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As per the posted links, they were all roughly around 60hp and 155-160kg (wet). Modern 600cc supersports are actually pretty close to that weight, albeit minus fluids  An '89 ZXR-250 is listed as having ~45hp and 141kg. Not too shabby, considering it was an I4 and not just a twin. CBR250 - with a police escort http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDzb3aqWmxQ&feature=related Twisty stuff is way more fun on a small displacement bike. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQUlaHaml7Q gently caress. That's it, next year, I'm going to sell a kidney and buy myself a grey market 250 or 400. 
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Dec 7, 2008 07:04
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Stoic Commie posted:Why doesn't Honda sell these smaller displacement CBRs in the US? I'd love a CBR250 or 400. Simkin pretty much summed it up - why buy a 250 when you can start on a 600 SS right away!  Our first bikes over here used to be restricted to 250cc (now we use a power to weight ratio restriction) So as a result, there's a huge demand for 250cc sport bikes.I still find it pretty funny that the CBR250 is considered to be a bit too powerful for a learner, and then I come onto these forums and see people asking if a 600 is a good choice to start on 
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Dec 7, 2008 11:46
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darknrgy posted:How is the riding position on the 650 compared to the 500? I'm considering this as my future replacement (not for another year or so but still), but I don't want an uncomfortable riding position because I like really long rides. The 650 feels like it's making you lean forward slightly more, but I can still sit pretty much straight up on it regardless (5'11"). I actually found the 650 to be much more comfortable, because the seat is better contoured for my skinny rear end that has no natural padding. The seat on the 250/500 is more narrow and puts too much pressure on the inner part of my butt cheeks. Also, the additional power prevents your engine from being so buzzy on the highway.
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Dec 7, 2008 16:28
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We have both a displacement limit, a horsepower limit and a power/weight ratio limit over here (UK) albeit at different points/tiers on the license. When you start (CBT) you're limited to a bike with less than 125cc and less than 14.6bhp. You can then pass your bike test on a machine between 120cc and 125cc (I think it has to be able to hit 60mph though) and you'll be limited to a machine with less than 33bhp for 2 years, after which you're license becomes unrestricted. If you're over 21 you can take the test on a bike with at least 33bhp (trainign schools generally use GS-500/550s or ER-5s) which gives you a unrestricted license straight away. That shows why small displacement bikes are quite popular, particularly things like the CBR125. Getting the CBT allows you to ride one of those with only 2 restrictions, no motorways and no pillions, which is quite a lot of freedom tbh. I think the SV650 is quite a popular bike for those people with restricted licenses because you can fit the horsepower limiter to take it below the 33bhp level quite easily. Plus you can derestrict it at the end of your two years, it's like having a new bike for almost no money. Having said that, the CB400 I'm getting still makes 50bhp (when new). Thank God I have the unrestricted license. vvvv I'd guess the M endorsement is the bit that lets you ride motorcycles over a normal (car) driving license. I don't know about the driving license, but a quick google seems to suggest that your US license is good for one year before you are obliged to get a UK license. The only thing I would hasten to mention is that the motorbike and car licenses are seperate items and tests, and having one doesn't imply anything about the other. To start learning on either you get a Provisional license, and then when you pass the specific test (car or bike) your license gets upgraded. For instance, I have a full bike license, so I can ride any bike I like, but I'm still only on a provisional license for the car. My best friend has a full car license and is in the process of getting his full bike license. From the sounds of it over there, you get the car license, and then a little bit on top to be able to ride a bike. Orange Someone fucked around with this message at 08:11 on Dec 8, 2008 |
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Dec 7, 2008 19:45
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How does this work for moving? Like, I'm looking to move to England. I have had a valid M endorsement here is the states for years, do I have to start all over?
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Dec 8, 2008 02:52
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 My wife's new-to-her 1990 zxr250. 23000km on the clock, lots more fun than the ex250.
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Dec 8, 2008 08:30
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That's a nice looking little biek. It looks to be in pretty nice condition, considering it'd be what, a 1992 model or thereabouts? What's it like to ride in anger, compared to the EX250 - since that's about the closest point of reference I have?
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Dec 8, 2008 09:25
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Does it really rev to 19K? It seems with that redline that the power curve would look like an asymptote (until 30hp or whatever). Does it bog down at like 7k?
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Dec 8, 2008 09:32
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Looks like it bogs at anything under about 5k. Here's some guy just tooling around town, with a pretty good view of the tachometer - it looks like sop is 7-10k rpm just for commuting, which puts it about halfway up the rev range. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkDYi67bHE0&feature=related I remember running across something about one of the 250s (can't remember whether it was the GSX-R or Honda) that while it did have a redline of 21k rpm, couldn't regularly do that without lunching bits of the valvetrain. I could just be smoking something, though.
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Dec 8, 2008 09:42
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That has a fantastic running tone and then what a godawful idle tone. poo poo that thing looks like fun.
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Dec 8, 2008 09:57
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Simkin posted:That's a nice looking little biek. It looks to be in pretty nice condition, considering it'd be what, a 1992 model or thereabouts? What's it like to ride in anger, compared to the EX250 - since that's about the closest point of reference I have? It's definitely more sporty than the ex250; the chassis and suspension are way more confidence inspiring when you ride hard, and while it's only got an extra 10-15hp on the butt dyno it sounds like it's in a completely different class. Because it revs so high you've got that race-bike scream even at legal speeds. And yeah, with a 19k redline it's completely useless below 6-7k. It also feels like it's geared higher than the ex250, which is nice. No word yet on fuel economy but we're taking it touring in a couple of weeks, that should be a great way to see what it can do. What really impressed me was the little things - the dash is nicely laid out and the clutch/brake lever adjusters are really user friendly. Only drawback we've found so far is that the key is really loose in the ignition; the PO attached a small D-ring to the keychain so you can clip it to the bars, because the key can actually be vibrated out of the ignition (and the bike merrily keeps going).
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Dec 8, 2008 10:35
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That was how my ex250's ignition worked. Key never fell out but goddamn it had the teeth of an 80yo babuschka similar to my 1990 toyota camry key which I could start two of my friends high school camrys with and vice versa.
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Dec 8, 2008 10:39
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Other than the key being ... umm ... sloppy  how is the build quality? I'd imagine they're screwed together a fair bit better than the EX250. I mean, not that there's anything inherently wrong with the build quality on an EX250/500, but there's definitely an air of getting what you pay for, that's evident in all of the components and how they're put together.I resolve to live vicariously through you and your wife vicariously, because there's no conceivable way that one of those will ever fall into my clutches within the forseeable future. 
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Dec 8, 2008 10:49
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Is there no way to get a legal I-4 250 or 400 into the states? The only way I can imagine is that in Kitsap county in WA and I imagine other counties that emisssions are never checked, that they only care about make and displacement.
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Dec 8, 2008 11:12
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Simkin posted:Other than the key being ... umm ... sloppy MY WIFE says that the build quality isn't bad - it feels more solid than the '07 ex250 she'd been riding, and we can't imagine the ex250 being in comparable condition after 18 years. Also, I have a friend who's just restored an RVF-400 - it ticks all the exotic boxes; V4, single sided swingarm, breaks down all the time... I'll try to get some pics for the images thread.
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Dec 8, 2008 11:36
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Thanks Bird-o-matic, you're the best.  What are the prices like on those bikes, generally speaking? I pawed through a bunch of Japanese auctions, and they all seemed to range between $1200-3000, but that was before any importation costs were taken into consideration. GriszledMelkaba: Move to Canada, and share in the glory that is a rolling 15yr exemption on importing any vehicle. http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/mcy/933229576.html  I don't think that the FZR400 was ever sold to the states, but it was sold to Canada, and it looks reasonably close to the 600. You might be able to convince them that it's the larger model, although that might also take a bit of bribery...
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Dec 8, 2008 11:56
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Simkin posted:GriszledMelkaba: Move to Canada, and share in the glory that is a rolling 15yr exemption on importing any vehicle. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck that. I guess I'll just have to settle for my overpowered american darwin award bikes.
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Dec 8, 2008 12:38
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My '05 Spirit 1100 45,000+ miles on her. Needless to say, my daily rider. Even though it's getting entirely too cold. She's incredibly dirty at the moment due to work. My roommate's '05 Shadow 750 
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Dec 8, 2008 17:25
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'09 Buell XB9. Got it a few weeks ago. Traded in a V-Star 1100 so it's quite the change for me, but I really like it so far. And yes it isn't a Gixxer and doesn't perform like one   
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Dec 8, 2008 17:59
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Simkin posted:
That look''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s familia'r  Onl'y differenc'e betwee'n that one and mine (other than the chassis differences) is I have 6 gears (instead of 5) and 2 front brake rotor''s (instead of 1). And it's nice and shiny, whereas my one has scratched oil/clutch cover''s  0-100km/h in about 5 seconds, which is faster than most cars around here, and more than fast enough to kill you. On average, I get about 250km on a tank (13 litres) commuting. My current record is 360km of mainly freeways/highway cruising, before I ran out of reserve and had to do the duckwalk of shame to the closest service station.    
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Dec 8, 2008 18:07
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Cull posted:'09 Buell XB9. Got it a few weeks ago. Traded in a V-Star 1100 so it's quite the change for me, but I really like it so far. And yes it isn't a Gixxer and doesn't perform like one Sup fellow Bueller. I love how blacked out the new ones are, it's taken a few cans of high-temp to approach that look on my 03.
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Dec 8, 2008 19:17
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Simkin posted:What are the prices like on those bikes, generally speaking? I pawed through a bunch of Japanese auctions, and they all seemed to range between $1200-3000, but that was before any importation costs were taken into consideration. Around $1500-2700 USD after import here. NZ has a pretty strong 2nd hand Jap import market.
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Dec 8, 2008 20:05
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I bought a 1982 honda cm450e for 600 big ones. turns out i should have paid around 400  drat thing needed new clutch plates, entirely new forks and an entire rear light assembly. Funny side note. when i bought her the brake light cover fell off, and i had only owned it for a few days. I wanted to ride, but without a brake light its pretty illegal. so i did what any rational person would do; i electrical taped a dixie cup over the assembly. From that day forth my bike has been known as Dixie. edit: I have since removed the entire assembly, and replaced it with a harley davidson sportster assembly. I have a Honda Davidson. ride dixie ride.  i'll get a glamor shot up tomorrow, i need to take one still. oxyrosis fucked around with this message at 10:13 on Dec 10, 2008 |
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Dec 10, 2008 10:10
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 YIPPEEEE Me on my 2001 sv650s. Notice my awesome Shift 967 leather jacket that I got on close out
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Dec 11, 2008 01:16
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Gnaghi posted:Sup fellow Bueller. I love how blacked out the new ones are, it's taken a few cans of high-temp to approach that look on my 03. Yeah at first I was disappointed in the color change this year but I actually like it better now....quite a bit less "Transformer-ish" in the all black. Besides, you can't go wrong with black eh? Guy at the dealership that walked me through it on purchase day said he did the same spray paint treatment on his '06 but "kinda screwed it up" 
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Dec 11, 2008 05:56
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Cull posted:'09 Buell XB9. Got it a few weeks ago. Traded in a V-Star 1100 so it's quite the change for me, but I really like it so far. And yes it isn't a Gixxer and doesn't perform like one  I really like those dark blue wheels, but I don't like the switch to the translucent airbox covers. I definitely miss mine, having put it away for the winter. I don't want to rush through ski/snowboard season, but I can't wait for April.
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Dec 14, 2008 15:23
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theitguys posted:My roommate's '05 Shadow 750 That is a Shadow (Non-deluxe) VLX. 600cc 4 spd. Atleast what is left of one. Those are good bikes.
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Dec 15, 2008 08:33
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MetalClawWolf posted:That is a Shadow (Non-deluxe) VLX. 600cc 4 spd. I stand corrected. I was getting it confused with my old VT750 I guess.
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Dec 15, 2008 13:51
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Phat_Albert posted:Table breaking, no gear, ipod. Table breaking and lack of gear I can understand, but ipod? Why is listening to music or radio while riding a bad idea?
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Dec 22, 2008 16:24
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I think whether or not using an iPod while riding is dangerous mostly depends on the rider. If your the type of person who looses your situational awareness because your dancing along to your mp3 player, your probably shouldn't be using one. I dont leave the house without mine, and I have never once been surprised by something that I couldn't hear. I also use noise isolating headphones, which do a good job of cutting the bike and wind noise allowing my to use my headphones at a reasonable level, so I can still hear horns and whatnot pretty well. What disturbs me is seeing people using the stock headphones, because I know they must be absolutely blasting them to be able to hear the music. Permanent hearing damage, and not being able to hear anything around me? no thanks....
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Dec 23, 2008 08:54
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finally got caught up on this thread, here's my Peg! Click here for the full 940x1408 image. Had it for 2 months now, so much fun to ride. I even got the front wheel up a lil bit the other day. Not on purpose, but not unexpected either.
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Dec 23, 2008 11:26
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Just found this forum and figured I should post pictures of my baby. I've seen quite a few of them in this thread and I will say that it has been an excellent first bike for me. It has a good sitting position which allows me to make couple hundred mile trips in a day without an issue. There I am sitting on my baby the day he came home with me. 
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Dec 23, 2008 18:47
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I bought my first motorcycle on Saturday, put it in the back of my truck, and brought it home. The only riding I'd done at that point was at the MSF course, so I didn't feel safe riding 30 miles on SoCal freeways to get it home. I've been riding it since then, believe me. 1990 Yamaha Radian 600cc. I love it so much.  
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Dec 23, 2008 23:37
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I love the look of those Radians. Maybe not the square headlight, but otherwise it's great. All the V-Maxes are huffing and puffing at the gym thinking they look great but actually the girls prefer the smooth, stylish and fit Radian. Hah!
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Dec 24, 2008 03:14
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Excuse the poor pictures. I'm just a bit excited to post. I'll take more when there's light out. 1993 Ninja ZX-6. 7,500 miles, $1,000, questionable paint scheme.  
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Dec 24, 2008 09:48
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TheFonz posted:How does this work for moving? I'll try to find the link, you might be lucky or you might not. I just moved to the uk from Canada and for us it's a direct swap. Hand in your Canadian license an get a uk one with the equivalent ratings. That might be a commonwealth thing though, so that little uprising you had a few centuries ago moth have nixed your chances . There might be individual states with a reciprocal agreement though.
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Dec 24, 2008 10:47
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Christoff posted:questionable paint scheme Oh, there's no question about it - that paint scheme is 
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Dec 24, 2008 11:49
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here's the link I was thinking about http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/MotoringDecisionTrees/HowToImportorExportaVehicle/exchange_driving_licence.dsb looks like you're out of luck though, the designated countries are: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe. You can ride/drive for up to a year on your home license though, but then you have to stop driving or do the UK tests.
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Dec 24, 2008 18:21
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Forgot to post this. This is my newest project, a 1977 Kawasaki KZ650. Picture below of when I first got it. Since then I've gotten a new tank and managed to get it started.  77 Kaw + 67 Yammy = Friends 4 life
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Dec 24, 2008 18:36
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The '84 CB250N. Finally got some photos of it:   
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Dec 24, 2008 21:52
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