Pretty much made up my mind

**Chisanga** · 21st November 2006, 16:38

Well today I did had some test riding goodness around the busy streets of Auckland.

My concerns for 250cc Cruiser style bikes seem well founded as due to my height (6'1") my knees feel as if they are going to 'roll over' the top of the tank as they stick up quite high.

I took a GN250 from Coleman's for a ride around K'road and surrounds and despite my initial nervousness I enjoyed my ride and felt that this is probably the best bike for me to learn on to get up to my fullin 9 months before investing in a bigger bike that is more suitable to what i'm after.

No real scary moments, just getting used to idiots in cars who don't look for motorbikes right outside a motorbike shop (yoi would think...)

So I think the GN is the way to go for me... didn't feel too intimidated by it and I know I will get bored from it's lack of power but as I say I plan on having it for only 9 months or so...

So does anybody have any last minute comments, suggestions? I know the GN has issues with things like its chrome etc. but I would appreciate nay other comments from those in the know...

See post #4 for update

Cheers

**Mr. Peanut** · 21st November 2006, 16:44

I'd skip the GN and at least have a look at the Yamaha Scorpio 225. Suzuki have been getting away with the shite build quality too long.

At least test it... Please...

**twinkle** · 21st November 2006, 16:56

I downgraded to a gn250, but to be honest i'm having more fun on it than my old gpx250, or any other bike i've ridden so far. Thrash it, ride down gravel roads with it, rip around a paddock with it. The best thing about them is parts are cheap and readily available and it is simple and easy to fix

better to crash a gn than a cbr

I'm the same height as you and have done a 10 hour riding day on the gn just fine

but the build quality is crap on the new ones, might pay to buy an old one.

**Chisanga** · 21st November 2006, 18:28

Hmmm ... an update. My dad and I just had a frank and open conversation about buying "crap" motorbikes and reckons I should buy something decent like a Honda VTR250 as a first bike instead as overall quality wins the day as far as he is concerned and you don't want to be emergency breaking wishing you spent the exra 3 grand ish before you smashinto the back of a truck. Plus it lasts longer...concerned with the whole "Made in China" thing and rust etc.

I can afford it (just) and wanted to see what other people thought

**RantyDave** · 21st November 2006, 18:43

Originally Posted by Chisanga

I should buy something decent like a Honda VTR250 as a first bike

The only thing against the VTR's, other than how much they cost, is that they're quite small. Have you tried a Hyosung?

Dave

**Karma** · 21st November 2006, 19:02

Ironically people have been saying good things about the hyosungs... I'm on the fence about them personally, but it's a lot of bike for the money.

In regards the GN... I rode one for a week or so whilst mine was busted, I'm 6'5" and had to sit on the pillion seat, making using the rear break uncomfortable.

**Chisanga** · 21st November 2006, 19:20

Originally Posted by RantyDave

Have you tried a Hyosung?

Dave

Cheers Dave. Do you mean the Comet GT250?

Certainly cheaper, I will add it to my test ride list, thanks.

Not as good looking as the Honda IMHO though

**MVnut** · 21st November 2006, 19:48

Buy the VTR, not a crap gn

**Maha** · 21st November 2006, 19:54

Originally Posted by Chisanga

Cheers Dave. Do you mean the Comet GT250?

Certainly cheaper, I will add it to my test ride list, thanks.

Not as good looking as the Honda IMHO though

When buying?.....think ahead to the resale?
The VTR will fetch you more than say, the Comet?
Buy that i mean....hold its value....

**Chisanga** · 21st November 2006, 19:59

Originally Posted by maha man

When buying?.....think ahead to the resale?
The VTR will fetch you more than say, the Comet?
Buy that i mean....hold its value....

Are you a poet? Because if you are not then I really have no idea what you just said

**Maha** · 21st November 2006, 20:04

Originally Posted by Chisanga

Are you a poet? Because if you are not then I really have no idea what you just said

Holy crap....look at that?.....thanks for pointing that out....
Next time you read, something i say....remember its never in doubt...

**Chisanga** · 21st November 2006, 20:14

Originally Posted by maha man

Holy crap....look at that?.....thanks for pointing that out....
Next time you read, something i say....remember its never in doubt...

What is clearly 'never in doubt' is that you seem to be having a love affair with question marks

**Bussaman** · 21st November 2006, 20:21

Feck no, dont buy a GN.
I had one for about 3 months and the whole time i kicked myself for not buying the CBR i also looked at.
The Comet looks good, especially in black. Id test ride that for sure before i made up my mind.

**bull** · 21st November 2006, 20:35

Ive had my Hyosung for two weeks so cant really say much for the longevity of it but as a new rider whom had not ridden any bikes i find it very comfy and great power distribution from the vtwin. I elected for the GT250R fully faired and am happy with my choice, im 6 foot and 125kg and it carries me fine, i dont feel like im a clown on a mini bike and it is very responsive in the corners. Just had my first run through some minor uphill twisties tonight and it handled great, was riding like a nana but the bike gave me confidence that i could push it a little harder on the next run.
All up i spent 9K total on my bike and safety gear.

No idea about any of the other bikes so wont make comment, this is just my view of the Hyosung GT250R.