Got a bigger bike ( and so soon)

**toads** · 24th April 2004, 22:09

I feel kind of fickle really, I haven't been all that happy with the gn250 as it isn't really a bike I want to travel any huge distance on, I never felt "in love with it" at any point, but then today while checking out the kawasaki en 400, I realised there are very few bikes that I can actually touch the ground on and not feel as though the bike is too heavy for me, this bike felt great to ride, although according to the DH I rode far too slowly !!! 80-90kms, but I really enjoyed it and I know now what you guys are raving about when you say you enjoy the twisties, I can tell you that is a novelty!!

Anyway I'm buzzing, got to get some warmer riding gear though, froze out there today. And my helmet lets a lot of noise in too, which I would think would become tiresome after a few hours, anyway, had to share with someone!!

**wari** · 24th April 2004, 22:25

Good onya toads ....

take your time in looking for the bike that suits you ...

there's polenty out there ...

**toads** · 24th April 2004, 22:30

I forgot to add, I bought the 400, it's a good ride, and I got it from someone I know so I know it's history, an 87 so it's reasonably old, but so comfortable and when I decide to up the speed, I can!!

**wari** · 24th April 2004, 22:31

congratulations then ... :spudbooge :spudguita

**k14** · 24th April 2004, 22:33

Yeah, good stuff toad.

Hope it goes well. Got any pics??

**toads** · 24th April 2004, 22:52

hopefully this one uploads ok,

**wari** · 24th April 2004, 23:02

very nice ... tidy ride ya got there mate.

**Her_C4** · 24th April 2004, 23:42

Originally Posted by toads

I feel kind of fickle really, I haven't been all that happy with the gn250 as it isn't really a bike I want to travel any huge distance on, I never felt "in love with it" at any point,

...............

Originally Posted by toads

I realised there are very few bikes that I can actually touch the ground on and not feel as though the bike is too heavy for me,

OMG!!!! I sooooo understand this - I too had a GN250 that I couldn't really relate to but everyone I spoke to told me that it was the best one to (re)learn on etc etc ... and it surely was ...... but then I wanted something that would give me more and found to my frustration that at just under 5ft 4 I did not have a lot of options.

Persistance pays though and last week I found the perfect 'next stage' learner bike for me.... (CBR250RR) I even took a couple of days off work to take it up to Palmy and back a couple of times and introduce myself to it (furtherest I had been - or even wanted to go before on the GN was Upper Hutt!!).

I am buzzing too

**Ms Piggy** · 25th April 2004, 07:31

Nice rides girls! Have fun! I was thinking for my next ride I'd get a 400 something or other. Have fun! Might see ya out there Her_B4.

**SPman** · 25th April 2004, 07:43

Good on ya, girls. Seat height can be a real problem.

Originally Posted by Toads

And my helmet lets a lot of noise in too, which I would think would become tiresome after a few hours,

You'll just have to be like most of us and wear earplugs.A good pair for $5-6 make all the difference.

**Racey Rider** · 25th April 2004, 13:02

Originally Posted by toads

hopefully this one uploads ok,

Is that a brake light or a red lunch box on the back of that thing?!

**toads** · 25th April 2004, 16:44

Originally Posted by Racey Rider

Is that a brake light or a red lunch box on the back of that thing?!

LOL!, shocking isn't it, I removed the great gumboot flap off the rear of it today , but the "tail light" has to stay!!

**toads** · 25th April 2004, 16:51

Persistance pays though and last week I found the perfect 'next stage' learner bike for me.... (CBR250RR) I even took a couple of days off work to take it up to Palmy and back a couple of times and introduce myself to it (furtherest I had been - or even wanted to go before on the GN was Upper Hutt!!).

QUOTE]

My son has just bought one of these, but yours is in very nice condition, his is a wreck, but he will have to get stuck in and repair all the damaged fairings etc before he gets to ride it , I find that is too high for me I am 5' 1" tall/short so most bikes are beyond me, however I can manage with the new bike ok, thanks for hint about ear plugs, I will try some

**FROSTY:Me** · 25th April 2004, 19:38

Good onya toads. I just figured out what your bike is.
Kawasaki got onto the custom cruiser bandwagon by building chopper type frames for their road bike range.
I'm almost certain yours is Z400 running gear.
If you get sick of the wind in your face then try a spitfire fairing --they work well on bikes like yours