Suitable bike for returning rider

**fletcher** · 8th August 2009, 09:15

Hi, I've got a full license but haven't ridden for years and years. I'm looking around for a bike to buy and think it's best I go for a 250cc for a while. I want the weight light/low and since I'm a short female, my feet as near to flat on the ground as I can get them - but I don't want a cruiser. Rode a GN250 ages ago so would like something different this time. I'm not looking to go fast, I just want to cruise around, join some group rides and have fun. So no hard-out sports bikes either.

After looking around I really like the Honda GB250 Clubman (late 80's models) and the new Kawasaki Ninja 250. The EX250 is gorgeous but it's double the money I thought I'd spend to start riding again. I could look at a slightly older Ninja 250.

The GB250 Clubman fits all my requirements except it's OLD! Does anyone have experience with these bikes and their reliability and getting parts?

Can any experienced riders help me out here with comments on the suitability of either bike?

**PirateJafa** · 8th August 2009, 09:18

Either should do fine - there are parts around. Or a CB250RS, which I suspect Xwhatsit will be along shortly to sing the virtues of.

**sinfull** · 8th August 2009, 09:21

Welcome back to the world of the living !
Not up on the GB but the age of bikes don't matter, it's their history !
So long as your prepared to maintain em, with the posibility of a rebuild, go for what feels right for you !
Get some AA plus roadside or something sim. if your planning on doing some miles on your own and enjoy the upcoming summer !!

Edit : Bonez might be a good one to talk honda to !!!

**Mom** · 8th August 2009, 09:57

Hi fletcher, welcome to KB.

Much as I love the trusty GN250, I would not recommend it for the kind of riding you are describing. They are a great little commuter but worse than useless on the open road. Sure they can buzz along at 100 and a bit better than that, but they are tapped out and you have nothing left to get out of trouble, or to be able to overtake on the open road. Great for round town stuff, useless out on the open road.

Flick me a PM when you get something sorted, I am just north of Auckland, we go on some great rides out that would suit you.

**James Deuce** · 8th August 2009, 09:58

Don't buy some old piece of junk. Buy something newish and cared for.

**crazyhorse** · 8th August 2009, 10:04

Another good bike is a Suzuki GS500E. I had one as my first bike. Very good, reliable, and not heavy at all. I felt it was a great first bike and would recommend it to anyone

**fletcher** · 8th August 2009, 10:45

Hey thanks for the info everyone and offers of rides later. I think the GS500 will be too high in the seat but will go try it thanks. I like the look of the bike.

My thinking was I should cap it at 250cc so I don't scare myself stupid and never want to do it again. Might be preferable to outgrow the bike fairly quickly and then move up. Thoughts? I'm SHORT btw.

**nallac** · 8th August 2009, 10:58

Personally i wouldn't look at just 250's as you can/might out grow them pretty fast. Look around and see what tickles your fancy..

Lots of +250's out there that aren't huge on the horsepower and will still be fun to ride past the stage of when you would've been sick of it if it was a 250.

**T.W.R** · 8th August 2009, 11:17

One of these is similar to a GB250, bit more poke and age is on it's side

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-170239917.htm

**idleidolidyll** · 8th August 2009, 11:20

Suzuki made a very nice little 350cc 4 stroke. Unfortunately they called it the Goose: http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod..._goose_350.htm

If you can get over the name or put a sticker over it, this is a good possibility

That said, ride lots and lots of different bikes until you find the one that suits

**SMOKEU** · 8th August 2009, 11:25

A Y2K would be ideal. Or a CBR400, FZR400 or similar.

**PirateJafa** · 8th August 2009, 11:28

Actually since you're looking at mostly singles, you shouldn't have much trouble with anything up to and maybe a bit over 500cc (four stroke, of course)- none of them really put out that much power. Weight and height is the key, not cc's.

**Ixion** · 8th August 2009, 11:35

Modern version of the GB250 is available, called CBF250, example .

Yamaha Scorpio is a very nice bike

**ZK-Awesome** · 8th August 2009, 15:40

I have a GB250. It has plenty of power for the open road as long as you're not doing much overtaking. Yes it is old, so far all I have needed for mine is a new air filter, which I got from Japan via the local honda shop. There is also econohonda who are good for honda bits.