What bike for new learner rider?

[efp0wa]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting a new bike from a dealer. Not really sure what i'm after.

I'm a learner rider so need something good to learn on. I've seen a few bikes that i Like but i'm unsure of what direction to go in.

I'm interested in a Honda CBR125R, Honda Magna, Suzuki DR200SE street legal. Obviously Honda don't make the Magna anymore so I'd need something second hand.

I will be using it to commute to and from work. Aswell as out to the country where my girlfriend has just moved. I like the idea of the DR200SE as it would be ok for mild off roading i assume.

Suggestions please. Don't really want to spend more than $5500 if I can help it.
Don't really know if i want a sport, cruiser or whatnot.

[crazyhorse]

If you get a DR, and use it to commute to work, then you will have road tyres on it, not knobblies, so doubt you will do any off-road stuff on it whilst visiting your gf.

Would suggest a proper road bike for commuting purposes- - my thoughts only

[efp0wa]

Ahhh good point.

What about this http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/YAMAHA-FZR250-1989/36672.aspx

or this http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/YAMAHA-AG100-2008/33834.aspx (is that road legal?

I'm also liking the looks of a Honda VTR250, Yamaha SX4 Scorpio. Or Honda Hornet (really like the looks of these!) http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/HONDA-HORNET-1996/34904.aspx

[The Pastor]

i'd go for a r1 or something simerlar.

[Rosie]

If you get a DR, and use it to commute to work, then you will have road tyres on it, not knobblies, so doubt you will do any off-road stuff on it whilst visiting your gf.

Would suggest a proper road bike for commuting purposes- - my thoughts only

For something fairly gentle, power-wise, like the DR200, you can get reasonable dual purpose tyres that will be fine for the seal, and for mild off roading.

I haven't been on the DR, but know a couple of people who have them. Dual purpose bikes tend to be pretty good for commuting. On the open road the DR would probably run out of puff around 95-100 km/h. Depending on how much open road riding you'd be doing, that might be a problem.
My sherpa is 50ccs bigger than the DR, and can generally get along at 100-110 km/h. I think it's fine on the open road, but I can see that it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea.

[crazyhorse]

i'd go for a r1 or something simerlar.

Why not go for a hyabusa then :rofl:

stay away from hyosungs, they do not have a good history.....

Can alway garantee the suzuki's, honda's or yamahas are good reliable bikes. Besides, you only need it for up to 2 years, and then its what you want to have................. good luck on your learners

[The Pastor]

Why not go for a hyabusa then :rofl:

stay away from hyosungs, they do not have a good history.....

Can alway garantee the suzuki's, honda's or yamahas are good reliable bikes. Besides, you only need it for up to 2 years, and then its what you want to have................. good luck on your learners
nah too much power for a learner.

[efp0wa]

LOL R1, yeah right!

[merlin]

nah too much power for a learner.

I learnt on a CBR 250RR MC22. Great bikes. Reliable and sturdy. Nimble and light. Fast and forgiving.

I couldn't recommend it enough.

Not suitable for off road at all...

I think you should base your purchase decision on the type of riding you will do most of...otherwise you'll just compromise too much.

Goodluck with your License and on finding your bike

[The Pastor]

I learnt on a CBR 250RR MC22. Great bikes. Reliable and sturdy. Nimble and light. Fast and forgiving.

I couldn't recommend it enough.

Not suitable for off road at all...

I think you should base your purchase decision on the type of riding you will do most of...otherwise you'll just compromise too much.

Goodluck with your License and on finding your bike
my mc22 seems to handle off road just fine!

[merlin]

my mc22 seems to handle off road just fine!

Good for you dude :niceone:

TBH...I have never taken mine offroad...I just assumed road bike = road bike..

:)

[The Pastor]

They are great on the sand

[efp0wa]

What about a 96 Honda Hornet?

[skinman]

IMO the magna is the best of the 250 cruisers but all the ones I saw when I was looking were over 10yrs old.
I got a Yamaha Virago as for the same money it is only 4yrs old. The suzuki intruder is another option if that is your thing.

[mattian]

IMO the magna is the best of the 250 cruisers but all the ones I saw when I was looking were over 10yrs old.
I got a Yamaha Virago as for the same money it is only 4yrs old. The suzuki intruder is another option if that is your thing.

Have you seen the Kymco Venox? similar look to the Magna only newer and looks waaaayyyyy flippin cooler. You might find a second hand one around $5000 or so. I brought mine new for $7000 all up. Saw me through to my full licence and no problems at all.

[sil3nt]

Hornets are excellent bikes. Don't think you can go wrong with one!

The CBR 125 is pretty expensive for what it is.

Figure out what sort of bike you want first.
Sports
Sports - Tourer
Naked
Cruiser
something else?

$5000 to spend on a bike (assuming you have gear) gives you a lot of choice!

[skinman]

Have you seen the Kymco Venox? similar look to the Magna only newer and looks waaaayyyyy flippin cooler. You might find a second hand one around $5000 or so. I brought mine new for $7000 all up. Saw me through to my full licence and no problems at all.

Does look very similar to magna, no had not seen them as wanted to stick to the name brands as really needed something that was sure would hang together as use every day. Got my ride now, will keep till full & maybe beyond if ACC has their way.

[Tank]

Does look very similar to magna, no had not seen them as wanted to stick to the name brands as really needed something that was sure would hang together as use every day. Got my ride now, will keep till full & maybe beyond if ACC has their way.

Main brands will have better resell at the other end when selling. If the bikes make isnt known a lot of people will discount it as an option.

Odds are that you will probally move up to a larger bike once you have your full (although many new riders beleive that they will remain on the 250 longer).

My suggestion is buy a well known all rounder and use it to get exp on.

Then when you have time under the wheels you will have a better idea of the type of bikes you like and can look at options when you have your full - resale value helps a lot there.

[paulmac]

Try/ test ride everything you can then make your decision !

[skinman]

indeed, dam good excuse to take out every bike the shop has also :innocent:

[carver]

CBR125R

“Be careful on that thing, its got more power than your GSXR” said Grant from Honda as I walked over to the CBR125R
I laughed, looked the bike over, and rode off.
About a hour late I was dragging my knee around tight corners laughing at how fun the 125 was.
I thought to myself, this is where it is at, a bike you can ride to its limits legally on the road.
It also brought me back to the years when I was a student, riding my pride and joy, a FXR150 around Hamilton city.
The CBR125R had a few advantages over the old FXR though, like a speedo that worked accurately, fuel injection, and a water cooled engine
I loved the styling of the 125, like it is the CBR600RR's little brother, and the nice touch is the way one headlight is the low beam, and the other is the high beam
The fairing is all made out of that flexible feeling ABS plastic, which is good news for learners.
Another good point for learners, is the the addition of storage space in the rear of the bike, which should come in handy for the student wanting to carry a 1 piece wet weather suit or similar.
This shows the excellent level of thought and design work put into the 125.
The ten litre tank coupled to the 125's frugal engine means that the CBR has a pretty good range, even when thrashed.
The only downside to the 125 was the gearbox.
It got better the more I rode it, but I found it had a tendency to drop out of gear when I first gt it, but with a few KM's on it, the feel had improved and it seemed to shift easier.
I must say, riding tight back county roads was great fun, the CBR is just so light and agile, and the suspension is a lot better than expected.
The brakes were also a standout feature of this bike, they are of two piston type on a single disc, man do they work!
The light weight of the CBR with the great feel of the brakes mean they give you supreme confidence when exploring both your and the bikes limits.
I had no problems doing a downhill left hander at 110 with my knee on the road all the way around.
This aspect made the CBR a bit of a giggle to ride on the open road, as was the GP style riding position you have to take to keep it going at speed.
Speaking of speed, it should top out at 145 kph (indicated), which is quite good for a little 125 four stroke engine.
Sure, its doing about 8,000rpm at 100kph, but its still not too bad to ride on the open road, headwinds will take their toll though.
Another good point is the upright seating position, which is quite relaxed, and gives you a good amount of feel and balance.
I found that it did not feel too small for me either, but on occasion the bar and my knee would connect.
Even the engine is quite smooth until you put it into the top quarter of its rev range, and most of the buzzing comes through the bars, as to be expected with such a small engine working so hard.
The CBR125R was a lot of fun to ride, even for a more experienced rider like myself.
The fact that it was just so stable at pace, the wet weight for the CBR125R is at 127kg, and this makes it extremely agile and easy to throw around.
I found myself giggling a madman on helium, while chasing a GSX1200Y on a narrow back country road.
The GSX was just about decking its pegs around the tighter corners that the CBR just flew through.
The lack of power was not that much of a disadvantage, as it gave me more room to focus on the road ahead and the obstacles around me.
The sun was shining through the cloudless sky, and there I was on a 125 four stroke having a great time, away from all the stressful elements of modern life, in my own little world if you like, and all at legal speeds too.
The only other bike that comes close to the CBR is Yamaha's YZF125R, but at almost twice the price, and only offering a alloy frame over the CBR, its hard to see why anyone would choose the Yamaha.
At $5,000 the Honda is great value, especially with the features it has, and lets face it, who want to loose a heap of money on their first bike through depreciation?

GN125

I will be honest here, I did own one of these bikes once.
So when the GN125H was brought out in NZ again, I was more than keen to have a ride on the new one.
I still have photos on my wall of a 17 year old with long hair standing beside his pride and joy.
But how would I find it now, after all those years?
“its quite cold blooded” said Glenn.
He was right, it took about five minutes to warm up, I got impatient after five, and just rode it.
The engine is a SOHC two valve 125cc, with a 5 speed gearbox.
It delivers pretty good power for its size too, I found it to be pretty fun in the traffic, giving enough power to get a good run at the lights.
The transmission is wonderfully slick, and very light, the gear shift indicator would be very useful for a learner, but more on that later.
I have no doubt that the standard tires will be rubbish in the wet, however, it is hard to find good tires for a bike of this size, and it also misses the point of what the GN is.
The GN is aimed squarely at commuters and learners, and for that job, it hits the mark dead on.
If you rode something like a GSXR1000 and wanted to keep the KM’s off it, and still get to work on two wheels, thereby beating the traffic and saving money, this could be very much your bike.
Because for some, a scooter may be too small, and a bit too “girly” or “gay”.
Even mail delivery companies and couriers may find favour with its big wheels and comfy seat.
The GN has a very retro look about it, and to be honest, I like that.
The cast wheels give a 80’s look, maybe a touch like triumph’s new Bonneville SE.
The chrome mudguards are a nice touch, along with the nice soft seat.
The chrome covered headlight works well, as does the instruments above it.
The only real grizzle I have with this bike is the indicator switch is not push to cancel, and it is integrated with the high/low beam switch. That part should have stayed in the 80’s.
On the open road it will do 120kph, but that’s about it, usually it will do 90-110kph if you are trying hard enough, its not bad in the corners, because its so light.
Its easy to change your line and pull it in if it needs it.
Man it is light, compared to a bigger bike, its very easy to throw around on the road.
One reason its so good for a learner, is because its so non threatening to ride.
I took my girlfriend out on it, and taught her the basics of riding in 15 minutes, the gearshift indicator helps a lot.
She really like the GN125H, re-enforcing my views of it being a ideal learner bike.
It would also be a ideal bike for your partner if you are considering teaching them how to ride, or want them to come along with you.
The brakes work well, because this bike weighs very little, the single piston calliper up front is up to the job.
I must confess to taking this bike down old mountain road too, and it took the loose metal surprisingly well.
The lack of power made getting on the gas on the uphill corners a bit tricky, but the narrow tires cut in well, and the light weight and low seat height combine to make it a very simple bike to ride on the loose stuff.
The carrier on the back is a welcome addition, as is the soft wide seat.
Trying to ride this bike fast is very entertaining, all the while being totally ridiculous too.
It is a harmless by the fact that you can go flat out and not break the open road speed limit, and still throw it into a corner late with ease due to its light weight.
What this bikes does, is combine two of motorcyclings most important aspects.
I manages two make itself both fun and practical, whist not being too intimidating to a learner.
The GN125H is undoubtably a step up bike for a learner, after overcoming the basic skills such as the gearshift and clutch use, a bigger bike would be more managable.

[efp0wa]

I'm keen on a CBR125R or a Hornet.

GN125 also looks like an excellent bike to learn on and they are seem an excellent price from the dealer.

[Spratt]

I picked up a Suzuki GZ250 (aka Marauder) for $3500 on TradeMe with 745 miles on it, so almost as new. It was great for learning, very low seat, good stability, did 100ks (except into strong Wellington headwind!), and its quite a cool looking cruiser style bike. Best of all got about 300ks on a tank of gas that, at its worst, cost about $20 to fill - sweet!

[Celtic Red]

I'm a learner and I've been on a VTR 250 for 4 months now. Initially I intended to get a Magna but then oneday I saw a shiny red VTR for sale and fell in love. I think it's pretty easy to ride in general and the seating position seems pretty comfortable for short or longer rides.

[Missinglink]

I commute to work on a 08 250 Intruder, Its nice and light and easy to ride through the traffic.

Does about 9ltrs per 250km, Pretty nice looking bike

Picked it up from a dealer second hand for 5K with under 5000kms on the clock,

Its good power plenty enough to learn on. go to a dealer and ride one see if its your thing.

Magnas pretty good too but getting old now.

I did go look at a Venox 250 at a dealer the other day nice looking bike,

Havn't ridden one yet...

[FROSTY]

Im thinking the cb250 is actually a bloody great first bike

[blackdog]

Ahhh good point.

What about this http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/YAMAHA-FZR250-1989/36672.aspx

or this http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/YAMAHA-AG100-2008/33834.aspx (is that road legal?

I'm also liking the looks of a Honda VTR250, Yamaha SX4 Scorpio. Or Honda Hornet (really like the looks of these!) http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/HONDA-HORNET-1996/34904.aspx

the hornet every time! best 250cc i ever rode, and looks bigger with that fat rear tyre,

the hyosungs are also well worth considering as they are a full size bike rather than the usual 3/4 size 250's

u might want to look at bandits too, variable valve timing after about '94 i think produce great performance for a 250.

[blackdog]

Try/ test ride everything you can then make your decision !

thats the best advice u r gonna get because there is just so much choice out there.

ie/ sporty/cruisy, 1,2 or 4 cyls, road or dual purpose (yam xt250 practically will ride itself and is a v good compromise), is power/performance important etc etc

[blackdog]

Have you seen the Kymco Venox? similar look to the Magna only newer and looks waaaayyyyy flippin cooler. You might find a second hand one around $5000 or so. I brought mine new for $7000 all up. Saw me through to my full licence and no problems at all.

pretty sure u can get a brand new virago for about the same money

stick to the jappas or hyosungs (all suzuki r&d) if u can for reliability and resales sake

would hate to know wot the kymco is worth on the 2nd hand market now

[mattian]

pretty sure u can get a brand new virago for about the same money

stick to the jappas or hyosungs (all suzuki r&d) if u can for reliability and resales sake

would hate to know wot the kymco is worth on the 2nd hand market now

I reckon the Venox looks better than all the 250 cruisers out there...... re-sale value.... who cares, as long as you look good.

[blackdog]

I reckon the Venox looks better than all the 250 cruisers out there...... re-sale value.... who cares, as long as you look good.

yup, will look good in the garage when u trying to source parts to fix it.........

[mattian]

yup, will look good in the garage when u trying to source parts to fix it.........

People always make the mistake of confusing Taiwanese made bikes with Chinese. Taiwan have been manufacturing the Kymco Venox for a long time and is a good quality bike. If you do any research you will see that they are sold world-wide and quite frankly, I have seldom heard a bad word against them.
I rode mine from my learners to my full...... 37,000 kilometers later and I NEVER had a problem with it. As far as I know, the guy who brought it from me is still going strong.

[blackdog]

People always make the mistake of confusing Taiwanese made bikes with Chinese. Taiwan have been manufacturing the Kymco Venox for a long time and is a good quality bike. If you do any research you will see that they are sold world-wide and quite frankly, I have seldom heard a bad word against them.
I rode mine from my learners to my full...... 37,000 kilometers later and I NEVER had a problem with it. As far as I know, the guy who brought it from me is still going strong.

i'm not arguing with that. the fact remains that all machines will have issues regardless of whether they were made in japan, taiwan, or timbuktu.

when that happens i know which i would prefer to be sourcing parts for.

i have only ever seen one kymco on the road, i have seen hundreds of 250 ninjas, bandits, hornets and hyo's.

all else apart, anything other than a jap is like a fat chick. might be fun to ride but you sure as hell don't want anyone you know, knowing about it

[mattian]

i'm not arguing with that. the fact remains that all machines will have issues regardless of whether they were made in japan, taiwan, or timbuktu.

when that happens i know which i would prefer to be sourcing parts for.

i have only ever seen one kymco on the road, i have seen hundreds of 250 ninjas, bandits, hornets and hyo's.

all else apart, anything other than a jap is like a fat chick. might be fun to ride but you sure as hell don't want anyone you know, knowing about it

hahahaha.... nice analogy! as for parts. I had a good source for parts through Christchurch city scooters. They said they would just send me anything I needed through the post.
Turns out the only thing I needed was oil and filters. Got them from Supercheap auto just around the corner.

[blackdog]

hahahaha.... nice analogy! as for parts. I had a good source for parts through Christchurch city scooters. They said they would just send me anything I needed through the post.
Turns out the only thing I needed was oil and filters. Got them from Supercheap auto just around the corner.

parts from chch when u live in aucks?

kinda proves my point :rofl:

[Miscreant]

Simple rule to remember when buying a bike.
Homos ride hondas.

[blackdog]

here u go, and already done $3k worth of depreciation for you....

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/118518-Hyosung-for-sale

[mattian]

parts from chch when u live in aucks?

kinda proves my point :rofl:

Umm no it actually contradicts your point about how difficult it is to get parts. New Zealand aint that big.

[blackdog]

Umm no it actually contradicts your point about how difficult it is to get parts. New Zealand aint that big.

ill bet u a choc fish that anything u want for a hornet, bandit, hyo etc is avail on nth shore.

in fact hyo nz carries 98% of their parts on shelves in nz, actually better than any of the jappers (im assuming the taiwanese too lmao)

[mattian]

ill bet u a choc fish that anything u want for a hornet, bandit, hyo etc is avail on nth shore.

in fact hyo nz carries 98% of their parts on shelves in nz, actually better than any of the jappers (im assuming the taiwanese too lmao)

and?....... those brands have been widely accesible in NZ for many many years of course parts for the jap bikes will be easily accesible. As for Hyosungs, its NZ biggest selling 250's of course they're going to cater to that increasing market. Whats your point? my point is, I might have to wait overnight for a part to be couriered from Christchurch to Auckland,...... thats hardly "difficult to find" which is what you suggested earlier.

[blackdog]

and?....... those brands have been widely accesible in NZ for many many years of course parts for the jap bikes will be easily accesible. As for Hyosungs, its NZ biggest selling 250's of course they're going to cater to that increasing market. Whats your point? my point is, I might have to wait overnight for a part to be couriered from Christchurch to Auckland,...... thats hardly "difficult to find" which is what you suggested earlier.

my point is almost every 250 out there is superior to a kymco in every possible way

im also trying to dissuade our poor thread starter from buying the chinky crap because he may be scarred for life from the teasing he recieves from people who ride real motorcycles made from actual metal! IMHO

[mattian]

my point is almost every 250 out there is superior to a kymco in every possible way

im also trying to dissuade our poor thread starter from buying the chinky crap because he may be scarred for life from the teasing he recieves from people who ride real motorcycles made from actual metal! IMHO
Why didnt you just come right out and say that in the first place..... jesus christ, instead of pussy footing around it. You need to do your research if you think Kymco make shit bikes. Even after I've told you I rode mine for 37,000 ks without a single fault, and could probably ride it another 37,000 ks without a fault. They are not Chinese ... is that what you mean by Chinky? sounds a just a wee bit racist.

[blackdog]

Why didnt you just come right out and say that in the first place..... jesus christ, instead of pussy footing around it. You need to do your research if you think Kymco make shit bikes. Even after I've told you I rode mine for 37,000 ks without a single fault, and could probably ride it another 37,000 ks without a fault. They are not Chinese ... is that what you mean by Chinky? sounds a just a wee bit racist.

if its any consolation i quite like the gladius :lol:

im overit anyway, ea to their own, and as long as u happy thats all that matters aye?

[Old Steve]

I'm in the same position, got my learners on Monday, got my helmet and gear on Tuesday, now where's the bloody bike?

I have decided that I want a cruiser, I'm 'older' and slightly disadvantaged in the insiide leg dimension, so feel that the lower seat of a cruiser and forward peg position will make for comfortable riding. As well I hope that a cruise, being larger, will be more visible on the road. So what cruiser?

Basically I've discounted the Yamaha Virago, the tank is the smallest of those I'm considering so shorter range and it doesn't "Look".

That leaves the Honda Magna, expensive for ten to fifteen year old bikes, nice and low for me and a good looker. But put a line through that.

Then there's the Suzuki Marauder and Intruder, scratch the Marauder because it's a single banger and at my age my kidneys will appreciate a twin more. The Intruder is rarer, but a 2008 one with just 6000km on the clock sold on TradeMe last week in Upper Hutt for $3760 - tell me about it, my budget was $3750!!!

So I'm looking at a couple of Hyosungs, these look HUGE, 15 litre tank makes them look even larger and consider the range. Parts are readily available, their slight lack of prestigue may keep the price down for a good second hand model. I've heard that there have been some occasional vacuum fuel valve problems, but it's easy to fix. So it looks like I'll end up on a Hyosung Aquila GV250.

[The Everlasting]

I've only heard good things about Kymco,so they can't be that bad,but personally I would always stick with a Japanese brand,I guess it's cos I know and trust them.



@Old Steve...I saw a Hyo GV250 parked at the mall the other day,I actually really liked the look of it,seems like a nice bike!

[Old Steve]

Yeah Everlasting, I like the look of the GV250 too. Though the 2009 models in orange can stay on the showroom floor as far as I'm concerned. Hyosung should concehtrate on the two tone grey/silver and red/cream colour schemes. I think they really look like a much bigger bike, something I think I want while I'm carryiong the yellow and black "L".

[Missinglink]

I heard that Kymco manufactured parts or assembled parts or something for the honda Magnas for years.

They are a huge name overseas but just not here in NZ yet.

Parts are ready available theres a Kymco dealer on Beach road in the centre of Auckand city.

I would by a Kymco over a Hyosung any day. Hyosungs are crap and only good for 20'000kms.

Actually thinking about it............... I wouldn't buy a Kymco either because selling it would be to hard and probably lose to much money.

[Missinglink]

Hey Old Steve,

I commute on a Vl250 Intruder great bike if you can nab one within you budget.

I am 6ft and 100kg and dont think i look to stupid, looks and feels full size when your riding it.

Can haul my fat arse up to 130km as long as its not tooo windy.

And its a Suzuki so cant go wrong

[Cayman911]

Honda NXR 125, great looking bike. more so than the cbr 125. tough. has enough grunt and is the most easiest bike to manage. not to mention its as light as a feather.

highly recommended

[Jules13]

What about a 96 Honda Hornet?

IF you bought this bike you would not be dissapointed at all. I have had mine for 9 years and it handles amazingly. Am just about to sell her actually. I see you havent been on for a while, a bit like me. I have a couple of 250s that I use for different rides, do you ride with others? what size are their bikes? what sort of roads do you normally ride on? What do yo like the look of?

[Scorp]

Hi all,

I'm newbie here on this site, and a complete novice rider. Taking my BHS in about a fortnight. Just posted on another thread that I'm thinking about the following for my first bike:

Cruiser - Yamaha Virago 250
Naked - Honda VTR 250
Sports - Kawasaki Ninja 250

I'd love to go for a Honda Hornet or a Suzuki Bandit, but there's so few of them about under 10 years old for a decent price.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the Virago because I think it combines the best of what I'm looking for in a beginner's bike. A good trainer that's easy to ride, looks good and can easily be found for under 5K. I love the look of the VTR. Great naked beginner's bike. But they're generally dearer than the Virago and harder to find. I'm considering the Ninja because all the beginner bike reviews rave about it, plus the fact that I've read several safety reports that seem to suggest faired bikes are more visible to drivers, and therefore safer. Based on some of the talk on this thread I might try the CBR125 too.

At the moment, I haven't a clue whether cruisers or sportsbikes are my thing. I love the look of them both. So my plan is to test ride all of the above and go with the one that feels the most comfortable to ride/operate.

Great site this. Really enjoying looking around. :scooter:

Scorp

[Slyer]

The VTR is definitely the best learner bike, the new ones are fuel injected and a bit nicer too. Definitely the best pick if you can afford the Honda price tag. I'd say the Ninja comes second.

[Old Steve]

Well, four weeks tomorrow since I got my bike - a 2005 Hyosung GV250 in burgundy and silver.

Happy? You bet, I like the lower softer seat, I feel that I will be seen on a bigger bike (and the Hyosung looks to be the biggest 250/learner bike out there), I'm getting 30 km/L in a mix of commuting and road mileage, and I paid $3200 for it with only 9000 km on the clock. I've put over 1200 km on it in the last 3 weeks and six days!

It will do 110 km/hr, but I have found I chop it down a gear going up the steeper hills and drop to 90 km/hr. I rode on the weekend's Tauranga Easter Egg Run and because I was a marshall at one of the roundabouts I had to catch up to the tail of the run and clocked 120 km/hr - albeit downhill with a tail wind.

I'm not an expert rider, but I feel confortable, stable and safe on the 'Sung, yet I can lean it over quite a bit using countersteering and have a lot of fun. There's a set of curves on the way home to and from work, an uphill left, a right, left and right again on the flat - not sharp corners but really enjoyable at about 60 to 70 km/hr.

Only four weeks on it so far, so I can't comment on reliability. But I'm happy with what I've got. We've had a fair bit of wind lately, and I think that the 'Sung with it's heavier weight is less affected by side gusts, I've just felt less threatened by them and have ridden my bike to work every day. This weekend is the Ulysees run out to the pancake place for lunch, I know I can cruise at 100 km/hr but lets see how I manage a road run and keeping up with a crowd.

[bluebird]

For your money...a Hornet 250. had one as a loan bike while my M109 was in the shop, loved it, would buy one for commuting if I could.

[blackdog]

Hyosungs are crap and only good for 20'000kms.



are you retarded?

[Laxi]

I miss my ZZR 250, was an awsome learners bike, comfortable, could handle motorway speeds, left a lot of bigger bikes for dead through twisties. the best thing was, you could change gears or accelerate while leaned into corners and she just wouldn't break lose on you. (admitedly its limit was cornering on diesel)

[Cayman911]

Hyosungs are crap and only good for 20'000kms.



I think you need to get out there more, someone on this forum has done over 100,000 kms on it.


clocked 117000km this morning
did a 3000km trip in 4 days couple of weeks ago so the mileage increases lol....

Still, i would recommend the NXR to anyone. i absolutely love it.

[gijoe1313]

As for me, for my tuppence worth, I also harp on for lil'ol'hornets! :msn-wink: