Considering an upgrade to another 250

**J.F** · 12th March 2009, 21:58

Currently I own a GN250, its been a good bike round town and I have taken it south and on some longer trips, but its 100kms vibration isn't good (hands go numb after a couple of hours). I don't like running it for long periods at these speeds either.
In short I am thinking of getting something smoother, especially as I will be needing to travel regularly to Palmerston North.
Am currently limited to 250's however due to restricted (next year for full, late this year if I do another retarded Defensive driving course).
Tried a few bikes:
-Kawasaki ZZR - vibrations worse than the GN. Not comfortable even over a 1/2 hour ride
-Hyosung GT250R - sports bike style. Liked a lot, but attachment for luggage etc.?
-Honda VT250 FN 'xelvis' - seems a good fit - fast enough, similar riding position to a GN. This seems to be a good fit for what I want to ride, but am I missing anything? Checked google and a few others and nothing came up straight away.

I admit this is a rather small selection, but the VT250 seemed about 'right', so I haven't been looking too hard past that. However all options should be considered.
Cheers.

**DarkLord** · 12th March 2009, 22:05

If you decide to go with the Hyo, you can get a packrack fitted for them. I have one on mine and it's brilliant, get yourself a couple of rack bags and you've got all the storage you need for long trips.

**Ragingrob** · 12th March 2009, 22:12

Check out Honda VTRs and Suzuki Bandits too... Quite sporty bikes but nice upright seating position if you want to so therefore comfortable too.

**Slyer** · 12th March 2009, 22:15

Interesting, I've never heard of a Xelvis.
Don't discount the kawasaki's just yet, you must have got a bad one there.

Mine is just great.

**samgab** · 12th March 2009, 23:47

Originally Posted by Slyer

Interesting, I've never heard of a Xelvis.
Don't discount the kawasaki's just yet, you must have got a bad one there.

Mine is just great.

To find out about the Xelvis (always makes me think Pelvis??), watch the beginning of this:
http://www.honda.co.jp/VTR/equip/movie/image/movie.swf

**Slyer** · 12th March 2009, 23:53

Flatmate has one so am quite familiar. :P
Wish they put the same effort into the english videos.

**CookMySock** · 13th March 2009, 06:17

Originally Posted by DarkLord

If you decide to go with the Hyo, you can get a packrack fitted for them. [....]

Also, you will be amazed how much you can bungee down on the tail of it. Just boof all your gear on in a pile and cargo net it, and zig-zag it tightly with a bungee cord or two.

Steve

**Radar** · 13th March 2009, 09:08

Originally Posted by DarkLord

If you decide to go with the Hyo, you can get a packrack fitted for them.

You can also get a Givi expandable pillion seat soft case. A packrack will probably look better, though.

BTW, I sold my Hyo GT250 last month and I still say Hyosung bikes are OK - comfortable seat, great fuel economy, fast for a 250, and yes (this will probably flush out the Hyo bashers) - reliable.

**J.F** · 13th March 2009, 09:14

Basically like putting things under a tarp, and strapping down? Ive done that with the GN as well when going on longer trips, it just takes longer to load/unload, and can be unstable, so I dont really like doing it, hence the soft luggage + rack.

Thanks for the replys. Honda VTR others are ok, but seem fairly similar to the VT250 FN. Not really against kawasakis, but the one I did ride was an inline, and all the v-twins felt much smoother. Might still consider a Hyosung, but haven't currently seen any around at good prices, but am still looking.

**disenfranchised** · 13th March 2009, 09:28

Originally Posted by Slyer

Don't discount the kawasaki's just yet, you must have got a bad one there.

Yeah, I've got a Hyo, and my Wife's got a ZZR.
The ZZR is smoother as long as you get the revs up...it does rattle a lot at low revs though.

Could just be a case of getting used to the engine? The GN is a single isn't it, so you'd be used to riding at lower revs.
It can take a while to get used to keeping the revs high.

**Slifer** · 13th March 2009, 17:03

Stick with suzuki and get a gsx 250

Really good 250: - Powerful enough, I had mine up to 160km
- Not a huge lean over the tank, so still comfortable
- reliable, never had any problems with it

Heres what it looks like:

**CookMySock** · 13th March 2009, 18:40

Originally Posted by J.F

(is cargo netting) basically like putting things under a tarp, and strapping down? Ive done that with the GN as well when going on longer trips, it just takes longer to load/unload, and can be unstable, so I dont really like doing it, hence the soft luggage + rack.

Cargo netting, yes, but a stretchy net rather than a canvas. If you use a short bungy as well, and pull the bugger down scary-tight it works well.

Be very careful taking a tight bungy off though, coz if it gets away on you it will hook your fucken eye right out. Ow.

You will be better off with a rack or a backpack - whatever spanks your monkey.

Yeah they Hyos are so much fun. They look and feel great to ride. Keep an eye on trademe for deals.

Steve

**Icemaestro** · 13th March 2009, 19:17

Quick question kind of off topic but not quite...is there any point to upgrading to a nicer 250? I'm kind of in the same boat with a cbx250...might as well wait till all the licences are through yeah? Plus fuel economy wise it's awesome....

**CookMySock** · 14th March 2009, 07:43

Originally Posted by Icemaestro

is there any point to upgrading to a nicer 250? I'm kind of in the same boat with a cbx250...might as well wait till all the licences are through yeah? Plus fuel economy wise it's awesome....

Well it depends on what money you can pull out of your bike, and what sort of deal you can swing on a new one, and then what you can sell THAT for when you get your full license.. unless of course you have money to pour down it, in which case just go for it.

I think the cbx250 would be a much more capable bike than the gn250 though. Have a ride of an 2008 GT250R on the motorway at 120k and see how it feels.

Steve