Comments please

[Lteejay]

Can I get some feedback on this bike please.......suitability for first time rider, price (how much to offer), how easy it is to get parts, anything else .......thanks kbers

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...9292&key=28148

[vifferman]

Can I get some feedback on this bike please.......suitability for first time rider, price (how much to offer), how easy it is to get parts, anything else .......thanks kbers

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...9292&key=28148

I'm not familiar with this bike, so the only comment I'll make is that while fully-faired bikes provide protection form the elephants (and elements too, if there are some about) they are not a great idea for first-time riders as they will inevitably be dropped and repairs are expensive.

If you're inexperienced, then something without so much plastic would be a better idea, particularly if it's a bit ratty. You can always trade up to something prettier when you've a few kilometres under your belt.

[Lteejay]

I'm not familiar with this bike, so the only comment I'll make is that while fully-faired bikes provide protection form the elephants (and elements too, if there are some about) they are not a great idea for first-time riders as they will inevitably be dropped and repairs are expensive.

If you're inexperienced, then something without so much plastic would be a better idea, particularly if it's a bit ratty. You can always trade up to something prettier when you've a few kilometres under your belt.

Thanks - heard that from others also, but dont think i want a naked.

[dnos]

hey dude, the range on these is apparently quite low due to the storage where the tank normally would be.
It would be a decent bike for a learner and some people who have owned them reckon they are great bikes. but sorry i can't really say what it would be worth (I would think less than 3g though).
What other types of bikes have you been looking at? i wouldn't rush into this one if i were you, take your time and look at a few different options.
And if your keen on this one then make sure you have a really good check over and a ride on it.

[Lteejay]

hey dude, the range on these is apparently quite low due to the storage where the tank normally would be.
It would be a decent bike for a learner and some people who have owned them reckon they are great bikes. but sorry i can't really say what it would be worth (I would think less than 3g though).
What other types of bikes have you been looking at? i wouldn't rush into this one if i were you, take your time and look at a few different options.
And if your keen on this one then make sure you have a really good check over and a ride on it.

Looking at GPX, ZZR that sort of range. Whats the tank size on a average 250 - if there is such a thing?

[timorang]

It is a 13 yo bike. Another problem with all the fairings is that the servicing time and costs are increased in order to gain access to filters, drain plugs, spark plugs etc, plus being a four cylinder the costs of servicing would be higher than a single or a twin (remembering that it is also an older bike). There are a couple of newer (2004) GSX's for sale on trademe, which have full fairings. These are quite heavy and down on power from what you are looking at, but I would consider them to be a better buy. Note their engines are parallel twins so maintenance will be simpler and cheaper, and possibly better torque. Hope this helps.

[Lteejay]

It is a 13 yo bike. Another problem with all the fairings is that the servicing time and costs are increased in order to gain access to filters, drain plugs, spark plugs etc, plus being a four cylinder the costs of servicing would be higher than a single or a twin (remembering that it is also an older bike). There are a couple of newer (2004) GSX's for sale on trademe, which have full fairings. These are quite heavy and down on power from what you are looking at, but I would consider them to be a better buy. Note their engines are parallel twins so maintenance will be simpler and cheaper, and possibly better torque. Hope this helps.

Cheers dude - will take a look, but they will probably be out of my price range (3k)

[Theatre]

Get a 2 stroke! Nice and quick and then you'll have money left over to repair any fairing damage. Just remember to keep on top of maintenance.

Give the hyobag GT250 a whirl at a bike shop. If you like it, check around tardme for a while, used GT250s usually go pretty cheaply for a newish bike. There have been rumours about dubious build quality involving the handlebars breaking from light drops.
The upside about that model you linked is that theres somewhere to put your helmet when you park the bike.
Another bike to keep your eye out for would be the VT250 spada. I'm sure hXc will pop by with info on that.

[Roj]

As with any sports bike, the handling is a little more difficult to master than a dual purpose or cruiser, and of course the older bikes need more TLC. Just remember to take your time and pay attention to the lessons of others, if possible team up with a mentor in your area

[HenryDorsetCase]

I say to people to buy a Honda CB250RS to learn on:

light weight
single banger
surprisingly quick (not fast...but quick due to light weight)
good ground clearance and "droppability"... no fairing.
Reliable as a stone axe.

anything with more widgets has more stuff to go wrong. esp in this age range.

my 2c.

[crazybigal]

not a bad bike, id say better than the new gsx250 anyway! had one for a few weeks, pile of junk! and parts are way overpriced! (thats suzuki for ya)
as far as the others ,gpx zzr, cbr all good bikes! the pick would be prob a cbr250rr but $$$$$ for one of those. would not go 2 stroke if you dont know how to look after it. remember your prob going to drop it at some point so a naked bike will take more of a beating. the gsf250 bandit is a super we bike.
comes down to your budget! spend 3 grand and if your not careful you will be spending another grand on chain ,sprocket, tyres, brake pads, fork seals, all adds up!
good luck with finding a bike

[BarBender]

Dont piss around asking these guys what they think...
Does mum still make your lunch?

Get it and get out there.

[Lteejay]

Dont piss around asking these guys what they think...
Does mum still make your lunch?

Get it and get out there.

Easy for an experienced biker to say, but with no experience what so ever, I appreciate their feedback. Even yours

What about
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...67&permanent=0

[Whynot]

lol, wish i had "fast" double mufflers ....

Kawasaki GP-X 250 Ninja
- Double Muffler, fast!

GPXs seem to be a popular learner bike and are fairly reliable from what i've heard

[dnos]

Hey, I think those sort of bikes your looking at would all be pretty good for learning on. With your budget it will be about finding something suitable that is in decent nick - and won't need a bunch of money thrown at it on tires, chains, other maintenance. So check out anything that looks good, that across would be fine, or a gpx or zzr, spada, or similar. Make sure you know what to look for or take someone else who does. And preferably test ride it. There are a few threads regarding what to check pre purchase do a search.
Good luck

Just a note, have you got riding gear? If not you will need some cash for that too.