I've read one bad review about the 650 being overpriced for the lack of technology and power. But.... I'd like to hear more. I know a guy that is looking at one and I'd like to give him more info.

Is the 250R a good starter bike, or just junk?

 

I personally wouldn't buy one, their aren't that many dealer for them and not many people can work on them. Youre better off geting and ex250 or 500 as a starter bike.

 

the 650r sells for 5grand new right? what kind of technology do people expect for that kind of money.
if someone would have giving me a 650 for free, i would totally rock that bike.

as for the 250r, i dont know anything about and i have never seen one on the street but it does look way better than the kawasaki 250. sorry i couldnt be more helpful

 

That's my problem, no one knows much about them. There's a dealership a couple hours away from here in TN and my brother in laws step son is looking at one. They will not let him buy one (he's 24, but will respect their concerns and listen to his parents) unless I agree to it. Give it the OK so to say. I would never buy one, but I don't want knock the guy out of buying a new bike that will be an OK starter bike for him. I'm going to talk to him for the first time about this tomorrow and see if I can get him to pick up a used F4 as a first bike. I'm one of those... I think the 600 sport bikes are good for starter bikes if the person is mature enough to ride a bike in the first place.

I guess what I'm looking for here is a personal story where someone knows someone that has one.

 

They are the KIA of the bike world...

KIA gives a 10 year warranty and people think..."wow...must be a great car".

No...the parts are pieces of tin metal, cheap plastic, and crap electronics.

They break down...but the dealer will fix them again and again...using cheap labor and cheap parts.

 

Look at it this way: It's not the only bike he'll ever own for life. Just something to learn on for 6 months to a year.

 

We have had them here for a few years now, the jouno's mainly have handled them kindly enough, with comments, like the crap brakes (easy fixed with better pads) they sell here pretty well as they come as a learner legal bike (based on power output) thats the 650, which has a restrictor installed, and is easily removed once you get your full license, so in this regard, they sell well cos it saves having to fork out for a bigger bike. The motor is based on the Suzuki SV650 (they used to make parts for &Suzuki I believe owned part of the company. The donk is a gem, but your right about it being wrapped around old technology (steele frame) but hey, so is my 9 1/2 year old CBR. The finish is not up to Honda (or other Jap brands) & the they are a bit rough on the finish in places (welding marks etc) But to be kind, have a look at the GS500 twin Suzuki, (a model I have owned & respect) which has been around since Moses traded up from trackies, has changed little (apart from a few cosmetics) and in that light, they ain't so bad.
I see a few guys around here riding them (they have a club) and they have installed a few mods, such as after market pipes, and they sound great. I have not heard much in the way of problems (weaknesses), but all bikes have those. One of our bike mags used one, as a basis for a upgrade. I would not right them off, having been around when the Brits & (cough, cough) Americans, used to pour ridicule & scorn on Mr Soichiro Honda, and his interpretation of wot constitutes a motorcycle

 

My feeling is 'why risk it'? There are known quantities out there SV650 and Ninja 250 that work. As a starter bike or not, for essentially similar money and the option of finding a good used example of a Jap brand it is a no-brainer.

Hell, I wouldn't buy a Triumph because it isn't as good (reliable etc, not looks wise)a one of the Jap brands, let alone a Ducati or something else with some cool-factor. Let the third world countries deal with Korean and Chinese brands for another decade, then see what happens.

 

What will it be worth after he drives it off the lot? Because I'd be willing to wager it doesn't hold it's value as well as a Honda, Saki or Yamaha. Might be a decent bike to learn on, but when he goes to trade it in next year and they offer him 1,500 and he still owes 4K, he might be in a tough spot.