Introducing Sobil (ME!!!!)

try the usuals:

<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.tradingpost.com.au">www.tradingpost.com.au</a><!-- w -->
<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.bikepoint.com.au">www.bikepoint.com.au</a><!-- w -->
etc tec tec

Local Paper / Bike Meets / etc
The Motorcycle Trader

last but not least commercial bike yards (see over-priced)

for price indications on different models see:

<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.redbook.com.au">www.redbook.com.au</a><!-- w -->

'used motorcycles link'


hope it helps and good luck with your efforts

 

Hi and welcome to the site Simon.

For a 3ln, I wouldn't recommend buying anything over 4,000. They generally dont go for that much...although some people seem to think they are worth like 5,500 lol.

In terms of where to buy them, I would recommend just private sales, this way you can knock them down a fair bit. THe motorbike market isn't very strong I dont think atm, so if you can get an owner that just wants to get rid of their bike, you can save a lot of money
<!-- s:lol: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" /><!-- s:lol: -->

What to look for, im sure a lot of other people will add to this, but ill start with the obvious, cosmetic damage, tyres, brake pads, discs, leaks, chain and sprockets. When test riding, look out for smoke..and flat spots through the intire rev range. These are the main ones, ive probably forgotten something, but in general, just look for the things which shows the owner looked after the bike. If the chain has no lube on it, low in coolant/oil etc etc, he/she is not maintaining it very well, so expect the worst.

 

Welcome Simon, <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

Youv'e chosen an awesome forum for help with anything to do with a fzr250.

Grendal gives good advice above in looking out for faults. They may work to your advantage to help knock the price down if pointed out to the seller, and as a mechanic you may be able to fix things yourself.
Mine was bought from my brother in law who is a motorbike mechanic so he made sure it would give a learner good riding without mechanical worries.

Here's hoping you find a fzr 250, thats to your liking very soon.

Edna

 

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html - used bike buying guide. All the things you should look for (very comprehensive).

As for price - I bought my 1989 fzr250 (2kr) for $2000 with about 24 000 k's. This was through a 'dealer' and came with RWC etc. It needed MINOR adjustments when I bought it, but something I was able to do myself (and I had never tinkered wtih an engine before that). I got it from a guy named Bruce who runs a backyard dealership called Yamwreck in Ashwood. his number is 9807 8376 (editted to fix number). He has some good deals - never know what he will have in stock. Usually has an fzr250 or two available at good prices (like my old one), sometimes has tzr's, rgv's, babyblades, rz's, etc. I would be willing to stop by there one weekend with you if you want - would need to call ahead to make sure Bruce is there though.

In regards to price - don't forget to factor in cost of gear. Minimum of $1000 if you get absolute basics, probably about $1500-$2000 is more reasonable. If you go to a dealer don't be taken by the situations where they say "buy our bike and get free helmet and jacket" - they will be the cheapest available. Instead, decide on the gear and bike you want seperately, adn then try to haggle the dealer to giving you a deal on the gear YOU want, (not what they want to give).

editted to fix number!

 

As for the gear, if you can't get a good deal, find what you like and what fits, and buy it on-line and save about 1/3 the price.

 

Just remember that just because the bank gave you x amount of dollars doesn't mean you need to spend x! Common advice in Victoria is to try and spend a little less on your first bike, that way after your restrictions are up (1 year after you get your p's) you have more money to spend on a larger bike.

Good deals on the jacket and helmet - as long as the helmet fits snugly and isn't unbearably uncomfortable then you got what you needed. The amount of money you spend on a helmet is not indicative of its protection ability - the main factor is fit. Also be sure to get some decent gloves (that is a must)!

Many people will recommend not wearing regular jeans - wear kevlar reinforced jeans (i.e. draggin jeans) or leathers or cordura pants. And of course many people will recommend buying proper bike boots (I just have a pair of touring boots). While I am one that recommends full gear all the time, it is a personal choice and will leave that up to you.

And we won't tell. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

p.s. In my opinion the best place to buy gear is a place called Bike Mart in Ringwood (maroondah highway). As a tip - tell them you are a netrider and you will get a 10% discount. They usually have good deals to start with and they have (again in my opinion) the best customer service you can find. While there you can also check out Clipstone Yamaha, Peter Stevens, Honda, and A1 Motorcycles. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s --> (Clipstone and Peter Stevens sometimes have great deals too on gear).

 

Hey Sobil, welcome aboard.

If you are still wanting to buy some gear, Bikemart in Ringwood are having a Netrider night on the 26th of May, 2005 from 7pm til 9pm
It is a special night for Netriders and they offer specials in excess of 15 or 20%. They are also offering the discount on their end of season and excess stock, so a big savings would be expected.

So turn up and mention you are a netrider and hopefully find some real bargains. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s -->

 

It's no bother, and I am sure the number is INcorrect (now that you make me look). should be 9807 8376.

Cut and paste: Yamwreck. 18 Yooralla St, Ashwood 3147, Ph 03-98078376. Early & late parts

SORRY!!!!

 

Yeah I tried to call them for a quote on some parts with the first number, I ended up talking to an Indian woman who didn’t even know where Canberra is. <!-- s:lol: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" /><!-- s:lol: -->

 

Sobil,

When looking for a bike it never gets easier. <!-- s:rofl: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_razz.gif" alt=":rofl:" title="Rofl" /><!-- s:rofl: -->

You'll always see another bike that you really like and cannot get. <!-- s:cry: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cry.gif" alt=":cry:" title="Crying or Very sad" /><!-- s:cry: -->

It took me a year to find the bike I currently have, and I should have waited a little longer.

 

not much difference in terms of performance between the 3ln and 2kr - the main factor is the look (I like the deltabox frame compared to the steel frame on the 2kr). They use the same engine though.

which dealers did you go to? A1 motorcycles in Ringwood tend to be pretty good. They will help you with what you want, and won't pressure. And as I said before you probably can't beat Bruce's prices if he has what you want.

 

Coolant leaks are not common.

EXUP - a common problem with the fzr250 is that the bike runs a bit rich at lower revs (if you search this site you will see how common this is). The large problem with this is when the exup is closed (sub 8000 revs) this will cause too much backpressure in the system and can cause idling/taking off/stalling problems. Many members on this site have experience this (including me). One simple fix is to wire the exup open so that this back pressure is released a bit more (not a perfect fix, but an adequate one). The running rich problem could be due to a few things. The first - since the exup is closed at low revs it does not allow adequate airflow through, and thus there is too much fuel per unit of air coming through. Wiring the exup open will increase air flow and even this out more. Second possible problem is that the emulsion tubes are worn (a potential $500 fix).

The answer to your question - no, it does not run better like that. There will be a very slight loss in power between 4000 - 10 000 revs. After 10 000 the exup is close to being fully open (it fully opens at 12 000) and the bike will perform as usual. Some members ride with it wired open because it is easier overall (i.e. they don't need to worry about the stalling issues) and truthfully the loss in power is hardly noticable - particularly when you consider that most people will try to keep their bike around 10-14000 revs when accelerating.

With it wired open I would suggest checking if the cables are still there, and if you hook up these cables will the exup valve move (it is possible that a cable broke which is about a $100 fix for a new cable - ask Dean). If not you have some bartering power. Also make sure that the cover is still on the valve too.