250cc sports bikes

[vp2nv]

Hey everyone,

Just after some peoples experiences/opinions on entry level sports bikes. Looking at getting my bike license and a bike as daily transport for myself, bit of freedom, be a good driving/riding experience, cheap on fuel etc etc.

A few I've been looking into are the kawasaki zzr250 or the gpx250r. what im looking for a quick/zippy bike, looks good (by that i mean looks more like a bigger bike), fun to ride. I'm leaning towards the gpx250r. being nearly 3 grand cheaper is a good start, all the zzr seems to have over it is an inch larger wheels (17 vs 16 - easy changed i would think), extra storage space, and it weighs more (which i would have thought more of a hindrance than an advantage)

Anyone have any suggestions?

[Rick76]

Sign up here (http://www.perthstreetbikes.com/forum/) and you will get plenty of opinions (and threads on the same subject).

I would just go with a second hand ZZ-R as you will want a bigger bike in 12 months anyway.... so save the money for that. :yup:

[XtRmn8]

Biggest and best looking 250 sports bike to get is one of these

http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/GT250R.jpg

More info here http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/gt250r.html

[DaveHAT]

If you're prepared to look at the second hand market, the Suzuki Across would be my pick.

Additional storage where the fuel tank normally is, 4 cylindar, fully faired sports bike.
http://www.importmc.com.au/bikes/across/images/gj75ablue.jpg

Plenty are now available on the import market which should translate to a ready supply of parts.

ZZR as mentioned by Rick is also a reliable and good option.

[OPPYLOCK]

As above. Great first bike.

[jerrel]

Biggest and best looking 250 sports bike to get is one of these

http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/GT250R.jpg

More info here http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/gt250r.html

i like that. wen i get my ls soon ill buy that bike.

[blueyedbikerman]

i had a zzr 250 for my first bike and i must say buy a rgv or a cbr 250 as the zzr would pull skin off custard you will get sick of the power in a couple of weeks , go do a q ride weekend and buy a 600 you can ride them like a 250 if you dont rev them i sold my r1 and regret it ever since mmmm 10 sec quarter miles from the factory :bawl: i want my bike back again

[Whizza]

for a real zippy bike id go for a RGV 250 for what they are they go awsome .

[vp2nv]

Biggest and best looking 250 sports bike to get is one of these

http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/GT250R.jpg

More info here http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/gt250r.html

That looks fantastic... although not really a name i'm familiar with? anyone know much about the brand? or from the specs how it would go?

[XLR8 V8]

i had a zzr 250 for my first bike and i must say buy a rgv or a cbr 250 as the zzr would pull skin off custard you will get sick of the power in a couple of weeks , go do a q ride weekend and buy a 600 you can ride them like a 250 if you dont rev them i sold my r1 and regret it ever since mmmm 10 sec quarter miles from the factory :bawl: i want my bike back again

Q-Ride only applies in QLD ... as indicated by the "Q" ;)

[Satansfist]

First of all have a search of the website, heaps of people have heaps of advice.

Second, on a personal level, I'd never go for a 4 cylinder 250, it gives the rider a completely misguided idea about the way a bike delivers power. 4 cylinder 250's are all about revs, revs and no forward motion. I can't count the amount of times I've heard the wail of a sports bike going down the street, thought, that thing is flying and it turns out to be a 250 4 cylinder with a sports pipe trundling past at 40kmph.

If you can, get the twin, or better yet get a dual purpose bike at 250cc...you'll learn more riding off road than you ever will riding on road, especially if you're new to bikes, and it will be a hell of a lot safer.

Basically ignore the opinions of every other 16 to 22 year old telling you about bikes, in all honesty they haven't ridden enough in all conditions to give you a valid opinion. (Of course there are always exceptions...:rolleyes: all 16 to 22 year olds please keep it in your pants!):lol: :shiner:

Lastly, if it's available, take as many rider training courses as you can and buy the best safety equipment you can afford.

Best of luck, once you've taken up riding a bike it'll always be in your blood, even after 23 years I still want to ride every day.:bravo:

[APCLB]

Mmm gone are the days of RD350LC's,RZ350's rego'd as a 250,man I miss those bikes.RZ350R's,RGV's the KR250,real 2 strokers.If you can survive the first 2 months of riding,your on your way to learning a life time of good defensive riding & driving!
And as satansfist sez,dont skimp on the safety gear!Buy the best you can.

Anyone got a RDLC basket case they wana sell?

[Satansfist]

Mmm gone are the days of RD350LC's,RZ350's rego'd as a 250,man I miss those bikes.RZ350R's,RGV's the KR250,real 2 strokers.If you can survive the first 2 months of riding,your on your way to learning a life time of good defensive riding & driving!
And as satansfist sez,dont skimp on the safety gear!Buy the best you can.

Anyone got a RDLC basket case they wana sell?

Man the old RD/RZ 250/350...used to scare the pants off me when I first started riding! Used to ride a Suzuki TS 185 ER to school and a dude from year 12 had an RD 250 LC...used to come screaming past me down the highway on the way to school...

A guy I work with is looking at a bike and having had off-road experience I recomended the RGV/KR1S options to him...good luck finding a decent example these days though. I used to have an RGV 250 Pepsi Replica back when Kevin Schwantz was still riding, had to get rid of it after 3 months to save my license.

[MickNugent]

Any of the little jap sports 250s are alright, but youll get sick of the lack of torque very quickly. If you can in perth id reccomend getting something a bit bigger and/or a twin.

[OPPYLOCK]

Man the old RD/RZ 250/350...used to scare the pants off me when I first started riding! Used to ride a Suzuki TS 185 ER to school and a dude from year 12 had an RD 250 LC...used to come screaming past me down the highway on the way to school...

A guy I work with is looking at a bike and having had off-road experience I recomended the RGV/KR1S options to him...good luck finding a decent example these days though. I used to have an RGV 250 Pepsi Replica back when Kevin Schwantz was still riding, had to get rid of it after 3 months to save my license.

Guys, don't know what the rules are in WA but if if its like NSW he can't own a sports 2 stroke on his L's as they exceed the power to weight limit.

[Trek52]

Mate buy a good CBR250RR, they are unbreakable, fast enough and handle well.

I have had a couple of them, my wife now has one. I have thrown everything at them on the track and they come back for more. Plus I reckon they are the easiest bike in the world to ride fast on the track.

I disagree with satans fist, 250cc 4's do make power like real bikes. Have you ridden a modern 600 recently ??

[LOE]

I bought my first bike in 1996, I was a proud owner of a CBR250RR. (Watch out for the CBR250R Hurricane it looks like a smaller, thiner bike and has only one brake rotor on the front.) I bought that bike in Queensland for $5000 had it for twelve months and sold it for $5000. Had a look recently what it would cost to buy that bike now (in the same condition) $5000. get the point ... cost you nothing.

They redline at a amazing 19,000 RPM, Satansfirst was right they are not well known for their touque but not many 250cc bikes are. Since that first 250 I've had a 99 GSXR750, 02 CBR 929 Fireblade, 01 VTR SP1, 03 CBR 954 and a 2002 GSXR 1000. I think that the CBR250RR was perfect for a first bike for me and they look great to boot.

[APCLB]

Man the old RD/RZ 250/350...used to scare the pants off me when I first started riding! Used to ride a Suzuki TS 185 ER to school and a dude from year 12 had an RD 250 LC...used to come screaming past me down the highway on the way to school...

A guy I work with is looking at a bike and having had off-road experience I recomended the RGV/KR1S options to him...good luck finding a decent example these days though. I used to have an RGV 250 Pepsi Replica back when Kevin Schwantz was still riding, had to get rid of it after 3 months to save my license.

Kinda liked the Pepsi replica,altho was a killer on the wrists after a long ride.I'd say the KR's are extinct,haven't seen one for years,but man were they an on/off rocket ship!
Had 5 RZ/RZR's & 2 RD350LC's at one time,also raced the RZ series for a time.One of the road rego'd RD's had a set of TZ750 barrel sets + crank carbs etc.turned out to be around 373cc's,hand made dyno tuned pipes,sounded horn!Went like a cut cat,pwr band around 11k to 16k!Used to blow GSXR750's into the weads,chewed chains & sprockets on a weekly basis & would smoke the Avon off the lights,gawd I miss those machines.
Also had RZR front forks/disks & RZ rear rim/disc fitted to the RD.
Srry to go o/t,I'm feeling very nostalgic or showing my age,one of the 2.:lol:

[Satansfist]

Mate buy a good CBR250RR, they are unbreakable, fast enough and handle well... Plus I reckon they are the easiest bike in the world to ride fast on the track...


Hahaha...I agree, modern 600's are becoming more and more like the 250's, screaming top end power bands made for the race track. I wouldn't recommend a modern 600 to learn on either (and that's what the original post was asking for). How much time is VP2NV going to be spending on the track?

[rocks-crewman]

I bought a GPX 250R a few months ago and it is a great little bike. Well priced, good resale and rides very nice. Of course it is all a matter of how much you want to spend and personal preferences, but for the money for a new 250, the Kwaka is hard to beat.

[mmm]

First of all have a search of the website, heaps of people have heaps of advice.

Second, on a personal level, I'd never go for a 4 cylinder 250, it gives the rider a completely misguided idea about the way a bike delivers power. 4 cylinder 250's are all about revs, revs and no forward motion. I can't count the amount of times I've heard the wail of a sports bike going down the street, thought, that thing is flying and it turns out to be a 250 4 cylinder with a sports pipe trundling past at 40kmph.

If you can, get the twin, or better yet get a dual purpose bike at 250cc...you'll learn more riding off road than you ever will riding on road, especially if you're new to bikes, and it will be a hell of a lot safer.

Basically ignore the opinions of every other 16 to 22 year old telling you about bikes, in all honesty they haven't ridden enough in all conditions to give you a valid opinion. (Of course there are always exceptions...:rolleyes: all 16 to 22 year olds please keep it in your pants!):lol: :shiner:

Lastly, if it's available, take as many rider training courses as you can and buy the best safety equipment you can afford.

Best of luck, once you've taken up riding a bike it'll always be in your blood, even after 23 years I still want to ride every day.:bravo:


good advice here

i know it's hard to ignore the excitement of first bike but there are better options

go Suzuki GN250 or Honda CB250, more classic style, cheaper & more reliable, less expensive if (when ) you drop it and gives a good feel for bike riding overall & playing with traffic
when you get full licence then go big sports

[Davothegreat]

The most difficult bikes to ride on the road are:

1. 2 stroke 250 sports bikes (eg Aprilia RS250, Suzuki RGV250, Yamaha TZR250 or the old RZ) - the power comes on with an almighty bang, if you're not ready for it it'll cause a lot of strife. They're almost as brutal as big 2 stroke dirt bikes.

2. 4 cylinder 250s - the power's never there when you need it most. Plus shocking turning circles - a point to consider when doing your riding test - when I did mine back in 1998, the feet-up fulllock U-turn was 'barely' makeable on a CBR250RR - steering lock is atrocious.

If you've never ridden a bike before, DO NOT buy either of these.

My advice, if your state laws allow you to buy a bigger bike than a 250 than buy something like a Suzuki GS500 or equivilent. The extra torque will help keep you out of trouble, without being powerful enough to scare you. Make sure you get a naked bike to start with, fairings are expensive to replace if you drop the bike. If you're stuck with buying a 250, buy a twin like a ZZR250, although finding an equivilent without a fairing would be a more sensible option.

I got my licence on an '85 Yamaha RZ250R bored to 350 - that thing was an ultralight missile. I lived only because I had a few years of dirt bike hooning experience beforehand so I had a fair idea of what I was doing. If I didn't have that experience, I would probably have broken a lot of bones on that bike.

[ute469]

I got a CBR 250RR goes well etc first road bike, found was different to ride after riding trail bikes since i was 11, but still got it although orriginally bought it as a run around, got a company car now and it sits there lol.

But i think the CBR as a 250 is a good bike, if you go down that path of the Cbr get the RR, twin disc front, bent swingarm, larger carbies and a few more revs.

[V8BRUTE]

Its hard to recommend a bike for someone without knowing their background, dirt bikes are a great learning tool and can deal with many crashes before they need repairs, the technique to ride a dirt bike is very different to a road bike though :deal:

Davo's post above is a good guide for a learner, you want to concentrate on learning the skills to ride confidently without having to worry about what the bike is going to do, any 2 stroke 250 sport bike can test even the more experienced of riders let alone a newbie :yup:

I personally started on a ZZR250 and it served me well till I got off the capacity restrictions, the jump to a 600 is HUGE after the 250 :eek:

Best bet is to do a rider training course on a race track and learn the art of cornering in a safe environment, any clown can go fast in a straight line but when the next corner arrives you soon find out who the experts really are :yup:

[dazz5.7]

I have had an RGV250 since 1999. Great little bike, very reliable and gotta love that 2 stroke sound. The 4 stroke 250's I have ridden have all been very sloooow. I definately recommend getting all the safety gear (roads don't seem too abrasive until you are sliding down them NEXT to your bike) and going on (track) ride days helps too.

Dazz

[NinetySix]

what ever you do, stay away from the hyosung 250's... apparently they bought the plans for the motors off a jap manufacturer, but they make a woeful ammount of power... someting like 24hp, where the jap vtwins make around 35hp (honda spada, honda VTR250)

also the build quality is ultra nasty... they look half decent, but at 6 or 7 grand brand new their value is sure to plummet in the first year... the jap 250's all keep their value pretty well, regardless of age - more dependant on condition

[XtRmn8]

what ever you do, stay away from the hyosung 250's... apparently they bought the plans for the motors off a jap manufacturer, but they make a woeful ammount of power... someting like 24hp, where the jap vtwins make around 35hp (honda spada, honda VTR250)

also the build quality is ultra nasty... they look half decent, but at 6 or 7 grand brand new their value is sure to plummet in the first year... the jap 250's all keep their value pretty well, regardless of age - more dependant on condition

Have you ridden the bikes back to back?

I had the opportunity to test ride a few bikes about 12 months ago with a family member who bought a new Hyosung GT250R at the time. Apart from best looks the Hyosung felt like it had a hell of a lot more power and pulled a lot harder then the Kawasaki or Honda 250's. It has a lot more torque and it is a lot easier to ride. The ZZR is gutless below 8000rpm and not practical with not low end torque. So far the bike has done 11000kms in 12 months and not one problem with it and it gets a good workout.

[Gareth@Willall]

I have to agree with Satansfist here..... The 4cyl 250's dont make the greatest LEARNER bike. I had a GPX250 when I was on my learners and then my partner had a CBR250RR whilst I had my ZX9R and the limited times I rode the CBR it was horrible at doing the low speed stuff. She even crashed it a few times due to not having enuff grunt down low. She then got a VTR250 and it was a ripper little bike. Put an exhaust on it and it sounded killa :lol:

Either way you go there is a MASSIVE jump up to a super sports 600 :yup:

[jerrel]

Biggest and best looking 250 sports bike to get is one of these

http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/GT250R.jpg

More info here http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/gt250r.html

there was also a write up on this bike in fridays cars guide. looks like a very good package.

[SV8.YOU]

The Hyosung 650GT is also learner legal

[VU_SS_UTE]

for a real zippy bike id go for a RGV 250 for what they are they go awsome .

Yeah they're also pigs to ride though, my money would be on a CBR250RR, a couple of younger guys i know have them and although they're gutless (like all 250s) they're not that bad to ride and they're nice and easy to ride.

Edit:

Also if you dont have to have a 250, take a look at Suzuki SV650/SV650s (while im probably biased due to mine) they're a great bike with a bullet proof motor, enough power that they're still fun after years, but not enough to go killing yourself in the first week either.

Was my first road bike, and to be honest even though im after a sports bike now, i'll have two bikes rather than sell it cause its so much fun, not to mention the v-twin sound :D

All the 4cyl 250s sound bloody terrible, revving at 1000000rpm just to do 60 clicks.

[bambam]

what ever you do, stay away from the hyosung 250's... apparently they bought the plans for the motors off a jap manufacturer, but they make a woeful ammount of power... someting like 24hp, where the jap vtwins make around 35hp (honda spada, honda VTR250)

also the build quality is ultra nasty... they look half decent, but at 6 or 7 grand brand new their value is sure to plummet in the first year... the jap 250's all keep their value pretty well, regardless of age - more dependant on condition

Wouldnt go shooting your mouth off till youve ridden one. Heard all that crap before and to be honest, very little of what you said is true. Youre right about the hp figure. thats about it. I would definately not say the build quality is shit. some things leave a bit to be desired but all in all they are a great learner bike. Larger than a cbr or zzr etc. Warranty to boot. Oh and 24hp to 35hp.....who gives a fu#$? Its a 250cc learner bike. Even the most powerfull 250cc is gonna get smoked by most bikes of a larger capacity.

[ACT_Cross8]

If your state allows it, go for something like a GS500. You won't outgrow it as quickly. 4cyl 250cc bikes are a pain to live with.

The GPX250 is a great learner bike as well.

[Road Warrior]

If your state allows it, go for something like a GS500. You won't outgrow it as quickly. 4cyl 250cc bikes are a pain to live with.

The GPX250 is a great learner bike as well.

I think he is from WA, so he is stuck on a 250 for the first 12 months.

Best bet is the GPX 250. Tough, reliable, and cheap. Sure, it aint the best looking or fastest twofiddy, but if you are going to upgrade after 12 months, who cares?

[camerooch]

Another vote for the ZZR-250.
Great bike, very reliable.
:thumbsup:

[fajoopsa]

If you want some real fun on the road buy a Super Motard

[Toddler78]

I think it all depends on your riding experience, only one person has mentioned the aprillia RS250 but in a bad light(I have to agree with their reasons though)
I think if you have no riding experience what so ever then a 4 stroke whould be the best thing
If you have some riding experience (dirt bike experience) then try a 2 stroke as you will know how the power will come on, the secret is all aobut keeping it high in the rev range, great bikes but can be dangerous when power comes on. think back to the 2 stroke 500 GP days verses the motoGP 4 stroke days of now, alot less high side crashes now because the power is more linear apposed to a great power spike. and crashing on the dirt in a paddock is alot less painful and dangerous as crashing on the road.

I think the biggest danger is when you progress from a 250 and most go out and buy a CBR1000 or R1 and go and kill them selves because of the power.

I have had an aprillia from brand new for 6 years now, and beleive me it will keep up with a 600 and wont let a 1000 out of its sights easily but through corners it will sit up their :moon: mind you mine is set up for race so it is quiker the na standard 250 I have been racing since I was 7 years old (did speedway solos from 7 to 14 then raced road from 19 to now) and the 250 can still catch me out.

[vx0007]

for a real zippy bike id go for a RGV 250 for what they are they go awsome .


Can you still ride these on l's??

[NinetySix]

the only 250 worth a squirt...

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/ninetysix/ktm!/ktm6.jpg

:hide:

[vx0007]

[QUOTE=NinetySix;797086]the only 250 worth a squirt...

Thats pretty cool...

[Modena]

my vote is for a CBR250RR

[Chris_23]

I only got my L's about six months back at the same time as two of my mates.. I went with a cbr250rr ($4900) was a bit worried cause im 6'3 but have no probs getting around on her. Fun to ride revvs out to 19 grand and has more than enough power to be exciting, not to mntion to sick paint, gets plenty of looks..and kinda looks like a bigger bike (till u start her up ;).. On the other hand I have a mate who bought a suzuki accross 250 4 ($4500), and the only positive thing bout it is the helmet compartment very handy..but the bike is a pig to ride feels sluggish and is uncomfortable on longer rides..ohh and i absolutely blow him away at the lights.. Finally my last mate bought a aprillia rs125 ($6000), looks scmick, and nice to sit on, even keeps up and maybe even beats mine :(... but he bought it with thirty thousand kays on it and ith need a complete rebuild or so the mechanic says.. apparently aprilia 2 strokes r known 4 that???.. soo all in all I paid a fair price 4 a bike im still loving riding 6 months later.. where as both of my mates have got regrets or a hefty rebuild bill lol..I couldnt reccomend the cbr250rr higher as a first bike...:werd:

[ash33]

Hey guys, doesn't look like this end of the forum gets much use but I'll put my 2 cents in anyway.

Currently in Victoria, we have sensible people who decided power to weight was a safe way to go. So now as a learner you can ride a 650cc bike as long as it's on the LAMS list (pretty much the same as NSW). What these boffins don't realize is the on said 650 you can fit a aftermarket CPU like a power commander and a aftermarket set of pipes and suddenly you have a full power 650 on a learners permit. Which in no way is within the power to weight limits.

On another note I am president of 2TRV - Two Stroke Racing Victoria. Any guys and girls that want to go fast (legally) on two wheels get in touch via PM or email twostrokeracingvic@gmail.com and I'll hook you up. If you want to learn to ride a bike fast two strokes are better than 4.

[bambam]

True you can de-restrict the bikes and allow them to make full power. But have a look at the bikes on the LAMS list. None of them are exactly rocketships at full noise.

If GSXR600s or ZX6s or R6s were on the list there may be an issue. Those bikes at full noise are so close to a litre bike in performance.

[flyingdoc]

Agreed with both. I learnt on an RGV250 - perfect learner bike, can go slow if you want to stay under 7000rpm, or take off in the powerband. Even in wet it was fine. Also great starter race bike. Then I got an R6 and used in for both road & race, and they are absolute rocketships. Keep up with any litre bike on a track shorter than P.Is. and beat them in the wet. On the road the only thing I found was the jump out of the corner wasn't as good, but you make up for it on the brakes into corners and again in the wet they aren't as scary if you stay away from the 15000+ rev limit. Now I've got an FZ1, the perfect roadie - go fast, or tour including 2 up. I think I'll keep her forever.

[Timmay5.7]

Hey fellas, thread dig, but it doesnt deserve its own,
Going for my test in december for 250 bike, and afterwards would be looking for a bike, I'm 6"3', so a bike thats a comfy fit for me could be hard to find, any suggestions?

[JCB81]

Ninja 250R

[TimmyG]

Im also thinking of getting my bike license very soon dnt know anything about bikes lol definatley a car man. Anyway just wondering does any1 know how much the L's test including the card costs in nsw?

Cheers
Tim

[daskip]

i have ridden a few bikes in my short motorbike career :jester::jester:

- Honda CBR250RR
- Honda VTR250
- Suzuki Across ( GSXF250 )
- Kawasaki GPX250
- 2000 GSX-R750
- 2005 YZF-R6
- 2005 GSX-R1000
- 2006 GSX-R750 ( Current Bike )

in the 250 range for a tall bloke your going to have alot of trouble with the more agressive seating bikes like the CBR250R/RR , Ninja250 etc

you would be better off on something like a VTR250 ( V Twin 250cc ) awesome on fuel and still have abit of grunt.

can pick them up for $3000-$4000 depending on age / condition but you will sell it for what you paid for it.

another option is the Hyosung GT650R not the 250R as its a POS with no balls and not worth $2.

the 650R is a larger bike , single cylinder from memory 650CC , take out the restrictor plate and it goes pretty dam well.

good luck with the hunt , you will have a ball on the bike!

the cost of the L's test is $68 + $33 for the license , then your P's are $134 + $33 i think from memory and then to upgrade to your full bike license is $20 go figure :S