a good 250cc or 400cc motorbike

[izzymem]

I would like to know which 250cc or 400cc bikes are the best for buys. I don't want a 250cc that sounds like a blowdryer when riding it. does anyone have any good suggestions as this will be my first bike. I just want to get use to the ride then slowly up the engine. i like a light smooth ride i can throw about. would appriciate the feedback :)

[dothawkes]

Try a Honda CB500, maybe a bit bigger but it is reliable, cheap, comfy, well built and a good handler, or the Kwak GPZ500s, not as good as the CB500 but a bit sportier.

[dothawkes]

Come to think of it the Honda CBR400 is cool but not many about and usually import only I think. For something newer try the Aprilla RS250, only 249 but 70bhp

[dothawkes]

I was going to suggest the pixi400 and the mycatis250 but I can't find the specs. on them.

[Loosehead]

Why have you limited yourself to 400?? There are so many great choices at 600, Hornet, fazer, bandit, tt600, SV600 or the more sporty CBR, ZX6,R6, GSX etc. There are not many choices of 400's and 250's in UK because of the history of the riding rules.

[dothawkes]

My bloke says a 500 v twin Honda would be even better!

[izzymem]

it is because i am a first tiem rider. i do not want to go to something too heavy etc. is a 400cc even heavy? i want something light and nifty to get use to leaning etc. and then go to a bigger engine.

[dribfunk]

I went and got a Honda CBF600s with a restricter fitted.  It goes well, is smooth and when I'm ready I can get the restrictor removed and have double the power I've got now.

My thought initially was for a Honda CBF250, but then when I got an extra bit of cash thrown my way, I 'upgraded'.

I'm only suggesting Honda as I've found them reliable and non-problematic (for the whole 15 months I've had a bike for!)