Hi guys, I've just started looking for my first bike (250 or less) and the FZR250 is a strong candidate. Was hoping someone could help me with some questions. I have heard that the availability and cost of parts may be more (if so, how much more) for an FZR250 than other 250 bikes (eg CBR, ZZR RGV) as its a grey import down under. Is there any truth in this? Also, the cost of FZR250's is generally less than other like models above, does this reflect reliability (etc etc) in any way? Im basically trying to establish why they are less than other 250's to buy second hand and if there are things i should be wary of?? Btw, im in melbourne. I realise there's some odd 20 questions here, which no doubt you guys have all answered dozens of times before, but any answers you have are much appreciated. Thanks guys. Ben
FZR250's are alot cheaper than CBR's but ive heard that CBR250's have a spastic 3rd cylander. maybe someone could shed some light on this?
The FZR are rarer, because (as you said) they're a grey import - this probably has a lot to do with why they cost less - they're not as well known, and subsequently there isn't as high a demand for them as there is for the CBR250. Having said that, those that DO know about them tend to covert them, as they provide (arguably) better performance than the CBR250's at a fraction of the cost. Main reason for the better performance (especially around town) is the EXUP valve, which (while not affecting power up high) produces noticeably more torque at lower revs. This means you can cruise around town at 7 - 8k rpm on an FZR, as opposed to 9 - 10k rpm for the CBR. Obviously this has an impact on fuel economy and mechanical longevity of the bike. At the top end (and if you ever go out to the track) the bikes performance are almost exactly the same - both are restricted to 40bhp, and both provide the same options for performance tuning (exhaust, air flow, jetting, etc). In regards to other bikes (ZZR, across, etc) - just get out and test ride them. Once you've ridden a ZZR or across and compared it to an FZR / CBR / ZXR you'll instantly know the difference.
Have you test ridden one yet? Once you ride one you'll forget about the lesser 250's (ZZR's GPX's etc etc) They will match the CBR250 in every way and at half the price! Have you got your L's yet and how much were you looking at spending on one?
Thanks guys, yeah, got my L's... again (had them 6 years ago but got bribed into a car then :-( probably a good thing.. driving first) I didn't mention i have ridden an RGV250, spada 250 and GPX250, some for only a very short ride (will ride an FZR this week). Couldn't stand the GPX, only as the riding position didnt feel sporty enough. Looking for an RGV without the 2 stroke band. Would rather not spend more than $4000 and have found FZR250 examples that 'appear' good for under that price. My neighbour is offering me a perfect ZZR250 98 with RWC, REG for $3800. If its like the GPX (iv'e heard they're basically identical) then id rather have an FZR250 and be left paying more for parts. Being grey imports how does this affect availability of new (eg- a gasket set)? and second hand parts? Will i be charged arm + leg? Cheers, Ben.
a considerable number of the parts are shared with the Zeal (quite a common bike, and not a grey import). For the other parts, they usually keep fairly good stock in their main warehouse (melbourne, I think).
Main warehouse for Yamaha is in Sydney last i was told by my friendly Yamaha guy in the Elizabeth St shop. Be wary of falling into the trap and assuming that parts are interchangable with the Zeal. Generally, FZR250 engine parts are similar but often not the same. FZR frame parts are often shared or atleast swappable with Zeal parts. SOBIL recently swapped his FZR 3LN-1 triple clamp with a Zeal one with renthal bars. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s -->
