Looking at FZX Zeal for first bike...

**beezma** · 19th June 2011, 16:21

Hello guys,

I'm just in the process of searching for my first bike to learn on. One that came up that is within my price range is a 1992 Yamaha Fzx Zeal 250 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=385250122

Anyway, I went to have a look at it today, the owner said it had been sitting for 4 months or so (and has been dereg for 9 months), after about a minute of choke he managed to get it started. Should I be worried about it sitting for so long?

My old man took it for a test ride, and I had a quick check over of brakes and suspension etc. Basically its in pretty good condition, and as far as I can see it rides ok.

Maybe I'm overlooking something, any tips or comments about getting this as my first bike.

Thx, Matt

**Ricardo S** · 19th June 2011, 16:43

Originally Posted by beezma

Hello guys,

I'm just in the process of searching for my first bike to learn on. One that came up that is within my price range is a 1992 Yamaha Fzx Zeal 250 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=385250122

Anyway, I went to have a look at it today, the owner said it had been sitting for 4 months or so (and has been dereg for 9 months), after about a minute of choke he managed to get it started. Should I be worried about it sitting for so long?

My old man took it for a test ride, and I had a quick check over of brakes and suspension etc. Basically its in pretty good condition, and as far as I can see it rides ok.

Maybe I'm overlooking something, any tips or comments about getting this as my first bike.

Thx, Matt

hey Matt,

Sarge put a pretty nice guide up on buying 2nd hand here:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...sed-motorcycle

it might be worth having a look, specially if its your first buy.

cheers,
Ricardo

**Ricardo S** · 19th June 2011, 16:49

the bike looks good, the price is reasonable. it is a 250cc 4 cylinder so you can expect it to have a higher rev power band. (cruising at 8K RPM cuz before that the bike has no torque).

cheers

**jaffaonajappa** · 19th June 2011, 17:10

Originally Posted by Ricardo S

the bike looks good, the price is reasonable. it is a 250cc 4 cylinder so you can expect it to have a higher rev power band. (cruising at 8K RPM cuz before that the bike has no torque).

cheers

Price looks very reasonable actually....so long as theres no surprises. Seller being able to demonstrate the servicing (invoice/dockets) would make it an excellent buy....in my mind. Suspect the bike would be around 1k more if it was in Aucks.

**FJRider** · 19th June 2011, 17:20

Looks like another set of tyres may be needed for a WOF ... how would that figure in your budget ... ???

**beezma** · 19th June 2011, 17:43

Originally Posted by FJRider

Looks like another set of tyres may be needed for a WOF ... how would that figure in your budget ... ???

It wouldn't go too well, as I have to buy a helmet, jacket and gloves etc...
If I was going to put an offer in, it would be including new WOF and 3 months rego.

**FJRider** · 19th June 2011, 17:52

Originally Posted by beezma

It wouldn't go too well, as I have to buy a helmet, jacket and gloves etc...
If I was going to put an offer in, it would be including new WOF and 3 months rego.

If the budget wont stretch to a new set of tyres ... perhaps now isn't the best time to get a bike ... any bike ...

Get the gear first ... then the bike. Keep enough aside as well for insurance ... even if only 3rd party ...

Be patient ...

**beezma** · 19th June 2011, 18:05

Originally Posted by FJRider

If the budget wont stretch to a new set of tyres ... perhaps now isn't the best time to get a bike ... any bike ...

Get the gear first ... then the bike. Keep enough aside as well for insurance ... even if only 3rd party ...

Be patient ...

Sorry, in my previous post i meant to say that i wouldn't be too happy, but i could afford them... I can afford to get a bike, i just don't want to blow all my money.

-Matt

**blackdog** · 19th June 2011, 18:18

Buy it. Preferably for $2.

And not a bob more but they are great first squirters if you maintain them.

**Hitcher** · 19th June 2011, 19:42

An FZX250 Zeal was my first bike. I loved it. The rubberband has to be kept tight. Nothing much happens under 6,000rpm which, from memory, is about 100kmh in sixth gear.

They also drink like a fish. I got way better gas mileage out of my next ride -- a ZRX1200R. But compared with some other 250s they have a fullsize frame, which makes them a good proposition for a larger rider. Mine still had its OEM Yokohamas when I bought it. I replaced those with Dunlop GT501 Arrowmaxes, which were excellent tyres.

Watch the brakes. The front is about the size of a large pizza pan and stopping power is quite efficient.

**beezma** · 19th June 2011, 20:45

Originally Posted by Hitcher

An FZX250 Zeal was my first bike. I loved it. The rubberband has to be kept tight. Nothing much happens under 6,000rpm which, from memory, is about 100kmh in sixth gear.

They also drink like a fish. I got way better gas mileage out of my next ride -- a ZRX1200R. But compared with some other 250s they have a fullsize frame, which makes them a good proposition for a larger rider. Mine still had its OEM Yokohamas when I bought it. I replaced those with Dunlop GT501 Arrowmaxes, which were excellent tyres.

Watch the brakes. The front is about the size of a large pizza pan and stopping power is quite efficient.

Glad to hear that the zeal has been good for you, hopefully I will be able to say the same about my first bike. Also I'm not too worried about milage, surely it can't be that bad, can you remember how many km on a tank?
Btw Rubberband, is this a seal on the shock?

**jaffaonajappa** · 19th June 2011, 20:53

Originally Posted by beezma

Btw Rubberband, is this a seal on the shock?

When you ride bikes...women swamp you and want to make babies with you. Wear protection, and being a yamaha rider.....you need to stop said protection from slipping off.

**beezma** · 19th June 2011, 21:12

Originally Posted by jaffaonajappa

When you ride bikes...women swamp you and want to make babies with you. Wear protection, and being a yamaha rider.....you need to stop said protection from slipping off.