Hi everyone! I'm new at the forum and this is my firs topic, but first I like to introduce myself. I'm from Mexico and actually I start to considerate to ride a bike as an very good alternative to move in my chaotic city and primary to go from my house to the collage an viceversa (and to go out to a highway from time to time jeje), I took a motorcycle driving course (It's REALLY hard to find one on Mexico) about two months ago and I been looking to buy a bike since then but i have some questions:
1. Is it 535cc (Yamaha Virago) a good choice to start in??? I´ve heard is a good begginers bike but I have my doubts
2. I've found Viragos (250cc/535cc) whose model date are 1993-1999 with only one owner and low miles. Are this bikes still good to ride in the city and in the highway?
3. Is the Lifan 250 Virago clone a good bike or you still go for the Virago/V-star instead, please this is fundamental I need the opinion from someone who owned anyone of this bikes
4. The Suzuki GNZ 250 It's good for highway trips??
Thanks for your attention and I hope I don't bother with my questions. Be seen you in the forums!!!
Some questions about buying a begginers bike
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JC Viper
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I've had a Suzuki GZ250 and it was pretty good on the highway but when it gets windy be prepared for some heavy vibes at 60 - 70 mph. The Virago 535 is a good bike in terms of power and newb friendliness. I never cared for the somewhat springy forks (this was my riding school's test bike).
Now this is time for you to sit on the bikes to see how each one fits you. I quickly left the 250cc range and went for a Vulcan 500. I got more leg room and enough power for those roads where 80 is the norm.
Now this is time for you to sit on the bikes to see how each one fits you. I quickly left the 250cc range and went for a Vulcan 500. I got more leg room and enough power for those roads where 80 is the norm.
One thing you can count on: You push a man too far, and sooner or later he'll start pushing back.
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jonnythan
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Re: Some questions about buying a begginers bike
I've been rockin a 535 for two years now. Even with two people on, it accelerates up to highway speeds (60-75 mph) faster than my car. It's comfortable and has more than enough power. Top speed is at least 95.Zero wrote:Hi everyone! I'm new at the forum and this is my firs topic, but first I like to introduce myself. I'm from Mexico and actually I start to considerate to ride a bike as an very good alternative to move in my chaotic city and primary to go from my house to the collage an viceversa (and to go out to a highway from time to time jeje), I took a motorcycle driving course (It's REALLY hard to find one on Mexico) about two months ago and I been looking to buy a bike since then but i have some questions:
1. Is it 535cc (Yamaha Virago) a good choice to start in??? I´ve heard is a good begginers bike but I have my doubts
2. I've found Viragos (250cc/535cc) whose model date are 1993-1999 with only one owner and low miles. Are this bikes still good to ride in the city and in the highway?
3. Is the Lifan 250 Virago clone a good bike or you still go for the Virago/V-star instead, please this is fundamental I need the opinion from someone who owned anyone of this bikes
4. The Suzuki GNZ 250 It's good for highway trips??
Thanks for your attention and I hope I don't bother with my questions. Be seen you in the forums!!!
Good reliable bike. Not so good if you're tall, though.
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonnythan/sets/]Flickr.[/url]
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flw
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- My Motorcycle: '98 Honda Goldwing GL1500se
- Location: Rockford, Illinois U.S.
The bike your looking at sound very similar to my Kawaski Vulcan 500 LTD. The only downside to these size bike is taking a passenger more than to the corner store.
At 400 to 600 cc most of these do fine on the highway and for a beginner. The issue with all it carring a passenger any distance. They are all light enough for the beginner and have enough power for the highway. Cost, general condition and standard features are the only differences.
If have your eyes on a bigger bike then buy the cheapest/safe bike you can find. So is to let someone else take the hit on its drop in value, if you want to ride it for several to many years then low miles/great condition but still not new. You can save a ton on money by getting a bike 1 or 2 years old that is going to look just like new. The difference in money you can spend on saftey equipment. Helmet, quality jacket, gloves, pants and boots. Don't forget raingear even if you never plan on riding in it. It seems to find you no matter what !
At 400 to 600 cc most of these do fine on the highway and for a beginner. The issue with all it carring a passenger any distance. They are all light enough for the beginner and have enough power for the highway. Cost, general condition and standard features are the only differences.
If have your eyes on a bigger bike then buy the cheapest/safe bike you can find. So is to let someone else take the hit on its drop in value, if you want to ride it for several to many years then low miles/great condition but still not new. You can save a ton on money by getting a bike 1 or 2 years old that is going to look just like new. The difference in money you can spend on saftey equipment. Helmet, quality jacket, gloves, pants and boots. Don't forget raingear even if you never plan on riding in it. It seems to find you no matter what !
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
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JC Viper
- Legendary 2000
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- Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 9:12 pm
- Real Name: JC
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- Years Riding: 7
- My Motorcycle: 1984 Kawasaki GPz900R
- Location: New York, NY
You can also look into the new Suzuki that just came out: TU250 and it's around $3500 new. It's styled like a a cafe race and it seems to be better tuned than the GZ250 for highway use.
A ninja 250 is a bike that many don't grow out of too quickly so that should be a nice option (used) but beware the increased insurance due to the "Ninja" moniker.
A ninja 250 is a bike that many don't grow out of too quickly so that should be a nice option (used) but beware the increased insurance due to the "Ninja" moniker.
One thing you can count on: You push a man too far, and sooner or later he'll start pushing back.
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JC Viper
- Legendary 2000
- Posts: 2198
- Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 9:12 pm
- Real Name: JC
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 7
- My Motorcycle: 1984 Kawasaki GPz900R
- Location: New York, NY
Some would argue the EFI makes for better fueling, I on the other hand just read an article on how all these new equipment for stricter emissions are actually helping vehicles to decrease fuel mileage.gsJack wrote:The TU250 is fuel injected while the GZ250 still has a carb.
The TU250 has more compression, lighter weight and I'm curious how the handlebar feels. I wish this bike was out when I bought my GZ250 I would've gone for that instead. Now all we need is Triumph to come out with a 250 - 500cc economy bike.
One thing you can count on: You push a man too far, and sooner or later he'll start pushing back.
I fall in love with the TU250 (I think his Triumph look is awsome) but I've talk to the Suzuki dealer and he says that the bike is not coming to my country 
such a shame so I still looking for a bike. Which one of this options appels you more? a 2006 Suzuki Gz250 with 125 miles on $2575 or a 1999 Yamaha Virago 250 with 2704 miles on $2568???? Thanks for all your answers!
P.d: I hope Triumph hears obout the economy line...
such a shame so I still looking for a bike. Which one of this options appels you more? a 2006 Suzuki Gz250 with 125 miles on $2575 or a 1999 Yamaha Virago 250 with 2704 miles on $2568???? Thanks for all your answers!P.d: I hope Triumph hears obout the economy line...
The Virago 535 is a capable bike for highway use.
The smaller viragos are also okay. My problem with them is the handle bar style. The typical buckhorn style handle bars on the Viragos is NOT a great set up. They are not as easier to 'feel' and acquire confidence when countersteering. I do not like them for this reason
I cannot make any judgements on Lifans
We run a LOT of GZ250s. They are great start bikes, and are reliable. They ride decently well. I am 240 lbs, and the GZ250s will do 65 with me on them BUT its working hard. They go from 0 to 60 or 7o KM/H easily, but then seem to work a fair bit getting from 70 to 100 KM/H. These little 250s (and all the other cruiser 250s) really are best for commuting at speeds under 70 KM/H. Beyond that they work too hard.
The smaller viragos are also okay. My problem with them is the handle bar style. The typical buckhorn style handle bars on the Viragos is NOT a great set up. They are not as easier to 'feel' and acquire confidence when countersteering. I do not like them for this reason
I cannot make any judgements on Lifans
We run a LOT of GZ250s. They are great start bikes, and are reliable. They ride decently well. I am 240 lbs, and the GZ250s will do 65 with me on them BUT its working hard. They go from 0 to 60 or 7o KM/H easily, but then seem to work a fair bit getting from 70 to 100 KM/H. These little 250s (and all the other cruiser 250s) really are best for commuting at speeds under 70 KM/H. Beyond that they work too hard.
