Prices of old small capacity sports bikes!

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

What has happened to completely over inflate the prices of old 250's and 400's? Looking for a project as a tidy up for something to do and even tatty working examples of any 250 or 400 are at least £1500!

Anyway, rant over does anyone have a suggestion for a fun small road/sports bike that is relatively cheap and reasonably easy to get back to roadworthy condition? Not looking for anything fast, light and quick handling are more my priorities, 2-stroke or 4.

Current top spot is an Aprilia RS125, happy to consider older bikes to look at.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[T0MMY]

If you're not fussed about fairings the cheapest way to get the CBR400RR type experience is probably a CB-1. They're great fun on the road and I got a really good one for £500 a few years back. To be fair I sold it for £670 after 2 years so maybe even they've gone up a bit in value.

All the 400 race reps are way overpriced...much better off with a 600 but I can see why you'd want a 400 for the road.
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[MarJay]

My suggestion is: Don't even bother with a two stroke unless you're really really into them. Their prices have skyrocketed because all the 40 somethings now want to re-live their youth.

My suggestion is to look out for a Yamaha FZR400RR. A very underrated bike indeed, and can still be had cheaply. The same is true for the GSXR400RR GK76A, although I don't think it's got quite as sweet handling as the FZR.

NC30's and by extension CBR400 prices have also gone mental. Not as bad as 250 two strokes, but pretty bad. ZXR400 prices also seem to be quite hard.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Yeah I have seen the FZR400 and GSXR 400. Im not sure they offer anything more than buying a cheap slightly more modern 600 in terms of handling and there isnt enough exclusivity/interesting appeal about them for me. May as well go for a classic (pre1980) rather than one.

Hence the though of getting an Aprilia RS125.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Also with regards to the 125 2-strokes can anybody enlighten me as to the pros and cons of Aprilia RS Vs Cagive Mito 125? Keith etc?

I realise they are both fragile bikes that will need care (and possible rebuilds) but this will purely be a toy/sunny weather bike. Potentially for trackdays.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[T0MMY]

I don't think you'd want a 125 for trackdays to be honest. I think it would be too slow to be fun for most tracks and I could be wrong but I don't think you're allowed to use them on a lot of trackdays anyway.
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[MarJay]

If you want a trackday bike, buy a CBR600 or something.

If you want a two stroke, by an RD350 YPVS.

If you want a good handling bike that can be used on the road or track and don't want a 400, buy a CBR600 or ZX6R.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

I want to buy a bike which is small capacity and fun. I have another bike for speed/getting around on. Also would like something a little different. Hence looking at 125's. I realise any 600 could cover all these areas much better than a little 125 but dont think Id enjoy it as much!
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Sload]

[T0MMY]

[Sload]

[Frost]

If you have had a full licence a while, don't waste your time on the mini sports bikes. You can pick up a much nicer retro 750 for the same money.

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

[TUG]

[maxp]

I love the 400 4 cylinder sports series, its a real shame they dont make them anymore.

They provide a really nice platform for 'beginners', or those who don't long for the extra power a 600 provides, which is why they will always be in demand.

Its a shame they are all getting a bit long in the tooth (I think the a 2003 ZXR400 is probably the newest of them all, and you will be paying through the nose big time).

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Only issue with the 400's of Yam and Suzi are the reported reliability issues, though I imagine these are mainly down to lack of servicing/poor care. If that not the case though I may as well stick with a 125 2-stroke. A lot simpler and easier to rebuild!
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[sickpup]

The NC24 sat out back at mine will be a cheap project...

[MarJay]

[Ghost]

I loved my zxr400 and would recommend one to anyone. The rvf 400 looked reay nice too but their prices were steep last time i looked.

[shereen]

I have a GSXR400 GK76 project for sale if you want it?
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