Upgrading from 250

[SPman]

DMNTD has got his ZX10R for sale........the perfect step up.......

[megageoff76]

Yeah something mid sized is a good choice. While having big power certainly is fun, its far more satisfying to have something you can really rev up and ride the wheels off, which is more difficult on the road with a big bike.

[Hectic]

Hey HDTBOY yeah could be interested in your bike whats your contact details so I can get hold of ya and how much you looking to get for it?

[Hectic]

DMNTD has got his ZX10R for sale........the perfect step up.......

Oooh ZX10R mmmmmmmmm love the power of those thous its really addictive, but proberly would be putting the nail in my coffin

[FkNAmerican]

My vote goes to the Ninja 636. Dont know what used examples go for in NZ but here in the states you can pick up a nice 05 or 06 model for just over $5 grand........which IMO is a steal.

Examples from my local Cycle Trader:

2005 Zx6r 636, blue, only 200 miles, excellent condition, no dings, dents, or scrapes. Never been layed down. Bone stock and ready to ride. $5,800

2006 Ninja ZX636, 2,200 miles. Silver w/ red flames. Remaining warranty, no scratches or dings. Never been layed down or abused. Properly broken in. Adult ridden. $6,000

There is even one of the last remaining brand new ZERO miles examples in NC being sold for $8,899. Its kinda a cult bike here in the US so its tough to find a brand new 0 mile example these days.......Wish I had saved up some more cash and not bought that CBR........Id have jumped all over a brand new 636!!!!

Anyway, they have no serious issues or problems, they handle well, they have nice midrange grunt for a 600 and they look damn good.........

As far as I know, the only 600 class sports bike with a midrange like the 636 would be the 07 CBR600RR (or a Triumph 675) and those go for $$$$$$

If you wanna be conservative with your power/performance/price upgrades then you might look into a Ninja 500 (I think its called an Ex-500 in NZ). That bike it nice....if a bit heavy and utilitarian looking.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Personally going from a 250 to the 600 is a good step and have a decent stint on them, then after that buy that 1ltr (or bigger) bike

Going from 250 straight to the big guns is IMHO too much of a power change even on the comparitly dossile vtr (though with a dino kit they are a different bike )

My point though its a huge step and many young riders make that mistake of too big a step... its not just the speed and power in a straight line any one can do that... but also how fast or not so fast are they in the twisties, they usually also have a longer wheel base, heavier, different balance and CoG... how forgiving the sub frame is... Though this applies to all bikes adding in the factor of 1000cc's to the mix on an intermediate skilled rider could be a dangerous mix...

My 2 cents worth and IMHO

[R6_kid:Me]

take your time...

Take your time to test ride as many possibly bikes as possible. Ride different styles of bikes and see what you like, dont be too single minded!

Take your time to check out each bike in detail, taking notes of what you do and dont like about it as you ride them, and if possibly ride each bike on the same strech of road - preferably the strech of road you ride most.

Dont get emotional over upgrading, there is not rush, and you will find that the longer you take to decide the more (better?) options you will have.

Whatever you do end up getting... Take your time learing to ride it, it will most likely be a couple of months of good summer riding before your head has really caught up with the new speeds you are doing, especially in the case of jumping from a 250 to a 600. Remember that it accelerates a lot faster than your 250 and also carries its speed much longer than the 250.

Best of luck for your search dude, you'll get something mint in the end

[HDTboy]

Anyway, they have no serious issues or problems, they handle well, they have nice midrange grunt for a 600 and they look damn good.........

As far as I know, the only 600 class sports bike with a midrange like the 636 would be the 07 CBR600RR (or a Triumph 675) and those go for $$$$$$

Um, looking up the performance (especially torque) figures here confirmed my seat of the pants feeling that the 636 makes less torque (or mid range grunt) than a K1-K3 GSX-R 600

[FkNAmerican]

Hmmm, I didnt know that about the K1 series Gixxer's. I've never really taken a look at them as I've never been into the old school sportbikes. The oldest bike I'd even consider would be a 2002 year or similar. Looking back, the 90's era bikes just dont do it for me.

But hey, if he can find a good K-1 and he actually likes them then more power to him. Im sure they are cheap as dirt these days.

[HDTboy]

K1 is the same as K2 which is the same as K3. All injected, all faster than 636's

[VF AAR]

I agree with one of the other guys who posted saying they fell inlove with cbr600
Those things are beuts man wish i never sold mine.

Anybike can be an ideal upgrade man. I mean I upgraded to an older and less powerful bike and still get the same joy out of it. 600cc is the best gap to jump in my opinion though.

[Coyote]

I had a CBR250, downgraded to a RG150 cause they were cheaper, and now I'm onto my VFR400. I got it instead of a 600 which is what I really wanted because insurance was cheaper, consumables are cheaper and don't run out so quick and the V4 engine sounds so good. I'm pleased with it, I'm having great fun. A 600 would be more fun on straights but the 400 has plenty of power around corners for me right now. Although it annoys me in hindsight I should've got a 250 2 stroke instead of the 150 long ago since they were cheap back then (dealers have got hold of them) and I could handle the power.

[Hectic]

Cheers for all your input guys and gals much appreciated, but I think im still going to go for the zx7r (if I can find one) my mate has a 98 zx7r which I have taken for a couple of long rides now, and although it is quite heavy and lacks the power of a gsxr750, I really enjoy it. also has a desent back seat for the mrs (she gets a sore ass on the 250)

I still have just over a month before I can go for my full licence and have got to get rid of my bike as well, which is a great bike if any one is interested 89 gsxr250rr it is the RR model in black and red and goes bloody well, will probably put it on trade me.