GPX-250 vs GT250R

[marioc]

Hi guys first post here
Considering both as first bike,brand new.
Am leaning towards the Kawasaki.
can anybody who may have a gpx give me some thoughts.
I have read plenty about the GT250R not so much about the kawasaki

[skelstar]

Welcome.

What about a 2nd hand Honda VTR250? They hold their value really well and will be piss easy to ride.

btw - I learned how to ride on a Comet GT250 (20,000kms worth).

[Jeaves]

Yep I agree go a s/h VTR (you can also buy a new one if thats your thing)

[skidMark]

by the sounds of it guys he is after something fairing'd

in all honesy mate i love kawasakis but go for the hyosung

yer the hyosung may be a bit slower

but it will hold it's value better,

and also corners alot nicer....

it's a bit more sportier with low profile tyres etc.

ive owned a gpx and ridden a hyosung gt250r

i say go the gt250r mate, you will regret it if you get the kawasaki.

just my opinion

Cheers: Mark

oh and welcome to KB if you have a question don't be afraid to ask

[RantyDave]

Considering both as first bike,brand new.
Am leaning towards the Kawasaki.

Have you sat on them both? The Hyosung is about twice the size of the Kawasaki. Don't be afraid to ask for a test ride, and don't be afraid to walk away if you don't get one.

Also bear in mind that a brand new bike will need running in. I know a Kawasaki owner who has been running hers in for a _long_ time....

Dave

[zeocen]

Both bikes have strengths and weaknesses, a bias IMO, the kawasaki is the better all-rounder with a decent set of tyres on it. But the hyosung definately looks better.

I say just sit on both and see how you like them, brand wars aside you'll go away with a great learner bike either way.

[ZeroIndex]

The new GPX's are awesome... if I was to choose a new 250 (post-2004), I'd get the Kawasaki GPX... they handle pretty damn well, and are quite quick...

[jeremysprite]

Personally, I'd go for the GT250R (says the owner of a GPX).
It looks a lot better, I'm not sure on the power of it, someone said it's slower?
The forks on the GPX are pretty soft, they're probably a bit better on the new machines, but if you're looking at new, buy a VTR.
The GPX is quite low seat height, if you're vertically challenged.
The only thing I'd be concerned about for the GT250r would be - thrashed engines, and reliability/quality of parts. But most people here will tell you they're just as good as the japanese bikes.

[skidMark]

yeah the hyosung has much better suspention, has upside down forks on the front....

and agreed is a much nicer bike,gpx250's are ugly.

and seeing as they have not changed the tank design, the tank will rust, the same thing that allllll the old ones did.

[ZeroIndex]

yeah the hyosung has much better suspention, has upside down forks on the front....

and agreed is a much nicer bike,gpx250's are ugly.

and seeing as they have not changed the tank design, the tank will rust, the same thing that allllll the old ones did.

Hyosungs have horrible engine problems, especially with the GT250R's, like the computer chip thingy in them messes up...

[skidMark]

Hyosungs have horrible engine problems, especially with the GT250R's, like the computer chip thingy in them messes up...

warrenty....

[zeocen]

Personally, I'd go for the GT250R (says the owner of a GPX).
It looks a lot better, I'm not sure on the power of it, someone said it's slower?

They're slower yeah, but not by much.. I think it's barely noticeable in torque etc to be honest.

The GPX tank is fine now I hear, mine has no rust.. but then again I don't ride mine like a twat. It's definitely the ugly sister of the two, but I'm quite partial to the retro sports tour look, it's just the front that cuts straight down that makes it look pretty stupid side on.

I find my GPX to be cramped because I'm 6'2, but I bought mine for a killer deal so I couldn't say no really. The Hyosung would be much better for a taller person.

At the end of the day, they both have their problems (from what I hear the Hyosung more than the GPX.) but they're both perfect for learning on if you're dead set on a faired bike. I would advise against it though ;p

[marioc]

Hey thanks for the replies guys,I am definately not dead set on a faired bike and have now reviewed my plans to buy brand new,maybe its not the best idea.
I rather like the look of the Suzuki Bandit,the Vt250 is nice also.
Anything to look out for here with a second hand bandit such as this one?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=102038491

[Renegade]

i was in your shoes exactly a year ago and i went for the GT250R, i have used it as a daily commuter and done 1 long trip on it and in that year it hasnt let me down once, not a single problen since new when i rode it off the show room floor and what a feeling that was, i still look at other 250's i see around and im glad i got a GT250R, they just look good.

still, i cant wait for the day i can get a big bike.

[skidMark]

go for a honda hornet then

the latest model inline 4 250s (yes 96 and 97 but kawasaki stopped before then)

so they usually have low k's

and by far the best handling 250 of the lot...have a 180 wide rear tyre too (same as most litre bikes r1's etc.)

i did a trademe search for you...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Sear...00&type=Search