1990ish - FZR250 (2kr) vs (3ln) vs CBR250 vs ZXR250 etc.

[richiewendt]

What are the advantages disadvantages etc between the bikes? I have the cash to burn for a little upgrade... So which do I go for? (bearing in mind I won't be racing it on a track, thrashing on country roads maybe, but thats about it.)

1. Why do ZXRs cost an extra k or 2 for what is essentially the same thing as say an fzr. Both inline 45hp 4 cyl or similar weight... Well they all are!! And the CBR for that matter...

2. Advantages/dissadvantages between Fzr 250 3ln vs 2kr. (I am tending to lean towards the fzr cause they seem to be the cheapest option and I just don't see why I should fork out that extra dosh)

Besides all the talk with people going on about CBR250RR, are they actually that special??

I know the figures, thats all I can seem to find, how fast, how much hp, etc etc. But what are the real world +'s to these bikes? And -'s for that matter!

[Zoolander]

Well if it was me I'd hold onto that money and buy something a little newer and bigger down the line. If you're on a learners or restricted then I'd hang onto the RG for a bit.

But hey, its your money, and you can do what you like.

But I think you'll be better off in the long run.

[richiewendt]

well, I have had enough of 2 strokes! I'm on my Learners (for 1and a half years now - been lazy) and by the time I get to my full, i'll be working full time and the bigger bikes will come a lot easier (besides, on a depressing note, might be dead by then, so who cares??) - Shouldn't jinx myself!!

Plus I want electric start, kick start is a pain in the arse and doesn't look as cool (not the point tho!!)

SO yeah, gonna be upgrading, so to what?

[Zoolander]

Fairy nuff. They're all very similar performance wise, of course lots of them might be quite flogged out by now which will affect the performance so basically just test them all and see what you prefer.

At least with a 250 you can normally get back close to what you paid when you sell it on.

[richiewendt]

Not always flogged out, get a jap import and they are still pretty fresh, or one with very low k's that was a jap import from trademe... Problem is everbody that I talk to seems to have something different to say. And with my budget, I just don't want to make any mistakes. I bought my CBX and was told afterwards that, pretty much, it was a crap bike!! Not gunna do that again! So time to research!!

[skidMark]

What are the advantages disadvantages etc between the bikes? I have the cash to burn for a little upgrade... So which do I go for? (bearing in mind I won't be racing it on a track, thrashing on country roads maybe, but thats about it.)

1. Why do ZXRs cost an extra k or 2 for what is essentially the same thing as say an fzr. Both inline 45hp 4 cyl or similar weight... Well they all are!! And the CBR for that matter...

Because people will call you a fag if you have a honda, and suspension is better on a ZXR. In all seriousness though. some people want silly money for zxr's. same with cbr's etc though, just keep your eyes peeled for a bargain.

2. Advantages/dissadvantages between Fzr 250 3ln vs 2kr. (I am tending to lean towards the fzr cause they seem to be the cheapest option and I just don't see why I should fork out that extra dosh)

Besides all the talk with people going on about CBR250RR, are they actually that special??

There used to be alot more CBR's than ZXR's coming in.

many people learnt to ride on CBR's so talk them up...

test ride all the bikes you like see what you like best.

i have ridden 6 CBR250's and owned 3 ZXR250's ridden about 10 ZXR's

i cannot give an opinion on the FZR as i have only sat on one. They are alot fewer of them in NZ though, so part are expensive and getting hard to get ya hands on. Same with the ZXR's and CBR's but the FZR is worse for spares.

I know the figures, thats all I can seem to find, how fast, how much hp, etc etc. But what are the real world +'s to these bikes? And -'s for that matter!

My mate has seen 200kph on his cbr250 mc22.

but they all over read on the speedo like mad anyways.

I have had all my zxr's to 185kph indicated....but yeah allowing for over read maybe 170 or so. they all run around 35hp at the wheel. 45 at crank.....

i dfind the ZXR alot sportier to ride than the cbr.

Feel to me alot more like big bikes to ride ie ZX10-R riding position wise....

obviously handlingwise 17 years of extra development puts them on different planets....

but the riding position is very sporty on the ZXR.... a bit more comfort with the CBR, (a more upright riding position. but to me it does not feel as stable, zxr very stable in twisties...

If you are doing more commuting i would say FZR/ CBR But if you love your open road twisities trackdays etc go the ZXR.


Some ZXR's are listed as 95...97 etc....

All of these 250's ceased production in 1993 due to new regulation in japan.

just regoed as newer than they are upon import.
ZXR250A:

Twin headlight twin taillight model.

The 1989 ZXR250a has the box section "basic" swingarm....(the A1 model)

The 1990 ZXR250a has the kiss arm swingarm the same as the C model.


ZXR250C:

1991-1993 ....single headlight single tail light....

general info:

The pipes going into the gas tank only cool the regulater/rectifier (part of the electrics) they do not go into the airbox on the 250's.

If it has more than 40,000 k's find out if the cam chain and tensioner blade have been replaced.

If not or nearing this expect to pay $500 to have this done, try to haggle the price down if it needs doing.

I hope all that helps, sorry i do not know all the differences for CBR's and FZR's I know my ZXR's though.

SM

[bimotabob]

HI,

ZXR250C models almost come out factory with warped front discs so bear that in mind.
GSXR250RR's are to be avoided like the plague but the less performance inclined earlier steel framed models (1987-88) are ok.
FZR250 models are fine esp the 3LN2 which is 1991 on with the "facelift" fairings and projector light.
The earlier steel framed model comes either EXUP (1988/89) or non EXUP for the 1987 model.
Many are listed on Trademe as being a later year(s)!

I think the fork chrome is a known issue.

CBR250 MC22 have good reliable engines - many say the best of the lot. The earlier MC19 models are also a good bike. The MC17 and 14 models are quite rare but should be good bikes also.
A known problem is faulty reg/rects

You can parts for all of these as being an import is not a major issue these days but getting 2nd hand parts like fairings etc can be quite an issue.

Cheers

[Monty69]

Ive posted a similar thread (best allround sports 250?). The fzrs are nice bikes, my mates 1 had alot of fuel pump issues tho. They all go the same in a strait line but the zxrs are probly the sportiest (fractionally) bcoz of there superior suspension but are uncomfortable and unreliable. The cbr is renowned for reliability and has very forgiving handling. Ive tried them all and am now back on my 2nd cbr...

[Wally Simmonds]

Hey bimotabob, why don't you like GSXRR's?

[bimotabob]

Hey bimotabob, why don't you like GSXRR's?

I used to work for a motorcycle wrecker so I know all about
the problems with the 250's esp as we brought most of Hamiltons imports over from Japan.
When you get the same parts wanted all the time and it's not the usual rookie crash damage stuff patterns emerge.

The GSXR250RR's are a known Hand grenade model.
CBR's can handle the jandle.

Cheers

[bimotabob]

Ive posted a similar thread (best allround sports 250?). The fzrs are nice bikes, my mates 1 had alot of fuel pump issues tho. They all go the same in a strait line but the zxrs are probly the sportiest (fractionally) bcoz of there superior suspension but are uncomfortable and unreliable. The cbr is renowned for reliability and has very forgiving handling. Ive tried them all and am now back on my 2nd cbr...

yep people wanted those fuel pumps a plenty for all the FZR's right up to the 1000.
Can run a car one from repco though.

[jcupit69]

Had a zxr 250 c and loved it, felt much better (to me at least) than the other 250's i tried. So my vote goes to the zxr then cbr and fzr

Bottom line is go out and try them all....what eva you get you wont be unhappy, but you gota see which one feels best to you. In this market theres not much between them so it comes down to more of a 'suits you sir' choise.

I know its not worth spending much money, but your gona be on it for wat, 2 years minimum?? you gota way up saving money with whats gona keep you happy for the next to years of riding.