Suzuki gsx250 across 1997 - learner bikes

[pottz79]

Hey guys and gals. I am new here and have been researching bikes for the last couple of weeks. i am about to get my L's next week. I have been searching on all the bikes sites and the review sites (that's how i found this site). From all of that, I have come up with the Suzuki gsx250 across as the best bike. But I am keen to hear from those who have actually ridden one first. i am currently looking at a 1997 model for under 4 grand with less then 16 then 22 thousand k's. i have been told to jump on it. I would love to hear all about personal opinions and any other recomendations for bikes.
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I have also been looking on ebay for bike gear. If you type in 'motorbike jackets leather' in search options, you will see some brand new jackets form qld for around $175. they look great and the decriptions are great and obviously for a leather jacket, the price is great. have a look and tell me your thoughts too.

[Tre-Cool]

i dont think you will have any problems with it's power that is for sure.

they are gutless... for some fun, i raced a mate who had a later model one when i had my enduro bike (02 klx650) and i left him behind.

i was so suprised by how much, i took it for a ride and it was woeful. i couldnt even get it to lift the front wheel for a wheelie.

[OPPYLOCK]

I had a grey 94 Across for my first roadbike and I loved it.
I found the power good for a first time rider, you really have to get the revs up to make it go but it will feel fast and you will have fun which is kind of the point for your first bike.
I never had a problem with mine and it was quite a comfortable thing too. The helmet storage is great and I found servicing reasonably cheap.
If you can try and steer clear of the aqua, purple and orange coloured ones, if you have to ask why, go and get your eyes checked!

[oscarls1]

I had a 1998ish model Across as my first street bike and loved it as well. Its a bike that like a few revs, and you have to work it a bit to keep it on the boil, but as an all rounder it was great. I didn't think it was uncomfortable, but was still sporty. Its a great first bike I think, and its great packing your overnight stuff into the helmet holder and going away for the weekend.

Bike gear is your only protection, and would be careful buying anything you can't see. I'd suggest spending money on a good, brand name jacket with some armour - and the best helmet you can afford.

[Road Warrior]

Another former Across owner chipping in. Great first bike. Quite a bit heavier than other 250s due to the 4cyl motor but IMHO its worth it simply for the large helmet storage trunk where the petrol tank normally is! I cant understand why the feature never made its way onto other bikes.

Seconding the call about buying gear online. Avoid buying something that you have never tried on, let alone seen, off ebay. I bought all my stuff off ebay but I also had my sizing sussed and had tried on a fair bit of apparel in bike shops before then.

[pottz79]

Thanks for your help guys. you basically stated what most of my mates have. so now it is just a matter of finding one. They don't seem to last very long once advertised, so i guess that is also a good indication!

[NefariousVX]

as said previously i wouldnt buy bike gear off abay, you need it to fit perfectly and different brands/makes of gear have slight differences in sizeing, so be careful. Enjoy, i have been riding for about 4 months now and i love it, i bought a honda vt250 spada, a great little bike, although i did look at the accross but it was a bit older than what your are looking at, and it didnt appeal to me. Have fun and stay safe.

Cheers Richard

[turbo2006]

Its not ideal to lift a 250cc bike for a wheelie, you'll just damaging it..

[pottz79]

got a 1995 across for 3 grand. has 29000kms on it. so far so good. having dramas with the storage compartment and fuel lid though. sometimes it just won't open. the battery is full as i have a charger for it. then when you leave it for a while and try it, it suddenly works fine. anyone with any ideas?
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secondly, most probably a stupid question, but where should the fuel lever be switched to, either the reserve or on setting? i just found it on the reserve setting and noticed that i still was getting over 100kms before the light started coming on. so i am thinking it means that it automatically goes to reserve after using the normal tank first. is that the case? therefore it should be on the reserve setting.

[19OTU]

cheap good bike