Just wondering, how long did it take to find your bike?

[Princesszxr]

Hi again all,

the hunt for my bike continues and its starting to frustrate me. im just wondering how long it took to find your bike (keeping in mind this is my first) iv seen a few but nothing that really screamed "oh my god take me now!!" (settle down boys) but you know that i mean? Is it that maybe im too fussy granted il drop it and ding it etc but its still my first so i want it to be right.
i know that more bikes will be coming up closer to winter etc but my impatience is doing my head in esp since i work opposite ANZA and bikes come and go day in and day out.
did anyone else have this problem with their first bike or any bike they've owned?

[Dutchee]

I sort of thought this wasn't a relevant post for me to reply to, but it has sort of niggled at me.
I started riding dirt and found a bike for $50 to learn on (cost a bit more once we'd replaced necessary parts, like throttle cable). I then moved onto a YZ80, which I loved. It was the wrong bike for me, but it was a huge amount of fun. Anyway, next was a KDX200, then back down to a TTR125.
Then my husband broke his back and wasn't allowed to ride for a while. We had one cage between us, I had my bike licence from back as a teenager and had made noises about starting to ride road. We'd bought me a GS500, but I wasn't really happy riding the road. I was now forced to and it's all gone downhill from there.
Next bike was a DRZ250 adventure bike, which wasn't enough for on the road, so got a DR650, which was a bit tall on the road, but lots of fun. I then decided I wanted a small & cheap commuter hack, so got a Scorpio which I used for about 18 months. I hated taking it any distance and generally got bored with it.
I then went to a women's evening at Mt Eden Motorcycles, sat on a 250 Ninja and fell in love. A couple of months later, I had one. I've done just over 28,000k on it in about 18 months (with me not using it much for the past 6 months). I rode her down to Wellington last week and then back up to Ohakune, then back down to Wellington, but she was put in a van for the drive back to Auckland.
She and I are well suited. She's not quick, she's little and when I'm really down, I've just looked at her and got a smile back.
So, in answer to your question, it took me about 5 years to find my ideal bike, but it wasn't the first one that I got.
You may just need to find a bike that you don't hate, ride it for a while, get some experience, and stumble across the ideal bike.
Good luck on the hunt, it ain't easy, but it can be a huge amount of fun :)
Michelle

[jim.cox]

Took me more than ten years to get the bike I wanted

[howdamnhard]

Took me about 3 months of looking once I had decided what I wanted. I was busy saving up while looking and got my gear first. Yes bikes are cheaper in winter.Think carefully what you want to use it for ,then look at a few possible bikes that fit that criteria and then sit and test ride them. You have to find a bike that fits you and meets your needs. Goodluck with finding your ideal bike.

[DJSin]

My BF pretty much told me what to get - he has 25 years of riding under his belt and I trust him.
Only had it for 9 months until I got my full and now I have the bike of my dreams.

I was pretty fussy and had a whinge when he decided - but he did know best and it was a great learner bike ... oh and it was a Yamaha Scorpio

Good luck with your search

[GOONR]

My bike found me. I worked with the previous owner, he was waiting to do his full licence test and wanted to get a bigger bike when he passed. I told him I'd have it even though I didn't have a license at the time. By the time he had his full I had my learners so the timing worked out.

[sunhuntin]

about 2 years. my first was a "family bike" that my dad and brother had ridden for years. i killed it. my second bike was a POS and when getting it repaired for the millionth time since buying it brand new, i spotted my virago. she was facing away from me, and it was the backside that got me first, lol. a closer inspection showed just how pretty she really was. trade happened right then and there, with some cash from my side.

im glad i didnt find her first off, otherwise it wouldve been her that got crunched by the car. however, now ive found her, i aint selling any time soon.

[Tink]

3 months.... and still looking for number 2!

[mattian]

about 10 seconds...... was still in the carport where I left it.

[Beth Stewart]

what catches your eyes or ears on the road? Sorry everyone but it was Harleys for me. Last new years eve I promised myself that by new years eve 2010 I would own my Harley and I did. I knew it would not be my 1st bike, which was a Suzuki 125, (lasted 3 weeks) then out on my HD. 4 months now and I love it and the freedom it gives me. As I said what turns your head when you see one on the road or for me at a horse show up in Whangarei and hearing 90 odd HDs go by. I said then "thats going to be me oneday" And now it is. Hope this helps

[hellokitty]

My husband bought me a sports bike - a 250 Kawasaki, which I felt was no good for me as I had no confidence and failry stuffed hands/wrists from previous accidents (horse and bike)
I insisted on a "safe" bike and got a GN almost immediately - lets face it, a GN250 is a GN250, easy but hardly unique - I grew out of it within a couple of months............

[Little Miss Trouble]

This time round I sold my previous bike in early December (thank goodness, it was NOT the right bike for me!) and waited until mid February to buy my R6:love:

[Maha]

3 hours and 45 minutes.

[crazyhorse]

When you know what you want - its easy. But I had a poster on the wall of the SV's when they first came out - and each time I'd look at it as I walked down the hallway saying "I'm gonna have one of them one day" - Didn' t take me long, and I got it. Now have the second bike I wanted. :yes:

[rustic101]

About two days...


But the 17 bikes I've own in the past have all determined what I have now and what I think I will get next.

My words of advice - Don't rush into it or buy based off emotions (colour), shit that's right you're a female ;)

[hellokitty]

Don't rush into it or buy based off emotions (colour), shit that's right you're a female ;)

Yeah! Remember you can always get it painted!!! I was desperate for a green Ninja - I think they are awesome!!
Sadly not the bike for me though........

[Beth Stewart]

Hi I received an email from someone and couldnt figure out how to reply. Please try again. Yes I did find my sporty heavy at first, but only when it was not going. Got some really good advice from Wed Kiwibikers at Westgate and moved my handlebars and lowered the back springs and this made moving her around much easier. I have dropped her a couple of times but with the help of some passersby and an adrenalin boost I have picked her up. I am 5'2"with short legs but I touch the ground ok. The gearbox is a dream and I reach the foot pegs and controls just fine. I do have to be careful where I park, loose metal, ground dropping away etc. But I have learnt to ask for help if I get myself into a situation and everyone has been very helpful and encouraging and as I ride more I must be getting more muscles as she doesnt feel so heavy anymore.

[hellokitty]

That was me!! I wanted a Sportster but was too chicken and inexperienced, I am 5'5" with short legs. I was also too shy to test ride one as I didn't want to drop it. Having dropped the 800cc I had and being stuck under it due to boots being stuck, freaked me out.
Also there is the issue of husband wanting a Harley and can't have the wife having one if he doesn't have one.

[rustic101]

, I am 5'5" with short legs.

Push the industry for platform boots hehehe;)

[hellokitty]

I have seen ladies riding boots with high heels! WTF! I guess they would be for pillion? I can't see anyone changing gears with heels!

[CookMySock]

Also there is the issue of husband wanting a Harley and can't have the wife having one if he doesn't have one.Haha! Buy it! Dooo eeeeeeet!!! :killingme

Steve

[hellokitty]

Haha! Buy it! Dooo eeeeeeet!!! :killingme

Steve

Oh God, don't you start.......... Then I got the lecture about what Harley riders wear - apparently pink leather and full face helmets aren't the "look" for a harley

[Tink]

Oh God, don't you start.......... Then I got the lecture about what Harley riders wear - apparently pink leather and full face helmets aren't the "look" for a harley

Hah I wear heels on the back... 5ft 2.... boots on my own bike ... ATGATT otherwise... and I ride a cruiser... don't listen to steve... either haha

I like the idea of riding a bigger sports bike...but can imagine:Oops: over she goes.

[Little Miss Trouble]

I have seen ladies riding boots with high heels! WTF! I guess they would be for pillion? I can't see anyone changing gears with heels!

Like these?

[hellokitty]

yeah! can you imagine riding in those?

[Little Miss Trouble]

I've ridden in stilletto street boots so yes I can, it was fun! You'd want to adjust your gear shift to suit if you were to ride in such boots on a regular basis though.

[whowhatwhere]

Only a couple of weeks. Actually, I wasn't going to start properly looking until a month later, but one came up and I had to nab it.

I'd say focus on the condition of the bike - it's hard to know what you really want when it's your first.

[davebullet]

So... do you know what type of bike you want? If not sure, write down a list of features to narrow it down.

If it comes down to an older model - you won't be able to be so picky on the condition. If a newer model, hang out for one that's been well cared for.

It took me about 2 months to find our VTR250... and about the same for the SV650. You have to be onto it though.... look on tardme daily.

PS: Neither the VTR nor SV were my ideal bikes... They fit an immediate need. I'm still looking, but now without money.

[CookMySock]

Then I got the lecture about what Harley riders wear - apparently pink leather and full face helmets aren't the "look" for a harleyhere's your answer isn't it? It's the harley you want.

Make sure you ride what you want. And ride it how you want. Forget about the noisy opinionated boys.

Steve

[slofox]

Took me about two days for find my latest bike...

Went to the shop. Asked around as to what was what. Assistant suggested I might like a scooter. "Fuck off" was my reply...

Showed me a couple including a brand new SV650S. Never been started. Last one in the shop. Last year's model. Going out of the franchise at the end of next week. Offered a "good price"... It was a V-Twin. And it was brand new - did I mention that?

Went home, read all about them online. No negative reviews I could find although suspension seemed to be questioned a little. Not too crazy on power, but enough grunt to get in (and out I hoped) of trouble.

Test ride next day. Came back to the shop and signed the contract.

42,000km and two years later. Not a bad bike overall.

[Princesszxr]

My words of advice - Don't rush into it or buy based off emotions (colour), shit that's right you're a female ;) Smart arse lol:laugh:



ok least i know im not completely alone with the frustration and this is semi normal lol i swear to god when i get it im not posting it here its going straight to the Manawatu Standard, front page! (straight to the top a :lol: )

[Princesszxr]

oh and as far as those bombshell boots go I WANT THEM but no one in NZ stocks them that i can find altho there is a thread about this already but if anyone knows where to get them here in gods own lemme know

[Little Miss Trouble]

Are you still looking for a VTR? there seem to be a few around at the moment..

As for the bombshell boots, unfortunately I don't think anyone brings them in (otherwise I'd probably already own a pair!) I did however find a ebay store that is selling them for $170 US with free shipping so about $245NZ landed

[rachprice]

So chic, what sort of bike you into?
Cruiser
Naked
Sports
V-twin
Inline-4
2 stroke (oh yeah!)

Get whatever bike you are comfortable with. Dont let anyone tell you, you cant have a fast bike as your first, nor that you have to get something faster!
What license you on? And are looks that Important? How much money do you have or can you get?

Sorry if all this has been said I just skim read the thread :)

[vifferman]

Well, it took no time at all. I wasn't in the market for a bike - just window-shopping with the vifferbabe for a helmet. While doing that, we were offered a test-ride on a couple of steeds, which we accepted. After that, I was all set to go home, until the vifferbabe and salesman ganged up on me and made me buy it. That was nearly five and a half years ago, and I haven't really been tempted to go window-shopping again. The last time it cost me $6k on the trade-up!

[hellokitty]

Are you still looking for a VTR? there seem to be a few around at the moment..

As for the bombshell boots, unfortunately I don't think anyone brings them in (otherwise I'd probably already own a pair!) I did however find a ebay store that is selling them for $170 US with free shipping so about $245NZ landed

DOn't forget the duty charges! I have the bombshell jacket and I got stung $180 Duty for them when they went through customs

[Maha]

My current bike took me about 1/2 hour to find, well less than if I were to be honest, probably more around the 23 minute mark.

[hellokitty]

My current bike took me about 1/2 hour to find, well less than if I were to be honest, probably more around the 23 minute mark.

and was it exactly what you wanted? or where you just in a hurry? serious question, did you research the bike you wanted before you went looking?

[Maha]

and was it exactly what you wanted? or where you just in a hurry? serious question, did you research the bike you wanted before you went looking?

Yes it was exactly what I wanted, no I didnt research the bike (its a Honda, the quality speaks volumes and very loudly) ...The GSX/XJR were also in the loop but the Honda just did it for me. Plus they Rego'd it, filled the tank and supplied and fitted a Ventura Pack rack for no xtra cost. I can load it up with a tank bag/double packs and tour 2-up no problem. Its what I wanted so I bought it. Seriously it took only minutes to decide.
Pic in my profile shows the loaded bike.

[Morcs]

The best way ive found to find a motorcycle, is to look in the shed. failing that, bike shops tend to have them. Being relatively large objects (in comparision to a set of car keys) , they are rather easy to find.

[Ratti]

21 years.
Had the love of my life stolen, used in an armed robbery and dropped after cop chase when I was 23.
There was only ever 11 of them bought into NZ and I never found another one till I was 44. Then found and bought 3 in 12 months. Unreal...

[DJSin]

DOn't forget the duty charges! I have the bombshell jacket and I got stung $180 Duty for them when they went through customs

The boots if they are around $245NZD would be below the threshold to get hit with duty.
Generally goods need to exceed around $450NZD to get hit.

[Princesszxr]

21 years.
Had the love of my life stolen, used in an armed robbery and dropped after cop chase when I was 23.
There was only ever 11 of them bought into NZ and I never found another one till I was 44. Then found and bought 3 in 12 months. Unreal...

Bugger! goes to show kharma may be a bit slow on the uptake but that was obviously meant to be your bike...well bikes lol

[slofox]

Well I had a twenty minute ride on a GSXR-600 on Thursday. An' I think I'm sold...twenty minutes. Bugger.

[marigami]

Good question why...
As I am very small finding a propoer bike was always quite a challenge....
The first one was a 125cc although I had a full licence (well the equivalent in France).
But for the others... it was all a love at first sight and chance too.
My zephir 750 I fell in love with and became obsessed in finding it although I knew it was an old machine and could only find it second hand.
and one day I found it while joining my ex in bike shop.
First of all,seat on it tho check THE very important point: do my feet (yes both) reach the ground as it is very important to me.
Next check: can I lift it alone despite all the can full of oil? I could...
And final step:drive it.
So it was mine.
Next one,my 400 Bandit I found it on ad and I was once again lucky as this type of bike (under 5OO) is very uncomon (unfortunatly) nowadays in France.
I do feel confortable with it for all days rides.
As for my beauty,my dream,well it was the bike of a friend of my ex and I kept looking at it especially when he explained to us all the things he did and modified and improved on it.
My NSR 125,my baby my regret as I had to sell it...
It took me 3 years to get it as this friend was selling it. Of course my ex told me at once and I want to the bank to get a credit... But sigh what a beast. And even better as I was lighter than the man before it could go even better with me.
I had a good time with it and didn't bother to others (especially males... what for?) that kept to snike at my bike.But it was a monster and quite fast.
I do not think I'll find one of this kind again.
Sigh

[tate35]

I think i's like anything you purchase you love it and have to have it....until you see something else that catches your eye and then you have to have that and so on.

I first started out riding my boyfriends dirtbike, then we purchased a couple of bikes, a suzuki across (which scared me - it looked so big) sold that, then bought a rgv150 2stroke which was a lot of fun to ride but bit to zippy for me as a new road rider and I wasn't to keen on the kick start, so then we found a gn250, and I loved that so much fun to ride, they are so forgiving and just chug along. Now more recently I have bought a gb400, first ride last Saturday and I LOVE it. She's a real thumper :)

Any bike will do as long as you feel comfortable and at least it gets you out there doing it. :)

[chic 'n' charge]

My advice would be to start out as heap as possible until your confidence grows then you will enjoy the step up to something a little more expensive, but in saying that my first bike cost $250 and it was a Suzuki AX100 then I bought a Yamaha RD250LC - which is what I stuck with for years learning the skills of riding. Only you will know what feels right for you - just test ride anything and everything. Enjoy your journey - you've made a great decision to ride.

[Mom]

Hi again all, the hunt for my bike continues...
granted il drop it and ding it etc but its still my first so i want it to be right.
Did anyone else have this problem with their first bike or any bike they've owned?

Oh for heavens sake (note I have refrained from profanity)

Granted you will what? Why on earth do you think that you will drop or ding your bike? I get so pissed off with this attitude. I always thought that the object of the game was to NEVER bite tarmac despite the other road users out there! Honestly this whole learner attitude of How many times have you dropped your ride really offends me!


i work opposite ANZA and bikes come and go day in and day out.

You work opposite ANZA?

OK!

I live a HUGE distance from you, but have been the recipient of some really fantastic customer service from ANZA. Walk across the road and talk to the guys there.

[Sentox]

Oh for heavens sake (note I have refrained from profanity)

Granted you will what? Why on earth do you think that you will drop or ding your bike? I get so pissed off with this attitude. I always thought that the object of the game was to NEVER bite tarmac despite the other road users out there! Honestly this whole learner attitude of How many times have you dropped your ride really offends me!

To be fair, it seems learners more often than not drop their bike at least once early on. In part, I guess it depends on your size and height too. I've never dropped mine, but being able to flat foot both sides and clear the seat helps. Trust me when I say Princesszxr is not the biggest person you will ever meet :laugh:

I understand your point though. Dropping one's bike is not an inevitability, and a fatalistic attitude isn't the best approach (although it may save a little disappointment). But there are an awful lot of ways for things to go pear shaped on two wheels when you're learning.

[Aprilia Girl]

It took me 5mins to find my first bike, I bought it left it in the garage for 3 months before I started riding it - mind you I was pregnant when i bought my bike & trying to ride a sports bike in that condition is a bit of a mission!! I love it & refuse to part with it... it's entirely up to the individual

[YellowDog]

The time it takes to find a bike generally depends upon how fussy you are.

If you stick to your guns with your buying criteria, then it could take ages and ages.

Most tend to compromise and buy what is more easily available from their shortlist.

Good luck.

[Love my Bonnie]

Once I had decided what learners bike I wanted, it was only a matter of a few weeks until it was sitting in the garage.
& as for my Bonnie, that was so easy.
I have wanted a Triumph Bonneville since I was 7(yes, I was a strange little girl), so there was NEVER going to be anything else. Didn't even look at other bikes.
I ordered & paid for my bike without even sitting on one.
I brought my Beloved Bonnie when I was still on my Learners Licence, I thought I could wait until I got my full to ride it.
NOT!!!! Only time I used my 250 again was to sit my restricted licence.

Dont wait sweetheart, you are mssing out on riding time.

[hellokitty]

I went bike shopping with my husband on Saturday, thinking I was quite happy with my little cruiser......... didn't find anything for him but I fell in love with a Ducati Monster - going to test ride it Saturday.

[DJSin]

I went bike shopping with my husband on Saturday, thinking I was quite happy with my little cruiser......... didn't find anything for him but I fell in love with a Ducati Monster - going to test ride it Saturday.

mmmmm monster - enjoy that test ride :)

[k1w160]

My advice is to make a list of the bikes that take your fancy and test ride all of them.

I was looking for a new bike in 2005 and tested: SV1000, VTR1000, GS1200 Bandit, Buell XB12S and XB12R, Triumph Speed Triple.

I bought an SV1000S cause it ticked all the boxes, looks good (IMHO), and goes plenty fast enough for me, 30,000km later and I'm still happy.

Try all types of engines as well, single twin, triple I4 (I did)- they all give a different power delivery / feel, and remember - you may not want a sporting crouch if you only ride on the road cause the wrist burn after an hour can be a real pain - literally.

Cheers

Graham

[Love my Bonnie]

I went bike shopping with my husband on Saturday, thinking I was quite happy with my little cruiser......... didn't find anything for him but I fell in love with a Ducati Monster - going to test ride it Saturday.

Lovely bike.
A beautiful Monster is next on my list.

[bikerbunny]

i wasnt even looking to ride, when i went with my dad into barrys motorcycles in hastings and i saw the new (then) yamaha scorpio. the next week i had my learners and was riding it. what i liked most was i was one of the very first one to but that bike,

[Princesszxr]

Oh for heavens sake (note I have refrained from profanity)

Granted you will what? Why on earth do you think that you will drop or ding your bike? I get so pissed off with this attitude. I always thought that the object of the game was to NEVER bite tarmac despite the other road users out there! Honestly this whole learner attitude of How many times have you dropped your ride really offends me!

Woah! i think you've misunderstood what i meant. I hope to god i dont ever drop it etc but im not an idiot im expecting to maybe screw up once or twice- im still learning?! Is that not part of it?

[Mom]

Woah! i think you've misunderstood what i meant. I hope to god i dont ever drop it etc but im not an idiot im expecting to maybe screw up once or twice- im still learning?! Is that not part of it?

Making mistakes is one thing, putting your bike on the ground is another.

[Princesszxr]

Making mistakes is one thing, putting your bike on the ground is another.

maybe i shouldnt have used the term 'drop' and just stuck to ding?

[ynot slow]

Good luck with Anza,I finally got service one Sunday whilst looking at an 07 Sprint,got told they don't trade(want)jap bikes and offered a suitable rediculous trade price lol.Any way my time frame was 17yrs,$100grand and marriage,then after selling home found a beaut bike on trade me,think it was karma.Next house sold and had mind set on a couple of new Suzuki from summer fest promo,she who must be obeyed saw my current bike and after hearing it start as I test rode and was trying to decide said "buy the fucking thing"enough said.Took me 4weeks of looking probably.Enjoy the fun of looking,usually you know after sitting and a ride.

[bittertwistedcute]

maybe i shouldnt have used the term 'drop' and just stuck to ding?

Don't get too stressed PR I was *never* going to drop my bike, didn't suffer for over confidence and guess what - I dropped it LOL
No harm, no foul (no fairings helped)

I don't think you will drop your bike, but if you do and you get up again you learn from it.

I now have fairings, so hopefully I have done enough learning!!

Test ride, test ride, test ride Everyone else has said it but really it is the only way to go, sit on everything until you swoon, then, that's your next bike (unfortunately I may be touched with a polyamoric gene and have been known to swoon simultaneously LOL)

Good luck

[Sentox]

Making mistakes is one thing, putting your bike on the ground is another.

Because there's just no way it should happen, right. (http://harley.wolfcrews.com/misc/drop_bike.htm)

Bikes are not cars. They don't naturally stay upright. The OP is not talking about her inevitable meeting with an oncoming 18-wheeler at 160 kph. She's talking about the very real possibility than in the learning process of controlling a motorbike (a process that actually requires quite a bit of skill at walking pace), it may end up on its side. This is something a sensible person factors into the purchasing decision. Her choice of words may have been a little blase, but your reaction is hardly well measured either.

[CherryB]

Main thing is what feels good to you, to sit on and ride. Everyone is different. My first was a Suzuki Bandit 250 - test rode several bikes and it just 'fit' - I liked the seating position, and the balance. Had it 2 years and never dropped it because she wasn't top heavy, we did loads of kms (including a trip from Welly to Invercargill - down the west coast and up the east of the south island). Test rode quite a few bikes in the months after getting my full license before I finally found one I'd trade my baby bandit in on. Good luck :-)

[CherryB]

Making mistakes is one thing, putting your bike on the ground is another.

Jeez mom, that's not like you.

What she is saying is almost everyone when learning manages to put their bike down - often in a carpark, gravel drive, or some other place (muddy field at the Cold Duck perhaps, and not just learners there) and usually where they are going between 0 and 5kph... brand new and shiny isn't always the best idea for your first bike - tho keeping them clean and learning how to do your own basic maintenance is really satisfying.

Agree we don't want to be fatalistic, main thing is to look where we want to go, plan for the best, watch out for the rest, keep our head up and enjoy the ride.

Smile, plot, and keep the shiny side up, rubber side down (just the latter for potato riders, given how much chrome you got underneath) and enjoy the friends and adventures riding can bring.

Also advise for newer riders and those who have been riding a while trying out some of the "riding better" courses out there. RoadSafe, StreetWise in Welly, ProRider does a training thing in south island and occasionally Manfield. Read books about how to ride better, listen to people - esp the ones who stay upright and know we share the road and don't need to prove how fast we can go. And keep learning, make it a long lifelong loving journey.

[Mom]

Jeez mom, that's not like you.

This internets is so pathetic at conveying the meaning of words sometimes. I agree with you, it is easy peasy to drop your bike, I have done it myself.

What I was trying to convey in my hamfisted way is that learners should not automatically assume they ARE going to ground their bike. They dont HAVE to, and neither WILL they.

[hellokitty]

Do what I did - buy a nearly new bike that has already been scratched and therefore 3 grand cheaper!

[charlymelon]

Took me a about two weeks to find my sweet little Honda CB 250F. I'm gonna sell it in about 2 months though, it's gonna be sooooo sad. But I always knew that I wanted to get a Honda for my first bike, and since it had to be a 250 it wasn't too hard to decide...

PS: I too managed to put it to the ground.... Parked on grass and it turned to mud during the night. Argh.