Hey guys,

Ive been interested in buying a bike and have been considering the NSR250 because of its looks, performance and reputation. I have found someone that is selling their 1988 NSR250, and have many questions that need answered. So please, feel free to answer as many as you can.

By the way, I've had only a small amount of bike experience and also live in Australia.

These are mainly in regards to the MC18 model, but once again feel free to answer for other NSR models (as I think some aspects are similar)

1) Ive heard a lot of praise for the NSR, what are its major problems aside from parts availability?

2) This motorbike has >15k on the odometer, what can I expect from it performance wise, compared to a new/older bike.

3) Fuel consumption wise, does it burn more or less than a 4 stroke. Is it relatively cheap to run if I use it more or less as a commuter.

4) I am 6'2 (186cm) and 90kgs (200lbs) will I look like a circus act?

5) Is it expensive to insure compared to a mopet/scooter?

6) Can I take a person on the back of it for a ride if needed?

7) And most importantly- Do chicks dig it?

Thank you in advance.

7. LOL

Hi there....

1) There is no major problem with the parts...You can find quite easy any part you like...

2) -------- Don't know --------

3) The consumption of an NSR is similar to a V12 supercharged Dodge...!!! LOL....!!!!!

4) I don't think you are going to look very good on this bike but who cares...!!! If you like it just take it...

5) It depends on the country... Here in Greece the price is quite good for a 250cc ... Ask an insurance agent...

6) Yes you can... But not for a long ride....

7) Chicks just hate it....!!!! LOL...!!! But who gives a $h$#%^ about them...!!!

You're wellcome...

Michael

Hi
Item 2)
The MC18 is the least restricted (see the model history and tuning links )of the 18 ,21 ,28 bunch so you should be looking at 58 - 60 HP after disconecting one wire and getting it on a dyno . Parts for the MC18 are ok to still get apart from the cranks but the roller bearings are avalible, but if you are looking at a low milage one you should be ok for years yet . You will have to wind up the suspension all the way to get it to handle if you are 200lbs though . Just go for it mate as they will not be around for ever .

1. The usual 2-stroke maintenance issues. Not a problem if you are mechanically adept.

2. Hard to answer without having ridden comparable 250 4 strokes.

3. Fuel and oil consumption will be higher (how much depends on how you ride it). It's not really a commuter bike, you'll end up thrashing it around in traffic to try and get the most from it. Where in Aust are you? It might not like hot weather and traffic (my TZR didn't when I was in Sydney).

4. You might, but you'll have fun doing it.

5. Yes. Sportsbikes, especially 2 strokes, are usually in the highest risk category. This is not helped if you are a young and inexperienced rider. Listen to other riders in Australia - insurance brokers as mentioned above are more common in Europe, we tend just to have a few big companies. As always shop around.

6. Yep, but it's not really a good option.

7. Chicks love bikes - just get the right chick! Ones that don't like the cold/rain/messed up hair/clothes might not hang around long......

At the end of the day, these bikes won't be around for too many more years, so enjoy them while you can. But it will involve compromises to your wallet/license/sanity.......

In addition to above, parts WILL be an issue here in Aus. There are very few of them around compared to Europe. You can get most things - it just might not be easy or cheap (for someone new to bikes, grey imports, and NSR's, from Australia). Melbourne and Brisbane seem to be better for parts availability, as QLD and Vic had companies that imported them. Don't bother going to any old Honda dealer unless you are really good mates with the guy at the counter - they don't offer any support to grey import bikes.

Middo wrote:
In addition to above, parts WILL be an issue here in Aus. There are very few of them around compared to Europe.

I'm sorry, but I always find this kind of information extremely misleading.

There is NOWHERE near me that I can walk in to and buy NSR parts! Yes, I can order many OEM parts from (certain helpful) Honda dealers, which you should be able to do virtually anywhere in the world, but the vast majority of parts I buy I source from abroad.

There is absolutely no reason whatsoever why local parts availability should disuade someone from purchasing ANY 20 year old bike! Almost any bike of that vintage will need some form of long distance/niche support. The only thing that should effect your consideration is its' age, and whether you want a "classic" that will invariably require substantially more looking after that a 600cc bore-stroke Lemming-mobile, and more brainpower to do so too!

Providing this is a serious enquiry, I would answer as follows:

1. No inherant major problems. MC16's and MC28's are underpowered, and both are expensive to attain their full potential. MC28's can be insanely over-priced considering all you are paying extra for are sales gimmicks. MC18's and MC21's are the pick of the bunch.

2. Although they will last longer, in my opinion crank life seems to be near its end around 30,000kms if the bike has lead a spirited life. New cranks no longer exist for MC16/MC18 models, although the odd NOS item does turn up from time-to-time. MC21/MC28 cranks are interchangeable, and still available, although in limited supply. Crank bearings (not officially available as a seperate item) crop up once in a while from various sources. I always recommend a top-end rebuild on ANY "new to you" 2-stroke, regardless of what the seller tells you, or shows you by way of receipt. For the sake of at least a couple of base gaskets and piston ring sets, it's better safe than sorry.

3. Fuel consumption is a joke compared to just about any bore-stroke without a turbo! You'll also burn more expensive synthetic oil than the Republican Guard on a bad day out in Kuwait!

4. You are an inch taller than me, and a couple of kilos heavier... I don't give a toss what I look like on my MC21 because (a) I'm having too much fun, and (b) I've done far more embarrassing things in public than ride an NSR to worry about it!

5. Depends how old you are, how old the bike is, how modified the bike is, the area you live in, the insurer, the insured's history, and how long a piece of string is! Generally, yes, it will be more expansive to insure than a moped unless you are about 60!

6. If you dislike someone that much, then yes, perch them on the back! Or, get yourself a nice dinky 38kg Asian girlfriend/wife/bit on the side and then you won't even know she's there!

7. If the chick doesn't dig it, she's easily replaced!
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Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

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Im a forum supporter from Melbourne - I have a good supply of new and second hand parts on the shelf - being the MC18 some of the parts arent available new any more though.

One problem I can see you having is if you are a new rider you will have to ride a LAMS approved bike - the NSR250s arent on the list

coruja_fdp wrote:Hey guys,

Ive been interested in buying a bike and have been considering the NSR250 because of its looks, performance and reputation. I have found someone that is selling their 1988 NSR250, and have many questions that need answered. So please, feel free to answer as many as you can.

By the way, I've had only a small amount of bike experience and also live in Australia.

These are mainly in regards to the MC18 model, but once again feel free to answer for other NSR models (as I think some aspects are similar)

1) Ive heard a lot of praise for the NSR, what are its major problems aside from parts availability?

2) This motorbike has >15k on the odometer, what can I expect from it performance wise, compared to a new/older bike.

3) Fuel consumption wise, does it burn more or less than a 4 stroke. Is it relatively cheap to run if I use it more or less as a commuter.

4) I am 6'2 (186cm) and 90kgs (200lbs) will I look like a circus act?

5) Is it expensive to insure compared to a mopet/scooter?

6) Can I take a person on the back of it for a ride if needed?

7) And most importantly- Do chicks dig it?

Thank you in advance.

Andy wrote:
6. If you dislike someone that much, then yes, perch them on the back! Or, get yourself a nice dinky 38kg Asian girlfriend/wife/bit on the side and then you won't even know she's there!

7. If the chick doesn't dig it, she's easily replaced!

I've got the dinky sub 45kg asian partner and she won't get on the back of the bike after having been spoilt by being on the back of a SV650 before.

I see the pillion seat as a token effort, it's there as an emergency seat, nothing else.

nxrsr20 wrote:
I see the pillion seat as a token effort, it's there as an emergency seat, nothing else.

Err...



I'll go with the "nothing" part!
_________________
Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

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I reckon they also ripped the pillion pegs off for weight savings too.

I like the cup noodle scheme, I may have to use that for my bike

I'm sorry, but I always find this kind of information extremely misleading.

There is NOWHERE near me that I can walk in to and buy NSR parts! Yes, I can order many OEM parts from (certain helpful) Honda dealers, which you should be able to do virtually anywhere in the world, but the vast majority of parts I buy I source from abroad.

Sorry Andy, but you're not in Australia are you? Chris (B Components - one of the bigger NSR parts suppliers here) in a later post states that some new parts are unavailable anymore. ******, another NSR parts supplier, has a recommendation against puchasing MC18's for that same reason, on their website. I can't get some new parts for my MC21, don't even ask me about my NS400R.

If you know where to look, you can usually find most bits - but it is not a straight forward exercise like walking into your local Honda dealer. To reiterate what I said in my post - many Australian Honda (and other manufactur's dealers) simply don't want to know about grey import bikes. There have been numerous tales of woe in local bike mags about people having this experience. If you live in Melbourne or Brisbane, then you may have an easier time, as the importers (for many grey import bikes) were located there. Other cities are not so lucky, and we have to rely on mail order.

It's simply a word of caution to a prospective purchaser - who may not be an enthusiast prepared to go to great lengths to obtain hard to get parts. Or have a bike off the road for a periods of time while sourcing parts from overseas. What impressions do you get from the original post?

I think it's a responsible statement.

I agree. New parts and parts in general are hard to find in AUST. I live in Brisbane, and there is a good wrecker up here that will have just about a whole bike in bits somewhere in there. But that is 2nd hand parts. I got a brand new switch block for mine (without the headlight lock modification, so i can acutally turn them completely off !!!!)

You definatly cannot try to buy anything but chains, sprockets and brake pads from a Honda dealer here. You can get jets if you have a geniune number, forget it if you dont

Question 7 - most chicks i know dont like the sound. Especially the dry clutch. Most people dont get the dry clutch. I even been told it needs a rebuild becasue of the 'piston slap' when the clutch is pulled in. Retards.
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Winning isn't everything, but loosing isn't anything

You are both missing the point! I can buy some parts in the UK, but I don't. There is absolutely NO NEED to buy your parts in Australia simply because you live in Australia, and unless you are on a crusade to protect the local Australian economy, I find you a little narrow minded. If anyone considers buying a 20 year old JDM bike (long unsupported by the manufacturer), then they would be mental not to expect to have to shop around, possibly abroad, for parts and spares.

80XAR wrote:
You definatly cannot try to buy anything but chains, sprockets and brake pads from a Honda dealer here.

And to be honest, I wouldn't even buy those from a Honda dealer. The genuine brake pads are really good, but it makes much more sense to buy chains and sprockets (just about all I buy in UK) from third party companies.

It is a truly global marketplace these days. If it weren't, why do I do so much business with Australia from the UK?! If I bought a Monaro V8, would you expect me to buy parts in the UK? I could probably get brake pads and spark plugs by part number, but you would probably think I was a bit dim expecting the local Vauxhaul dealer to stock a pair of head gaskets or an oil pump for it! And that's a modern vehicle, not something 15~20 years old.

As for ****** recommending you don't buy something that will make their life a bit more challenging... surprise me why don't you!
_________________
Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

Please keep all responses to Forum posts on the Forum so that others may benefit.

Please DO NOT PM me for technical advice. My time is precious, and you will probably receive a faster response on the Forum anyway.

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I'm with Andy on this one. Its a 20 year old bike (22 for my MC16) I've located parts for mine in the Australia, UK, Thailand and Japan. Most consummable parts are readily avalaible here in Australia (pistons, rings, gaskets). Yeah its hard finding heads and cylinders but if you look after the rings/pistons, make sure its getting oil ok you shouldnt have to worry about that too much. I've a brand new cylinder (MC18 tho) on the shelf along with new MC16 cdi units as spares for when I get stupid and destroy something. (Picked those up in Japan)

Currently ressurecting a MC21 on which the hardest part was locating decent fairings so decided to cheat and get some tyga ones but all the other parts for it werent hard at all to locate. New disks/pads from the UK, fairings/seat from thailand, rubbers/gaskets/m/c rebuild kits/brake seals from Oz....... I like the bike and take for granted that as a result of its age and history as a gray import its not well supported by local dealers, tho redwing Honda in Melbourne has enough of them in the workshop anytime I am there.