First bike - custom FZR 250
 

This was my first bike - a 1988 FZR 250, which I had since November 22nd, 2012. It was stock like the first pic when I started. I did all this myself over a few months on and off after a year or so of ownership using the cheapest used parts possible, because I didn't want to cut up good panels which someone may need. Frame is 100% stock as per laws in my country, Aprilia RS250, glassed with FZR sides, custom cowl. Paint - Mazda snowflake pearl, celestial blue and winning blue for the stripes. Sold it a couple of days ago. The MC22 was my sisters, I got to ride it a fair bit we swapped bikes on occasion, during winter she wouldn't ride so I alternated between both bikes which was great. She sold the MC22 unfortunately the new owner crashed and totaled it.

Funny enough I considered a CBR250 - MC19 or 22 but at the time when I needed a bike there weren't many and seemed to be over priced, so I got the FZR, Kawasaki ZXR was on my list too but there were none for sale, I knew I'd be happy with any one. I like how easy it is to get parts for old Honda's - it was a real pain with the Yamaha and people I've ridden with with the ZXR's say parts aren't easy either.

I wanted a 4 cylinder 250 lams bike to start with - enough power to set me up for the next step - a 600. I'm mechanically minded so pretty much everything except tires I do myself.

A CBR600f F2 is my next bike, like my username its a Smokin Joe edition. It is cosmetically challenged and I plan to restore the original fairings where I can.

I kinda liked the stock scheme...

It's a shame that mfgr's have abandoned inline 4's & V4's for 400cc and 250cc motors. I'd buy a strong 4-cylinder 400 bike in a heartbeat.

Yeah I reckon. Emissions and cost to manufacture phased them out I guess. Hard to find a mint low mileage one which hasn't been dropped and thrashed to death, poorly tuned maintained etc.