!

I got started on motorbikes on my brother's (slob's) GN125 7 years ago, seems like just yesterday.

[wkid_one]

I didn't drop a bike till I was well into bikeing and started going on rides etc.

Is that opposed to dropping your bike while you are standing there looking at it>>>

[SPman]

Is that opposed to dropping your bike while you are standing there looking at it>>>

I've done that!

[Two Smoker]

How tall's your g/f DevilWTCK? Im in the same situation I can't judge the bike for my g/f as im 6 foot tall and she is 5 foot flat:disapint: IM thinking CBR for her too, but you will save me some effort if you tell me

Cheers...

[Devil]

How tall's your g/f DevilWTCK? Im in the same situation I can't judge the bike for my g/f as im 6 foot tall and she is 5 foot flat:disapint: IM thinking CBR for her too, but you will save me some effort if you tell me

Cheers...

She'd be 5 foot, or 5 foot 1...hey...maybe its the same girl...hahaha j/k

I know she can definately fit on the CBR (being able to touch the ground properly, not just very tiptoes). BUT because the top half of her body is short as well, the only reservation she has is the the angle she is leaning on. Even with someone my size (5'9"/5'10" ish) you've got a bit of weight on your hands, but she's leaning even more!
We're going to have a look in the weekend and try her out...err....the CBR/ZZR, not the GF

[Devil]

Oh and thanks for your suggestions people. I dont think id have a problem with dropping the bike. Plus my GF is one of the strongest girls I know, if it came to having to hold it up with one leg, im sure she'd have no problem

[Coldkiwi]

Dev.... i'd have to say the GN idea ain't bad at all. perfect for learning on and has a nice low seat help you catch it when things get a little awry doing low speed stuff.

but if its down to performance... well, you can still thrash a ZZR and embarrass plenty of people without needing the juice of the CBR. not many of us readily get to the end of the bikes limits that often, especially when learning so it could be a really good choice (money and height permitting). besides... once you got used to chasing people on faster bikes on a semi sporty 250, you will LOVE the step up to a bigger cc rocket.

[SPman]

A good feature of 250 sports bike is their very wide rev range. Below 10,000rpm, they are really very docile, even for a beginner. Like a little electric motor. Then, as your confidence increases, you can start to explore the upper reaches of the rev range, with more go and keep yourself happy as you wait for your full licence.

[georgedubyabush]

If you werent anti zxr, you could buy mine for 3000 and a GN aswell. Double Rego cost though.
29500kms. Good nick. 1 NZ owner. Not exactly babied but very well maintained. Not crashed but seeing how all the other zxrs are going down...

[yankwi]

Hey people, after lurking for a few days I thought it was about time I actually posted.

Time for the first bike, got learners, now I have a decision to make!
One thing to take into consideration here is this is also going to be a bike for my GF who is particularly short!

Im stuck between two bikes now, they're a bit different. I was hoping someone could point out the most sensible option (although I think I already know what it is).

I will buy privately, price from 4-5k.

Option 1) '92/'93 model CBR250RR around 20-30,000km's.
pros: Quick, light, zippy, sexy, low seat height for GF.
cons: over 10 years old, no distance comfort, possibility of being thrashed.
Example: http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/market/Us...2467&Year=1992
(I think bikepoint might be having problem with images at the mo)

Option 2) '98/'99 model ZZR250, 10-15,000km's
pros: Recent model, low k's, still a sexy bike. Comfortable.
cons: Heavier, slower, quite a big bike (higher seat...)
Example: http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/market/Us...0181&Year=1999

Now yes, im comparing a sports bike to a "sports/tourer".
If I definately wanted a sports bike it would be the CBR (ie: not a ZXR, and definately a 4 stroke). If I straight out wanted a tourer, I guess the ZZR seems to be one of the best options out there?

Now I think id be happy with either bike, but from the smartest buying perspective, it looks as though the ZZR would be the safest/most reliable option. Is anyone aware of any common mechanical problems with either of these bikes?

I work 4 a bike wrecker here in Hamzz.. think abought the cost of spares as well mate... your first options a ripper is all's set up RITE... if ne-doubt.. have a LOCAL bike shop lQQk @ the bike first.... the'll be HAPPY to help....
Might save ya alot of worries...

[Menial]

just get a cheap bike so you can learn yo push it and be afraid of wasting it if you bail. id like to get something that i could blast with out fear of writing it off. not so worried about my own safety for some reason ;/

[Posh Tourer :P]

2m/o thread menial....