Hiya

[2_SL0]

Hi, just joined.
Getting back into biking, but I come from a dirt background. Not sure what 250 to buy. Most of my riding will be in the country. So would it be more advisable to get a bike with fairing due to the higher speed on country roads. I want a bike that I could stick with for a while, before I feel the need to move up. I was thinking FZR, CBR, ZXR. Or if I went down the naked bike, VTR250, Hornet250, Bandit250, Zeal250. Is a naked bike a pain with the wind buffering continously?
Any suggestions would be great. Who do you recommend to go sit the basic handling skills test with in Auckland? Thanks.

[Ms Piggy]

Welcome Judderbar :spudwave:
I'm just a new rider so can't give you any ideas on what to buy but there will be some of the group that can. So what made you decided to "get back into" riding?

Have fun

[Blakamin]

Hi! I had a Zeal and loved it. no buffeting at high speed but a times a really strong headwind forces you down a couple of gears just to get it back up there.

[Zed]

Hi, just joined.
Getting back into biking, but I come from a dirt background. Not sure what 250 to buy. Most of my riding will be in the country. So would it be more advisable to get a bike with fairing due to the higher speed on country roads. I want a bike that I could stick with for a while, before I feel the need to move up. I was thinking FZR, CBR, ZXR. Or if I went down the naked bike, VTR250, Hornet250, Bandit250, Zeal250. Is a naked bike a pain with the wind buffering continously?
Any suggestions would be great. Who do you recommend to go sit the basic handling skills test with in Auckland? Thanks.

Welcome to the site JB, hope you enjoy!

Ps. Get a CBR, it should do you proud.


Zed

[Marknz]

Welcome JudderBar,

I'm tipping a VTR250 would be the best bike for you. You're going to get buffeting on all 250's at some stage or another, and with the naked VTR you'll be much less affected by cross winds. I had one for 12 months and it never missed a beat.

[StoneChucker]

I had an '87 Honda CBR250, and it served me really well... So much so I almost bought another Honda when I was upgrading, almost

Not sure about the other bikes, but the CBR easily maintains highway speeds, and over if it takes your fancy.

And don't forget to take a test ride, and if possible more than just around the block (which is what I did with my first bike) Hmm, I didn't even test ride my current bike Lol, whatever works for you I guess.

[Blakamin]

Hmm, I didn't even test ride my current bike Lol, whatever works for you I guess.

Yeah, buts it's an R1... what did ya need to know, SC?? how fast before you can fall off???

[Posh Tourer :P]

Is a naked bike a pain with the wind buffering continously?
Any suggestions would be great. Who do you recommend to go sit the basic handling skills test with in Auckland? Thanks.

Naked bike is a matter of what you are used to. Some people dont like it, some don't mind

BHS, go to Doug Swanson on the Shore...

[LB]

.
.
Hi there Judderbar, welcome to the KB site.

I've had naked bikes for years - I love them - what wind buffeting?
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[2_SL0]

Well, I think I have narrowed it down to the naked bikes, Im going to take them for a ride. I do however have a couple of questions still. Im just under 6ft and weigh about 88kg. Is that weight and size suitable for any of the naked bikes?
Or will I find I need to get suspension mods. I come from a dirt bike background where all the suspenson is adjustable, is much of the suspension adjustable on say a VTR or a 250 Bandit. Last question is the bandit engine the same as the GSX 250, as I heard that they are not a very exciting perfomer? (The GSX 250 that is) Thanks for all the replies you have helped a great deal so far.

[Hitcher]

Judder, welcome to our gargre! Regards to Iso and Crow.

[2_SL0]

Ill pass your regards on, Crow is a little busy prying open his wallet.

[scumdog]

Real bikes don't have radiators, driveshafts or windscreen and aren't plastered in plastic, apart from that you have my approval to buy anything - and don't worry about wind buffeting, just eat less beans, onions and chilli!!

[Marknz]

Well, I think I have narrowed it down to the naked bikes, Im going to take them for a ride. I do however have a couple of questions still. Im just under 6ft and weigh about 88kg. Is that weight and size suitable for any of the naked bikes?
Or will I find I need to get suspension mods. I come from a dirt bike background where all the suspenson is adjustable, is much of the suspension adjustable on say a VTR or a 250 Bandit. Last question is the bandit engine the same as the GSX 250, as I heard that they are not a very exciting perfomer? (The GSX 250 that is) Thanks for all the replies you have helped a great deal so far.

I was 5'11" and 100kg's when I started out on the VTR and it didn't have any problems at all. Tail wind, downhill and lying on the tank it was good for 145kph But you won't be able to make any suspension mods to it at all... or at least none that I'm aware of.

[Zapf]

Well VTR250 is and still my 1st bike, and its good. haven't had any issues. nice fun good rides, the rear preload is adjustable and that is about it. Had it going 140 on long flat strights and not any more. lots more torque than 250 inline 4's, so don't have to hunt for the right gear as often. But also a bit less power in the top range, so it is enjoyable to ride as long as u are not a speed demon. And the V Twin sounds really nice, so much so that I think I am hooked on the V Twin format.

Cheers
Zapf