What is a good first road bike?

[unstuck]

My nephew just bought his first bike, a GSX 1100R. He got his for 3 grand. He is even going to get a license one day, what a poof.

[Laava]

My nephew just bought his first bike, a GSX 1100R. He got his for 3 grand. He is even going to get a license one day, what a poof.

He will begrudgingly watch the GN250's waste him into the weeds!

[arcane12]

what you should do is use the search function and read the multitude of threads that are exactly the same. Then once reading them, you will discover that opinions are like arseholes, we've all got one and they are all different. Then as a final step, you will go out and buy the shiny red one that you had your eye on.

+1

[cheshirecat]

Don't get a GN250 they are far too reliable. Get a Triumph Tiger Cub. Rego is uber cheap being pre 1970. exciting brakes that might or might not work - work being a relative of course. Patience testing Landrover like acceleration for which a calender is required and safest bike ever built since 90% of them were never running long enough to get past the garden gate. What is more you will be admired for your perseverance and fortitude, the talking point of the local bike community and be able to reminisce ad nauseum to your future grandchildren.

[bosslady]

lol I WISH my gn250 was a sports bike, sadly it is not so hahaha

[ForcedFalcon]

Don't get a GN250 they are far too reliable. Get a Triumph Tiger Cub. Rego is uber cheap being pre 1970. exciting brakes that might or might not work - work being a relative of course. Patience testing Landrover like acceleration for which a calender is required and safest bike ever built since 90% of them were never running long enough to get past the garden gate. What is more you will be admired for your perseverance and fortitude, the talking point of the local bike community and be able to reminisce ad nauseum to your future grandchildren.

Far too reliable? That's exactly what i want haha. All i really want is a bike to get from A to B with but with a bit of power and style for the weekends. With 2 project cars and a drift missile reliability would be a nice change of pace

[bosslady]

wow wish I had that kinda cash money when I was 17 unfortunately for me I was already barefoot and pregnant
If you want to look like a boss, don't get a gn250... if you want reliable, something with plenty of spare parts, good 're sell price, easy to learn on, all of which I have been told by many a people this bike is, then go for it. That said, I'm a girl, I suck, I've got this bike, do the maths, she ain't gonna get you any fly bitches... unless of course it's red and shiny.

[Mr. Peanut]

...............

[ForcedFalcon]

wow wish I had that kinda cash money when I was 17 unfortunately for me I was already barefoot and pregnant
If you want to look like a boss, don't get a gn250... if you want reliable, something with plenty of spare parts, good 're sell price, easy to learn on, all of which I have been told by many a people this bike is, then go for it. That said, I'm a girl, I suck, I've got this bike, do the maths, she ain't gonna get you any fly bitches... unless of course it's red and shiny.

Hahaha, You make out like I'm rich. Just hard work and determination really :P. I've narrowed my choices down to a FZR250 and a CBR250 since they look like sex on wheels for minimal price and don't seem to have many problems.

I've found one of each for $2500 with roughly the same K's and both in the same area so its down to whichever is more reliable, Although the sound of the FZR250 is sexy as hell so that gives it an edge at the moment

[Zamzam]

I used to have a cbr250 and was a mint bike. I also rode the fzr and gsxr. I found the cbr had a lower centre of gravity, wider tires and a generally nicer bike to ride. Gsxr was also nicer than the fzr for the same reasons although overpriced. The old models around 89 are all 45 hp from memory. Now the rules have changed I would look into a larger bike for weight advantages in wind, although the sound if 18000 revs was very nice

[Glowerss]

Hahaha, You make out like I'm rich. Just hard work and determination really :P. I've narrowed my choices down to a FZR250 and a CBR250 since they look like sex on wheels for minimal price and don't seem to have many problems.

I've found one of each for $2500 with roughly the same K's and both in the same area so its down to whichever is more reliable, Although the sound of the FZR250 is sexy as hell so that gives it an edge at the moment

Your requirements for reliability and the FZR250 are at odds with each other. You'll get the odd old IL4 that's been maintained properly, but most of them have been beaten to shit every minute of their lives in this country.

You're taking a gamble with a bike of that vintage and that type. If you must buy one, buy the CBR. They're less likely to have issues. Or stretch the budget to 3-4k and buy a Hornet.

[Banditbandit]

Hey guys, So as the title says whats a good first road bike?

I've found that one with wheels, a motor and workable brakes a good start ..

[SMOKEU]

An FZR250 is far too old for serious consideration. If you can't afford a decent bike then buy a push bike until you can afford something good, otherwise all the money you're going to spend on maintenance could be put toward buying good bike to start off with.

If you buy a 20 year old pile of shit and spend the entire value of the bike on fixing it, then you're still left with a 20 year old pile of shit that's worth fuck all. I've made that mistake far too many times before.

[bosslady]

Hahaha, You make out like I'm rich. Just hard work and determination really :P. I've narrowed my choices down to a FZR250 and a CBR250 since they look like sex on wheels for minimal price and don't seem to have many problems.

I've found one of each for $2500 with roughly the same K's and both in the same area so its down to whichever is more reliable, Although the sound of the FZR250 is sexy as hell so that gives it an edge at the moment

lol, not at all, you're talking to a gal who grew up in sth akl. I had money for the bus and if I was lucky maybe a spring roll from the takeaways down the road

[madandy]

Hey guys, So as the title says whats a good first road bike? I've been looking around for my first bike but wanted some peoples opinions before i went out and spent my money.

I've owned a DT175 just to have some fun in the forest and down the beach with friends so I'm not a complete beginner but not the most experienced person.
I was looking at a few FZR250's but I've been told they have carb problems and the front forks have problems?

Any opinions and pros/cons on the FZR250 and other bikes would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

All the old 2 fiddy screamers have issues from time to time. Nothing a good service and tune up wont fix.
If ya good with ya cars the bike will be easy to work on, just be sure to have it checked out by a good bike shop first, before ya hand over ya hard earned cash.