In need of a bike to ride!

[enth]

Looking for a 250cc bike to get my learners on. I have $1500 to spend and would of bought this http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=254598013 and fixed it up for $1200 if the owner decided not to keep it. :mad:

Please help me spend my money! :2thumbsup

[Henk]

A few words of advice.

I've bought bikes that "Need a little work" as projects in the past. If you enjoy fiddling around in the garage it can be a worthwhile thing to do, but if you are looking for something that you can quickly sort out and get riding buy something legal, there is always more wrong than you have been told about and can spot when you look at the bike. Take what you can see damage wise and at least double it when you do the numbers. If the repairs are as simple as people always seem to try and make them look they would likely do it themselves as a legal bike is a lot more saleable than a colection of bits. The other thing people seem to think is that if the bike in legal form is worth $2000 and it needs $500 spent on it then it is worth $1500, it isn't, with the risk factor and hassle you should be looking at $1000 max.

It's your first bike, you want to get out and ride it, not swear at spanners for 6 months and then find that the WOF / VIN people want you to do something horribly expensive because the previous owners have done something stupid like gut the exhausts.

Buy something cheap and legal and crashable.

[enth]

Thanks for the advice, going to go have a look at a Suzuki rg150 1998. All WOFd and Regd and looks to be in good condition. Any advice on this little 2-stroker before I fork out the money for it?

[sil3nt]

Thanks for the advice, going to go have a look at a Suzuki rg150 1998. All WOFd and Regd and looks to be in good condition. Any advice on this little 2-stroker before I fork out the money for it?Good little bikes! Just remember these little 2 strokes generally need a bit more maintenance.

[enth]

Good little bikes! Just remember these little 2 strokes generally need a bit more maintenance.

This is true. But will be okay, used to 2 strokes more than 4 strokes and prefer the beautiful sound of 2 strokes over 4 strokes any way :p

Any good cheapish places to get it checked out before I get it?

[sil3nt]

Guy on here named Frosty (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=721)runs a car yard that also deals with bikes. I believe he knows his stuff. http://www.finda.co.nz/business/listing/2kpz/millars-car-centre/

Message him or ring him and im sure he will check it out for ya!

[Henk]

Only thing to watch for is that the powervalves aren't too rattly and that they actually open. There is a guy on here from Chch called Oyster who can do a md to patch them up if they are shagged. Popular bike in the SS class down south.

[enth]

Only thing to watch for is that the powervalves aren't too rattly and that they actually open. There is a guy on here from Chch called Oyster who can do a md to patch them up if they are shagged. Popular bike in the SS class down south.

Will I hear them if they are rattly?

[Henk]

probably. you'll definately notice if they are working, you should feel an increase in power when they open, can't remember what revs that happens at though.

[breakaway]

And make sure the bike has had a recent rebuild or it might blow up in your face :)

[enth]

And make sure the bike has had a recent rebuild or it might blow up in your face :)

Really? If it hasn't I might do it, what is usually replaced/cleaned on a rebuild?

[crashalots]

A few words of advice...

A bike that is bullet proof and perfect for the learner rider (even though some people think it's a bit of a sissy bike...) is the Suzuki GN250

You may need to push up to $2-3000 or so to get a good one, but this will be much less than the repair costs on the other bikes you mentioned...

These bikes have excellent reliability, economy, and the upright riders stance helps you learn safely and effectively by being higher and more observant. Also the bike has great inherent stability so great for slow speed commuting around town.

Just my 2cents anyway... :niceone:

[enth]

A bike that is bullet proof and perfect for the learner rider (even though some people think it's a bit of a sissy bike...) is the Suzuki GN250

You may need to push up to $2-3000 or so to get a good one, but this will be much less than the repair costs on the other bikes you mentioned...

These bikes have excellent reliability, economy, and the upright riders stance helps you learn safely and effectively by being higher and more observant. Also the bike has great inherent stability so great for slow speed commuting around town.

Just my 2cents anyway... :niceone:

Thanks for your 2 cents but I think I'll get the rg150. The gn250 isn't really my cup of tea and I don't have that much although, I think there was one on TM for about $1900 or so a little while back.

[steph88m]

if your still looking for a bike you might like my rgv 150 http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/123713-Suzuki-RGV-150-Awesome-quick-light-and-reliable-FUN-bike!?p=1129758457#post1129758457

Price is ONO, so maybe be able to go lower into your price range if your keen. I see this post is a little old tho but all good.