I'm currently trying to decide between a 2013 Suzuki S40 Boulevard new from the dealer, a 1999 GS 250 from craigslist, or a 2013 TU250X for my first bike.  I have issues with all of them for various reasons:

1.) The S40 is my ideal.  It's gorgeous, comfortable, and will travel on the highway without maxing out its potential and leaving me without passing power.  However it's the most expensive option.  So there's that... It's not outrageously expensive.  Just more than the other options.

2.) The GS250 I saw on Craigslist is basically the same bike I rode in my MSF class.  I liked it.  It was a tad bit cramped but not too bad.  This one listed is from 1999 so I worry about the age but it's only asking 1500 so it'd dirt cheap.  I don't want my first bike to be a lemon that gives me endless problems, however.

3.) The TU250X is what I probably would have bought already if California didn't outlaw it.  But I'm wondering if it could still be in the running via the CA DMV 7500 mile loophole.  I'm living Colorado currently but moving back to California in the Fall.  If I bought it here and registered it here, could I just keep it registered in CO until I've racked up 7500 miles on the bike and then register it in CA? (that's when CA will register a used vehicle even if it doesn't meet their emission standards for new vehicles)

I'd love any advice or thoughts people have here.  I've been enjoying this forum very much while I've been shopping.

Serowbot wrote on 08/08/13 at 19:50:32:


I agree as well.  Me and my buddy both started out with Ninja 250s.  Got lessons learned and moved up to 600 and 750s.  Some say you'll get bored/tired of 250 fast, so you should just start at 500/600s.  Either way, riding is riding!  Go with something you'll wake up and say "man I want to ride!".. not "man how can I get rid of this.."  

I rode the Yamaha Vstar 250, the GZ 250 and the Honda Rebel the Yamaha was by far the best of the 3, and the Honda coming in close second.  The GZ just didn't have enough power to pull my big butt around and the Honda has these side covers that cut into your inner thighs.  The Yamaha is also the more expensive, in the end I went with the Savage I picked mine up for $700.00 it was in great mechanical shape but looks ugly as sin, but I knew when I got it that it was going to be a beater until I got my experience level back up and then i would get the one that i really want a Triumph T100.

It is hard for us to make a solid, sensible recommendation when we don't know your size, type of riding, etc.  If you are going to be riding on the 65-70 mph highways......a 250 is not going to be the right choice.

In the Cincinnati, Ohio area you have a lot of bikes available and a huge selection on Craigslist....you could get a good deal on any bike you want if you watch and wait for the right one.  Beater Savages are $ 1,500, nice ones are $ 2,500, and like new ones are $ 3,500 - $4,000.  The Ninja 250 bikes are plentiful and there are many abused ones and some that are very nice for $ 2,000 and up.

If you are in a rural Colorado area.....you may not have nearly as good of a selection.  You might consider looking at Craigslist in other areas and travel to get a good bike.  Craigslist actively goes after anyone that sets up a way to search engines that can look at more than one local place at a time.....but I am told this one works.

Google "TEMPEST CRAIGSLIST"
Main Page, Type in your Zip, item you are looking for, hit seach, then bookmark.

I bought my 2007 Suzuki Savage with 262 miles on it for $ 2,650, and I had to drive from Kentucky to New York City to get it......but it was in great shape and better than the choices I had in Cincinnati.

Is the bike you saw on craigslist a GS250 or a GZ250. Two different bikes. GS is a twin the GZ is a single. I don't know anything about the GS( not sure they still made them in 99 though) but I rode a GZ in my MSF class and it felt very similar to a Savage, just a bit smaller and with less power.

The TU is a pretty small bike. If you're cramped on the GZ I think you would find it to be too small.

If you have to choose between the three you mentioned, and money is a consideration, my advice would be to go with the GZ and keep looking for a good deal on the Savage you really want. Otherwise just go straight to the Savage.

If the S40 is what you really want, buy an older one for comparable money as the others you are looking at. I wanted one and just waited until I found one in my price range. Most people will quickly tire of a 250 unless it is strictly used in the city.

A used Savage IS a beginner bike. Or a stay in the game after injury or age forces you off heavier bikes type bike. It is the same dimensions as older 250s, handles the same as older 250/350 bikes, has just enough quirks to keep it interesting... And is THE least stolen bike in the USA, so insurance is as low or lower than many 250s.

Get a cheap one that needs some cosmetic work, ride it until you are comfortable, then replace it with a newer one or cut it up and make it yours. Look through some of the custom builds on our site, many highly modified D.I.Y. and components kits builds. We have them ranging from cafe racers to full on track styles, barhoppers to touring baggers, even a few flat track and dual sport conversions.

The Savage/S40 is THE best bargain basement, get your hands dirty, cut it up or crash it bike on the market. Just keep in mind, once you modify it, you can't GIVE them away...

Thanks again for all the input, guys.  Just following up.  I've been to every dealer in town and sat on just about every Rebel, GZ250, TU250x, V Star 250, S40, and even a few Shadows too.

- The TU250X won't fly with CA emissions so it's out.
- The Rebel boxes really do suck for the leg comfort
- The GZ250 is widely considered ultra-low performance even among 250s so it's out.
- The V Star just feels annoyingly cramped in such a way that I find myself wanting to avoid using the rear break and that's not a good ergonomic habit to develop.

Bottom line... every time I sat on a S40 it just felt right.  And now one has come up for sale via private owner that is low mileage, low price, and a no brainer.

I'll be checking it out later this week and likely bringing it home.  Can't wait to be an official member of the club!