Recommend large learner bike? (over 250cc)

[no_8wire]

Hi All

I am about to apply to LTNZ for a exemption from the 250cc limit for a learner bike as I have trouble fitting on most 250cc bikes.

I went it to Red Baron in Auckland and took photos of me on various 250cc bike to accompany my application for exemption for the size of the bike, as advised in some posts on this forum.

However, reading through some of the forum articles, it also seems like a good idea to also provide LTNZ a list of bikes that you do fit on so they can either approve a certain bike, or engine size that you would like, instead of them choosing for you.


I also sat on a Honda CB400 and Yamaha Dragstar which seemed to be of the right size to fit my frame and reach( I am 6'2" and 95kg)

What other larger bikes would you recommend for a learner who has had limited experience(dirt bikes) but wishes to avoid sports bikes?


Rory

[disenfranchised]

I'd be surprised if you get an exemption...you're just not that big.

I'm 6'4" and 100kg, and my Hyosung is a great fit.
The hornet is a good size also.
Crusier styles I can't really comment on, but I expect that the two yamaha models would be fine also...VStar or something isn't it??
I find my wifes ZZR a little small feeling, but it's still fine to ride...and I expect that most other bikes would be the same.

I did find the one bandit I had a go on too small...and the CBR's look too small also.

[xwhatsit]

Yes, I can't figure this one out either. Bikes like the GT250R, GT250, DR250 (in fact nearly all dual-sports) are relatively large -- larger than 400s and 600s. The 250 crusiers are very capacious. As Ixion said once (paraphrased), it's amazing how that extra engine capacity seems to extend to the frame... not.

Sounds like you just want an excuse for more horsepower. You being 20kg heavier than me is going to make SFA difference on a bike with more than 30hp, and definitely not detriment performance to the point of being dangerous (whatever that is, you see plenty of fat fucks riding FXR150s at bucket racing).

[98tls]

As has been said methinks on just height/weight alone you have no chance of getting the exemption mate.6.2 isnt that tall and 95 kg aint that fat.

[MsKABC]

My husband is 6'2" and he managed on a 250 GPX. Looked a little silly and was a little uncomfortable on long rides, but there are other bigger 250s out there that would fit you.

[no_8wire]

xwhatsit - What other 250 cruisers would you recommend?
I tried a Hyosung and it was ridiculous. Same deal with a suzuki gn.

I may fit a sports bike but I do not want to ride one, I just dont trust them and would feel more confident on a lower, longer bike with their more upright seating postion etc.

I have photos of me on the bikes, and then on bikes that are roomy enough to position my legs and knees appropriately. Hopefully they accept my reasoning in the accompanying letter, and if not, for $22.20 its worth a shot even if I dont get the result Im after.

[quickbuck]

Okay,
As said you aren't that big.
You are roughly the same size as me.

A GSX 250 (2003 on) have plenty of leg room. But if you do want an exemption then I recommend a CB400. Great bikes those. As you said, they are a comfortable ride. Based on the big brother.... in fact some are even called "Project Big 1".
Stay away from the GN and the like, your back WILL suffer as you are taller than many.... as you have almost discovered.

You could always look at a 250 trailie, and motard it. I struggle with the KLX250 due to it's share height! Lots of room on that....

Hope this helps a little, happy hunting.

[jaymzw]

( I am 6'2" and 95kg)

What other larger bikes would you recommend for a learner who has had limited experience(dirt bikes) but wishes to avoid sports bikes?


Rory

Im also 95kgs and 6'2"

You will fit to a 250 fine.

I ride a CBR250 with no problems.

Dont want to shoot you down though, you seem to have the right idea with asking for a non sports bike

[Grant`]

I talked to the licensing guy (in Tauranga) and he reckoned there quite dificult to get them, as i wanted to sit my full license on my ER6 as i had purchased it about a month before sitting my full license.

[no_8wire]

Sounds like you just want an excuse for more horsepower. You being 20kg heavier than me is going to make SFA difference on a bike with more than 30hp, and definitely not detriment performance to the point of being dangerous .

If I wanted more power I would simply move to a sports bike in the 250 range like a RGV with 62hp, rather than ask for an exemption to ride a larger cruiser. I mean a 535 Virago has only 42hp, same with a Honda VT600, it has only 39hp

I will try LTNZ and will see what their decision is...

[CookMySock]

Which Hyosung did you try? Why was it rediculous? There are three different Hyos with three quite different seating arrangements, the GT250 naked, the GT250R, and the GV250.

Steve

[no_8wire]

Which Hyosung did you try? Why was it rediculous? There are three different Hyos with three quite different seating arrangements, the GT250 naked, the GT250R, and the GV250.

Steve

It was the GV250. As stated, I am after a cruiser rather than a sports styled bike.
The seat only came up to about halfway up my thigh when I stood next to it.
When I sat on it my knees were covering well over half of the "aprilia" sticker, eg well up the fuel tank. Thats what it felt like anyway. Looked like a circus bear on a trike.

[CookMySock]

I think you will find even the GV650 is about the same size. Looks like you are going to be a circus bear on a trike no matter what you ride.

As you say, pay yer 22 bux and see what happens. I will really come down to what you can persuade them of. Good luck!

Steve

[mtroskill]

I'm 6'4-6'5, 95kg and am comfortable on 2008 ninja 250.... was considering exemption, but they are apparently more stringent now... ending up not needing it

[greminn]

Adding my 2-4 cents worth to this as someone who went thru the exemption process to remove the 70km speed limit...

My thoughts is that it would be a looooong shot. If you:

- had a bigger bike already
- it was your only form of transport
- needed it for work/something
- cannot use public transport for some reason
- etc etc

Then you might get past the initial NO phase, which will get someone up higher to review for you.

If you go in there and say, i want to ride a bike, dont want "A" particlaur type of bike as i dont like them, and im too tall/wide they will say no.

(Dont want to be harsh, but thats how they look at it)

Good luck anyways

Simon