VTR250 - comments sought

[The Wild Wind]

A friend wants some comments regarding a Honda VTR250 for a first bike - Anybody got some input? They are in runout, apparently.

[Dan85]

there a solid little learners bike. few friends had them. reliable, decent power for a 250, handles well, looks ok but given its a honda its still a poof bike! but in reality its a good choice for a first bike. it and the gs500 are my pick of the learner legal bikes

[motoplast]

there a solid little learners bike. few friends had them. reliable, decent power for a 250, handles well, looks ok but given its a honda its still a poof bike! but in reality its a good choice for a first bike. it and the gs500 are my pick of the learner legal bikes

I agree with Dan, I have worked on plenty of VTR250's and GS500's, both types appear pretty well bulletproof and capable of Interstate touring. In keeping with most small bikes, the front ends are way too soft, but this is relatively an easy fix.
Providing the vtr u buy is in good nick to start with, u won't have any major issues, maybe a water pump/seal.
Go for it.
Cheers,
Tex & Bundy

[BUSGO]

My son started on a ZZR250 and craved for a VTR instead but we couldn't find one at a good price - that means they hold their resale value very well.

[busakid08]

I had one of the very first VTR250s made when they first came out (cant remember 82 I think??) great bike and they still are - solid is a great word to edscribe

[Gaz57]

Great learners bike,
bought one for my son when he got his L's. I think they are easier to ride than the little 4's that they compete with in the learners market. No plastic to break if they tip them over etc. They hold their value when it's time to up size.
Gaz

[jzbusa]

I rode a GS 500 last sat & imo much better than any 250, especially if your bigger than a jockey. Plenty of mid range torque makes for an easy bike to learn on. Priced right too but little stock around due to lams

[Cam]

I reckon a GS500 or similar would be a way better bet if as you say JZBusa, you're bigger than a jockey. Also they are cheaper to maintain, (half the number of cams & they're not a Honda).

[Greeny_SA]

I started my son out on a babyblade. bloody fantastic bike, top speed aprox
220 km/hr, & will cruise allday at 140-160. i ran my son's in for him before he
got his L's.thats why i got rid of my triumph trident t160 & went jap. honda
600f4i first then the busa.never been happier. babyblade grey import about
26hp.aust delivered 52hp.great fun to ride.

[humbussa]

I started my son out on a babyblade. bloody fantastic bike, top speed aprox
220 km/hr, & will cruise allday at 140-160. i ran my son's in for him before he
got his L's.thats why i got rid of my triumph trident t160 & went jap. honda
600f4i first then the busa.never been happier. babyblade grey import about
26hp.aust delivered 52hp.great fun to ride.

have to agree, i started on the babyblade, great bike plenty of power to learn with and for a young guy it's got that sports feel about it....they also hold their value very well.

[Busa Boy]

I got my wife a VT 250 Spada to do her L's, she rode with us from Central Coast to Phillip Island and back in March for the Superbikes. Bike went great, cruised along all day at 120, would recommend this bike to any learner

[Pug]

Those VT250s are a great bike to start on. Pop an exhaust on her and she purrs, and she's as reliable as a rate rise.

[remuswolf]

My wife commutes to work on a VTR250. Great mileage and very reliable. There was a recent factory recall on the last model. Something to do with a leaking fuel pump if I remember correctly.

I would highly recommend it. I'm 6"1, weigh 90kg and sit on 120km/hr no worries. Great fun to throw around when you feel like it and being a v twin has plenty of torque for a little bike.

[The Wild Wind]

Thanks everyone - comments passed on to the interested party.