Help me decide on a motorbike

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  [Deactivated] on 07/03/2014 - 19:09

  +1

  Do not get a modern CBR250. Weak as piss, and mine shat itself on the way home from work today. If anyone wants to help me diagnose it, feel free.

  Its a 2013 CBR250R Repsol with ABS, with 4000 KM on it. I have owned it from new and always looked after it and done the checks.

  What happened:
  Riding along on the freeway, and got hit head on by a big gust of wind. At the same time it the engine stalled and it felt like something shifted/popped in the engine. I pulled into the emergency lane, pulled in the clutch and started it. It struggled to turn over. It now sounds different like theres something wrong with the engine, particularly below 6k RPM. Pulled up at the lights after exiting the freeway, and it stalled again. took about 6 shots at turning over before it started again. I managed to ride it home, but the more I ride it, the louder the new noise gets.a

  • 

    teaBagger on 07/03/2014 - 19:28

    +3

    Sounds expensive - I would get professional advice so you can get a warranty repair

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  xyron on 07/03/2014 - 19:33

  +1

  I've recently been considering the same purchasing decision myself, I am going for my RiderSafe Basic course in a few weeks.

  I have decided I am going to get my hands on a Hyosung GT650R - one of the most powerful LAMS bikes available. If I'm going to become a 'squid' like all my friends suggest, I may as well do it properly. :)

  Seems you can get them for between $4000 and $5000 for a 2010 or newer model (with EFI). I like the idea of a bigger, heavier bike than a smaller 125/250 (my 6' 3" housemate used to have a CBR125R when on his bike Ls and he looked completely ridiculous on it). Mind you, I am only 5' 7" so I might struggle with the heft of the GT650 - we'll see.

  You can get brand new 2013 GT650 nakeds (same as the GT650R but with no fairings and a more upright riding position) for as little as $6000 rideaway at the moment…something to think about!

  • 

    King Steuart on 07/03/2014 - 20:35

    Yeah I'm 5'7 too. You know the insurance is more if it's over 500cc? I'm really not that interested in something overly powerful. That said, there's no way I'd get on 125cc again!

    Thanks for the info though =)

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  bich.light on 08/03/2014 - 10:05

  +1

  I own a Honda CBR500R which retail about $8000 brand new.
  I bought mine 2nd hand for $6500 and they're a 2013 model so they're pretty new :)

  Caution on the air of Hyosung, I've heard that the build quality is quite poor? Might want to do some research in that area~

  I have also ridden a Ninja 300, 250, DRZ400.
  These bikes are all fun to ride, I used to ride a CBR125R and all those bikes blow it out haha

  If its any use, I'm 176cm~

  • 

    King Steuart on 08/03/2014 - 10:35

    Thanks for your advice! The wife has okayed buying a new Ninja so I'm thinking I'll just take the risk of being a learner and dropping it. I'm super careful with all my belongings, so hopefully the bike will be no different!

    • 

      bich.light on 28/03/2014 - 01:42

      Did you end up purchasing a ninja?
      You should seriously consider installing oggy nobs as well! They'll help in a small crash with the initial impact or simply to prevent damage to your ferrings :)

      Also if you're a learner go on to the netrider forums and look for provisional pre-test training session. If not, might even be inclined to visit just for the social aspect and after-ride.

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  Tarnsie on 31/05/2014 - 15:04

  Any more suggestions? Im also looking for a LAMS approved bike under 10yrs old and <15,000kms. For an ozbarginer, What would be the best value bike (price/quality) taking into account resale value if i decide to onsell in 2-3 years, and running costs (yearly repairs/maintenance costs)?

  I need something that is a few years old and has devalued quite a lot so i get it cheap, but not too old so i am forever repairing or replacing parts.

  • 

    xyron on 12/06/2014 - 17:41

    Well to follow on from my comments above, I have bought both a Hyosung GT650S and a GT650R EFI, and love them both. Have derestricted both of them too - crazy power for a Learner (even with the restrictor, they were more than enough).

    I got both of them incredibly cheaply and have therefore little motivation to move either of them at the moment. I have had some small niggles with the S but managed to fix them myself with a bit of research on korider.com.

    Well worth the risk IMO - you can buy them for a song thanks to the less-than-perfect reputation, they are the most powerful LAMS bike around, they look good, and they are comfortable.

    They are also good because they are heavy bikes (200kg a piece) - which will get you used to bigger capacity bikes that you will inevitably move to once you are off your R-date.

    As an aside, Kawasakis dont have the best reputation for build quality either and there are shit-tonnes of Ninja 300s rolling around.

    If you had more money to spend I'd recommend looking at the CBR500R - can get 1-2 year old ones for around $6000, at least around Adelaide (should be cheaper interstate). But I bought both of my Hyosungs and still had change for the price you'd pay for 1 CBR500R. Something to consider when you inevitably drop it at a car park or lowside on your first mountain corner. :)

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  TheOneWhoKnocks on 12/06/2014 - 20:14

  I'd go a Triumph Speed Triple 1050cc but you wouldn't be able to handle the power nor afford it as it is out of your price range. As the others said above, you should consider a CBR250.