tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156536327610779049.post6780810916067392793..comments2024-02-23T11:23:45.971-05:00Comments on Lost Motorcyclist: Questions About Two Beginner BikesLost Motorcyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08873504561959138792noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156536327610779049.post-13033767171747295202010-10-08T10:57:54.677-04:002010-10-08T10:57:54.677-04:00There may be hope yet for novice riders, and for e...There may be hope yet for novice riders, and for experienced riders who prefer the fun of a small displacement 'standard' road machine.<br /><br />Apparently Suzuki's <a href="http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/suzuki/2009-suzuki-tu250-ar66115.html" rel="nofollow">TU250</a> has been very successful in the U.S., a market into which the major manufacturers long felt they could not sell anything under 500 cc. It would be nice if Suzuki's Canadian marketeers decided to offer the TU250 up here as well (even if it means dropping their GZ250).<br /><br />Although I purchased the 'sports' version, the Korean manufacturer Hyosung sells the same 250 cc V-twin in a 'naked' version, the <a href="http://www.hyosungmotorsusa.com/new_product/introduction.asp?Cat=StreetBike&model=GT250&year=2010" rel="nofollow">GT250</a>. Although not a true 'standard,' it competes well in the 'starter bike' class, and has been a best seller in Australia, where new riders are restricted to 250 cc.<br /><br />Although I've become quite attached to my 2001 Kawi Triumph Bonnie <a href="http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/0010_crup_kawasaki_w650_review/index.html" rel="nofollow">clone</a>, it's a lot of fun to toss that smaller, lighter (by almost 70 lb.) and more nimble <a href="http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2010models/2010-Hyosung-GT250RFI.htm" rel="nofollow">GT250R</a> around on the backroads.Madeyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02593933575568389288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156536327610779049.post-16587626051990538432010-02-07T13:18:10.191-05:002010-02-07T13:18:10.191-05:00I'm sure that Suzuki 250 could haul you across...I'm sure that Suzuki 250 <i>could</i> haul you across the country and back, no problem. Even at only 20 HP, it's enough to keep you moving along.<br /><br />However, what I find unfortunate is that the big manufacturers have decided to offer their 250 cc machines as cruisers (Suzuki Marauder, Honda Rebel, Yamaha V-Star 250)) or as racer clones (Kawi Ninja 250) rather than as <i>standards</i>.<br /><br />I imagine that considerable market research has gone into selecting which models would do better in the North American market, and that those cruisers are popular with riders with short inseams.<br /><br />However, like a 'good five cent cigar,' what this market needs (IMHO) is a 250-300 cc standard. It would be nice to have a bike like Honda's <a href="http://www.otorohonda.co.nz/new_bikes/road/street/cbf250/" rel="nofollow">CBF250</a> to recommend to new riders.Madeyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02593933575568389288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156536327610779049.post-19284953110777440812010-02-07T11:49:20.149-05:002010-02-07T11:49:20.149-05:00Good post. I recommended the 250cc Suzuki Marauder...Good post. I recommended the 250cc Suzuki Marauder to two beginners and they both really like it. I know I did. I took it to the Bruce peninsula for a few days loaded w camping gear and had the time of my life. Then, up the ladder I went and now ride an 1100cc Yamaha. However, I road a 125 Honda during the motorcycle training course (I was on a 125cc scooter at the time) and felt I'd like to have one for the city. Still do.<br /><br />Your post reminds me of a couple of things always on my mind: I'll go down the ladder in a few years, after a couple of long trips are out of my system. And I'll likely end up with a 125 Honda or 250 Suzuki. <br /><br />My cousin the mechanic said re the 250, "It's the only motorcycle you'll ever need. You could go across Canada on that."<br /><br />I didn't believe him at the time (across Ireland, maybe), but I'm not too many years away from giving the 250 another try.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />GAHG. Harrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15188849799366728069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156536327610779049.post-86689800147663121432010-02-06T11:41:10.440-05:002010-02-06T11:41:10.440-05:00There is a dealer in Kitchener
Sirius Motosports...There is a dealer in Kitchener<br /><br /><a href="http://www.siriusmotosportsinc.com/" rel="nofollow"> Sirius Motosports </a>Lost Motorcyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08873504561959138792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156536327610779049.post-27783066664674680282010-02-06T11:05:51.189-05:002010-02-06T11:05:51.189-05:00When I'm asked for suggestions on a 'first...When I'm asked for suggestions on a 'first bike,' like you, I would prefer to recommend a smaller used machine.<br /><br />My all-time favorite starter bike was the early 1970s vintage <a href="http://www.vf750fd.com/vf750f/vin_3.html#CB350" rel="nofollow">Honda CB350 twin</a>. Plenty of pep (36 HP), not too heavy (350 lb) and solidly built. Although there are still some kicking around, cheap ones are increasingly difficult to find.<br /><br />With the Japanese manufacturers' lack of interest in the 250-450 cc market in Canada over the past several decades, it's now virtually impossible to find a cheap used bike in that range.<br /><br />Starting out riding can be nerve-wracking enough without worrying about dinging one's brand new machine. It's a given that one will drop it at least once during one's first season.<br /><br />In the 'old days' one could pick up a starter bike, make one's mistakes on it and (after replacing the odd clutch lever or footpeg) resell it a season or two later for not much less than one paid for it.<br /><br />That Chinese 300cc machine looks interesting, though, and I'll have to check it out. Thanks for pointing this one out.Madeyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02593933575568389288noreply@blogger.com