250 test rides

[Metalor]

So, after a lot of thinking I've decided to get finance and get a new bike.
Went to Red Baron today as they had all 3 bikes I was interested in and man I had a good time doing it!

First I took a Yamaha Zeal out for a spin, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Power started coming on around 8000 revs and then really started to put on the power once it reached 9000. Really enjoyed this bike, comfortable riding position and easy to handle.

Next bike I took out was a 250 Bandit (all the bikes I rode today were 250's). Not quite as nice a ride for me as the zeal was. Had a bit more grunt than the Zeal, although it revved a bit higher with the power coming on around 11k. These two bikes were around the same price range, but I definately like the Zeal a bit more as it was easier to handle (the bandit felt a bit sluggish) and the riding position was more comfortable for me.

The last bike I rode was the famous (or infamous) Hornet. Jon, the salesman who was helping me, reckoned I would probably change my mind about going with the Zeal once I rode the Hornet ( I felt at first the hornet was a bit expensive) and I have to say he was right. Such a smooth ride, and heaps power for a 250. I took it all the way to Te Atatu and back to Red Baron and loved every minute of it.

So I think it's the Hornet for me! Was wanting to apply for an exemption to ride a 400 but I think this is going to be plenty for the time being. Especially going from the shitty old TU!

Anyway, just thought I'd share my experience of the day with you guys. It may even help someone else when it comes to buying a bike!

Cheers.

[caseye]

I hope it does, help someone else that is. Great to see you've got a 250 firmly in the sights, added to the licence being sorted I'd say you are almost outa da woods, keep doing the right things Metalor, it's so much easier congratulating you than beratting you.
Hope the Hornet is all the bike you want it to be.

[EJT]

Good on you, and good on Red Baron letting you out for rides. Can't go wrong with the Hornet

[Ragingrob]

Nice work bro, maybe you will turn up to class once you get a new bike

[Dave Lobster]

Why would you get one of those awful things when there's a perfectly amazing RS250 in Online Trading?

[jrandom]

Good call.

I spent a year or so on a Zeal during my 6R days. Wonderful little bike. Still see quite a few of them around.

I agree that the Hoe Net 250 is a tad nicer and a tad faster, but I found my Zeal in great condition for $2500, which kinda decided the question for me.

Pity how all the 1990s Jap import IL4 250s are getting long in the tooth now. Another five years and they'll all be far too rolled, bowled and arseholed for any sensible learner rider to bother with. And there's nothing but cheap practical singles and slightly boring twins to be bought new.

End of an era.

[vindy500]

i found the bandit a lot nicer than the hornet personally. maybe it was a newer hornet vs a older bandit, HP restrictions etc?

[madbikeboy]

The Honda build quality extends to the 250 Hornet. Brilliant bike, and in the right hands, it can give the learn to much larger displacement bikes.

This would be a good and sensible choice.

Someone suggested an RS250 - great bike, but it's more expensive to live with than a bitch mistress. I recall my RGV250 almost causing bankruptcy. Steer clear unless you love fucking with mechanical stuff, or you have deep pockets. A good one is great, but for the money you have to spend, you'd be buying something that needs work...

[Metalor]

Cheers guys! I'm still gleaming from my little blat today, loved it!

Vindy 500, are you suggesting there's something wrong with the newer hornets? I've been looking on trademe for some late model ones... should I steer clear?

Yea, Red Baron are awesome. Was gonna buy instore but to be honest it's waaaaay more expensive than what's available on trademe. Feelin a bit guilty about riding the bikes and not wanting to buy from them anymore... but I can't justify spending the extra 2 grand just for a 3 month warranty!

[Dave Lobster]

Someone suggested an RS250 - great bike, but it's more expensive to live with than a bitch mistress. I recall my RGV250 almost causing bankruptcy.

A bitch mistress is a much better ride than a $20 boss eyed hooker though, eh? For instance.. pic one.. or pic two?

Don't ALL bikes cause bankruptcy??

[Metalor]

Haha, I'd touch the fuck out of that bitch mistress's pussy!

[Metalor]

Oh yea, Rob, I probably still wont come to class... I stole your idea and am now just goin to tutorials

Although you may be graced by my presence on friday's lecture.

[Dave Lobster]

Haha, I'd touch the fuck out of that bitch mistress's pussy!

For those pics, I get infractions..

[Ragingrob]

Oh yea, Rob, I probably still wont come to class... I stole your idea and am now just goin to tutorials

Although you may be graced by my presence on friday's lecture.

Lol yeah every time I make it to class I realise it ain't worth it. Haven't gone to any tutorials this half though

Anyway back on topic, what kinda price range are you looking at for a hornet? Have you seen Choco's hornet for sale on kb? Think he's wanting 4.5k.

[MDR2]

Just brought a hornet myself, delivered monday just gone infact. Only riden it twice due to the front tire being semi slick (was aware of this before I brought it ) a few things i've noticed.

Front tires are hard to track down. You either have the option of going bargin basement Shinko/cheng shen 200ish fitted to 360 plus for the metzler and pirelli's. Wheres the middle of the road Bridgstone and Michellins!? Apparently not interested in making odd ball sizes im told.

Cornering. Is it me or the front tire again...I tip it into a corner and the bars turn into the corner also, the RG i rode previous to buying the hornet kinda remained neutral till you started gently pushing on the inside grip to get a bit of counter steer going. the hornet requires effort to keep the bars straight .

I think this might just be me needing to adjust from a skinny 90mm front with steep fork ankle RG to a Fat 130 with (comparitivley) horizontal bars.

It feels like a really short bike.

awesome ride position, i'm 6ft 4 and I feel normal on the hornet, always felt like a clown on a tricycle on the RG

Power, smooth, and im talking about a baby's ass sliding down a silk slide kinda smooth.

Throttle response... i'll get there Im not used to linear power and the fact I can accelerate from anywhere in any gear around town without issue... im cruising around in 6th at about 4 thou rpm as opposed to the ear shattering 7000-8000 rpm in 3rd when i had the RG.

All in all im really pleased with the Hornet and it truely deserves the reputation it's earnt as a entry level sports/commuter.

Funny thing, it's only a couple kgs heavier then the RG, so why does it not feel as chuckable in corners? confidence or bike geomtry?

Can't wait to ride it again tomorrow!