1st bike advice - Yamaha FZR 250-2KR?

[venice]

Hello, I have just received my bike learner licence and am contemplating getting my first bike for 2009.

My budget is between 2 to 3.5k for the bike. With this budget I think 2nd hand bike would be my main choice. (can't really afford to spend more than 3.5k because I will have to spend extra on bike gears)

I came across the FZR 250 on Tardme - not sure what their reputation is - are they reliable/hassle free in general?

What are some of the things that I should watch out for?

Cheers!

[frogfeaturesFZR]

I've got a 400, and I don't think a FZR is good as a 'first bike'. If, however you've been riding for a while it should be OK. Makes most of it's power over 9000 rpm so its not the best round town bike. A lot of fun in the twisties.
Overall I LOVE mine,it's not comfortable, not that good on gas, but it handles like a dream and when you wind it up, it absolutely flies. Great fun !
Mines been very reliable, however be careful of one with high milage.
Good luck

[Dargor]

Also got a fzr 400, there cool if you want a faster 250 its good. Aparently they need the valves survicing after a while, but still good.

[Zimsar10]

Hello, I have just received my bike learner licence and am contemplating getting my first bike for 2009.

My budget is between 2 to 3.5k for the bike. With this budget I think 2nd hand bike would be my main choice. (can't really afford to spend more than 3.5k because I will have to spend extra on bike gears)

I came across the FZR 250 on Tardme - not sure what their reputation is - are they reliable/hassle free in general?

What are some of the things that I should watch out for?

Cheers!

Hi there venice!

As a first time rider, personally I would go for the Yamaha Scorpio Z 225cc Road Bike. I have personally owned/riden one since October last year & can attest that it is indeed an awesome learners bike!

I believe that going for a road-type bike first, is indeed the best choice - so you as a rider, get use to the basic handling/braking/acceleration/cornering/overtaking skills (plus any others that I have forgotten to mention) on a road bike first. There is so much to learn when first starting out & I believe that speed should be your last consideration - get the basics right first. The Yamaha Scorpio Z won the 2007 250cc of the year award last year - according to Kiwi Rider & incidentally my bike was the actual review model!

Then, after about 20,000km's on the clock, consider looking at a Sports Bike, but I suggest the Sports Bike option should be your second bike, not your first.

Finally, it's very important that you allow about 25% of your total budget to go towards the purchase of some top quality gear. I use Revit! gear myself, I have a Revit! Jacket/Pants/Boots & an HJC - Myth - Helmet, Held gloves, plus a Givi back pack.

Just my two cents, take it or leave it, but I am certainly 100% happy with my choice!

[Anarkist]

I got my '02 VTR second hand for 4k with 11k on the clock and have been really really happy with it.

Go check out the bikes in person and test ride them for a bit to see how they feel. Do some slow around town type driving then find somewhere decent and wind it up. Listen for dodgy noises and feelings is the best advice I can give.

3.5k should get you a decent bike if you're careful with your money. Remember, don't rush it. I'm an impatient person by nature and understand entirely how not having something you want is extremely frustrating but the last thing you want to do is rush something you're going to have to live with for the next 12-24 months or so.

Best of luck!

[venice]

Thanks for the advice guys

I am still not sure which bike I want to get but I will definitely keep my options open for now and test ride as many bikes as possible!

Though I have to say the Scorpio Z is very tempting with its pricing

[pc220]

My Scorpio is for sale, 2007 4000km. I want $3k for it. So its about 1k less than the new on road price. For a first bike they are great easy to ride very forgiving of newb mistakes.

[CB ARGH]

My father just got himself a FZR250R 1989. I have had a ride on the bike and it is very nice, it feels a lot higher up than my CBR250RR. I would reccomend this sort of bike for a beginner, however, not for a complete beginner. The low RPM range is great for learning the basics, then when you get a bit more excited you can get the RPM's up and have a bit of fun.

The way you need to look at it is what sort of riding do you want to do? Do you want to be stuck on a bike with small amounts of power (a single cylinder 250 for example), or go for something that will entertain you throughout the learner's and restricted licences (Inline Four). Do you want to just communte to work, or get leaned over throughout the twisties at superman speed?

Also! (more ) As a beginner, you need to learn the basics, mainly balance and control of the bike. Do you want to risk cracking or scratching expensive fairings (sports bike) if you were to fall off (which we all hope doesn't happen)?

A lot to think about I know. If I were to reccomend a bike, it would be an inline 250 (FZR, CBR, (?)ZXR(?) etc). But for your price range, you might have to go for something a bit cheaper, as you NEED decent gear.

STEVE

[Dean]

Hi venice, ive got a suzuki gn250 2005 model low ks with wof till october and will have 3 months rego.as you are relatively new to riding a gn250 is suitable.its in mint condition am looking for 3000 or maybe less i can throw in norton textile jacket and hld helmet.ps its on kb bike trader

[Zimsar10]

Thanks for the advice guys

I am still not sure which bike I want to get but I will definitely keep my options open for now and test ride as many bikes as possible!

Though I have to say the Scorpio Z is very tempting with its pricing

Well, I've had my Yamaha Scorpio Z for 14 months, never had any issues with it at all. Very reliable, excellent learners bike.