Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:43 am**

Getting back to bikes that might actually sell: Would anyone really buy a ZX6R with a 250cc slug inside? It would cost just about as much to produce as the full 6R so they would have to charge just about as much for it in the showroom. Any newb out there is going to arrive at the conclusion that he should just buy the full 600 and take it easy. Am I wrong?????

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:49 am**

TechBMW wrote:A good 80% of what comes into the workshop is an electrical problem or glitch. So ... LET'S PUT MORE ELECTRONICS ON !!!! (This goes for cars as well as bikes)

I agree that the electronic junk has gone too far. Our new Ducati has a special red key that is the master re-boot for the bike to accept any new keys that we get cut. Lose the red key and you are out a few grand for a new computer! WHY??????? Just imagine when these bikes get old and you go to need parts from the wereckers: You will have to reprogram them first! We are fast approaching the age of the disposable motorcycle.....

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 11:23 am**

I think Honda should bring the VTR250 to Both UK and North American markets

Model Name:
VTR250

Engine Type:
Liquid cooled 4 stroke, 4 valve DOHC 90° v-twin
Bore x Stroke:
60 x 44.1
Displacement:
249cm
Compression Ratio:
11.0
Carburettor(s):
VD10
Maximum Power:
32ps/10,500rpm
Maximum Torque:
2.4kgm/8,500rpm
Ignition:
Computer controlled digital transistorised
Starter:
electric start
Transmission:
5 speed
Dimensions (mm):
1410 x 720 x 1050
Wheel Base (mm):
1410
Seat Height (mm):
780
Ground Clearance (mm):
170
Fuel Capacity (litres):
13 litres
Front Tyre:
110/70-17 54H
Rear Tyre:
140/70-17 66H
Front Suspension:
telescopic front forks
Rear Suspension:
Pro-link
Front Brakes:
twin piston, 296mm single disc brake
Rear Brakes:
disc brake
Dry Weight (kg):
139kg

I also think the Kawasaki Stockman would do well in North America.Its a purpose built farm bike.

SPECIFICATIONS STOCKMAN
Displacement 249.2 cm3
Bore & Stroke 72.0 x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio 9.3:1
Carburettor Mikuni BST34
Front Wheel Travel 230 mm
Rear Wheel Travel 186 mm
Front Tyre Size 2.75 x 21
Rear Tyre Size 4.10 x 18
Ground Clearance 270 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 9.0 litres
Seat Height 830 mm
Dry Weight 124.0 kg

Also the Honda Deuville would sell well America.It is a great little tourer Shaft drive and fairly cheap.

Engine
Engine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 6-valve SOHC 52° V-twin
Engine Displacement 647cc
Bore & Stroke 79 x 66mm
Compression Ratio 9.2:1
Carburation 36mm slant-type CV x 2
Max. Power Output 55 bhp at 7,750 rpm
Max. Torque 55Nm at 6,250 rpm
Ignition Digital transistorised with electronic advance and HISS
Starter Electric

Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed
Final Drive Enclosed shaft

Dimensions and Weight
Length x Width x Height 2,215 x 780 x 1,260mm
Wheelbase 1,475mm
Seat Height 814mm
Ground Clearance 144mm
Fuel Capacity 19.5 litres
Dry Weight 228kg

Wheels, Suspension and Brakes
Wheels Front 'S'-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels Rear 'S'-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Front 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyres Rear 150/70 ZR17M/C (69W)
Suspension Front 41mm telescopic fork, 115mm axle travel
Suspension Rear Single damper with adjustable preload, 120mm axle travel
Brakes Front 296mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston callipers and sintered metal pads
Brakes Rear 276mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and sintered metal pads

Also I have no idea when Yamaha didnt bring the Bulldog to North America.

Engine
Engine type 4-stroke, V-type 2-cylinder, SOHC
Engine cooling Air cooled
Displacement 1,063cc
Bore x stroke 95 x 75mm
Compression ratio 8.3:1
Maximum power 47.8kW (65 HP) @ 5,500rpm
Maximum torque 88.3Nm (9.0 kg-m) @ 4,500rpm
Lubrication system Wet sump
Carburettor Mikuni BSR37/2
Clutch type Wet, multiple-disc
Ignition system TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission system Constant mesh, 5-speed
Final transmission Shaft
Fuel tank capacity 20 litres (5.8 litres)
Oil tank capacity 3.6 litres

Chassis
Chassis: Steel twin tube backbone
Front suspension system Telescopic fork
Front travel 130mm
Rear suspension system Swing arm (link suspension)
Rear travel 113mm
Front brake Dual discs, Ø 298mm
Rear brake Single disc, Ø 267mm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR17 (58W)
Rear tyre 170/60 ZR17 (72W)

Dimensions
Length (mm) 2,200mm
Width (mm) 800mm
Height (mm) 1,140mm
Seat height (mm) 812mm
Wheel base (mm) 1,530 mm
Minimum ground clearance (mm) 168mm
Dry weight (kg) 233 kg

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 11:57 am**

this was talked about in the past.

but i think a standard frame setup with ability to swap motors would be awesome. say you want the look of an R6 but dont want that much engine in it. having the option to put a 250xx engine in the exact same bike would be great. aslo once you feel your ready for more power you do an engine/tranny swap for cheaper than buying a new bike. keeping the same bike also helps with the learning curve, your used to the bikes style and position etc. adding the new engine wont change that much really.

taking that same theory and going furthor making the bike a complete modular system. if you dont like the size/look of the gas tank being able to swap it Easy with another style would be great. make components of the bike changable for a huge range of styles would be awesome. you could swap out enough parts to make the bike track ready then during the week make it more street riding. think about the things you can add/change on a car this way just with bolt on parts. bikes dont have anything likes this yet. maybe the cruisers to some point but still its usually a majour hassle to add anything let alone change it on a regular basis.

just giving more options when buying a bike would be nice, rather than picking from 2 different color plastics and thats it.

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:14 pm**

MASHBY wrote:I think Honda should bring the VTR250 to Both UK and North American markets

Model Name:
VTR250

Agreed, but they had better price it more realistically than the last time around. It cost as much as some 600s when it came to Canada the first time and was a sales disaster. Mine was fun though

MASHBY wrote: Also I have no idea when Yamaha didnt bring the Bulldog to North America.

Maximum power 47.8kW (65 HP) @ 5,500rpm

The max power figure says it all. In north america only bikes with big h.p. sell well, and thats why the VTR1000 has always sold mediocre. People are unwilling to shell out for an 1100cc bike with 65hp..... Nice looking ride though....

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:17 pm**

High_Side wrote:The max power figure says it all. In north america only bikes with big h.p. sell well, and thats why the VTR1000 has always sold mediocre. People are unwilling to shell out for an 1100cc bike with 65hp..... Nice looking ride though....

True but it is based on Cruiser lump and most of the Big japanese Cruisers are around that horsepower figure.So I think it would sell to someone who fancy something a bit different than a regular cruiser.Or perhaps ti a cruiser rider who fancied a more upright riding position.

Also I have said it before but the UK has 33BHP on new young riders the VTR just plops perfectly into that.At least that way you could buy a bike and not have to restrict it.

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:25 pm**

I mean this is Honda 250cc contender in the UK.Ok it is probaly a great communter but you not going to get many 17 years old putting this on there want list also it only produces 20 hp compared to the VTRs 32.

Engine
Engine Type Single Cylinder - Air-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC
Engine Displacement 249 cc
Bore & Stroke 73 x 59.5mm
Compression Ratio 9.3 : 1
Carburation 32mm VE-L type carburettor
Max. Power Output 20 bhp at 8000 rpm
Max. Torque 22Nm at 6,000 rpm
Ignition Digital transistorised with electronic advance
Starter Electric

Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive O-ring sealed chain

Dimensions and Weight
Length x Width x Height 2,030 x 745 x 1,050mm
Wheelbase 1,370mm
Seat Height 780mm
Ground Clearance 180mm
Fuel Capacity 16 litres (including 2.5-litre reserve)
Dry Weight 138.5kg

Wheels, Suspension and Brakes
Wheels Front 17M/C x MT2.15
Wheels Rear 17M/C x MT3.00
Tyres Front 100/80 17M/C 52S
Tyres Rear 130/70 17M/C 62S
Suspension Front 37mm telescopic fork, 130mm axle travel
Suspension Rear Monoshock, 100mm axle travel
Brakes Front 276 x 4mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
Brakes Rear 130mm leading/trailing drum

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:42 pm**

I agree with TechBMW... the manufacturers are already buiding some excellent motorcycles but we don't see the majority of them here in North America (N/A?).

For example, here's one I'd buy, and if Suzuki priced it right I wouldn't be alone:

BTW, for you Americans who don't recognize it, it's a GSX1400. Apparently they've been well received in Europe, Oz, etc.

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 2:28 pm**

MASHBY wrote:I think Honda should bring the VTR250 to Both UK and North American markets

Model Name:
VTR250

Engine Type:
Liquid cooled 4 stroke, 4 valve DOHC 90° v-twin
Bore x Stroke:
60 x 44.1
Displacement:
249cm

I want a bulldog...
Compression Ratio:
11.0
Carburettor(s):
VD10
Maximum Power:
32ps/10,500rpm
Maximum Torque:
2.4kgm/8,500rpm
Ignition:
Computer controlled digital transistorised
Starter:
electric start
Transmission:
5 speed
Dimensions (mm):
1410 x 720 x 1050
Wheel Base (mm):
1410
Seat Height (mm):
780
Ground Clearance (mm):
170
Fuel Capacity (litres):
13 litres
Front Tyre:
110/70-17 54H
Rear Tyre:
140/70-17 66H
Front Suspension:
telescopic front forks
Rear Suspension:
Pro-link
Front Brakes:
twin piston, 296mm single disc brake
Rear Brakes:
disc brake
Dry Weight (kg):
139kg

I also think the Kawasaki Stockman would do well in North America.Its a purpose built farm bike.

SPECIFICATIONS STOCKMAN
Displacement 249.2 cm3
Bore & Stroke 72.0 x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio 9.3:1
Carburettor Mikuni BST34
Front Wheel Travel 230 mm
Rear Wheel Travel 186 mm
Front Tyre Size 2.75 x 21
Rear Tyre Size 4.10 x 18
Ground Clearance 270 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 9.0 litres
Seat Height 830 mm
Dry Weight 124.0 kg

Also the Honda Deuville would sell well America.It is a great little tourer Shaft drive and fairly cheap.

Engine
Engine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 6-valve SOHC 52° V-twin
Engine Displacement 647cc
Bore & Stroke 79 x 66mm
Compression Ratio 9.2:1
Carburation 36mm slant-type CV x 2
Max. Power Output 55 bhp at 7,750 rpm
Max. Torque 55Nm at 6,250 rpm
Ignition Digital transistorised with electronic advance and HISS
Starter Electric

Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed
Final Drive Enclosed shaft

Dimensions and Weight
Length x Width x Height 2,215 x 780 x 1,260mm
Wheelbase 1,475mm
Seat Height 814mm
Ground Clearance 144mm
Fuel Capacity 19.5 litres
Dry Weight 228kg

Wheels, Suspension and Brakes
Wheels Front 'S'-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels Rear 'S'-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Front 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyres Rear 150/70 ZR17M/C (69W)
Suspension Front 41mm telescopic fork, 115mm axle travel
Suspension Rear Single damper with adjustable preload, 120mm axle travel
Brakes Front 296mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston callipers and sintered metal pads
Brakes Rear 276mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and sintered metal pads

Also I have no idea when Yamaha didnt bring the Bulldog to North America.

Engine
Engine type 4-stroke, V-type 2-cylinder, SOHC
Engine cooling Air cooled
Displacement 1,063cc
Bore x stroke 95 x 75mm
Compression ratio 8.3:1
Maximum power 47.8kW (65 HP) @ 5,500rpm
Maximum torque 88.3Nm (9.0 kg-m) @ 4,500rpm
Lubrication system Wet sump
Carburettor Mikuni BSR37/2
Clutch type Wet, multiple-disc
Ignition system TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission system Constant mesh, 5-speed
Final transmission Shaft
Fuel tank capacity 20 litres (5.8 litres)
Oil tank capacity 3.6 litres

Chassis
Chassis: Steel twin tube backbone
Front suspension system Telescopic fork
Front travel 130mm
Rear suspension system Swing arm (link suspension)
Rear travel 113mm
Front brake Dual discs, Ø 298mm
Rear brake Single disc, Ø 267mm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR17 (58W)
Rear tyre 170/60 ZR17 (72W)

Dimensions
Length (mm) 2,200mm
Width (mm) 800mm
Height (mm) 1,140mm
Seat height (mm) 812mm
Wheel base (mm) 1,530 mm
Minimum ground clearance (mm) 168mm
Dry weight (kg) 233 kg

Posted: **Thu Jun 02, 2005 4:19 pm**

High_Side wrote:Agreed, but they had better price it more realistically than the last time around. It cost as much as some 600s when it came to Canada the first time and was a sales disaster. Mine was fun though

Did you buy your VTR250 brand new? How much did you pay for it? I think I remember you saying that you sold it. How many miles were on it, and how much did it go for?

So...many...questions....

What year was it?

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