250cc First Bike help

[Devil]

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?

[Rocket]

IM in the same posi as you. but if theres anything i have learnt from speaking to people (ALOT of people) its that your in a dream land spending 4-5 on your first bike, you should be looking around the 2-3k mark, unless you have money to BURN.

[Devil]

...unless you have money to BURN.

Im good to my toys, so dont have a problem spending that amount on a nice bike.

[6Chris6]

IM in the same posi as you. but if theres anything i have learnt from speaking to people (ALOT of people) its that your in a dream land spending 4-5 on your first bike, you should be looking around the 2-3k mark, unless you have money to BURN.

Quite agree. And please don't make the same mistake i did GET IT CHECKED OUT most bike shops will do this for you for around $50 which would have saved me an extra $2000 on top of my $3000 bike!

[k14]

Well for your first bike, i would probably recommend the ZZR. I own a CBR250RR and that is my second bike. It is definatly not for taking pillions on and i get sore after about 10 mins of city riding on it. It is pretty powerful for a 250 aswell.

Spending that much on your first bike is probably a little risky. I can probably guarantee that you will drop it once or twice (or 4 times like me) and maybe even have a crash. So it probably isnt worth wasting that much money.

I paid 6 grand for my cbr and it is in mint condition. Paid $1100 for my first bike and got that again. Even though i crashed it once and dropped it heaps. So just keep in mind all of these factors when you are buying.

But if you want to take pillions, the cbr is definately not for you. I tried my 13 year old brother to take pillion, and didnt even take him for a ride. Too dangerous i reckon.

Well thats my 2c. Goodlucj :spudwave:

[Devil]

Thanks for the comments so far. Will probably be looking closer to $4k privately. The only thing that would stop me getting the ZZR is probably the size of the thing (because of GF).

[Rocket]

Thanks for the comments so far. Will probably be looking closer to $4k privately. The only thing that would stop me getting the ZZR is probably the size of the thing (because of GF).

lol ur planning on taking passengers already and this is your first bike? How much experience do you have?

[Devil]

lol ur planning on taking passengers already and this is your first bike? How much experience do you have?

Nah, not at all planning on passengers. I mean that she's going to be riding it too. She's a shorty and the Zed is a big bike.

[Slingshot]

Go the CBR, you'll soon get used to the power of a 250 and wish you had more.
My wife has a CBR and she loves it.
My ass gets sore riding for more than about an hour but it's not a dumb idea to stop regularly and have a rest anyway.

Good idea to get the bike checked but get it done by a bike shop, not VTNZ or AA, they simply don't have a clue!

Make sure you've got money left over to buy safety gear, you'll at the very least need a helmet, jacket & gloves. Pants & boots are also very important (although I can't preach cause I still haven't got pants).

To get full gear you'll probably need to budget around $1000 each. Don't buy a second hand helmet cause unless you have it x-rayed it's impossible to tell if it's still ok.

[Hoon]

Yeah I wouldn't spend too much on a 250. Like others have said you will drop it heaps, it'll get dinged up but also you will soon tire of it and be counting the days until you get your full so you can by a bigger bike. Resist the urge to buy the coolest 250 you can and if your gf is going to be learning on it I wouldn't recommend a sports bike unless you want to put her off.

My advice is to spend the minimum on your 250 and save the cash for your next bike which you will no doubt be hunting for very shortly.

[Devil]

Hrmk thanks people. As for gear, yeah, already budgeting for new everything (helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots) I will not ride without it.
Hrm. Now you people have me thinking about dropping it. Gah! Now im really undecided!

[Slingshot]

Resist the urge to buy the coolest 250 you can and if your gf is going to be learning on it I wouldn't recommend a sports bike unless you want to put her off.

Any particular reason that you think a girl couldn't handle a sports bike at least as well as a guy?

And don't be to worried about dropping your first bike, I haven't dropped mine yet and neither has my wife, if it happens it happens, it's not something you have to do to graduate as a rider!

[White trash]

Thought about a GN250? Don't laugh people!

$2999 + orc BRAND NEW!!! Perfect learners bike and because it doesn't cost much, there's bugger all depreciation.

Some dealers may still have some left.

[georgedubyabush]

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.

[Hoon]

Any particular reason that you think a girl couldn't handle a sports bike at least as well as a guy?

No I'm not saying that at all, I've had my ass handed to me enough times on the track by a certain female member to know not to be saying silly things like that

Its just that a sports riding position isn't the most comfortable and if his gf is already "vertically challenged" then this might make it worse and could detract from the whole biking/learning experience. Guys aren't too fussed as they think the more uncomfortable it is the faster it must be, but girls aren't as easily fooled.

Maybe I'm just thinking too much about how my girlfriend would react as she is very timid and would easily be put off by these things. So I would have to make sure she is totally comfortable/relaxed and confident before she could start actually enjoying.