New to KB... (Dakara)

**Dakara** · 12th November 2007, 21:10

Hey all. Been reading these forums for a while and found a lot of useful info, but thought it time I put up a post and say hi.

I've been lazy and had my learners for about 2 years now, was going to sit my restricted about 6 month ago but was having issues with my ZZR250, and since I'm very limited in what I can fix myself was cheaper to sell it.

Just took the new GT250R for a test ride the other day, and was so impressed I'm probably buying one this week. It may not be the fastest 250 on the market (or even close to it), but It's definitely the most comfortable ride I've had. My old ZZR's ride position was far too upright and I felt too tall for it at 6ft. Was also reading up on the new 250 Ninja, although a lot is still speculation at this stage, but from what I've seen it's ride position still seems very upright and I wouldn't be surprised to see them selling new for 8-9k.

The GT250R is what you pay for - a cheap, economical and hot looking commuter. Not to mention, Brand new it's only a few k more than a 10-20 yo cbr/zxr/gsr etc and comes with a 1 year mechanical warranty and free service after the first 1000km. So it's all I need to get me to and from work each day, until I get around to getting my full.

Anyway, having never ridden the previous models, can anyone confirm if much has improved on the 2008? Anyone had any major problems?

**paturoa** · 12th November 2007, 21:18

Welcome.

I know bugger all about hyobungs

**Conquiztador** · 12th November 2007, 21:19

But I can say: Welcome.

**Dakara** · 12th November 2007, 21:29

Thanks guys, since it's not the FI model I'm guessing not a lot's different apart from the two tone fairings, and maybe an updated CDI to prevent the previous flat spot problems.

Mostly just thought I'd just drop in as opposed to lurking in the shadows, and look forward to tagging along some future rides.

**Tank** · 12th November 2007, 21:40

well since you are not lurking anymore, why not look at coming along on the Wednesday night mentor nights.

**Dakara** · 12th November 2007, 22:07

Thanks Tank, hadn't read anything on it until you mentioned it. Sounds like a really valuable night, will do my best to make it when I can as I work at the Airport on rotating shifts. I need to get onto doing the advanced handling course also...

**TRAINING WHEELS** · 12th November 2007, 23:10

Welcome to the nut house for riders ...i mean i guess you already knew that and thats why you joined in ... any way welcome and happy riding so i guess ill see you on wed nights

**skidMark** · 12th November 2007, 23:31

i refuse to buy anything chinese etc because i know in 5 years youll goto buy parts for a hyosung and you wont be able to get them

where as my 17 year old zxr.....hi kawasaki...i need a clutch basket....sure...i need a cylinder head sure....i need a frame...sure

they have it all.....

i just don't see hyosung sticking around.

they are either going to make it really big

or very soon just dissapear...am going to watch it closely and see.

but i mean heck even ive considered a gt250r until i have my full...

but would not want to own one longterm is all i'm sayimng but as a bike until u get ur full fuck yeah.....don't quite have athe same fooking neeeowww pep as me zxr...but hey each to thier own your right the hyosung is a very comfortable 250 indeed. very roomy...i'm 6 foot and hit my knees on fairing brackets on my zxr if i tuck them in in the wet etc...usually i put them on outside of fairing anyways though.

**heyjoe** · 12th November 2007, 23:33

welcome to kb. enjoy your time here and come back again when you have recovered. ride safe.

**J_P** · 13th November 2007, 00:28

Hi Dakara,
Like you, I saw value in the GT250R and purchased one as my first bike. It was an easy decision really... between a 5 year old bike with no warranty and a new one for about the same cost. I owned mine for just under a year and covered 16,000k. The bike is mechanically reliable and never let me down. I did upgrade the brakes after 6 months, they felt a lil weak, but nothing scary. Everything else was general maintanance. Also the V-twin engine is a little easier to get to grips with than a 4 cylinder, so you can concentrate on the riding as it is a lil more forgiving if you are not in the right gear.
The bike will do your commuting with ease, and give you grins for ages after your trips away. It is comfortable accelerating to 140k+, and is a big bike for a 250cc which helps in the comfort factor.
There are faster bikes obviously, but the pace is not really needed while learning, you are better to concentrate on getting the right line and being comfortable holding mid corner speed. I covered many miles with friends bikes, considerably larger, and while it was not a speed contest, the Hyosung did not embarrase itself.
-Resale value was 5k.
-You can source parts directly from Korea if necessary, this is significantly cheaper than the local shop, and faster too.
-The GT250R has been a top seller for a while now, so the infrastucture behind them is getting better, which will assist for future sourcing of parts, etc.

May you have many years of safe riding.

**Dakara** · 13th November 2007, 08:10

I do agree Skidmark, and was at first reluctant about the new brand. But I don't plan to have the bike for 5 years, probably only 1-2. Also, if the other big brands like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki follow in Hyosung's and now Kawasaki's footsteps, I think the price drop out the bottom of the older 250's.

Nice to hear some good feedback on the GT250R J_P. 90% of my riding will be from Mt Wellington to the Airport in traffic so power and speed weren't a big factor for me, mainy comfort.... and style haha

Thanks for the welcome guys, and will make an attempt to attend to odd Wednesday night ride when work permits...

**deanohit** · 13th November 2007, 08:21

Hahaha Skidmark, Hyosung have been around for years in Korea making parts for Kawasaki and they are about to start making parts and maybe even engines for Cagiva, so I don't see them disappearing in a hurry, and the other thing that makes me think this is Hyosung actually makes the odd concept bike, how many chinese brands do that? Shows they're looking to the future.

Anyway Dakara, welcome to the site, you should be fine on a Hyosung as they hold there resale value pretty well looking at the market, and they're as fast as the rider, I've seen a guy who wasn't keeping up with me on his GT250R (no small thing as I ride a 200cc trail bike), and others who were fair bloody moving.
have fun out there and ride safe.

**Swoop** · 13th November 2007, 08:33

Welcome to the nuthouse! Good to see lurkers joining in.

The Hyosung bikes look bloody nice. Much better than their cages in the design area.
There are a few owners around here with them, so advice should be easy to get.
Try the members list, then look through the bikes people own. PM them for info if needed.

**DMNTD:Me** · 13th November 2007, 08:34

Nothing wrong with a Hyosung as a learner's/commuter's bike!
Have seen many doing the Coro Loop and they do just fine but more importantly the riders themselves are happy.
There's also a member here that did well over 30,000kms in less than a year on one and really enjoyed it.
SkidMark is our resident idiot,please take no notice.