Upgrading from 250

[Hectic]

Iam looking at buying a new bike in just over a months time, and was wanting some advice on what to get? I have had a few goes on my mates 98 zx7r and realy liked it, but there doesnt seem to be many around for sale, also had a go on a K2 Gixxer thou and couldnt wipe the smile off my face for a couple of days but think I might leave the thou's for a bit later, so I have something to upgrade to.

Any advice would be much appreciated

[fireball]

Iam looking at buying a new bike in just over a months time, and was wanting some advice on what to get? I have had a few goes on my mates 98 zx7r and realy liked it, but there doesnt seem to be many around for sale, also had a go on a K2 Gixxer thou and couldnt wipe the smile off my face for a couple of days but think I might leave the thou's for a bit later, so I have something to upgrade to.

Any advice would be much appreciated

ill take your 250!

[Kinje]

Think about what kind of riding your wanting to do and what kind of bike matches that riding style.

I'd keep away from the IL4 Thou's too. I went through this process a few months ago and was really keen on a V2 Thou. Test rode quite a few, but then I realised I could still learn more on the 250 so scrapped the idea of upgrading and kept on the 250 for a few more months.

Then just for interests sake I rode a CBR600RR and fell in love. I had to have it, bought it, put about 10000 km on it and wrote it off Now I'm back on the 250.

Don't jump up too quick, even the 600 had heaps of power. Think about your riding style and what you want to do with the new bike. Test ride.

Enjoy the process

[SimJen]

Many moons ago after three or four 4 stroke 250's and a two stroke, I sold my NSR250SP and bought a GSX-R600 (the older 2000 Shape).
Great bike and mega fast compared to my NSR, although the NSR was quicker around corners
I then moved onto 1000's, having had a few now I don't think i'd go back to something smaller. The power is very addictive, I have to do trackdays to be able to use it properly!!
I think getting something midway, like a 600 is a good stepping stone and eases you into the performance difference (you gotta use common sense though).
I was a little older when I did the step, but I'd been riding two strokes fast for a number of years on track and road before I moved up in engine capacity.
Thinking back, I was happy to stay on the NSR till I had learnt what I thought it could teach me (I was a two stroke lover). Only then did I decide to move to something larger.

[Hectic]

Great advice guys, I hear what your saying, although I feel Iam ready to upgrade to something biger I have pushed my little 250 to its very limits, and it has been a great bike. Im still pretty keen on the 750s as Iam 6'2 and 95kg and would feel more comfortable on a full size bike, but maybe I will have to take a few 600s out for a test ride, I definatly want a sports bike thou.

[avgas]

I said it before, i will say it again. These bikes are perfect second bikes
anything 400cc or lower or
GB500
ER6 (n or f)
GS500 - new ones looks as good as the 600 sport bikes.
Monster 400/600
Hyosung 650's etc
something with less than 70hp
any more than 80hp and your a dead man

[MotoGirl]

I personally don't see the point in 400s so wouldn't suggest you go out and buy one. I semi agree with avgas where "any more than 80hp and your a dead man".

I reckon it's ideal to take a step up (e.g. to a 600), but don't take a too bigger step onto a 1000. The power on those things is just ludicrous and it might just chew you up and spit you out.

Once you've ridden something with a bit more power and you've thrashed the crap out of that, you would've learned to respect what power it does have and you'll be in a far better position to take on a 1k.

[avgas]

I personally don't see the point in 400s

Fair enough, but a question i propose to you is have you ever owned a 400?

[klyong82]

600s would be a good step up. They got enough power for riding and to keep up with the thou's. They turn better too

The 98 zx7r were heavy bikes. Personally I would get a GSXR750. So much lighter and might have been the first of the fuel injected engines.

[Gremlin]

The 98 zx7r were heavy bikes. Personally I would get a GSXR750.

On paper, the gsxr wins, but the 7r kicked decent ass, for its age, weight, and had an amazing front end. Looked a shitload better too

imho, if you're going to get a 600-750, buy a second hand older one. Too many go from a 10+ yo 250 to a brand new 600, and think its brilliant, and they can handle it. Sure, they handle really good, but its only when the shit hits the fan, that you find out whether or not you actually have the skills to handle it.

I went from a zzr250 to a modified 7r (and modified it a bit more ) and I think it was perfect for me. It taught me how to handle a big bike, that is good, but not brilliant or easily flickable. Once you move up from that, most other bikes are easy to handle (to a given speed anyway).

[jrandom]

I don't care what anyone else says, 7Rs give me the horn. Buy one if you can find one. I had to make do with a '99 GSX-R750. Nice bike, but less gnahhh.

Just don't be silly with the throttle and you'll be fine.

[blade1000]

got 02 kawasaki 636 for sale great bike

[HDTboy]

My K2 600 will be for sale this weekend, I'm in Takapuna if you want to have a look at it

[MotoGirl]

Fair enough, but a question i propose to you is have you ever owned a 400?

Nah, the first bike I owned was a VTR1000. I was lucky enough to ride Cajun's 250 and my mother's 600 so never had to worry about picking a bike until I wanted to ride something bigger again.

[jrandom]

My K2 600 will be for sale this weekend...

See above.

For what it's worth, this is a nice bike and very well cared for. Good choice for a first step up from a 250, too.

I've always wanted a gixxer in the Telefonica colours. Sigh...

I'd recommend getting in touch with HDTboy and checking his machine out.