Which 1st bike?

[vifferman]

Have been quoted the following so far, and it seems to be on the hi side.
VTR 1998 $5600
VTR 2003 $6200
both has about 10'000km on them. got quoted from Cyclespot.

Holy Crapola, Batman! I didn't pay much more 'n that for my bike!
Simple answer - shop around. It's Winter, y'know, so bikes aren't exactly selling like hotcakes.
Even if there's more risk buying privately (say off TradeMe), it's worth considering, as what you save (c.f. a dealer) will go a long way towards decent gear, maintenance, etc.

[Hitcher]

What about tires? I am pretty keen on getting some good tires for it once I get my hands on it. What do people say about the Dragon's? or M4's?

With a 250 you have a limited range of tyres from which to choose. The Dunlop GT501 Arrowmax is a good "all rounder" tyre for a 250.

[Hitcher]

What is a SPADA model?

The Spada is a Honda VT250. They were mind-numbingly expensive when Honda introduced them new -- about the same price as a 650. That's why few were sold new outside of Japan. However the build quality is outstanding -- full alloy frame, the same 250 v-twin as the VTR has and they are shit-hot fun to ride.

[FROSTY:Me]

tkns for all the input. I am just going down the path that a newer bike is going to be "better"? than an older bike in age and more reliable of course. Think I'll look for a VTR with up to 5 years old.

What about tires? I am pretty keen on getting some good tires for it once I get my hands on it. What do people say about the Dragon's? or M4's?

Tiger,
How many k's had your VTR done when you bought it?

Have been quoted the following so far, and it seems to be on the hi side.
VTR 1998 $5600
VTR 2003 $6200
both has about 10'000km on them. got quoted from Cyclespot.

Dude I wouldn't normally suggest these guys but if its a vtr you want go see the guys at Holshot bmw/suzuki
They have a red vtr 250 in there that has been babied its entire life.
It has VERY low miles on it and they are genuine.
It used to belong to a KB member -Madduck.

[Zapf]

The Spada is a Honda VT250. They were mind-numbingly expensive when Honda introduced them new -- about the same price as a 650. That's why few were sold new outside of Japan. However the build quality is outstanding -- full alloy frame, the same 250 v-twin as the VTR has and they are shit-hot fun to ride.

So I would suppose the alloy frame be better, as in lighter than the VTR's. But I suppose weaker as well then. Ermm if its only 2k for a Spada, can't really go wrong can I

[Zapf]

Dude I wouldn't normally suggest these guys but if its a vtr you want go see the guys at Holshot bmw/suzuki
They have a red vtr 250 in there that has been babied its entire life.
It has VERY low miles on it and they are genuine.
It used to belong to a KB member -Madduck.

ermm. I was there yesterday, all they told me was to buy a new GN250. But I'll go back tomorrow to look for the VTR. ... thanks

[Two Smoker]

Yep all i can say is i agree with what most people have said..... Go with the VTR, good handling, power and torque, and doesnt have that cracking of plastic sound when you drop it...... You will crash, but thats ok, i just hope its at low speed like erik's crash was, resulting in something being learnt and minimal damage....

Ive crashed 3 times and they have been expensive due to fairings (well would have been if i didnt have the race fairings on fo 2 of them lol)

[Stinkwheeler]

No point in being told to buy a GN250 if you don't like it. Go for the VTR. Yes, no fairing is a benefit if something silly happens like the side stand spontaneously flicking up (take it from me with the TV200).

[Posh Tourer :P]

So I would suppose the alloy frame be better, as in lighter than the VTR's. But I suppose weaker as well then. Ermm if its only 2k for a Spada, can't really go wrong can I

Well, that one was *very* cheap for what it was really... Older but low k's. Dont forget that a dealer will add about $1000 to a bike like that over a private sale, just because they can offer finance so can afford to charge more.

Edit: Ok thats not quite fair, they also offer more security of quality and some route for recompense if something goes wrong, and they clean the bike for you beforehand

[Wenier]

Are u definitely after a VTR, or those ones you've mentioned or something with a bit more speed like ZXRs, CBRs or GSXRs. Less fairing means less damage in accident generally (are exceptions) which is a good point for learners. Wut are you looking to do wit the bike? (commuter, go for group rides which are long/short distance, etc). Have you test ridden any? (wut felt the nicest). And top of the list dont spend all your $$$ on a 250, if you want to upgrade you dont want to lose all that money in depreciation for a couple of years use and mileage.

[Zapf]

to say what I am after, ermm... the freedom that you get on a bike.!

not planning on going stupidly fast really, have done that in my car. been up to 250+ and back. Not to commute either, cause driving a honda jazz to cloak from the cops. Just wanting to get on a bike for a nice weekend cruize, and once get more experienced then go on some longer distance trips, at which time I'll get a bigger bike... (those VFR800's look nice)(dono if they are quick, still newbie in bike world)

So I think I am 90% sure on a VTR, will see what happens on the test drive. I'll probly look for a VTR around 4~5k.

If I am buying a bike privately where do take it for pre-purchase check, and service? Any advice on what I should get serviced on a 10'000km VTR?

thanks.

[Zapf]

Well, that one was *very* cheap for what it was really... Older but low k's. Dont forget that a dealer will add about $1000 to a bike like that over a private sale, just because they can offer finance so can afford to charge more.

Edit: Ok thats not quite fair, they also offer more security of quality and some route for recompense if something goes wrong, and they clean the bike for you beforehand

Yea I see what u mean... that sparta was cheap as. But its off trademe now and dono how to contact seller. Plus it is not in Auckland, and being a newbie I am not so sure about riding it back to Auckland

[Stevo]

Hey there Zapf. I bought an 87 FZR250 back at the start of April. Thought it was a bit mediocre lookin (rough looking plastics and all) but $200 plastic welding later looked heaps better. Musta grown on me though. Did 6500kms in first 2 1/2 months!! Would come home from work and just go fro a blast until all hours of the night (Oh I mean till 10pm ....lol)

Suggestion: Go to a bike shop or two and go for a ride on a few. I road the Kwaka GPZ and hated it. Some others were not bad but loved the feel of the Yamahaha. Plus it was CHEAP at $3000

Good Luck
Stevo

[Posh Tourer :P]

If I am buying a bike privately where do take it for pre-purchase check, and service? Any advice on what I should get serviced on a 10'000km VTR?

thanks.

You could ask Mt Eden Motorcycles to check it over...

Servicing? Oil change, engine and gearbox. Perhaps flush the coolant system. Check chain and sprocket condition. That ought to be about it. Unless other things are out of adjustment like choke, idle, fuel mixture etc

[Devil]

I think people can be a little more positive regarding the "you WILL crash" kinda remarks.

/me touches wood in preparation

Ive been riding for about 5 months now and haven't even come close to crashing, dropping or drastically fucking up while riding. (Although the missus dropped it in the weekend *sigh*).

Yes, if you're not completely confident in your ability (and I wouldnt blame you with most people saying you're going to break it) then go for a naked bike. But if you're a careful co-ordinated person, I dont see any reason NOT to get a faired bike.
Intimate meetings with cage drivers excepted, however.

Take care, and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....because they are.