RS250 Chesterfield Rep - should I?
Discussion
One bike I regret selling is my Mk 2 RS250. So thinking of buying another. Apparently not popular here in NZ. A bit surprising as they have some great, tight roads that suit small, light bikes. Probably great for supernakeds of something like a KTM Duke 790 but I already have a GSXR 750 so they would be a bit too similar (I might get one if and when I replace the Suzuki).
There is one RS250 for sale. Imported by an Italian bike specialist from Japan. 10,000 miles for £5k. Seems to be great condition in the pictures but haven’t seen it in the flesh yet.
Were there any significant differences between the first and second gen RS250?
Compared to UK prices it doesn’t seem too bad and in any case I am hoping it will be a keeper (until I stop riding).
There is one RS250 for sale. Imported by an Italian bike specialist from Japan. 10,000 miles for £5k. Seems to be great condition in the pictures but haven’t seen it in the flesh yet.
Were there any significant differences between the first and second gen RS250?
Compared to UK prices it doesn’t seem too bad and in any case I am hoping it will be a keeper (until I stop riding).
Obviously it’s all about condition. Remember the tanks are plastic, make sure the fuel hasn’t messed it up.
Differences were just the fairings and (I think) maybe the front forks on the mk2 were different. The mk1 has damping on one leg, preload on the other leg. My 2 were more conventional.
Parts like cones etc for mk1 forks not always easy to find.
But, the chesterfield is a classic and if it is in good nick, it’ll be amazing fun to ride and money in the bank imo.
Differences were just the fairings and (I think) maybe the front forks on the mk2 were different. The mk1 has damping on one leg, preload on the other leg. My 2 were more conventional.
Parts like cones etc for mk1 forks not always easy to find.
But, the chesterfield is a classic and if it is in good nick, it’ll be amazing fun to ride and money in the bank imo.
They are nice to ride once sorted.
As above, almost all have swollen tanks that hit the top yoke on full lock these days.
Watch out for the plastic nuts on the choke cables, when stripping the carbs. Electrics can be fun, but at least you avoid the awful non-water proof dash on the mk2s.
Kickstarts also give trouble and an RGV one won't fit. An NSR250 one can be modified.
As above, almost all have swollen tanks that hit the top yoke on full lock these days.
Watch out for the plastic nuts on the choke cables, when stripping the carbs. Electrics can be fun, but at least you avoid the awful non-water proof dash on the mk2s.
Kickstarts also give trouble and an RGV one won't fit. An NSR250 one can be modified.
Great bikes, loved mine and the RGV's I had.
I also think one would be great fun on some NZ roads.
There are a couple for sale at the moment, the other is at the Mount and, iirc, has been for sale for ages at $8k.
I don't think they were unpopular over here just incredibly expensive, prob over $20k when new,
I also think one would be great fun on some NZ roads.
There are a couple for sale at the moment, the other is at the Mount and, iirc, has been for sale for ages at $8k.
I don't think they were unpopular over here just incredibly expensive, prob over $20k when new,
NNK said:
Great bikes, loved mine and the RGV's I had.
I also think one would be great fun on some NZ roads.
There are a couple for sale at the moment, the other is at the Mount and, iirc, has been for sale for ages at $8k.
I don't think they were unpopular over here just incredibly expensive, prob over $20k when new,
Do you have a link to the one at $8k? I do t see it in TrademeI also think one would be great fun on some NZ roads.
There are a couple for sale at the moment, the other is at the Mount and, iirc, has been for sale for ages at $8k.
I don't think they were unpopular over here just incredibly expensive, prob over $20k when new,
Lots of differences between the Mk1 and Mk2
Front wheel width 3 vs 3.5
Forks
Bodywork
Dash
ECU
Mapping
The list is long
HOWEVER
the wheel and forks are an easy fix and the rest is down to preference. I think the Mk1 looks nicer fwiw.
But being a mix of Suzuki's engine and Aprilia chassis its still the last and best road race 250 and unless you find something really interesting probably still the pick of the bunch.
Usual caveats apply especially in relation to the engine and ancillary components such as power valves but in terms of handling and go, no other "standard " 250 comes close.
Front wheel width 3 vs 3.5
Forks
Bodywork
Dash
ECU
Mapping
The list is long
HOWEVER
the wheel and forks are an easy fix and the rest is down to preference. I think the Mk1 looks nicer fwiw.
But being a mix of Suzuki's engine and Aprilia chassis its still the last and best road race 250 and unless you find something really interesting probably still the pick of the bunch.
Usual caveats apply especially in relation to the engine and ancillary components such as power valves but in terms of handling and go, no other "standard " 250 comes close.
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