From: pjordan@rp.CSIRO.AU (Patrick Jordan)
Subject: Re: Best bike for a newbie?
Organization: CSIRO Division of Radiophysics, NSW, Australia
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 10:06:40 GMT

In article <507@aldetec.oz.au>, mawson@aldetec.oz.au (Graeme Mawson) writes:
> 
> Well ... I'm far from a bike expert, but I would recommend the Suzuki
> GSX250S.
> I also really like the display of which gear you are currently in

I can't really say much about GSX250s, the only one I rode seemed incredibly
sluggish compared to my GP125 (2 stroke), but It mightn't have been a
good example, and I was fairly new to motorcycling at the time, so the
different size, weight and riding style might have given this effect.
However, I did own a GS450, which is quite similar, and I thought it
was quite a good bike. Not too heavy, adequate power, reliable, and
yes, I too liked the gear indicator. I think it's ridiculous that
newbies are allowed to ride 250 race bikes but not solid, predictable
machines such as the GS450 (and about 1000 other good larger capacity
bikes, most of which have less power than some of these two stroke 250s.

> 
> > I have thought about CB250's but get told they are 'sluggish' are they?
> 
> Don't know... but they are small.  How tall are you?  Over 6 foot and a CB250
> will be too small.
> 

I could be wrong, but I think you will find there are a few different
types of CB250. The CB250RS is quite small, but the CB250 my friend
owned was at least as big, if not bigger than a GSX. It was a sort of
round looking thing, not entirely unlike a CX500, but different of
course. 

> > Also I know something about 'powerband' on 2-strokes.. should I be looking
> > for a 2 or 4 stroke.
> 
> Again, I'm no expert, (not sure about 'powerband' ... could only guess) but I
> would recommend a 4 stroke.  4 strokes tend to be more durable, so assuming 
> you are looking at a bike around 1985 (since willing to spend $12-1500), this
> is important.  A 2 stroke of this vintage is probably burning a bit of oil.
> But,4 strokes of that vintage are slower than 2 strokes (in general).  To me,
> 4 strokes sound better also :-) :-)

I can't resist pointing out the design of 2 stroke engines is such
that burning oil is exactly what they do, even when new. It is their method
of lubrication. My GP125 used to get about 5 tankfulls of petrol to 1
litre of 2-stroke oil.

As far as 2 vs 4 strokes, I commented above on the racing style 2
strokes above. They are not suitable for learners. On the other hand,
my Suzuki GP125 (which was a cheap commuter style bike) was very cheap
to run, had adequate power and was quite reliable. I commuted for
years on it, did courier work for a couple of months and rode it from
Sydney to Hobart and back. It would not really be suitable for tall
people however, as it is a fairly small light bike.

I hope this helps.

Be seeing you!

Patrick.

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Patrick Jordan                      |          _
CSIRO Division of Radiophysics      |        // \   I am not a number,
NSW, Australia                      |       /( 6 )  I am a free man.
pjordan@rp.csiro.au                 |      () \_/
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