need a decent(cheap) 250.

[Sum'random]

Hi all stumbled onto this site/forum tonight.

So im going to put it out there i need a commute bike for 3k or less, I am a larger guy 6"2 110kg. bike will be ridden maybe 20-25 mins each way norm metro riding.

I have looked at a few adds and sites found a few bikes that catch my eye, most 4k + lol. some people have told me to stay away from some, go for this and so on.

So now im here on a bike site to get your opinions on bikes.

So bikes i have been told are good are CBR, ZZR, Balius II - ZR 250, Hyosung GT250R(09+)

Only really been told to stay away from hyosungs unless 09+ not much has been said about the others, other then they will hold value better then the hyosung.

What im after is some yes or no's to certain bikes and what years i should or should not go for.

thanks in advance

[truewheel]

I just bought a 250 (today!); lucky enough to be able to get new - but I did a fair bit of research on 2nd hand for a number of weeks.
Keeping it short - the cbr (for your budget) are all grey imports, often 20+ years old; very hard to find a good one that hasn't been thrashed. They are often mislabeled with the year they obtained compliance in Australia rather than the Japanese year of manufacture. I've heard they can have wound back speedo's too. But apparently they go like the clappers and wind out to (I think) 18,000 rpm.

zzr - the earlier version (2007 and before) of the Ninja 250r. Pretty well unchanged for 20 years. From what I read they are reliable and parts are easily sourced and cheap. I didn't research them for long once I found out their replacement (ninja) was within my budget.

The others I can't comment on cause I only ever wanted a Honda or Kawa. Others here will be able to advise what milage/condition a Ninja 250r might be in given your budget.

Also! Try doing a thread search...pretty sure all you are asking has been covered here before.

And go to Gumtree to get an idea of what the various models are going for. Bear in mind you can usually beat them down a fair bit from the listed price.

I could go on but I got shadowed over 300kms today. I'm knackered and I think I have carpel tunnel in my wrists...

...but I am one fuckin happy chappy! Good luck mate!

I'm off to bed...

[kennyboy]

There is a bargain gpx in the classified section, 2900 I'm pretty sure. Not the same size as Hyo but you might find it comfortable enough and will be reliable and bullet proof.

[kennyboy]

And maybe post up a mobile number so people can contact you, some people don't advertise but will consider a sale anyway. And it's easier than checking back here often

[truewheel]

... ahh 8 hours. Better. Your starting point:

New to Riding? Looking for a 250? A guide for n00bs..

Also, have a look here:

New and Used Motorcycle Reviews under 650cc

...just ignore the LAMS links. Doesn't apply here in WA where the max cc you can legally ride for the first year is 250.

*Edit* Just realized that above link misses his excellent Suzuki Across review:

Suzuki Across - GSX250F - Resource

I would definitely have a look at this one as it will be right in your budget - and these have a unique feature that they say is for a helmet but is actually for a six pack

And finally, whatever you do, if there is only one piece of advice you take away from here it's this:

...don't buy a Pagsta.

[Dirty32]

I could go on but I got shadowed over 300kms today. I'm knackered and I think I have carpel tunnel in my wrists...

Good post!

Ahh, the old wrist ache.
Try and take some / support of your upper body weight through your stomach and lower back.
This will take the weight off your wrists and arms and this should do away with the wrist ache.

Should make you a more fluid rider too!

[Stoneville]

You are not that tall, but the weight is a little more than average, GPX will be fine for you, my daughter is the same height, but was about 20kgs lighter when she was riding around on her 98 GPX. Get a cheapy then you can change out as soon as you have your R class

[BERT]

I have a GPX for sale, you're welcome to come and try it on for size

[rob9246]

I felt my vtr 250 was a better buy as it lost no value over 1yr where my friends hysung depreciated much more and actually ended up costing more. it's worth considering.

[Rosiemiss]

I've got a Suzuki across for sale, you are welcome to come try that out if it interests you.