A two-fifty forum? What a smart idea! I'm very pleased I stumbled across this site. I'm a fifty-something old man in Perth contemplating getting my licence and first bike for the 200millionth time in my life. I've got a lot more bike-riding mates and family these days so they tend to be a bit inspirational. We'll see... So, my problem is that I have stumpy legs, a bad back and librarian wrists (all library staff have destroyed wrists. It's a rule), which rules out most everything that isn't a cruiser. I've been considering options all weekend and when I discovered this forum I thought I'd ask for some opinions. Without going through the whole, long process of how I got here my current thought is used Suzuki Intruder (VL 250) or new Daelim Daystar? Used but well-regarded and understood or brand new and (relatively) unknown in terms of reliability, parts and after-sales service. Anyone want to contribute an opinion?
Hey jazz, That daelim looks sweet, I guess it comes down to feels right to you, take each one for a ride and see which one gives you the biggest smile , the make a decision from there. While not a cruiser per se, suzuki have a nice upright bike called a tu250 with a low seat that is well priced with a cool retro look Let us know what you get Cheers Chris
Personally, I would be sticking to well known brands like suzuki, especially for parts availability and proven longevity. The daelims, like CF moto, loncin, zongshen, megelli, kymco, sym (the list goes on) are another one in the crowd of "cheap" manufacturers trying to get market share and keep up with the established japanese/european brands (except for maybe Hyosung which even I'll admit have made some good inroads). If you want cost competitiveness in a cruiser I'd eye off the GV250 Aquila, at least there's plenty of them around with parts available etc. I'm not saying Daelims are bad bikes, but like many others they're a bit of a "?". I personally don't ever buy "?" motorcycles (or vehicles for that matter). But that's just my opinion, and it's just one opinion. As Kiffsta said, it's about buying a bike that feels right for you so trust your instincts in that regard. And I always have had a problem with "official" reviews. If you knew how much people got paid for them, you'd see why all these brands have "positive" official reviews. You have to go digging into forums and the corners of the internet for real facts based on people's experiences.
G'day mate and welcome to the forum. So your on the look out for a bike.............you've set some parameters that you deem essential at this stage in your life, good move. In my opinion your about 70% there..........now which bike ??? So many choices, so many brands, can get a tad confusing at this stage. A visit to various dealers is perhaps a first step in finding your new ride. You need to sit on as many as possible, does it feel good, do I like the look, is it within my budget ???? Be guided by your list of parameters and the choice will become a lot easier. I wish you well, keep looking and testing..........your new ride isn't that far away Keep us posted and good luck!!!!
Thanks for your thoughts folks, I appreciate it. Phil, I took your advice and visited a shop where I happen to know the mechanic. The Daystar was not as good a fit as I expected, which was disappointing and they didn't have an Intruder in stock. On the other hand I sat on a used ZZR250 and was amazed at how comfortable I was. As soon as I sat down everything was right where I needed it to be and I had an overwhelming urge to get on the road Looks like I'll be buying a ZZR
As said test ride everything and see what is the best fit I find sit up and beg bikes are most comfy and usually have enough grunt to do everything good luck mate and doesn't matter what age u r just get on bike and ride!!!
Pleased to hear the news, great choice as the Kawasaki zzr is a great motorcycle. The overwhelming desire to hit the road is not uncommon and at some state shared by all members on this forum. As always.......enjoy the ride Make sure to keep us posted on your progress......plenty of savvy people at your disposal. Take it easy
My ZZ-R250 is probably my favourite bike to ride despite it being a bit temperamental from the abuse it's suffered!
Amazing, looks like a new bike, well done mate Cleanest and sweetest ZZR I've seen in a very long time, gotta be happy with that ...........enjoy!!