This may seem like a dumb question, but why are 250cc so popular in Australia. Is it due to cheaper insurance and running costs?
I think the running costs are are major thing , especially for commuting. But they are the main form of LAMs (learner approved motorcycle) available here. There are now alot of other higher capacity (but restricted) LAMs bikes but alot of 250 are sold after the 'learner' period so are pretty cheap and available. http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/lams_list.pdf I think also they are easy to ride and work on and that also makes them good for racing /trackdays Theres also the classic side of it ....stuff u just cant get anymore ....like the inline 4s , the 2 strokes .... and the real gems like an NSR250 If you look around at the members bikes here you see a very large selection of 250s and alot of different reasons to own them.
I have been around bikes awhile still only young but the late 80 early 90 bikes are edge of design and will never be duplicated again
Also nipping at the big boys heels through corners is pretty satisfying, not to mention blowing the wheels of the 1800cc harley at they lights is equally satisfying
For some it is a return to earlier times, fond memories of these great bikes. For others it's the thrill of having 45hp configured in a 4 cylinder/4 carbs/4 valves per cylinder and twin cams revving to 18/19 and 20 thousands rpm's, bikes the like we will never see again. Lets not forget the magic of 2 strokes like the nsr Honda or the rgv Suzuki that take you into the twilight zone when you reach 7 to 8 thousand rpm's and powervalves come into there own, you are catapulted forward like a speeding bullet, oh the RUSH. Then you have the commuter bikes such as the cbr250 from Honda and the 250/300 ninja's from Kawasaki, great bikes, very well equipped and very economical and quick enough to keep up with the rest, they fulfil a need in the market and are easy on the pocket. To answer your question......I have no idea really, we just are passionate about our 250's, does it make sense????
Australians, until the introduction of American television (and now internet) did not have such a fascination with engine size. A 500 was a big bike, a 650 if you carried a pillion and 1000cc was only for sidecar work. Now following the yanks we have to have at least a 1000cc or more to be a 'real' bike, and with no more than two cylinders, and we talk about 'fenders, gas, hoods and talk out our ass'. This has brought a 'blind spot' to most bike riders for the smaller, technical and more fun to ride 250's and similar sized bikes. These bikes have a higher power to weight ratio than most litre bikes, cost less to run, tyre, rego and insure and usually put a bigger smile on the face of the rider than bigger bikes. They are the ideal size for the daily commute and perfect for around town riding, and with a bit of planning can do the big tour too. Most 250cc dirt bikes are faster and easier to handle through the bush than the bigger ones. The open class bikes spend more time with wheel spin than going forward.
Not in NSW. The rego goes: under 235cc, 235 to 750, 750 to 1150, 1150 and above. (please correct me if I'm wrong here)
Victoria is the worst for rego. No single seat, no size scale, same as everyone else on the road...It's not right I tells ya! My 2c on 250cc popularity... Anyone can go fast on a big bike. Smaller capacity means you have to work harder; be more precise; stay in the powerband and carry speed into and through the corners. On the plus side, you can break (much) later, get the power on earlier and generally scrape your knee without fear of testing the friction qualities of your leathers. I am biased, I love anything between 125cc and 400cc. For a laugh...I was reading another site forum entry recently (sorry Kiffsta) and one chap's motto was... "I know the voices in my head aren't real, but some of the things they say make perfect sense to me!" I had a good chuckle.
I think it's fun when you're hitting 18-20 rpms and the bikes sound tricks you into thinking you're flying when in reality you're only going 60 haha, and also the heads that turn that also think you're racing through the street
Yer my old boy says he can hear me coming sound like I'm tapping out but come round the bend to his at 50 Km haha
