I can see that there is a lot of good feeling on this forum for these bikes. So what issues should I look for if I was buying one? My intention down the track is to look at ones that are roadworthy and seemingly in good condition. How capable are they on the freeway? That is to say, is 110kmh an easy speed for them to maintain? Thanks in advance, Bob.
I can't help you from experience but have you seen this page ? http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_vtr250 03.htm
Look for the normal wear and tear of old bikes (and PO bodges). I cannot say about a VTR, but I had the earlier VT and it would do 100Km/h all day so I don't see why the VTR would not do 110. Maybe add a tooth more to the front sprocket for highway riding. (The VTR sits around 7,000 at 100)
Thanks for that, RPMs at speed and ability to hold that speed in normal terrain is what I’m after. I have seen a few at a decent price, and it has made me think.
They are quite a torquey engine.. so it could easily handle a tooth up on the front as Murdo suggested. Easy to ride (hence liked by Learners). Look out for blown head gasket on the rear cylinder but other than that they are a nice bike. Maybe the Spada would be better.. they have a 6 speed box I think and some fairings.. the VTR is more a commuter bike.
I've had both, taken both on highway without any concern of not being capable of 100-110. One difference is the bars, the vtr offers a more upright position. The unusual things to these motors is their can chain tensioners. They are an internal hydraulic unit with a pull action. I had some noise in the spada (only really made then 1989-1990, so they are quite a bit older) so I removed the tensioner to drain the old oil and prime with new oil. I had read about this being issue or something. But it seemed fine in the end. Later VTRs have fuel injection, too, if that is appealing to you.
Like @Murdo & @Andych said, go a tooth bigger on the front if you go with the Spada. I've been meaning to this on mine, but since I use it as a run around bike, I rarely need to go over 100kph. @ShaneP ... mine also has noisy cam chain, so seems like a issue with this bike. VT250F's also have crap cam chain tensioner and can be noisy too.
Thanks again all, taking it all in. I’m finding that looks are one thing, riding position is another. Got them both on “saved searches” at the moment.
