I'm applying for my bike license very soon and I've already hit the wall of decision on which 250 I want.
Ive been browsing through a few makes and models and so far the Ninja 250R is really grabbing my attention. That and the Eliminator 250V.
For some reason I have an immediate bias to Kawasaki's and I'm not sure why. I guess i just really like their bike design and I know them to be of solid build.
I love the look of sport/supersport bikes, but they look really small in comparison to their 600cc counter-parts. I'm a pretty big fella, 6-3 120kgs, so I want a bike that suites my size. That brings me to mention the Hyosung GT250R. It's apparently got a near full frame comparable to a 600cc, but I've also heard they're pretty shocking in the quality dept.
I'm looking to spend around the $8k mark and I prefer something brand new, as I'm a new(ish) rider and don't want to have mechanical issues.
Its also been explained to me that Cruisers are more comfortable to ride (and suite taller people), where-as the sports bikes are all about looks and handling.
Any suggestions and experience would be really handy.
The laws are set to change soon and you may not be able to ride a high Power to weight ratio bike without upgrading your license. Too many AJs killing themselves. It is expected that we will go to an appoved bike like list like some other states.
Quote from Cow;348740: im in the same case milly, and have been perving on the new 250R for a while...
...but everyone has told, and i've resolved myself to the fact that im gonna buy a cheapish second hander, which i can trash around and drop, and learn to ride a bike properly, before i start outlaying moneys on 250Rs or whatever...
oh, and dont forget rego, insurance, leathers, helmets etc...
Lol wut, you want to get a bike license in Canberra!!!
Quote from morge;348758: The laws are set to change soon and you may not be able to ride a high Power to weight ratio bike without upgrading your license. Too many AJs killing themselves. It is expected that we will go to an appoved bike like list like some other states.
The laws changed on July 1st. There is a list of approved bikes and more info here: NT Transport Group - NT Government - Australia
From what I understand, you are allowed anything in the 250cc range except for a few sports bikes and anything that is on the approved list.
From the doco:
Quote: Eligible Motorcycles with an engine capacity 0-260cc All models with an engine capacity of 260cc or less with the exception of: APRILIA RS 250 HONDA NSR 250 KAWASAKI KR 250 (KR-1 AND KR-1S MODELS) SUZUKI RGV 250 YAMAHA TZR 250
Quote: These Learner Approved Motorcycles will have an engine capacity not exceeding 660cc and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 150 kilowatts per tonne.
You can get the approved list from the link I posted earlier, it might open up a wider range of bikes.
Quote from Wrathlon;348761: Get the Eliminator IMO. Looks more comfortable and looks more hardcore - would probably suit you a bit more in the looks department.
Yeah the Eliminator is pretty sexy, I must say. But there are no Kawasaki dealers in Darwin anymore :( The Ninja is out of the question at this stage, for the above reason and the closest one is Katherine.
Was also checking out that LAMS bylaw that was introduced, was interesting.
I went and sat on a new Hyosung GTR250 today and it is a big bike, much bigger than the other 250's around. Its actually as big (but not as heavy, obviously) as the Suzuki 600's and I don't look too big for it. $7.5k new, its mighty tempting.
The dealer seemed pretty on the level, admitting it is a 'cheap' bike, but then again, I will only have it for 12-18 months at most. The only thing turning me off is they dont hold resale value as well as Yammys or Zuki's etc.
If you really want the ninja ring Pro Kawasaki in Brisbane, i bought my ZX14 from them and had it freighted here assembled cheaper than what Baxter's could do it for, they are a good bunch of people to deal with and will even do finance, it was AWESOME coming home to meet the truck to roll my bike off at my gate :D
imo, VTR250 or something. Get a naked bike, not a full fairing jobby.
GS500 is supposed to be half decent second-hand learner. Either way, there's absolutely no point in getting a $7.5k Hyo which you'll have for 12 months. It won't hold resale (at all), and there's a high chance you'll drop it a few times.
Quote from Seqo;348801: imo, VTR250 or something. Get a naked bike, not a full fairing jobby.
GS500 is supposed to be half decent second-hand learner. Either way, there's absolutely no point in getting a $7.5k Hyo which you'll have for 12 months. It won't hold resale (at all), and there's a high chance you'll drop it a few times.
Yeah I understand, but I'm intending on keeping it for a while longer than the 12months. It's purely a commuter / cost saver. The registration and insurance alone will keep me on a 250 for a long time, heh.
Sean have you thought of just getting a cheap 2nd hand 250, learn to ride and get a feel for the road for a few months, then sell it a buy a 600cc+, I bought my motorbike about 6 months before I got my learners, spewing I only bought a 250, 600 for me at least and I'm 6'2". Personally I don't see the need for brand new but if that's your decision then go for it. I just think a 250 is gonna be on the smallish side for you.
I've ridden the CBR250RR and it was great, took off like a bullet, lacked the high end power but you expect that from a 250. Handled well, I blew the front fork suspension seal riding outside robertson barracks, not sure whether the rough road at 160k's or seal was damaged already.
If you could get an Apprillia RS250 you'll pretty much beat anything on the road!
Aaron used to ride a GPZ 250 which is sometimes labeled a ninja depending on Kawasaki's marketing plan for the year, i used to ride a ZZR 1100 which was an awesome bike
If anyone cares my brother (who's in Darwin) is selling his Ninja next week. He's chucking it on the dyno this week and will be putting on the market after that. Give us a yell if you're interested and I'll chuck him your details.
Quote from grandinferno;348861: If anyone cares my brother (who's in Darwin) is selling his Ninja next week. He's chucking it on the dyno this week and will be putting on the market after that. Give us a yell if you're interested and I'll chuck him your details.
Nah man... it's up the other end of things... 600 or 700 or something like that. Keep in mind that I know about as much about bikes as I do about baking. I could ask him?
Sean you might not be as limited as you think, I spoke to a friend today who said that motorbike riders in the NT on L plates can ride up to 600. Haven't confirmed it myself but I know he's recently got his learners via the metal course and he said it was in a letter he got.
A 600 can still be an economical bike, it just depends how hard you ride it, something like an R6 would be wicked.
Latest model [Image: http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/motor/images/models/440/440_01_3l.jpg]
This is the 2005 model [Image: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2005models/2005-Yamaha-R6a.jpg]
a bit pricey but you could get an earlier model like this one which I think is still sexy as [Image: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2000models/2000-Yamaha-R6b.jpg]
redbook puts the average cost of that which is a 2000 model at National average price - private sale* $5,800 - $6,900 Price when new (RRP) "3,175
I have a mate here that has a 600 on his Ps - apparently there is a specific make that's legal here in SA as they are fitted with a restrictor. He liked that fact that he could buy ONE bike, and keep it for years, as they can legally remove the restrictor for you once the registered owner holds a full licence.
In the NT as of July 1st you can now have a bike up to 660cc so long as it is on the approved list. See link: Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS)
pity its not like when i did mine 6 years ago where you could get an early upgrade after doing the advanced course, was awesome being able to ride whatever on your P plates