Finding me a bike

**Real_Wolf** · 28th April 2009, 02:01

**xwhatsit** · 28th April 2009, 09:44

Originally Posted by Real_Wolf

CBF250
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=214465752

Although it would be a very sensible bike for you to get, I think given the company of the other bikes you're nominating you'd be sorely disappointed. CBF250 has GN250 sort of performance; despite the sporty looks it's much slower and heavier than an ancient CB200, CB250RS or CBX250. You'd be up on the XS250 but not by far. It's a Brazilian-market commuter.

If you're considering things like FXR150s, at least look at GSX250 twins (not the GSXR multis) and GPX250/ZZR250s. Whilst the CBR250 lump is a very good one, and the ZXR250 almost as good (only let down by having a camchain instead of gears, which seems to wear out just after being sold on Trademe), anecdotally, the FZR and particularly the GSXR really don't last very long at all. I think the Bandit is somewhat detuned (the specs say it makes peak power at lower RPM anyway) so that may account for its comparable longevity.

I think the obsession with getting a `performance 250' for a cheap price will lead you to tears again. Remember that even a Scorpio would be a big leap in handling and acceleration compared to your old XS; it's pretty hard to go downhill w.r.t. that.

**The Pastor** · 28th April 2009, 09:53

get an rg150, they power wheelie like nothing else

**motorbyclist** · 28th April 2009, 17:52

Originally Posted by xwhatsit

If you're considering things like FXR150s, at least look at GSX250 twins (not the GSXR multis) and GPX250/ZZR250s. Whilst the CBR250 lump is a very good one, and the ZXR250 almost as good (only let down by having a camchain instead of gears, which seems to wear out just after being sold on Trademe), anecdotally, the FZR and particularly the GSXR really don't last very long at all. I think the Bandit is somewhat detuned (the specs say it makes peak power at lower RPM anyway) so that may account for its comparable longevity.

I think the obsession with getting a `performance 250' for a cheap price will lead you to tears again. Remember that even a Scorpio would be a big leap in handling and acceleration compared to your old XS; it's pretty hard to go downhill w.r.t. that.

he speaks the truth

though i'm yet to ride a cbf230 myself

**Real_Wolf** · 28th April 2009, 19:15

nah, the performance 250 for a cheap price is not a 'patience' thing, where eventually I might get one.

We'll see how the fxr goes. Wouldn't mind looking at some nice twins, but would prefer not to have a kawasaki.

The fzr I wouldn't trust. The only fzr's I ever see for sale are fairly munted in some way

**Ragingrob** · 28th April 2009, 19:20

Originally Posted by Real_Wolf

nah, the performance 250 for a cheap price is not a 'patience' thing, where eventually I might get one.

We'll see how the fxr goes. Wouldn't mind looking at some nice twins, but would prefer not to have a kawasaki.

The fzr I wouldn't trust. The only fzr's I ever see for sale are fairly munted in some way

I reckon the gpx goes pretty well ay with not too many problems that I've seen.

FXR's are wicked little bikes but I still think that you'd be left wanted that extra power, not to mention a more comfortable seat.

**gavjn** · 28th April 2009, 19:29

Originally Posted by Real_Wolf

nah, the performance 250 for a cheap price is not a 'patience' thing, where eventually I might get one.

We'll see how the fxr goes. Wouldn't mind looking at some nice twins, but would prefer not to have a kawasaki.

The fzr I wouldn't trust. The only fzr's I ever see for sale are fairly munted in some way

fxr's r prety smal bikes depending on ur size... i sure as hell dont fit on them, and if i did i look lyk an absolute fool lol

when it comes down 2 it, its wateva feels best imo

**Real_Wolf** · 28th April 2009, 22:59

yeah, Ross has kindly offered to let me test ride his fxr to see what its like. Not sure if I could do with the loss of power, but I'm sure I could fit on one fine.

Not too knowledgeable about the different vtwins that are available, honda have any besides the vtr? what would you guys say is the best vtwin

**Ragingrob** · 28th April 2009, 23:08

Has the older VT250 lol. VTR definitely the best V-twin!

**Phurrball** · 28th April 2009, 23:37

FXRs may be small, but they're not that small. Ours handles my 90+ kg and 176cm frame just fine.

I wouldn't want to tour on it, but round town, or on a twisty ride, it's a barrel of laughs. It is gutless below 8K rpm though, especially noticeable after a VTR250 (lets not even go there compared to a VFR800

)

Don't expect swift acceleration or easy overtakes at open road speeds. It all adds up to a peverse kind of fun. Kinda like the original mini. Enjoy it for it's handling and feather weight and improbable economy of ownership.

**Real_Wolf** · 29th April 2009, 00:07

heh.

VTR's are naked bikes though, (or do they have a fairing version?)

**motorbyclist** · 29th April 2009, 00:13

i'm sure we could fit some fairings and clip ons given enough time and money....

**Ragingrob** · 29th April 2009, 00:22

Just get a cbr, you know you wanna!

**Phurrball** · 29th April 2009, 21:49

Originally Posted by Real_Wolf

heh.

VTR's are naked bikes though, (or do they have a fairing version?)

Hmmm -

IMHO fairings are a mixed bag. A definite negative for newer riders.

Case in point: I've had 2 low speed altercations with 4 wheeled vehicles.

1st on a Bandit 250 (Naked). Bike required repairs, but was OK. ~3K total repair bill IIRC.

2nd on VTR1000 (Part faired). Bike didn't look too bad. Repair total was twice the value of the bike = $10K = a write off. Difference was in the bodywork. Damn I sorely miss that tatty red brute with its booming Yoshis

Naked handles minor crashes better. 250s don't really go so fast as to need bodywork. IMHO, I get less wind buffetting and wind roar on nakeds if the speeds are sane.

Lets not forget naked can be damned sexy too

Naked FTW!