Hi my partner is sitting learners license in a few weeks, we are looking at the Suzuki Gn250 secondhand what do you think of the bike! Any suggestions re bikes don't want anything to big.
jaymzw1,
Mar 20, 4:29pm
Theyre good. Will be outgrown quickly but the resale is great, lots of people like him getting into their first bike. The older ones Pre 06 I think! are made in Japan, the newer ones made in China. Just check the tyres, make sure they aren't Chinese,otherwise no problems, a good choice
kazbanz,
Mar 20, 4:30pm
The ginny has taught more people to ride than most any other bike. As JUST a learner bike they are darn good with the only issuie in my book being the handlebar angle.--fit a set of MX type bars and all is well. But they will outgrow Ginny fairly fast. I would suggest other bikes as better for the job
danchop,
Mar 20, 4:49pm
they stopped making them in the early nineties(those are the jap ones)and didnt get the newer(chinese)ones till about 2004,so theres a break of no gn250s between about 93 to 04.a well looked after jap one would be a better buy at the same price as a newer chinese one.same engines are in a few of the other models like the tu volty and gz marauder.
therafter1,
Mar 20, 5:18pm
That is most definitely a cracker isn't it eh.
a.woodrow,
Mar 20, 5:39pm
I bought a gn250, it was a 2004 model (chinese). Very forgiving to learn on, and well geared around town. Kept it for a little under 6 months, it just got a bit boring :)
gjmman,
Mar 20, 5:49pm
I had a friend buy a yamaha scorpio. Rode it a few times nice little bike. Still just for learning though.
spirogryo,
Mar 20, 6:11pm
Best learners bike ever buit.
aoc1,
Mar 20, 7:06pm
Was also looking at the Suzuki Intruder 250
brummoi,
Mar 20, 7:18pm
I'm learning on a 2nd hand one of these. Seems great so far plus the previous owner had swapped the bars and fitting a racing exhaust so it kind of sounds meaner than it is lol
Not tried one, but Suzuki are also selling brand new GN125's for $2k.
If your partner can live with the small capacity, seems like a reasonable option to buying an old GN250.
I always advise newbies to buy small light and cheap; spend money on good gear and once they have a full license, then look at a decent mid weight bike. Something like a GN won't deprecate much over 6 months or a year
oliver6,
Mar 20, 8:34pm
When my 2 daughters learnt and gottheir licenses, I bought Yamaha XT225s. I think they are better to ride than the GN, but I think the GN is a good bike and you can't go wrong with it. You may just get sick of it soon and want something nicer. I wouldn't worry about Chinese tyres or wherever they are made, they all work well. I have ridden all sorts of bikes for over 40 years and have never had a bad tyre.
wilgil,
Mar 21, 6:14am
I would always recommend a small trail bike, such as the XT225 as a first bike. Handles so much better than the GN250 in a variety of situations, and the learner can go off road on order to hone their skills away from other vehicles.A trail bike will also survive multiple 'get-offs' without appreciably affecting resale price or, more imortantly, handling behaviour. You might just find a whole new world opens up to you as well - thousands of k's of unsealed roads in NZ can take you to some amazing places. I know that the GN250 has its place, but in my mind (after over 70 bikes) the only thing worse than a GN250 is a GN125. That Yamaha 225 motor is an excellent powerplant by the way.
cassina1,
Mar 21, 9:28pm
The law has been changed where you are able to buy a bike up to 650cc (I think) as a beginner bike but the new law only applies to certain models (I think) I actually started out on a Honda 125 years ago and rapidly outgrew it and bought a 350 then a 500 then a 750 which I kept for 23 years It could work out cheaper to start on a 125 and go to a 400 or 500 as a next bike. Beware the cost of registration rises rapidly with bigger bikes but they are often safer with 2 disc brakes on the front. Good Luck
kazbanz,
Mar 22, 7:08am
Um thanks cassina but um yep I know that stuff. Just replying to the basic question.
arrithedog,
Mar 22, 9:45am
I started on a Yamaha FS1E if anybody remembers them! Then onto a Suzuki GP100. Since then had bikes for most of the last 37 years. The one you refer to would be great. Also check out the Yamaha Virago 250.
noodleman4,
Mar 22, 11:31am
I would go with this advice ^^^^^^^^^^^ Trail bikes have nice wider bars which is great for learners.
wrong2,
Mar 22, 3:26pm
Suzuki Goose 350
or a Honda GB500
you will be sick of the GN250 in a very short time (very slow, handle poor)
kezza46,
Mar 22, 6:39pm
one that you feel comfortable on,it's not about speed,more about getting home alive ;)
Kawasaki ZZR 250 is my ride,comfy as with a bit of pep when required and looks a like a ZZR 600 so don't get hassled by the big boys:).but more about getting home alive :)
xscrew,
Mar 22, 7:54pm
what do you want out of the bike long term! as you can now use bigger bikes to learn on you would probably be better off buying bigger. there was a Buell Blast on here recently havent checked to aid link, or a BMW 650! these bikes you are more like to keep for a while! what size person are we talking about need to be able to stand up on bike not on tip toes. if worried about to much power mechanic can de tune, usually the bigger bike is no heavier.
aoc1,
Mar 22, 9:25pm
5 11 rugby player build. we have decided to not get the Suzuki GN250 based on your advice. We are still looking at the intruder tho and the Virago.
aoc1,
Mar 22, 9:34pm
Just saw the Suzuki Inazuma GW250 looks nice.
onelonly,
Mar 24, 4:07pm
GN250 is fine, nothing wrong with it. If the seat height isnt too high a 250cc bike is a better better choice as most are better in every aspect of performance.
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