Torn on which bike to buy

[KwS]

Yo guys.

Getting my learners before the weekend, yay. Basically, im a complete newbie to bikes, so i want something reliable, cheap, and easy to ride... but also want it to have 'some' (as much as i can get for under 250cc i guess) balls.

I have narrowed it down to two bikes atm... ones a 99-00 Suzuki FXR150 (150cc single cylinder 4 stroke 25xxxks), and the other is a 86 Honda CBR250 (250cc 4 cylinder 4 stroke 47xxxks).

150cc
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-234072921.htm

250cc
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-231580023.htm

Im thinking the 250 will be way better in terms of power, but being heavier it would be harder to control (its only like 20kg or something more anyway though). Its also a LOT older, and higher ks, but looks to have been well looked after.

The wee 150 is MUCH newer, and looks damn near new, and from what others have told me about them they are suprisingly quick. I'd say it'd be cheaper to run, but would lack anything resembling balls?

Im sitting right in the middle, unsure on both.

Would love to hear your guys opinions on the two bikes... help me sway towards one.

Cheers

[PirateJafa]

I'd go for the FXR. They're not that much slower than a 250 in a straight line, and are about as fast through the corners.

And the newer/cheaper-to-run/less parts to break factor seals the deal.

[EJK]

FXR is definitely cheaper to run however on the other hand, the 250 inline four will be much funner. Honestly who told you that FXR are "suprisingly quick"? That thinking will be gone in less than 2 weeks.

Both good bikes (personally owned a FXR) but if "some" balls is what your after, I'd consider the CBR if I were you.

OR: Here's an idea. Test ride them both and see how you feel

[CookMySock]

That thinking will be gone in less than 2 weeks.

And probably the bike too.

The inline fours are much more expensive to own, and if something goes wrong with it the repair costs will be through the roof.

The next problem, is the FXR is not much of an open-road bike, where the CBR will be fine.

The singles or vtwins are much cheaper to own.

Steve

[mattian]

what kind of riding will you be doing on your bike?? The fxr will be perfect for around town in lots of traffic but, not so good on the motorway or the open road. The 250 will be good around town too and give you alot more power to keep up at higher speeds without having to ring the guts out of it.
I would go with the 250. The extra weight of the bike isn't really a consideration. The center of gravity is...... ie, how easily you find your balance at slow speeds. Once you start moving forwards you won't notice the weight at all.
I would suggest that you will will quickly get bored of the 150cc. I reckon the 250 will provide you with much more enjoyment while you learn.

[vtec]

Anyone who suggests that the CBR is slow or anywhere near on par with FXR´s I forward to these race results
http://www.silver-bullet.co.nz/event...d=5510&cid=117
In Formula 3 came 10th in the first race and 7th in the second, was only beaten by 1 400 for the day. On a tight circuit they are awesome. FXR is inferior in so many ways apart from fuel efficiency. CBR250RR is the Best overall 250cc road bike ever made.

An FXR will dissappoint you very quickly, the CBR250RR I would be happy with for life.

[tushalb]

I would recommend the CBR 250, I'm looking to sell my CB250 Hornet, plenty of power (40 bhp) from a puny 4 cyl. Goes like a scalded cat when you give it the beans very very economical...i can easily run it over 250kms on a full tank if i'm being "nice". Cheap to maintain too...it is afterall a CBR 250 derived engine, handling dynamics like that of bigger bikes with fat rear tyre. Go for the Honda!

[RC1]

go the CBR IMO, have owned a couple and they go well and you wont get bored through the twisties,

[Hailwood]

I rode one for a friend once.......slower than a slow thing in a slow factory. You will be bored shiteless in about three days on it.

If you want a 150 then might I suggest the RG? The 2 stroke version has much more get up and go and will keep you happier longer than an FXR ever would.

Me though? I would get the 250...more fun, more enjoyment as you will be looking forward to rides of more than 100kms in length and a good start towards other bikes...just take it easy and do some good training courses

[PirateJafa]

Buying a 250 because it's "fast" is an oxymoron.

Don't listen to these guys - Motorbyclist will agree with me here that FXRs have enough zip for around town, and WILL do highway speeds. Heck, from memory he even lead one of the SMC two-fiddy rides on his.

Most of them haven't even bothered clicking on the link, and think that the CBR you're looking at is the MC22 which they used to own.

Seriously, out of those two bikes, the FXR is the better choice.

[StoneY]

CBR for sure age and shit irrelevant- great bikes and 4 cyl fun

[Markw336]

id go with the FXR150as its way more reliable than the CBF250 an still heaps of power for a leaners bike

[KwS]

I plan on mainly using it to go to work and back, which is only a couple of ks from home, but ill usually take a decent long way home.

I do wish to have some fun out of town, with trips to akaroa, diamond harbour etc. My mate that i want to ride with has a suzuki 250 (cant remember what it is now).... so im thinking the 250 might stop me being left well behind. I dont want to get stuck pushing the bike up hills if it hasnt got enough power... im not a lightweight (95ish kgs fully clothed)

Seems even you guys are torn about 50/50 on which bike you prefer. When i test them, ill hopefully be able to get my friend to test ride them for me, as im not really confident enough to ride something that isnt mine... dont want to drop/stack the damn thing.

[helenoftroy]

Hi there KwS!

Buying first bike!!exciting times eh!!

My son,Casualty has a '89 CBR250R & I have an FXR

Bikes are in St Albans...if you pm one of us maybe you & your mate would like to come and check out the two options your thinking bout??

[EJK]

Buying a 250 because it's "fast" is an oxymoron.

Don't listen to these guys - Motorbyclist will agree with me here that FXRs have enough zip for around town, and WILL do highway speeds. Heck, from memory he even lead one of the SMC two-fiddy rides on his.

Most of them haven't even bothered clicking on the link, and think that the CBR you're looking at is the MC22 which they used to own.

Seriously, out of those two bikes, the FXR is the better choice.

I went up and down the North Island, traveled point to point on one and it is do-able but that doesn't mean it's comfortable.

Again, the bike choice is totally up to you, however I'm saying that 250 will be much more comfortable to travel (also to overtake vehicles).