Buying a ZZR

[Vega_One]

Hey all i'm really new to this whole forum thingy and i might super silly questions . But i just got my L's and unlike most others i'm not gonna go rush and buy a bike. But i was having some ideas on what bike to purchase and i'm highly considering the ZZR. Because of its comfort and its simple abilty to take me from A to B which is all i need. But i'm somewhat confused about buying from a dealer or private sale. Does anyone know the advantages and disadvantages buying from private sale compared to a dealer like Sumoto in melb? Also if there is anything you could add about your experiences on the ZZR it would be very appriciated

[cookeetree]

In my experience, dealer = higher price.

The ZZR is a great little bike. Looks much bigger than a 250 because of the pumped fairings. Great mechanicals that have been around since 1990 and are shared by the GPX. Parts are a breeze as there's sooooooo many of them out there.

Mrs Tree and I started on one. We've still got it and it's now Mrs Tree's full-time ride. I managed to squeeze 170 out of it, 150 with Mrs Tree on the back. Not bad for 40hp! So long as you keep the rev's up to them, they'll take you up and down anything and will do highway speeds easily (though they sit at around 7500rpm at 100). We went up one tooth on the front of ours which knocked 500rpm off that. Didn't affect take offs at all.

Great all 'round bike. I can't speak highly enough of them.

[Slow and wobbly]

Research is the key. It seems like your already heading down that path so well done.
Go and google "buying a motorcycle". Not that we cant offer you some good advice but you will find that all that advice is already out there and waiting for you.

[Daisy]

Does anyone know the advantages and disadvantages buying from private sale compared to a dealer like Sumoto in melb?

You'll pay more at a dealer, where you may or may not get some sort of warranty. Ideally you'd buy a known bike from a private seller or buy from a REPUTABLE dealer. Sumoto? Google is your friend.

[alpineastra]

Hey all i'm really new to this whole forum thingy and i might super silly questions . But i just got my L's and unlike most others i'm not gonna go rush and buy a bike. But i was having some ideas on what bike to purchase and i'm highly considering the ZZR. Because of its comfort and its simple abilty to take me from A to B which is all i need. But i'm somewhat confused about buying from a dealer or private sale. Does anyone know the advantages and disadvantages buying from private sale compared to a dealer like Sumoto in melb? Also if there is anything you could add about your experiences on the ZZR it would be very appriciated

hey. im new to riding and buying a bike too. i was also looking at a zzr 250 but just be careful. if youre going to do a private sale, take someone with you that KNOWS about bikes and what to look for etc otherwise you could spend heaps on repair. i had a look at one and it seemed pretty good but one of my mates checked it out and there were little problems that wouldve costed me around $600-700 all up to fix. so just check! but if you could post up any new information/experiences that you have it would be great since we're both on the same quest! if/when u do get your bike let me know how much u got it for so i dont get jipped!

[Marty ZZR rider]

I bought I used zzr250 for my son last year. I paid $2500 for a registered 1991 model. I now realise that was too much. I recommend you ride before you buy. Have someone with you who knows about bikes. Look at the little things. I didn't notice there was no chain guard on the bike I bought. After I purchased one I realised why, the bracket on the swing arm was broken off. As were the mounting points for the ocky strap hooks. On older models expect that, unless the seller can show proof of recent replacement, the brake pads are gone, check the discs to see if they need machining, if possible measure them to see if they will take machining. Check the shocks front and back look for oil leaks on the front and any damaged to the chrome legs. If the right leg leaks the front brakes are probably compromised. Check the tyre pressures I nearly rode a CX500 straight into the ground on the first corner due to a low front tyre. Check the bounce of the rear but it may be hard to pick unless you can compare ot to another bike. Check the chain and sprockets, is the chain dry, are the sprockets hooked. Check the oil, has it been changed, is it milky, or very dark. The oil and the chain tension and condition are usually a good indication of the level of maintenance the bike has seen. Check the coolant is it a nice flouro green or has someone just been using water. Most guys will have a small supply of the necessary fluids in their garage ask them what they are using. The cosmetics usually set the price and are usually the easiest to interpret, but check the frame carefully as they (RTA) are getting really tough on frame damage.
Try and compare a lot of bikes of the same year or same kms, there are heaps out there and they are selling all the time. I would look at no less than ten bikes if I was buying again. Try to find a genuine bargain, where someone has a real story as to why they are selling e.g. upgrade (which means they are probably sick of ringing the 250's neck to try to keep up with their mates), or Mum said NO or the best of all, a young lasses bike (late model) who is having a baby. These bikes are usually pristine and serviced by a professional.
Above all if buying privately: Get a revs certificate it only costs $11 and it will save you buying a hot bike or a write-off.
Good luck let us know how you get on. Marty

[Rhino]

Heya,

Just bought a ZZR250 last Saturday.
Bought from a private sale, 2000 model, 4044ks, service history, June 09 rego, not a scratch on it, hardly used. Took it for a good long test ride to make sure everything was right and to make sure the bike was what I would be happy with.
Was asking $4,800, got it for $4,500.
My guess, I probably saved about a grand going private, I got to see where and how it was kept, I got all receipts, service history, rego inspection history etc..
Owner upgraded to YZF-R6.

Im very happy with the ZZR, they are a great bike.

Rhino

[ZZR KWAKA]

Bought a 2003 ZZR 250 in about mid 2005 for $4,500..... Loved it..... Until I wrote it off in my first and only off ( Touch Wood)....... I came out of it with only a small fracture in the side of my hand...

With the insurance money was then able to upgrade to a 2003 ZZR 600.... in Mid 2006.... And still have it.... Love it....Great smooth, comfortable riding bike.... Great on long or short trips.... Handles well in nearly all conditions... Though isnt as nimble as the Ninja's etc..... Which is understandable due to being just slightly heavier... My wife says its comfortable to pillion on too, when you go down that road....( No Pun intended )

If you want to buy it.... It's in For Sale Section... - Only reason I am selling is "Family Commitments"..

[mick_dundee]

Go and google "buying a motorcycle". Not that we cant offer you some good advice but you will find that all that advice is already out there and waiting for you.

I believe a wise man named Yoda actually wrote a giude to purchasing a motorcycle that should still be on the home page of this website.

And note the emphasis on REPUTABLE in relation to Sumoto, or do a search on Sumoto here to get opinions on the reputable part...