Need some info on 250cc bikes

[BiK3RChiK]

thanks.. I am getting soo freakin excited about it....
AARRRRRRRRGGHH..
I am off to find a vodka.

Steady on the excitement there girl and the vodka... You might hurt your foot and it'll be even longer before you get on the bike

Seriously, though, all the best with getting the new bike and hope you are riding again soon, cause it's so freakin awesome!!!

M

[Scorpygirl]

The only pillions I will be taking will be my 4/8/10/12yr olds so the weight is not as much of an issue. Sorry I should have clarified that.

Hi Blossom. How far are you likely to be pillioning your kids? If you do get a Virago then you might want to consider a sissy bar so they feel more comfortable and stable, especially as the smaller ones won't be able to reach the pegs. The pillion seat is really not made for long distance travel as you would have seen today. I have pillioned on mine with my hubby, Rhino, and although I would weigh more than your kids my back got sore really quickly due to there being no support.

Just something to maybe think about for the future.

All the best for the results of the test rides on Tuesday.

[Blossom]

Thats a good point actually. Personally I never hold on at all being such a weirdo and all. Just used to wedge myself between the man and the pack rack. So was thinking of getting a pack rack for whichever bike I get anyway. I am super paranoid if I got panniers they would get nicked (they would have to be leather..) and I am not a fan of the 'top box' or 'lunch box' as I call it.
As a side note I found out today that the laws concerning carrying kids is they are supposed to be either 5yrs old or be able to reach the foot pegs, not sure if thats the law or just a strong suggestion. Apparently some clever bloke here on kb got creative and attached a 'dinkie' bike seat to the back of his bike for his little one.. Anyone wanna own up if it was them? I would be curious to know what the fuzz thought of this if anything?

[Blossom]

Steady on the excitement there girl and the vodka... You might hurt your foot and it'll be even longer before you get on the bike

Seriously, though, all the best with getting the new bike and hope you are riding again soon, cause it's so freakin awesome!!!

M

Excellent advice there... I shall make sure I only drink the vodka whilst I am sitting down. The husband can carry me to bed after I have finished drowel..drewl...drooling over the motorcycle trader.

[Radar]

From a bit of reading I'm led to believe the GT250's engine is tuned a little differently from the GV250, possibly giving it a touch more power at higher RPM or something.

I do know from accompanying a GT250R (really nice-looking red one) on one of our local group rides and comparing notes with the rider that they seem to be geared differently as well - our bikes were making different RPM at the same road speed in supposedly the same gear. IIRC it was my GV250 that was sitting at the higher RPM at 100km/h, but it was quite a few weeks ago so knowing my memory I've probably got it completely back-asswards.

FWIW, here are the specifications for the GV250 aka Aquila:
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/hyo...uiser_2007.php

...and for the Honda Magna 250 cc:
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/hon...a_250_2002.php

Both look to be very nice bikes, with more power than the Virago.

Hyosung says this about the GV250:
"Because this engine is the newest design among its rivals, it has many performance features that they do not have. These include roller bearing camshafts and dual squelsh combustion chambers. These are features that were previously confined to racing engines, and in the past have been uneconomical to incorporate into smaller-capacity engines for street use."

[Littlewheels]

I am a newbie but I love her. Must admit that 110kph is as fast as I have gone, not because she (Lucy my virago)won't go faster just that I kind of try to go fast enough to get there but enjoy the ride. They weight about 150kgs so even I can pick her up, handling is good and she looks great when clean. I paid $2,900 for her at 35,000kms, she is in good nick and there are some nice ones out there, lots out of auckland unfortunately. you are welcome to pm me if I can help more.

[EFFBEE]

Hi
Have you looked at the Suzuki VL 250 - similar to the Virago but slightly more modern, with a recent price drop to $5995. Black or grey. Thinking about getting one myself.

[Radar]

Hi
Have you looked at the Suzuki VL 250 - similar to the Virago but slightly more modern, with a recent price drop to $5995. Black or grey. Thinking about getting one myself.

The VL 250 is another good looking cruiser. See specs here:

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Suzuki_V...r_LC_2001.aspx

Engine type: Air-cooled SOHC 248 cc V-twin, 6 valves. 24 hp (18 kW)(8,000 rpm, 23 Nm (2.3 kg-m)/ 6,000 rpm.

[Zuki Bandit]

Just go riding anyway, get DMNTD to hook up a shifter for you.

Yep, fekin ingenious!!!

[Blossom]

lol. I am leaning toward the magna.. Just a bit more hp and better specs. I dont want to get bored and have to upgrade and I think with the Magna being just a little bit bigger makes it feel a little more like a 400.
Man I can barely wait till tuesday.

[Blossom]

just as a side note...is it an easy process to lower the seat on a magna by say 2cm?

[Badjelly]

Several people on this thread have reported that Viragos, allegedly with 21 bhp, can maintain 100 km/h, and a bit more, comfortably, and have a top speed around 130 km/h. (Disclaimer: I've never ridden one.) That's exactly how I would describe the performance of a Yamaha Scorpio, allegedly with 19 bhp. (Non-disclaimer: I do have one of those.) However to me the Scorpio feels a bit busy at these speeds and doesn't have a huge reserve, so if I were planning to do more than, say, 20% of my riding on the open road, I would definitely be looking for something with a bit more power.

Just my NZ$0.02.

[Blossom]

However to me the Scorpio feels a bit busy at these speeds and doesn't have a huge reserve, so if I were planning to do more than, say, 20% of my riding on the open road, I would definitely be looking for something with a bit more power.

Just my NZ$0.02.

I am...
Honda Magna 250 is around 27hp I believe.

[Badjelly]

Have a good time on your test ride!

[Blossom]

YEAH!!! I Got a Bike!!! After test riding enough bikes to work for the crash test dummy unit I finally made an abrupt about turn and brought a brand spanking new 2008 Suzuki 250LC intruder in black of course...
I am over the freken moon. Its all shiny and sweet and I got it at an excellent price with no orc and a full tank of gas. Got a new skid lid and gloves whilst I was at it as I got 15% off accessories. So yeah there ya go.
We were all committed to getting me a magna but after test riding 3 of them, the husband tried the intruder out and when he got back he got off the bike and was smiling .. I appreciate to the uninitiated that is no big deal but trust me for my husband to be smiling after riding a cruiser means that its a nice tight ride. Ergo 6k later I am the proud owner of this yet to be named machine...
Kudos to all... I am off to enjoy my new toy,.