Beginner's motorcycle choice

I'm looking to buy a bike within the next few months. Mainly for the fun of it, but also for the free parking on campus, and the fuel savings.

Here in Australia, used motorbikes are generally more expensive than in the 'States, (or so it seems.) All the cool '70s Japanese "classic/vintage" bikes tend to go for more than I think they're worth. So, with a budget of about $1500, (excluding necessary gear; rider training etc.) that leaves me looking at '80s 250cc sports bikes. (State law says I can't ride a bike exceeding 250cc capacity for the first 12 months.)

Top of my radar at the moment is the Honda VT250F. Readily available in my price range. 250cc 4-stroke, 40hp, 13500rpm, 140kg, 100mph.

Any comments, or suggestions of comparable bikes (i.e. "loop hole" 250's that aren't totally slow)? Things to look out for with a bike of this nature? Spend more money on something newer instead?

My other option is a dual sport. I'd like to get some off-road experience, but I'm thinking a 250cc dualsport is probably not particularly pleasant on the road, where my commute would involve small sections of freeway.

That's a nice looking bike with or without fairing. Another 250 that can do the ton is the kawasaki 250r - about the same specs 38 hp 14,000 rpm, 139kg, 105mph. They've been around since the late 80s.

I don't know if CBR250s are available in your price range, plus there is a bunch of strokers (NSR250, TZR250 etc) if you don't have a power limit.

That V4 may be expensive to repair and/or difficult to work on. Great engines but that vintage, at least here in the states, had some issues to look after.

The V4's here breakdown like this. All from memory so someone correct me if I'm wrong.

• VF500's developed crank issues
• VF700 - VF1000 would eat cams if ridden at low rpms. They grind the lobes off as there isn't enough oil volume to lubricate properly. Fix is out there. Check the Sabmag board for info. Seems to be more common on the cruiser bikes (Sabre, Magna) than on the sporting bikes (Interceptor) due to the more sporting nature in which the Interceptors were used RE: more rpms.

We didn't have the VF250 here so I can't comment on the little interceptor.

I was going to check Craigs List for you but your profile only lists "Western Australia" as your location. Whoa. Big margine of error there. Are you in Perth, Port Hedland, or Bunbury?! Let me know and I'll scan some CL for you and make some suggestions in your price range.

Being so close to Asia I'm almost certain you guys got some tasty small bore bikes over there. Maybe the gem like 400cc bikes that are so popular in Japan.

Thanks, but Perth CL is pretty much dead, or never really caught on. You really have to scour the local papers for bargains here.

The Aprilia RS125 is another consideration. Somewhat impractical, but definitely loads of fun.

In reply to BoxheadTim:

Unfortunately 250 2-strokes are out .

For a school commuter and first bike, keep in mind it is going to get dropped. Not saying you're not careful or responsible - but trust me on this. Think well-maintained beater. I think there was a honda 250 shadow...

Luke wrote: The Aprilia RS125 is another consideration. Somewhat impractical, but definitely loads of fun.

I want one of these so bad.

That Aprilia is a 2smoke right? I'd shoot for a beat 4 stroke at first. A bike that has sold well for over 10 years is the Suzuki GN125. That thing will do just about all you could want and get next to impossible mpg while you're at it. Also, once you're done you can sell it to the next beginner for about what you paid for it.

Then there's this, ZZR-600 in Perth - asking $1800.

If you buy this promise me you'll buy gear AND ride like you have bones made of glass.

Xceler8x wrote: That V4 may be expensive to repair and/or difficult to work on. Great engines but that vintage, at least here in the states, had some issues to look after.

I believe it's a twin.

GSXR 250 would be cool if you can get them there.

We did get the VT250 here in the states, it is a V-twin. I have never ridden one but have often been tempted when I see them for sale occasionally, usually sub $500.

Luke wrote: Thanks, but Perth CL is pretty much dead, or never really caught on. You really have to scour the local papers for bargains here. The Aprilia RS125 is another consideration. Somewhat impractical, but definitely loads of fun.

Not what you'd want to learn to ride on though, and they like frequent rebuilds.

Luke wrote: In reply to BoxheadTim: Unfortunately 250 2-strokes are out .

That's a pity, but OTOH you might get a chance to ride rather than to learn how to wrench on a bike .

Xceler8x wrote: Then there's this, ZZR-600 in Perth - asking $1800. If you buy this promise me you'll buy gear AND ride like you have bones made of glass.

I'm stuck with a 250cc (or less) for the first year of riding.

Xceler8x wrote: Also, once you're done you can sell it to the next beginner for about what you paid for it.

I guess that's key, here. It's essentially going to be a disposable bike. Although it would be cool to find something worth hanging on to, maybe to turn into a track bike later on.

GSXR 250's are available, but tend to be expensive.

The GSX250 'Katana' falls into my price range, though.

2-stroke idea received expected response

Any merit to the dual sport idea?

I'd love to have one of those 250 Katanas...they were never sold in the US, of course. I have an '82 1000 Katana, so it would be cool to have the two parked side by side.

Luke wrote: The GSX250 'Katana' falls into my price range, though. Any merit to the dual sport idea?

I like that Suzuki!

Dual sports have some merit as beginning bikes. Upright seating position which helps with visibility and control. The 250 versions tend to be lighter weight. It will most likely be a single which cuts down on maintenance a singles tend to be tough.

The next question is what kind of riding will you do? Mostly interstate, city, dirt, mostly paved? I visited Queensland a few years ago and was surprised in Atherton how many dirt trails there were. I'd have a ball blasting down those on a setup dual sport. If you have some opportunities to ride roads like that dirt riding can only improve your street skills. Also, less cars to run you over if you fall off. Do keep in mind....a 250 Dual sport's top speed will most likely be right around 55mph depending on tune.

Xceler8x wrote: The next question is what kind of riding will you do? Mostly interstate, city, dirt, mostly paved?

Mostly city, and a bit of interstate. There's a nice selection of dirt roads here, too. There's also some fantastic winding country (paved) roads. So, it's still a toss up.

Luke wrote: Mostly city, and a bit of interstate. There's a nice selection of dirt roads here, too. There's also some fantastic winding country (paved) roads. So, it's still a toss up.

In which case I'd almost go for the bike that fits the bill and is in the best condition for the best price. Ah! Shopping for motorized toys. The sheer joy of it all.

Didn't you folks get a 250 Yamaha SRX? We only got a 600 and they are scarce as hen's teeth. I ahd a chance to buy one for $1200 once when I was unemployed.

Apparently we did. Sharp looking bike!

Only the one for sale (online) in the country, though, it seems.

In OZ you got the Honda CBR250R 4stroke 4cyl, I would LOVE to get my paws on one of those.

That said, I will ALWAYS say that a dual-sport is the perfect beginner bike. What you learn on the dirt (to the extent of a reflex) will save your ass later on the street on bigger bikes. See the dual-sport thread on this forum.