Which 250 to buy?

[Dave-]

dont learn on the fastest.

[gijoe1313]

If you want something reliable and gets you around with a little style, comfort and credible performance, you can't go past a nice little ol'hornet! Naked bike so no worries about fairings. very considerate and handles well!

But I'm biased! Have a sit on all the bikes you are considering and it will help narrow down the options!

[FruitLooPs]

dont learn on the fastest.

not bad advice that, you don't want a slug but having the fastest might tempt one to try make up for skill with throttle application. Go slow to go fast, technique + corners = fun on a cheap bike.

RG150's fit that, but i would say that. Even then I know when I first started riding I was tempted to get out of my comfort zone and skill chasing after more experienced friends and had a few close calls - personally a 250 2-stroke would've probably ended with me in a ditch. The difference between 150cc and 250cc 2-stroke is pretty immense too. An FXR150 or GN250 runs out of grunt too quick, and loses its shine IMO - but something a bit quicker but not quite 45-60hp like a zxr or 2-stroke 250 is what you want for a first bike I reckon.

Treat a 2-stroke with caution, especially the powerband in corners.

ZXR's, well the A model at least are reallly heavy bikes for 250's. Go pretty well though, friend loves his one.

[ital916]

If you want a two stroke go the RG150 way. It'll keep yah smiling and has power to boot for a learner bike. The 250cc two strokes are not the best me thinks but again each to his own. If you do get a 250cc two stroke take it easy mate. Oh and fairings are arse expensive to fix! ZZR's i hear are fantastic learning machines as are gpx's.

[ital916]

Listen to fruitloops! lol I am a noob rider, i encountered the powerband on a corner with a shit tyre! I was on the ground before i knew it!

[fireliv]

Hey welcome to the site!

I always wanted a faired bike, but Phoenix got me to get a naked bike to start out with. It was a fantastic choice!!! I have a bandit, and love it. Has enough look to not look small, and has enough power that I dont look like I''m going to be left behind. But thats me

You need to think what you wanna use it for. Like mentioned, dont forget gear!

[Bonez]

Try not to dismiss the GPX, GSX, Hyos, Hornets or GSF250s.

[Pussy]

Try not to dismiss the GPX, GSX, Hyos, Hornets or GSF250s.

Yep, the GSX Katana 250 is a great bike, too

[pritch]

It probably hasn't occurred to you, but most learners drop their bike.
Less plastic means less damage and less expense.

Forget about all the racer look-likes and go for sensible. A new Yamaha Scorpio would leave you money for gear and probably some left over to start saving for a bigger bike when you get your full licence.

Then again bikes are more about emotion than common sense so you'll probably do something silly and come to regret it. Just like most of the rest of us did at least once...

[daytona 2]

I f you are first time on road, go for a cruiser style bike, you will be less inclined to kill yourself. They give you a more laid back riding style, have a low centre of gravity, and the riding position is good for visibilty.
The best of these is the honda magna vtc250, a jap import, these jap only models are beautifully made, you can pick up a good one for your $5500. These bikes have tones of torque, and will overtake from 100k's no problem.
Just make sure you have new tyres(run them in for 80k's), even if it means you have to spend a bit more money they will save your life in the wet.

[McJim]

Based on what you've said you're looking for the fastest bike for $5,500. But if your REAL budget (comfortable) is only $3,000 might I suggest a Honda VT250 Spada?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-130211663.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-131011478.htm

They're not too shabby in the speed stakes and as people have alluded to in previous posts - as a learner you are more likely to slide your bike along the road in the first year of ownership which can cost $1,000s to repair properly if your bike is fully faired.

[STUPY]

Hi how's it going???
i've just recently purchased a Bike of trade me after alot of sitting on and going round all the bike shops. i can simpithis with your thought pattern.
i found the biggest problem for my self was that most of the 250's out there look like tonka toys when i'm sitting on them, the frames just seem to be to small.
i have picked up a hyosung gt250r, awesome looking bike and large frame, picked it up for $5300 with disk lock. so diffinately look at one of these

[slopster]

As far as far as learner bikes go I think the bandit is ideal. Good quick inline 4 motor with plenty of top end, comfortable and less plastic to dammage if you drop it. If you want something faster zxr and cbr are better bets. 2 stroke 250's are not learner bikes. I just happen to have a mint zxr on trademe at the moment check it out...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=131107673

[SHELRACING]

After an accident (I had a CBR600) I have had to go a long way back down in size to a 250cc. I dont have enough strength in my legs to hold up a big bike.

I knew I didnt want a non-faired bike as the 250cc are scary to ride when there is a little bit of wind and or rain. The 2strokes are very fast indeed, they need to be kept in the power bands and thrashed frequently to keep them happy. I'm not the sort who likes doing wheelies every time you open the throttle. We have a 125cc 2stroke race bike and that thing is scary when it hits the power band. Despite what 2 stroke fans say, they are higher maintenance than a 4stroke.

I settled for an imported low km 1987 Yamaha FZR 250cc, which when ridden correctly certainly is quick. It has a top speed of 170kmph, which is plenty quick enough for a blat on a track like Taupo.

The stronger I get the more impressed I am with the ability and handling of the bike, especially after coming from a 600, with incredible handling.

[Cache Wraith]

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but the Hyosung GT250 is one of the best learner friendly 250's available. It's very easy to ride, and can be forgiving for a newbie. It's a sensible starter bike and you don't have to spend big dollars to get a late model one. Will leave you some change for the most important part of the experience, your riding gear. On the plus side as well it doesn't look like a 250 (to non bikers) having a decent size frame. Frankly unless your shorter/smaller in stature, I think some of the other 250's look like toys when bigger riders get on them. I also suggest running with a naked bike as a starter as well. The upright seating position in my opinion is more learner friendly as well. Thats my 2 cents worth. Good luck on the hunt.