Bikeless noob here (kiwirach83)

[kiwirach83]

Hi all,

:wavey:

I got my learners few years back so hoping to get a 250 that I can be a nana and learn on and then graduate up to a bigger chunkier sexier bike once I have the skills and the moneys. :ride:

Still unsure on what bike to start out on, budget is around $5k and I want a new one. I wish they still sold brand new GN250's.

Any suggestions would be great.

Sincerely,

Rach
The Town Drunkard
:drinknsin

[FJRider]

BIKE RIDER magazine usually has prices of current NEW bikes available in New Zealand.

[Subike]

the easy answer to this question if your budjet is $5k is the
Yamaha 225 Scorpio.
And thats a brand new bike.
You will find plenty of praise for the scorpio contained in this forum,
they have proven to be able to be a good commutor and also able to do long distance open road trips with no ill effects.
And as they are priced at around $4200 retail new, you will be able to get a helmet gloves and basic jacket with the remaining $800, or pay for a years insurance.
You could even find a good second hand one on trade me for around $3500

[kiwirach83]

^Cheers.

Would it be wise starting out on one of those road-legal dirt bike thingeemajiggers? Or an actual road bike?

[Subike]

^Cheers.

Would it be wise starting out on one of those road-legal dirt bike thingeemajiggers? Or an actual road bike?



now thats sure going to start a good debate.
it depends upon what you want to ride in the future

[kiwirach83]

Yea I have to fight the urge to make an impulse buy and think further down the line.

What I want is something that wont kill me when I learn on it (so definately nothing too powerful) but not something unpowerful like a granny scooter as I will want to ride it on the motorway.

I want to do a roadtrip of NZ at some stage and I have talked to people about that and they laughed when I said I wanted to do that on a 250. Perhaps I could hire one of those awful touring loungermobiles with all the storage compartments tacked on. Then everyone will be polite to me on the roads because they'll think I'm a 65 year old man.

[vindy500]

If you want brand new, the scorpios your bike

[kiwirach83]

yea it's pretty :drool:

D'oh. can't post images in this thread!

[crazyhorse]

I'd buy a second hand one. That way you won't lose any money on it for sure, and then buy a new one when you are on your full and have more experience under your belt.

Good on you, have fun and make sure you test ride bikes in order to get the feel of what you do like :)

[one fast tl1ooo]

I'd buy a second hand one. That way you won't lose any money on it for sure, and then buy a new one when you are on your full and have more experience under your belt.

Good on you, have fun and make sure you test ride bikes in order to get the feel of what you do like :)

Yip what she said..

[CookMySock]

It's a good thing for newbs to buy a new (or very new) bike. It's one less thing they have to think about, when they already have lots to do. Do consider looking for something a grand less than new price, with only a few thousand km's on it.

Types of bikes - it depends where you see yourself in five years time. Do you just want to just have a full bike license and a little experience? Do you want to tour the country quietly and enjoy the scenery? Do you want to combine a little road with some riding up in the bush with a tent strapped to your packrack? Do you want to tour the country in expert hard-core mode with the hotboys and enjoy the road, ignore the scenery, and maybe do a little bit of track? All these things will hint at what learner bike you need to set your initial thinking in place. If you don't start in the right place, you won't end up wherre you want to go.

Steve

[crazyhorse]

It's a good thing for newbs to buy a new (or very new) bike. It's one less thing they have to think about, when they already have lots to do. Do consider looking for something a grand less than new price, with only a few thousand km's on it.


Yes, this can be a good idea too - however, newbies who have 250cc bikes or less, rarely thrash them. They are more or less keen to just learn to ride, and then sell to get something bigger as soon as they get their full. Yes, older bikes may run the risk of repairs etc, but at least if you drop a second hand bike, it would not gut you as much as if you had just dropped your brand new bike.

[vindy500]

Yes, this can be a good idea too - however, newbies who have 250cc bikes or less, rarely thrash them. They are more or less keen to just learn to ride, and then sell to get something bigger as soon as they get their full. Yes, older bikes may run the risk of repairs etc, but at least if you drop a second hand bike, it would not gut you as much as if you had just dropped your brand new bike.

I'm sorry, people dont thrash 250's?

[crazyhorse]

I'm sorry, people dont thrash 250's?

Yes they sure do - but I was meaning Newbies. I know a lot that just want to learn to ride - and properly. I know a lot who already know how to ride, and it is a necessity to have one for licence purposes only. If not too old, then they should still be really good.

Did you buy a new one?? Or was yours second hand???

[vindy500]

Yes they sure do - but I was meaning Newbies. I know a lot that just want to learn to ride - and properly. I know a lot who already know how to ride, and it is a necessity to have one for licence purposes only. If not too old, then they should still be really good.

Did you buy a new one?? Or was yours second hand???


ive gone through a few second hand ones. My flatmate got a new one, both were thrashed

[crazyhorse]

ive gone through a few second hand ones. My flatmate got a new one, both were thrashed

Well, there you go!

Not everyone thrashes bikes. And bikes do need to be ridden properly and hard at times too - but thrashing is different to hard riding too.

My first bike was new (didn't need a 250 or less), got my licence before those rules came in, and it was a 500cc bike. My second bike had 1800 km on clock and third bike had 55,000 on clock and I've never had any problem with all three.

And not many girls ride like I do, which is with a very fast bunch of guys all of us on big powerful machines......

[kiwirach83]

Do you just want to just have a full bike license and a little experience?
Do you want to tour the country quietly and enjoy the scenery?
Do you want to combine a little road with some riding up in the bush with a tent strapped to your packrack?
Do you want to tour the country in expert hard-core mode with the hotboys and enjoy the road, ignore the scenery, and maybe do a little bit of track?


Hmmmm, all of these sound good but I'll go with scenario #4 thanks Steve :msn-wink:

What kind of bike do I need to ride with "hotboys"? :wari:

[FROSTY]

kiwirach I don't recomend you buy a brand new bike.
My reasoning here is
1) you are at the greatest risk of dropping a bike during the early learning period so the less invested the better (within reason)
2) a new bike requires running in and a couple of services fairly quickly. Running in isn't a major issue but its just another thing to worry about.
3) a new bike WILL devalue by a comparatively large amount as soon as it leaves the showroom. Now if you were keeping the bike for a few years-who cares? but you're not so you're gonna take that drop within a year most likely

I do however reccomend you look at a NEARLY new (less than 2 year old) bike with moderate milage.
Someone else has taken the big loss.
I would unhesitateingly recomend the Yamaha scorpio with one comment. DO replace the front tyre if its still the factory one.

[Mully]

+ however many - Newish Scorpio, but not a new one.

[cave weta]

^Cheers.

Would it be wise starting out on one of those road-legal dirt bike thingeemajiggers? Or an actual road bike?

- GET A TRAIL BIKE......

You can fall off them without it costing you a grand
You can have fun riding them hard and not be breaking the law.
They make a brand especialy for girls (Honda)
You are safer in the city on a traillie cos you can see and be seen better.
You meet nicer people on Trail Bikes.
You can explore.
They are more forgiving to ride with more suspension travel and 21" front wheel
You learn to ride better cos you can skid and slide in the dirt.
All the bits and pieces are more accessable so you learn more.
Even the dumbest people will never ask you if its a Harley.


If you buy a Kawasaki Sherpa- www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-231737698.htm
they are so easy to sell when you have finished with it- and they go and go and go......

[paddy]

It's a good thing for newbs to buy a new (or very new) bike. It's one less thing they have to think about, when they already have lots to do. Do consider looking for something a grand less than new price, with only a few thousand km's on it.

I can see where DB is coming from here, but I'm not 100% sure that I would agree. I think there is a lot of value to be had in learning to work on your bike. Old bikes are good for this. Firstly, it will force you to work on it. Secondly, you don't have to worry about the warranty. Even if you are not mechanical and send your bike off to the shop for most things - there is still a lot more regular maintenance that you would perform on a car. The chain for example....


Types of bikes - it depends where you see yourself in five years time. Do you just want to just have a full bike license and a little experience? Do you want to tour the country quietly and enjoy the scenery? Do you want to combine a little road with some riding up in the bush with a tent strapped to your packrack? Do you want to tour the country in expert hard-core mode with the hotboys and enjoy the road, ignore the scenery, and maybe do a little bit of track? All these things will hint at what learner bike you need to set your initial thinking in place. If you don't start in the right place, you won't end up wherre you want to go.

Definitely agree here. That was some elegant prose. I'm a "combine a little road with some riding up in the bush with a tent strapped to your packrack". So I bought a second hand DR250. I'd like to upgrade at some point, perhaps an F650GS - but it's not a financial reality at the moment.

[paddy]

They make a brand especialy for girls (Honda)

Lol!

The only negative I can think of for a trailee (unless you are obessed with the race bike look in which case there may be other negatives) is that they tend to be very tall. That can be a bit intimidating when you are manoeuvring at slow speed but it's fine once you are up and going.

[cave weta]

Lol!

The only negative I can think of for a trailee (unless you are obessed with the race bike look in which case there may be other negatives) is that they tend to be very tall. That can be a bit intimidating when you are manoeuvring at slow speed but it's fine once you are up and going.

Check out my TM link- they are not called a Sherpa for nothing- lovely little low seated workhorses- And its in Wellington Rachael!- go test ride it and report back.:devil2:

[Cheshire Cat]

Hi all,

:wavey:

The Town Drunkard
:drinknsin

Ahh, yes. That explains a lot.

[The Everlasting]

Welcome to KB...


Another female biker....:2thumbsup

[kiwirach83]

Ahh, yes. That explains a lot.

:Oi:


_________________

[gatch]

Yo, buy a spada, they are easy to ride, even for short people. They still look good, are moar powah than all of the new 250 twins and are pretty reliable.

But then I'm biased as hell.

[retro asian]

What I want is something that wont kill me when I learn on it (so definately nothing too powerful) but not something unpowerful like a granny scooter as I will want to ride it on the motorway.



My VL250 would be perfect, much better than a GN250.
I really need to sell it, so will let it go at a very good price :msn-wink:

[Stickman]

1. Go to bike shop and talk to bike sales person/people and tell them what you have told us.
2. Ride some bikes.
3. Buy bike you like,
4. Ride till you want to get bigger or newer bike.
5. Repeat steps 2 thru 4 for ever.

Enjoy the road!

[Pixie]

- GET A TRAIL BIKE......

You can fall off them without it costing you a grand
You can have fun riding them hard and not be breaking the law.
They make a brand especialy for girls (Honda)
You are safer in the city on a traillie cos you can see and be seen better.
You meet nicer people on Trail Bikes.
You can explore.
They are more forgiving to ride with more suspension travel and 21" front wheel
You learn to ride better cos you can skid and slide in the dirt.
All the bits and pieces are more accessable so you learn more.
Even the dumbest people will never ask you if its a Harley.


If you buy a Kawasaki Sherpa- www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-231737698.htm
they are so easy to sell when you have finished with it- and they go and go and go......

I agree.A trail bike is a much better proposition for a learner,

[FROSTY]

Rach Ive got a range of 250's here. None of them are what you say you want --too old etc. but ive got a big enough range that you will get a clearer picture of what works for you. --IE I currently have 6 250 -150 bikes here for you to sit on

[Goblin]

- GET A TRAIL BIKE......

You can fall off them without it costing you a grand
You can have fun riding them hard and not be breaking the law.
They make a brand especialy for girls (Honda)
You are safer in the city on a traillie cos you can see and be seen better.
You meet nicer people on Trail Bikes.
You can explore.
They are more forgiving to ride with more suspension travel and 21" front wheel
You learn to ride better cos you can skid and slide in the dirt.
All the bits and pieces are more accessable so you learn more.
Even the dumbest people will never ask you if its a Harley.


If you buy a Kawasaki Sherpa- www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-231737698.htm
they are so easy to sell when you have finished with it- and they go and go and go......+1
And they're light enough to pick up when dropped.

[kiwirach83]

Rach Ive got a range of 250's here. None of them are what you say you want --too old etc. but ive got a big enough range that you will get a clearer picture of what works for you. --IE I currently have 6 250 -150 bikes here for you to sit on

Thanks, but I'm out in Welly :( Are you a motorbike salesman?

I can't take anything out for a test drive coz I don't know how to ride.

Also, would a trail bike be suitable for the Wellington motorway? I'm all about safety.

[Ocean1]

+1
And they're light enough to pick up when dropped.

And much more suitable for the best environment in which to learn. Mud is nice'n soft.


Also, would a trail bike be suitable for the Wellington motorway? I'm all about safety.

As long as the tyres are appropriate then a 250 trail bike would be fine on the motorway. Bit buzzy for any great distance, but by the time you figure that out you'll be in a far better position to know what to replace it with.

[cave weta]

156131

Have you test ridden that bike yet Rach?

[Tashad]

Hey Rach

Welcome along! a fellow noob here - both on bikes and to KB.....
I have been riding for 6 weeks (although around bikes a lot longer) and picked up a 2001 Yamaha Dragstar for around $3k. I had someone to help me out and decided to start with a cruiser. Am really enjoying the ride, but will be 'sampling' a variety of styles in the future, i hope! I would recommend using the experience and knowledge of someone you know to help you get started - it can be quite daunting sussing all this out on your own! most important thing I got though was get a bike you are comfortable on, not one that looks pretty or sexy (but it can be comfortable and pretty ; - we are GIRLS after all...)

Anyhou, i am in Wellie (kapiti) too - so once you get your wheels would be great to meet up perhaps???

[FROSTY]

Thanks, but I'm out in Welly :( Are you a motorbike salesman?

I can't take anything out for a test drive coz I don't know how to ride.

Also, would a trail bike be suitable for the Wellington motorway? I'm all about safety.
The bike itself--HECK YEA the tyres though Im not convinced in wellingtons changeable weather. --but tyres are easilly changed

[CookMySock]

Hmmmm, all of these sound good but I'll go with scenario #4 thanks Steve :msn-wink:

What kind of bike do I need to ride with "hotboys"? :wari:haha, well if you want it all, and you want the technical approach, if I was coaching you, I'd suggest did not purchase anything until you got some training.

Really you need a local mentor who is prepared to keep you on the straight and narrow. It's just too easy for you to start embedding wrong practices from the beginning, and undo what you're actually trying to accomplish, and preventing you from ever reaching your goal.

Your best mentor is probably on the track the bucket racer crew in the Wellington area, with you on a little cheapie FXR150. You'll learn the skills from people who invented them, and have some damn good weekend fun thrown in.

Basically, if you want to learn to steer and brake like a sportbike rider, you have to start from the correct place, or you will embed too many bad habits that you will not be able to re-train out later on. That place is the track.

Within three months, you will be aching to get on the road, and then and only then, it will be time to think CBR250RR, GT250R, Bandit 250, Ninja 250, RS250, RGV250, FZR250, NSR250, etc, and within a month on THAT bike you will be fully entrenched in the ways of the racer/sportbiker, and inside two years time the hotboys will following YOU. :hug:

Opinion.

Steve

[crazyhorse]

haha, well if you want it all, and you want the technical approach, if I was coaching you, I'd suggest did not purchase anything until you got some training.

Really you need a local mentor who is prepared to keep you on the straight and narrow. It's just too easy for you to start embedding wrong practices from the beginning, and undo what you're actually trying to accomplish, and preventing you from ever reaching your goal.

Your best mentor is probably on the track the bucket racer crew in the Wellington area, with you on a little cheapie FXR150. You'll learn the skills from people who invented them, and have some damn good weekend fun thrown in.

Basically, if you want to learn to steer and brake like a sportbike rider, you have to start from the correct place, or you will embed too many bad habits that you will not be able to re-train out later on. That place is the track.

Within three months, you will be aching to get on the road, and then and only then, it will be time to think CBR250RR, GT250R, Bandit 250, Ninja 250, RS250, RGV250, FZR250, NSR250, etc, and within a month on THAT bike you will be fully entrenched in the ways of the racer/sportbiker, and inside two years time the hotboys will following YOU. :hug:

Opinion.

Steve

That's all well and good, but some folk cannot afford the costs involved with racing, and preparation for racing.

Get any bike, find some people who can teach you good information and lines, and do lots of practising either with others, or by yourself.

Doing miles and miles of riding, is what helps to make a good rider. The track thing can always come later when you have experience. You never stop learning as a rider and ask heaps of questions too

[jrandom]

I want to do a roadtrip of NZ at some stage and I have talked to people about that and they laughed when I said I wanted to do that on a 250.

Well then they don't know what the fuck they're on about.

Stickchick's going to tour the NI for a couple weeks on her Scorpio in February. PM her and ask her about it.

It's been to and fro to Wellington and Hawkes Bay (from Auckland) a couple of times already. No worries.

Just get a Scorpio, you won't regret it.

[CookMySock]

That's all well and good, but some folk cannot afford the costs involved with racing, and preparation for racing.A shitter FXR150 racebike wont break the bank.

edit:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-259798659.htm


Get any bike, find some people who can teach you good information and lines, and do lots of practising either with others, or by yourself.

Doing miles and miles of riding, is what helps to make a good rider. The track thing can always come later when you have experience. You never stop learning as a rider and ask heaps of questions tooYes, but its important that foundations are laid, particularly in the case of someone who has clearly defined goals, and needs that won't be met if those goals fail.

Riding and riding and riding (consolidation) is essential training, provided it is not repeating bad habits continuously, or else the habits can almost never be undone.

Too many riders start off, only to discover a few years later that they can never go where they want without substantial remedial/recovery training at great pain and expense.

Opinion.

Steve

[Tashad]

@kiwirach: yeah - i got some similiar comments when i said that i would be holding on to my 250 for a while and tripping around. That said, i did my first big-ass ride on sunday - to and from Turangi in in one day. 8 hours all up riding time, about 700Ks. yeah, sure - I had to fill up a little more often, but that gave me some enforced breaks. my bike held up without a hitch, and except for a few less than enjoyable weather conditions - I had no trouble. And i was riding with the wing club - so 8-10 1500+cc Gold wings around and i had no trouble keeping up for the most part.

So I would completely agree with Jrandom: They don't know what the fuck they are on about.

[Genie]

Hi Rach

I'm new here too, and returnng to the world of riding, bikes not horses.

I've been round the local bike shops and sat on a few, felt a complete twit but gave up caring once i was on the bike. Go and sit on a few and pretend, see what is comfortable. I'm going to be getting a little Ninja 250, not for about another 4 weeks, have some shit to do first.

good luck with it all, you'll find a bike that suits your body and you'll be away laughing

[crazyhorse]

Well then they don't know what the fuck they're on about.

Stickchick's going to tour the NI for a couple weeks on her Scorpio in February. PM her and ask her about it.

It's been to and fro to Wellington and Hawkes Bay (from Auckland) a couple of times already. No worries.

Just get a Scorpio, you won't regret it.

Agreed. It doesn't matter what you ride. If you travel at a even pace for the bike you have, it would be fine for any distance of travel. :2thumbsup

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hi all,

:wavey:

I got my learners few years back so hoping to get a 250 that I can be a nana and learn on and then graduate up to a bigger chunkier sexier bike once I have the skills and the moneys. :ride:

Still unsure on what bike to start out on, budget is around $5k and I want a new one. I wish they still sold brand new GN250's.

Any suggestions would be great.

Sincerely,

Rach
The Town Drunkard
:drinknsin


How 'bout a brand new Suzuki GZ250 for $5595.00? They're better quality than the Chinese built GN250's too!

I can help you with one of these...

Pete

[kiwirach83]

How 'bout a brand new Suzuki GZ250 for $5595.00? They're better quality than the Chinese built GN250's too!

I can help you with one of these...

Pete

I've actually met you a couple of times Pete. I have your business card lying around somewhere. Lol. And yes it was the GZ250 that I was looking at last time. :woohoo:


Well then they don't know what the fuck they're on about.


I think they were smirking because it's a bit humble and obviously not as comfortable for long distance as one of those bulky fifty grand touring bikes with all the compartments for storing your golf clubs, dvd player, picnic lunch etc.



Your best mentor is probably on the track the bucket racer crew in the Wellington area, with you on a little cheapie FXR150. You'll learn the skills from people who invented them, and have some damn good weekend fun thrown in.

Steve

Awesome! How much does this cost? And whereabouts?

[FROSTY]

have a look at this
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-255463397.htm
now THAT has tobe pretty darn close to the perfect first bike for a heap of reasons.

then theres this one close to you
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-262615661.htm
not as good but trucki loads cheaper

[Trudes]

Your best mentor is probably on the track the bucket racer crew in the Wellington area, with you on a little cheapie FXR150. You'll learn the skills from people who invented them, and have some damn good weekend fun thrown in.



Problem is that we generally don't encourage people to turn up to the track to learn to ride. We're there to race, not teach people how to change gears. We had talked about having a "teach a noob how to ride" afternoons, but they never really happened, however if you arranged with a bucket person who has an old shitter they don't mind teaching you on or turned up to a meeting at the Slipway with a bike you would probably be able to go out in C grade and pootle about.
It depends what you want to learn. Bike control, slow speed manouvering etc can all be learnt in a car park by riding round and round and round until you feel comfortable enough to hit some quiet roads. And then the only way you'll learn to deal with traffic, indicators etc is on the road, not on the track.
Maybe try these (http://www.roadsafe.co.nz/) folks as a good starting point also, they'll set you in the right direction as opposed to somebody who may teach you some dodgy habits. Believe me, there is no way I'd ride on the road the way I ride on the track, I'd be dead within a month.

OH BTW, most bucketers around here have poured hundreds, even thousands into their bikes, some may look like cheap shitty piles of crap, but under the side covers there is often quite a lot of time and money that they may not be that keen on lending to learner riders to "learn" on, so please don't feel stink if you ask and are told "no".;)

[kiwirach83]

Maybe try these (http://www.roadsafe.co.nz/) folks as a good starting point also


Yea I got my Basic Road Skills cert through Dean (is he the same Dean on KB?) I would do that again as he is a great tutor, except I don't really want to be spending $250 each time. Anyone out there who wouldn't mind teaching me, I will be your bitch. Will make cups of tea, whatever. Gotta supply the bike tho, I don't have one yet.

Disclaimer: no sexual favours. :oi-grr:

Unless you're this (http://iforce.co.nz/i/ox32senb.gif) guy

[CookMySock]

OH BTW, most bucketers around here have poured hundreds, even thousands into their bikes, some may look like cheap shitty piles of crapYes indeed, and much love into said machine, also. My apologise if I was disrespectful. She'd need her own bike for sure.

Obviously Rachs' low speed balance and basics would need to be sorted before she turned up at the track, but after that if she turned up with or on a bucket-legal bike, I'm sure you guys would be glad to have a newbie to giggle at, er, with.. and yet another lady racer - don't they just make the world go around? :hug:

You would literally get to witness the birth of a sportbike rider/racer and get to contribute to that.. and she's keen!

@kiwirach83, search trademe bikes for "FXR" or "bucket" and see what comes up. Save your search so it emails you every morning.

Remember also, my suggestion of taking the racing approach might be too tall an order, and the ol' kiwi tradition of just getting a bike and go ride it, will suffice perfectly well.

Best of luck whatever you do, and ask if you need help.

Steve

[kiwirach83]

I bought a bike a few years back, Honda MB 100 I think it was that had been used as a farm bike. Cost just under $500 all up, but it only worked for about 5 minutes then conked out. Needed a new battery, spark plug etc. More money spent. Don't think I ever got it going again. It may still be at a friends house somewhere, sold it for $100. D'oh!

[Trudes]

And that's one of the issues with buying a cheap shitter, unless you are mechanically minded or know someone who is and who has the time to constantly be fixing it for you, I wouldn't go with a cheap shitter if you want to spend time learning to ride and not spend all your time fixing the bugger.
Don't be fooled with "buckets are cheap way to learn to ride" bucket RACING is about racing, not learning to ride and you may be able to pick up a bucket racer for under $1000 however there will most likely be work you will need to do to it to be either track ready and to stay that way or to get it up to WOF standard.
If you want to learn to race by all means I recommend coming and trying bucketing, if you want to learn to ride I suggest buying or getting the loan of a bike and ride about in a carpark and then ride about on quiet roads.
I'm no mentor, but I remember what it was like to learn, so when you've sorted your bike I'd be happy to help you with the basics.

[kiwirach83]

Cool thanks for that Trudes,

do you know of any mentor in the Wellington region that has a cheap bike that I could learn to ride on? Perhaps loan it off them for a few hundred bucks?

[huff3r]

And don't discount 2nd hand GN250s either... mines an 04 and i havent had any issues that i havent caused myself :lol:

Anyone that says they are rubbish either hasn't ridden one, or has and didn't/couldn't figure out how to get the most out of them ;)

[kiwirach83]

And don't discount 2nd hand GN250s either... mines an 04 and i havent had any issues that i havent caused myself :lol:

Anyone that says they are rubbish either hasn't ridden one, or has and didn't/couldn't figure out how to get the most out of them ;)

Hello Huff3r! You just live over the hill from me. Would you consider teaching me how to ride? Pretty pleeeease? Can pay you. :2thumbsup

[huff3r]

Hello Huff3r! You just live over the hill from me. Would you consider teaching me how to ride? Pretty pleeeease? Can pay you. :2thumbsup

Haha, wouldnt it be better to learn from someone who knows how to ride? :lol:

If you find yourself a bike i can give you some help, but apart from that... the GN is actually dads so i'd get killed for letting someone else use it :Oops:

I might be buying myself a bucket tho, so if that goes ahead i can let u have a play...

[vindy500]

How 'bout a brand new Suzuki GZ250 for $5595.00? They're better quality than the Chinese built GN250's too!

I can help you with one of these...

Pete



Is this the new GN?

[Cheshire Cat]

:Oi:


_________________

dont worry I is drunk too :kick::moon::drinknsin:psst::blip::motu::nya:

[PrincessBandit]

Have pm'ed you kiwirach83 'cos I'll probably be selling my GN 250 very soon to get something bigger for my son.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Is this the new GN?

Very similar...although we've had GZ's on and off over the years. I'll post a pic when I get to work today!

[FROSTY]

Pitty you aint up here KR my 13 year old would be able to teach you to ride on my 10 year olds 80cc bike.
No Im NOT taking the piss. hes actually really good at explaining the stuff you need to know when learning to RIDE and in an evviroment where the only danger to you is you. (the dirt track) When you can outride my 10 year old then you could move onto learning road skills.

[huff3r]

dont worry I is drunk too :kick::moon::drinknsin:psst::blip::motu::nya:

lol, settle down eh?

[Dean]

Really depends on what type of rider you are, if you like putter along but reliable commuters then go for the gz, gn, Scorpio. If you like something with power to put a smile on your face later on, but risk high maintenance costs then go for a cbr, zxr, hornet, vtr.

Hornet 250 already lowered but if you are taller than 5ft2 it can be put higher.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-262786247.htm

Vt250 very reliable, I could ride it down for ya.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-262625961.htm

Vtr 250, goodies this one same as previous I could ride it down if you'd like.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-262570476.htm

Virago
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-262833999.htm

Kawasaki eliminator
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-262618350.htm

[RDjase]

I just saw a 1995 250 Bandit for sale in Hastings, It was on the side of the road . $3000. I can get the number and some more details when I am in town this arvo. Its Yellow and looked tidy from a quick stop without getting out of the car

[kiwirach83]

Very similar...although we've had GZ's on and off over the years. I'll post a pic when I get to work today!

I just had a gawk at the black GZ250 through the window. Tossing up between that and the blue trail bike behind it. How much is the trail bike? That Harley in the window is bloody obnoxious. A sound system, speakers, GPS, is that a tv display at the front? Does it have internet? :bleh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I just had a gawk at the black GZ250 through the window. Tossing up between that and the blue trail bike behind it. How much is the trail bike? That Harley in the window is bloody obnoxious. A sound system, speakers, GPS, is that a tv display at the front? Does it have internet? :bleh:

Ummm...was that a DR650?

[Zerker]

have you tried the local bike shops to see if they have a loaner bike?

I got my learners about 3 months ago, and all the bike shops up here were keen to loan me a bike for the BHST.
I ended up using the schools bike when I found a cheaper school.
if you went with trudes (or someone else) to the bike shop and told them you just wanted to get the basics down in a carpark, they might be kool with it.
especially if you might buy a bike off them afterward.

[rie]

I hope $5k includes around $1k for getting all your gear? If $5k is on top of gear, then you've got enough money to get one hell of a 250. buying a new bike is good if you are new to riding (some will disagree) because you will learn what a brand new factory bike should feel like, and the kinds of wear and tear a bike will suffer over time (and how that feels). you can also practice basic maintenance and fix-it on it yourself without the risk of an underlying problem throwing you off - then you will be in a better position to consider secondhand when you upgrade.

[kiwirach83]

Ummm...was that a DR650?

Its the big black Harley in the window. You're Pete from Wellington Motorcycles aren't you? Or are you another Pete from a different bike shop?

[gatch]

Get a perrrrm Doouuuug

[huff3r]

Ummm...was that a DR650?


Its the big black Harley in the window. You're Pete from Wellington Motorcycles aren't you? Or are you another Pete from a different bike shop?

He's talking about the dirt bike you mentioned, not the harley :lol:

[davebullet]

Harleys are dirty bikes :laugh:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Its the big black Harley in the window. You're Pete from Wellington Motorcycles aren't you? Or are you another Pete from a different bike shop?

Why yes I am.


He's talking about the dirt bike you mentioned, not the harley :lol:

And yes I was!

[kiwirach83]

He's talking about the dirt bike you mentioned, not the harley :lol:

Lol, well like I said i'm a noob so I freely admit that I don't know shit about bikes at this stage.

If the trail bike was a 650 then that'd be too big for me. Might go for that Suzuki then. But in mean time I like the idea of the loan bike that was mentioned, will check that out.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Lol, well like I said i'm a noob so I freely admit that I don't know shit about bikes at this stage.

If the trail bike was a 650 then that'd be too big for me. Might go for that Suzuki then. But in mean time I like the idea of the loan bike that was mentioned, will check that out.

PM me...or email me @ pmcdonald@wmcc.co.nz and I'll sort a GZ250 out for you to ride/try. Pete

[Love my Bonnie]

I had a little 250 Volty, I thrashed the crap out of the poor little bike. Great fun!!!

[6ft5]

Cool thanks for that Trudes,

do you know of any mentor in the Wellington region that has a cheap bike that I could learn to ride on? Perhaps loan it off them for a few hundred bucks?

Hi Rach

You could talk to Andrew and Lynne Templeton from Road Safe NZ. I used them extensively to get my riding up to standard, helped me with passing licence tests and advanced riding skills. You can find them under http://www.roadsafe.co.nz/. They are located in Tawa Wellington region.

Welcome to KB enjoy and keep the shiny side up!