Where to go from here?

[Hitcher]

Suzuki GSX650F. Fully faired, Suzuki mechanicals, bulletproof Bandit based, great price. Straight out of the crate these are dangerously close to being the perfect motorcycle. A couple of thousand spent on suspenders and brakes would make these a frighteningly good package. Buy one.

[YellowDog]

Yeah.... a cruiser and a sports bike would keep me happy. mmmmm R6

Now you're getting the idea.

But if you can be satisfied with only two bike types..............

[Breed777]

Now you're getting the idea.

But if you can be satisfied with only two bike types..............

Wouldn't say no to a chopper either ....

[Hiflyer]

Learn to master your bike, I think you'll find you can go way faster than you think you can. I keep surprising myself with my hyosung and that's by no means fast.

[Breed777]

It's nor a speed thing but every car I have ever owned has been over 10 years old. The fact that I could possibly own a bike made say in 2007/8 is exciting. I just like the look of them even tho right now a 250 is enough for me to ride for some time. But I do see newer bikes go by and they do look good....

[Indiana_Jones]

Well once you have your full start taking some test rides etc.

See what you like and if you want to/can, take the next step up

-Indy

[SMOKEU]

The era of high performance 4 stroke 250cc bikes started to die in about 1994 when Japan made new laws regarding limiting the power output of 250s. The laws got stricter as time went by and no new 250cc road bike will be anywhere near as quick as what you have now. If your bike is reliable then keep it, any other 4 stroke 250 will be a downgrade that you WILL live to regret, I guarantee it. If you must go fast on a 250 AND have large wads of cash to spare then look into a 2 stroke.

[Jenral]

Suzuki GSX650F. Fully faired, Suzuki mechanicals, bulletproof Bandit based, great price. Straight out of the crate these are dangerously close to being the perfect motorcycle. A couple of thousand spent on suspenders and brakes would make these a frighteningly good package. Buy one.

Thats the bike I'm interested in getting when I pass my full.

[Bend-it]

How many kms have you done?? The question really is, do you know enough about your riding to make a decision now? Probably not... Including the comment about not needing more power. It's quite possible that you improve over then next 6 months and then want a faster bike...

Having said all this, a 600 or 650 twin, like the SV, or Cagiva Raptor (like I have), is hard to ignore for your 1st "big bike" You'll find the power much more accessible and less busy in town.

I went from a 250 bandit to an RF900, then the Cagiva 'coz that's much better for commuting... and the zx10r for the fun days!!

[DarkLord]

I ride a Hyo GT250R and live in Taupo. The other day, on my morning commute to work, I hit a patch of black ice going round a roundabout, and my rear wheel went for a bit of a slide going round the corner. I was able to correct it and keep myself upright, but that was one of the times I was glad I was only on a 250cc. Having a 250 is the best time to learn skills like that which will help you translate over to a bigger bike once you get one.

One thing to bear in mind is that for the most part, 250cc bikes are far more forgiving than bigger bikes. I rode a K7 GSX-R 1000 the other day, and I'm glad I spent so long on the 250 so I was able to get my confidence and skill level up as much as what I have, otherwise that beast would have chewed me up and spat me out in a heartbeat.

Just something to keep in mind... don't be in too much of a rush to get off your 250 as it's a valuable learning time for you.