250 advice required please

**strongarm1** · 15th October 2006, 08:31

Hi all - sorry if this sounds familiar to a lot of other topics - I unfortunately wrote off my freshly pimped FXR 150 last weekend ( the other party at fault, insurance money on the way ) so am taking this opporrtunity to go 250cc.
12 months ago I loved the full fairing race style of the gsxr- zzr etc but am now thinking naked.
After spending many many hours reading the kiwibiker forums, scouring trade me and bike point, googling bike models etc etc, I think Ive narrowed my options down.
Mid to late 90,s -
1- Honda Hornet , 4 cyl 4stroke, 40hp, 24nm, 151kg
2 - Suzuki GSF Bandit , 4cyl 4 stroke, 38hp, 25nm, 144kg
3- Honda VTR250, Vtwin 4stroke, 32hp,25nm, 139kg

Ive read all the pros and cons re 2cyl-4cyl and ideally think 2cyl would suit me better for my daily commute of 50km to work. Ideally the VTR sounds the go but are there any other twins worth lookin at ?? Im probably gunna struggle to find a good one under 5k but its worth trying.
And no I havnt ridden any of them yet, but when I get into Auckland I want to know as much as poss about each model before I get there.

Cheers.

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th October 2006, 08:40

The VTR's are great little bikes - the Honda shop in Hastings has a few '98-99 model imports. Your 5g might just do it

**DingDong** · 15th October 2006, 08:42

Have you considered the hyosung?

**strongarm1** · 15th October 2006, 08:50

yeah our local dealer has them - I do like the look of the comet but Im a bit wary on build quality and parts backup further down the line - I know plenty of people have them and love them but I prefer to stick with 'name' brands.
Theres a nice looking '88 Honda Spada on TM at the mo, bit old, anyone got an opinion on these, what year did that model run thru to ??

**SwanTiger** · 15th October 2006, 08:51

Sounds like a Hyosung would be out of your budget, they are excellent bikes for commuting and weekend cruising, 450 km or more from a tank is GN economy!

From your list i'd suggest the Hornet or the VTR, those Hornets are beautiful machines

**SwanTiger** · 15th October 2006, 08:53

Originally Posted by strongarm1

yeah our local dealer has them - I do like the look of the comet but Im a bit wary on build quality and parts backup further down the line - I know plenty of people have them and love them but I prefer to stick with 'name' brands.
Theres a nice looking '88 Honda Spada on TM at the mo, bit old, anyone got an opinion on these, what year did that model run thru to ??

If there was an issue with build quality 'named' brands like Suzuki wouldn't of used their parts. There are no issues with parts back up, if it isn't in the country then you can get it shipped within 1 - 2 weeks.

**strongarm1** · 15th October 2006, 09:00

ok ok i'll take a 2nd look at the hyosung - $5k might not get a brand new one but I will certanily get a good 2nd hand one But I agree, the Hornet and the VTR look great.

**yungatart** · 15th October 2006, 09:10

Originally Posted by strongarm1

Theres a nice looking '88 Honda Spada on TM at the mo, bit old, anyone got an opinion on these, what year did that model run thru to ??

Spada is the best of the VTR's. Produced 88 -90, jap market only, so they are all imports. They hold their price well, they might be getting on a bit now but are still a great little bike.... you wouldn't want to pay more than $3000 for a good one

**LardEmbargo** · 15th October 2006, 09:37

just on the VTR250s, I noticed a nasty rumour on tardme the other day that Mr Honda was phasing them out.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-73537248.htm

Wot's that all about then? any grains of truth in there or just full-fledged "please bid trillions of dollars for my shiny bike at your earliest convenience" blag?

shame if they are going anyway, 'sanice looking bike

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th October 2006, 09:45

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-73354875.htm
This one? Looks ok - sure is low km's

**Morcs** · 15th October 2006, 09:54

Pictures speak louder than words

**strongarm1** · 15th October 2006, 10:11

yes morcs - the bandits a nice bike too, any chance you want to sell ?? MSTRS, yeah thats the Spada, im also thinking low k's, maybe too low ??

**Morcs** · 15th October 2006, 10:16

I just bought it the other week

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th October 2006, 10:18

Originally Posted by strongarm1

MSTRS, yeah thats the Spada, im also thinking low k's, maybe too low ??

Always a risk with s/h vehicles...unless you know the owner/s. Most are genuine tho. And bikes are a strange one when it comes to mileage - many are only ridden for fun occasionally and spend 9/10ths of the time in the shed.
Go check that one out - wear on pegs, cables etc will be a clue as to whether it is genuine.