First time buyer - gn vs bandit vs hornet

[Thaeos]

Hi guys first time post.

I'm looking to get my first bike, it will be used primarily for going to and from work during the week and maybe a bit of a ride on the weekends.

The first bike I came across which seemed to fit the bill was the Suzuki GN250. I like the looks and it seems I can get a later model one for about $2600, or an earlier one for about $2000 or less. I've read good things about them, apart from newer ones made in China rusting when the Japanese ones don't.

My next option is a GSF250 Bandit, which I confess I absolutely love the look of. To me that is a damn sexy looking bike... Anyway from looking on trademe and stuff it seems I can get a 94/96 one in good condition from $4000 - $6000.

The next bike I'm considering is a Honda CB250 Hornet. I prefer the look of the Bandit but I've read about the Hornet having a smoother power progression (or something). Prices for this seem to be about 5-6 grand.

Now I don't really know anything about motorbikes. My experience is limited to a few rides on a motorcross bike on a beach and in some forest, I've never touched one on the road. I would probably be wanting to use the bike for about 2 years, not just for getting my full licence.

I would like to know what the opinions are of the experienced bikers on here - do these prices seem right (to me the prices for the Bandit and Hornet seem a bit expensive, but I have no experience with bikes), what you think will be the better option etc.

I'm leaning towards the Bandit or Hornet, but that means I would have to wait longer so I can get the money! Right now my budget is about $3000. The GN250 would be the cheapest option and would probably meet my needs well, but I just love the look of the Bandit... lol.

Also, I wonder if anyone has any of these bikes that they would like to sell.

I'm new to all this so any advice is welcome, I'm hoping to go on rides and stuff with other people eventually and this seems like the place to start.

Cheers.

[Reido]

remember to add in the price for a full set of gear, [/safety nazi]

[Radar]

If you are really short of $$, go for the GN but you will eventually probably find it too small and underpowered.

Go for a Bandit or Hornet if you can afford it. Headwinds and hills will not slow you down like on the GN.

Some bikers prefer 2 cylinder bikes over the 4's. If possible, test ride a twin cylinder - you may be surprised. Personally I think the Ninjas and Hyosung GTR's are the best 250's available but like I said, some prefer 4 cylinders.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

remember to add in the price for a full set of gear, [/safety nazi]

Yup People tend to forget about that...

Both bikes will fit your needs, however depending on your style of riding you may grow out of the GN pretty quick, and if you do go for a GN get an earlier japaness model, not the Chinese model (If it has spokes its japaness, if it has alloy mags its chinese) I have toured and seen many others tour on the GN yes a little under powered, but simply use them gears and keep revs up and it will get you there...

However I personally would go for than Bandit or the Hornet, and thats just me

[xwhatsit]

(If it has spokes its japaness, if it has alloy mags its chinese)

Not correct, but he's right, an earlier one (even pre-2000) is much better than the newer ones which have poor QC.

Go for the GN; especially if you get an earlier one, they hold their value very well. Get the bike now and some gear, later on if you feel you want to upgrade you can flick it on for the same price you bought it and get another 250, but you'll have experience not to drop it doing a u-turn and won't damage the bike you really like.

[slimjim]

also too...what riding style do you wish...the little gn are more of a wee cruiser and don't really like to be pushed hard out..

[Meekey_Mouse]

Hey, sorry I'm rushing off as I gotta be at an appointment by 9 but...

If you're wanting the bike to ride for about 2 years... NOT the gn, they are good reliable bikes, but most people get bored after a couple of months.

Can't say on the hornet as I've never ridden one but I've only ever heard good things about them, although they are a lil' pricey IMO.

Have ridden a bandit 250 from Napier to Taupo and it was a brilliant little bike! The power was smooth and predictable although it did have the usual GSX thing of having a little bit more power at 10,000RPM, which just means you can have a lil bit of fun and get up hills easier Over all, even after stepping off a 600cc onto the 250cc, I thoroughly enjoyed the bandit and would highly recommend it

[Jantar]

I would suggest a GN while on your learner's licence, but move up to the Bandit or Hornet afetr that first 6 months. The GN will hold its value and be less likely to suffer damage if you drop it. It will also give you time while learning to decide which of the slight more fun bikes will suit your style.

Good to see you looking for a suitable bike before rushing out and buying the first thing with bling.

[CookMySock]

The GN250 would be the cheapest option and would probably meet my needs well

You will get sick of the GN really quick. The bandit is totally a blast to ride in comparison.

Like Jantar says, you might be better off with a cheap-as-possible GN while you get your feet planted, and then to the bandit, but seriously that will happen in just a few weeks I think, and you DEFINITELY need to be on the bandit for the summer! It's a pity you can't borrow a GN for a few weeks.

Summer+Bandit=the sweeeet life, but you need full safety gear for that.

Welcome to KB, and to motorcycling. You have an awesome adventure in front of you.

Steve

[FROSTY:Me]

Come over and see me--try on a couple of options

[kiwifruit]

$500 1980 XR100 / 200 or similar + paddock. Then (after a few months) a CB250 or something neutral in riding position, $1500ish

welcome to the site

[howdamnhard]

Go for the GN; especially if you get an earlier one, they hold their value very well. Get the bike now and some gear, later on if you feel you want to upgrade you can flick it on for the same price you bought it and get another 250, but you'll have experience not to drop it doing a u-turn and won't damage the bike you really like.

What he said,no point spending lots of bucks on a bike your likely yo drop.Save your pennies for your bigger bike.

[Thaeos]

Wow, quite a few responses already I see. Thanks all for your input so far. I have a jacket but nothing else, from looking around it seems it'll cost me about $500 - $1000 to give me some protection that will actually work. Does that seem right? I know that higher price does not necessarily mean better protection when it comes to gear.

I like the idea of a getting a cheaper GN for about 6 months or however long and then trading up to the Bandit.

As for my riding style it will be for getting to and from work mostly, but on the weekends just having a good ride ... I'm not looking to do any street racing.

[stevewederell]

If you only have 3K go for GN, the others are smack on the money in that you will get bored of power or lack of. In saying that I loved mine!!

Have you considered a VTR? Mate of mine has one and loves it. Also a naked sports like the Bandit and Hornet. Don't know what they go for though, just another one to add to the mix.

I jumped from my GN to 600 Hornet but doesn't feel like too big of a jump and it wasn't too pricy. Make sure you have good gear though, doesn't matter what you fall off, your skin will fall off just as easy!

Happy riding and welcome to the madhouse

[NOMIS]

GET A GN.





pfft hell no that was the funny part of my post. Nah well gn good if your learning because to be honest its piss poor in power and easy to ride.

the bandit and hornet similar but hornet for me nicer, and so very very modable, check mine out if you want to see moda that can be done lots of products out there for them to, Ill be honest I didnt like the factory look of a hornet ( i did for my price range at the time ) Hence why I changed things over time.

They go like clappers and people underestimate them over and over which is interesting.

Hey Im riding a Honda jade atm thanks to Wild West Honda and I cant go on aout how nice it is to ride bars need changing but thats it going for $4250 if you want it let me know and Ill give you there number . its advertised On trade me at the moment. MEAN MACHINE I love it. Only done 12000k and seriously man it is one hell of a nice bike immaculate. very easy learner bike.