Textbook wannabie

[digs_nz]

Hi all,

Decided earlier this week that I'm going to seriously look into getting a bike license and a bike.

My colleague (just started a new job) has a bike, and he's been telling me all about it, and it sounds like a load of fun. I've spent a bit of time on dirk bikes when working on a dairy farm, had a great time, came off once or twice in the wet (on clay :yes: ) but feel fairly confident to get on it and ride safely nonetheless. Is a dirt bike at all comparable to a road bike?

I am aware of the risks (I am a very careful person in general.. I'll be the person going the slowest at the back of the pack :D ), my colleague was telling me about his crash, but I know that it's all a matter of caution, experience and self-control, with a touch of luck.

So, at this stage I have had a look at a number of guides etc. totally obvious material for the most part, but no matter. Looked at the test on the aa website, no problems (again, easy stuff).

I intend to go on a course of some sort, there are a couple I have already found around the Wellington area; are there any members on here who can recommend anywhere in particular for Wellington (or Wanganui?)

My biggest question to you folks would be: What bike? I know I need to be within 250cc obviously, and my budget is a little unknown, but likely up to 5k ish, as I won't be buying it for at least 3-6 months anyway. I will buy a jap, best performance/reliability for the price range, I believe?

The first I have looked at is a Ninja 250r (I got recommended it by another set of forums, but not New Zealand based). They look badass; are they suitable for beginner riders?

Any advice would be fantastic

[bogan]

Ninja's are pretty popular learners bikes atm, I'm more into honda, and the hornet 250 or vtr250 are also a good choice, but just get whichever one feels best to ride I reckon, some of the 250's are quite small, and if you're low speed commuting that can be really annoying after a while.

Sounds like you have a responsible attitude towards it, so that probably halves your risk right there!

We have a few links on our site regarding training schools etc http://www.mag-nz.org/external-links

Dirt riding kind of tranfers over, but there are also a fair few points of difference. Definetely benificial to have experience on dirt bikes, but you'll still have a ways to go :yes:

[Juzz976]

the 250r is, if your looking at a sports style full fairing theres also the older

FZR250, CBR250, ZXR250, GSXR250

The up side to the older ones is they're a little quicker.

The 2 strokes ; TZR, RGV, NSR, RS250 IMHO not suitable for learning on but loads of fun.

A cheaper one may be the way to go, when u drop an expensive bike you loose money quick.

Buying from a dealer may or may not be more expensive as you should be getting a good safe reliable bike from them.

Welcome to KB!

[thehovel]

Hi all,

Decided earlier this week that I'm going to seriously look into getting a bike license and a bike.

My colleague (just started a new job) has a bike, and he's been telling me all about it, and it sounds like a load of fun. I've spent a bit of time on dirk bikes when working on a dairy farm, had a great time, came off once or twice in the wet (on clay :yes: ) but feel fairly confident to get on it and ride safely nonetheless. Is a dirt bike at all comparable to a road bike?

I am aware of the risks (I am a very careful person in general.. I'll be the person going the slowest at the back of the pack :D ), my colleague was telling me about his crash, but I know that it's all a matter of caution, experience and self-control, with a touch of luck.

So, at this stage I have had a look at a number of guides etc. totally obvious material for the most part, but no matter. Looked at the test on the aa website, no problems (again, easy stuff).

I intend to go on a course of some sort, there are a couple I have already found around the Wellington area; are there any members on here who can recommend anywhere in particular for Wellington (or Wanganui?)

My biggest question to you folks would be: What bike? I know I need to be within 250cc obviously, and my budget is a little unknown, but likely up to 5k ish, as I won't be buying it for at least 3-6 months anyway. I will buy a jap, best performance/reliability for the price range, I believe?

The first I have looked at is a Ninja 250r (I got recommended it by another set of forums, but not New Zealand based). They look badass; are they suitable for beginner riders?

Any advice would be fantastic

Welwome to the world of 2 wheels. You need a bike that has a sit-up position (so you don't have to look up to see where you are going),both feet flat on the ground when stopped and as little plastic as possible(cheeper to drop and less side shift in the wind) On the farm cows have more sense than most car drivers,know that half the drivers will kill for your bit of road and it will be your fault because you didn't get out of the way. Regards Richard PS In Wellington there is learner rides most weekends No doubt this will be posted. Turn up before you go shopping and milk the experanced brains there.

[digs_nz]

Thanks for the replies.

Definitely expect it to be a difficult process, but looking forward to it more than anything :) . I don't have a slow commute, I travel the opposite direction to traffic to work (out of Wellington city), and I don't know if I will ride to work every day.

Thanks for the recommendations, my colleague said he used to have a Hornet, so I'll check them out. I will be doing a lot of research, and have had an initial look at those models.. Anyone had any experience with trademe? Worth a look at least, but will also check out a few dealers, just don't want to get mugged for being a newb :D

As for the cows, they are pretty horrendously stupid, but at least they are scared of a dirt bike.. not sure it will work the same on the road. Thanks for the tips, hadn't really thought about posture etc. Hope I can find the ride alongs you are talking about and go check it out.

Anyone have any advice on gears? Need to drop about $600-700 on some initial gear?

[SMOKEU]

If you can ride a dirt bike you can ride a road bike and vice versa.

[Cayman911]

wait a tiny bit, get the new CBR250. it will destroy and rape the ninja in ways the ninja didnt know existed

[Latte]

wait a tiny bit, get the new CBR250. it will destroy and rape the ninja in ways the ninja didnt know existed

It's a 250 single........... there be no raping going on.

[bogan]

It's a 250 single........... there be no raping going on.

It shames me that honda desecrates the CBR line with such a POS :facepalm: it certainly appears the golden age of motorcycles (well, internal combustion ones anyway) is over, I must now buy as many late 80s and early 90s hondas as possible :woohoo:

[Cayman911]

It shames me that honda desecrates the CBR line with such a POS :facepalm: it certainly appears the golden age of motorcycles (well, internal combustion ones anyway) is over, I must now buy as many late 80s and early 90s hondas as possible :woohoo:

it looks great, and its packed with the latest tech out there. id much rather have that than the IL2 pos, what the hell is a IL2? it'd no doubt cost an arm more than the ninja, but it'd be worth it

[Latte]

it looks great, and its packed with the latest tech out there. id much rather have that than the IL2 pos, what the hell is a IL2? it'd no doubt cost an arm more than the ninja, but it'd be worth it

IL2 = 1 more cylinder than the new CBR. Typically for the same CC rating having more cylinders will have more hp. Althought the CBR has FI so that could level it out. Single front brake, conventional non adjustable forks. It's prob a great bike for what it is, but you're kidding yourself if you think it's going to be a step above the EX250, it's designed as direct competition (Kawasaki are selling a lot of the Ninja 250's).

[Berg]

Thanks for the replies.

Definitely expect it to be a difficult process, but looking forward to it more than anything :) . I don't have a slow commute, I travel the opposite direction to traffic to work (out of Wellington city), and I don't know if I will ride to work every day.

Thanks for the recommendations, my colleague said he used to have a Hornet, so I'll check them out. I will be doing a lot of research, and have had an initial look at those models.. Anyone had any experience with trademe? Worth a look at least, but will also check out a few dealers, just don't want to get mugged for being a newb :D

As for the cows, they are pretty horrendously stupid, but at least they are scared of a dirt bike.. not sure it will work the same on the road. Thanks for the tips, hadn't really thought about posture etc. Hope I can find the ride alongs you are talking about and go check it out.

Anyone have any advice on gears? Need to drop about $600-700 on some initial gear?
Be careful with buying off Trade Me. Pays to have somebody in the know check you prospective bike out. I would second the "upright" type bike for a learner. They also tend to be kinder to the wrists and sholders.
As for gear, check out TSS in the Lower Hutt. They often have a specials rack that has some good pinches. Also look at 1 tonne gear. I have some of it and find it very comfortable as well as being warm and waterproof. Second hand gear is ok as long as it fits but don't skimp on a helmet. Buy yourself a good new one. As for rider training, Andrew Templeton is very good and then the prorider courses held at Manfied are well worth it.
Have fun

[Slyer]

it looks great, and its packed with the latest tech out there. id much rather have that than the IL2 pos, what the hell is a IL2?
Parallel twins are great. Just barely larger than a single but with a fair bit more power.
They're also lighter and more compact than a V twin with pretty much identical performance.
Only thing is that they don't have the V twin look that many seem to crave.

The Bonneville and many other triumphs are parallel twins, you may have heard of them? :)

[zmlam]

I can highly recommend the VTR250, I heard so much about its reputation and suitability for learners (forgiving, good performance). Haven't been disappointed at all since I decided on it. It a big bike (for me), vtwin, and its got enough grunt for me. My only past experience is the GN125 from the basic handling test (which doesn't really count as I was doing at low speeds), so I dont' have much to compare to. But I had decided not to get a sports bike to minimize the temptation as I'm learning (knowing myself).

Got my gear for around $600 - all from local shops. I did look around the online shops (1tonne, etc), but when I found some great specials at the local shops (Suzuki, Anza), the specials were too good. I bought a 4-star sharp rated helmet (Shark brand), gloves, synthetic jacket and pants. May be worth looking at some gear now at the christmas season with all the specials on.

Then there's insurance to consider, and registration its pretty expensive (double that of cars). Also one thing I didn't think about is the aftermath cost - all bikes have a schedule of recommended servicing (oil, chain, etc), so that adds to your cost too.

Bought my bike off Trademe, went to see it before I started bidding. Don't have a motorbike background and had no bike friends to bring along, but prior to the viewing I did look up all the things to look out for when purchasing second hand bike. I think I bought a good bike - only thing I had to change after was a back tyre (nail was found), and back sprockets which wasn't too expensive but did add up. All up, with gear, bike, insurance, registration, it was all under $5k.

Other bikes which I came across when I was looking for my first bike - hyosung 250, suzuki bandit (more powerful). There's also the gn125/250 but the newer ones have a lot of rust issues, plus I didn't like its look.

Hope that helps! :) Enjoy looking around and all the best with your first bike!

[Slyer]

VTR250's are great bikes! Especially the new fuel injected ones.
I'd own one.

[digs_nz]

Cheers for the replies. A bit of that tech bike stuff went over my head, but nvm.

I do want a twin, not a single, as it will probably be better value for money in the long run.

Will check out the bike shop, and have emailed Andrew Templeton (you confirmed it, but I already came across his site yesterday anyway)

Bit worried about the sitting up thing, it sounds like less fun, and something which will be a bit annoying after I get used to the basics.. I'll definitely look at it properly though.. How can I tell from a photo of a bike (on trademe, for example) whether its sitting upright or not?

Edit: Nvm, gah. I get it I think. Dont buy a sports bike, is it?

[superman]

I've had my Ninja about 3 weeks to ride. Very forgiving (for a bike), if you come up too fast for a corner it's all good because the fact the bike is so light and engine braking it allows you to safely slow down in through the corner. Even though it doesn't feel nice like accelerating WOT as you can especially when you've got the corner right. :p

Spending all your time from 10-13,000 RPMS it screams and is a blast.

The amount of time you spend WOT is good fun. I had a Honda Prelude 2.2L VTEC car before hand, and the acceleration is about the same (fastest car I've owned to the slowest bike I'll own :yes:)

Reliable as anything, though Honda's seem really good too, they were a close choice for me. But I ended up deciding I can get a Honda when I go up to 600cc when I get my full. 1.5 bloody years away.

[zmlam]

The upright GNs' (which I'm pretty sure is sitting upright) have a different handlebar that bends back towards you to help you 'situp'. Bit like the cruiser type, plus the handlebar is rather wide. Perhaps that's part of the definition?

Not trying to push the VTR, its listed under 'sports' category in trademe. I think in terms of sitting up position, its in between a sports and full sitting up type bike.

I sat on a late model ninja a while back, that actually felt really comfortable with the posture (though I wonder if you lock the steering, doesn't your fingers get caught in between the tank?).

Was told when I got my basic handling skills cert to find my first bike - sit on a lot of bikes, there's one that feels right for you.

[Latte]

Yeah the VTR will let you sit more forward than a GN, GN almost feels like you'll fall backwards. I let a friend ride my Mille and I got to ride his VTR back along SH16, was a hoot, handles well, nice and light, doesn't tire out your wrists etc. And they look good too.

[AxN]

Go to a bike shop and just sit on a few bikes to test out the ergonomics...

[JATZ]

Whats with all this road bike stuff ?

Get a DR/KLX/XR or the like, why be restricted to sealed roads
and you could chuck a set of road tyres on it for road work/commuting

[Cayman911]

GN almost feels like you'll fall backwards.

The GN feel's like you are riding a garbage can, i suppose you are....

[digs_nz]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Still just in the very initial stages.. am taking the handling test on 8th January.

Heres a couple of bikes I've been looking at:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-341840200.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=340793991

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-341237456.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-338919166.htm

Can someone explain the difference between Ninja 250 and Ninja 250r; R is a sports version of some sort, yeah?

Never really heard of Hyosung, are they a good buy? Don't really like the look of the VTR250, but I'm going to head into a shop nearby and look at a few and then make my mind up on that.
:woohoo:

[Slyer]

Ninja 250's are the same bike just one is a newer model. The new one has pretty much the same engine but a bit detuned. Just looks are the difference really!
(And what a difference)

[Gibbo89]

Never really heard of Hyosung, are they a good buy?
:woohoo:

Some love them, and some don't. They are physically big so you don't look like your riding around on a wee 250, they get huge k's out of a tank, something stupid like 400k's out of the 17 litre tank or whatever it has. the 2010 model has efi, the rest are carburetored (think I spelled that wrong).

People have said to not go for the 06 model, as it had some issues. (sidestand, clutch cable, maybe other stuff. If you buy one, obviously just buy one as late model as possible, ask for service history etc. But remember to leave money aside for gear and insurance.

Expect to pay roughly 10% of the bikes value in regards to premium. Excess will depend hugely on your age and record etc.

Good luck

p.s looking at the 4 options you showed us, I think I'd like that red hyosung the most. Just bear in mind that the hyosung is probably more bent over when you are on it compared to the ninja.

[varminter]

I tried a Hyobag back when I was looking for a better 250, liked it heaps, nice full size bike. Too bad I couldn't afford it. Dagerousbastard (not been here for a while) raved about them.

[sil3nt]

You really need to ride them to see what you like best.

The GPX 250, Ninja 250R and Hyosung are essentially the same thing. Can't really go wrong with any of them you just need to find which one you prefer.

Also save money and buy locally so you don't waste anything shipping it. Plenty of bikes in Wellington and there is no need to rush. Just wait for the right one too pop up.

[digs_nz]

Just thought I might update.

Got my basic handling skills test on saturday, heading in to get my learners this afternoon, or some time this week at least.

Cost me $140 at Roadsafe (Andrew Templeton) - I think I got jipped! Apparently it only costs $42 at the vtnz, but obviously need motorbike hire as well.

But the course was easy (again, ridden farm bike before) and took about an hour. Hire was some Suzuki 125.

[mrchips]

Good luck on the scratchie, great weather for riding !

fwiw, Bikes with no fairings suffer less damage when they 'fall over', otherwise you can't go wrong with somethinglike this....2005 GSX 250 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-345984300.htm)

These bikes are great value for money, low mileage + with packrack.

At this price if your not mechanicaly inclined, you could afford to book it into a bike shop for a full service... oil change, valve check, chain & sprockets, tyres etc... would set you up for some trouble free motoring.

[avgas]

Cheap road legal dirt bike. Ride it for 6 months then get something quicker.
The dirt bike won't lose value as long as it gets another wof - so effectively you will be riding for near free for 6 months. Enough to get some skills.

[superman]

Had my ninja for just over a month now, and it's my absolute baby. Good if you like attention seeking, and low maintenance (so I've heard)

I think in 14 months when I'll be getting my full and some sort of 600cc I'll try and keep her if I can scrounge around enough money to afford her, just because she is so fun. And what's lacking in power it makes up for in giving me over 400km out of the tank :P

So good commuter I want to keep. And corners like a rocket :yes:

[1tonne]

From my experience I would keep away from the hyosung. I have had many customers who are happy with them for about 6 months and then they become dissapointed as they are not as reliable (eg. the tanks rust out quickly) as the japp bikes. I like the looks of them though and they are cheap. The Hyosung GT250 has better take off since they are a v-twin but not as high speed.

I race a CBR250 in the winter series against the GT250.
I have owned about 4 250cc bikes
(this is only my opinion so don't shoot me to pieces)

[digs_nz]

Thanks for the link to the GSX, looks like a pretty good find. As for fairings, I was under the impression I can take them off? I was planning on doing that to minimise damage on the few inevitable drops.

Am seriously looking at the ninja, Andrew recommended it ("the best 250 around") (along with a couple of other internet recommendations) and I think it will have enough grunt to keep me happy for a while, even after I get my full (although I might be wrong, what does everyone think?). I don't have a good perspective on how quick a 250 is, and whether I'm going to be dying to upgrade to a 400 straight away.

Not in any rush for now though, have a bit of saving to do first :yes:

Thanks for the tips, it's great hearing all the opinions on bikes

[sil3nt]

Just thought I might update.

Got my basic handling skills test on saturday, heading in to get my learners this afternoon, or some time this week at least.

Cost me $140 at Roadsafe (Andrew Templeton) - I think I got jipped! Apparently it only costs $42 at the vtnz, but obviously need motorbike hire as well.

But the course was easy (again, ridden farm bike before) and took about an hour. Hire was some Suzuki 125.That $42 is just for the test and i wouldn't trust someone from VTNZ. You definitely didn't waste any money paying $140.

[mrchips]

Just get the biggest bang for your buck factoring in some $$ for protective gear.

fyi, Leather Direct (http://www.leatherdirect.co.nz/leather-direct-store-motorcycle.php) (Cuba St. / Wgtn) have a good selection of affordable leather bike jackets / pants & other biker stuff.

[digs_nz]

Yeah I'm going to buy my protective gear first I think, then I don't get tempted to blow all the money on the bike. I have to save first anyway!

My first find for a helmet is this:

http://www.caberglids.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=64&products_id=278

Because I saw it on a New Zealand site, but it was about $600, and I can get that from overseas for $250. I'll keep looking around, I think just as a general rule (not sure how valid it is) I'm going to get a 5 star SHARP rated helmet. Why wouldn't everyone, I reckon.

Will check out leather direct on the weekend, never thought of them. Thanks

[sil3nt]

Yeah I'm going to buy my protective gear first I think, then I don't get tempted to blow all the money on the bike. I have to save first anyway!

My first find for a helmet is this:

http://www.caberglids.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=64&products_id=278

Because I saw it on a New Zealand site, but it was about $600, and I can get that from overseas for $250. I'll keep looking around, I think just as a general rule (not sure how valid it is) I'm going to get a 5 star SHARP rated helmet. Why wouldn't everyone, I reckon.

Will check out leather direct on the weekend, never thought of them. ThanksDon't be fooled by those stars. Go try helmets on. No point getting a 5 star helmet that is going to slid off your head when you crash. Go try as many helmets on as you can. Remember the names of the ones that fit and then do research on them.

Don't buy from overseas unless you really know what you are doing. You can't exactly return them because they don't fit.

[digs_nz]

Yep, that was what I meant I found it in New Zealand (so can go try it on) but can buy the same model for cheaper

But yea thanks for the tip

[digs_nz]

Have decided I will go for something a little cheaper than a new Ninja or the like..

Quite liking the look of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=340574869

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=347760912

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=325550904


Any thoughts? Obviously the kawasaki is a bit more expensive but it is from a dealer and they might give me a good deal with some gear. Maybe :niceone:

[1tonne]

Keep away from the GSXR250. They are prone to the carbs blocking a lot. I went to buy one once and I had 3 bike shops advise me to stay away from them. One bike shop said that they were the worst 250 ever made. I am a GSXR fan as well so I was a little disapointed to hear this. (I have a GSXR1100)

[Gibbo89]

Have decided I will go for something a little cheaper than a new Ninja or the like..

Quite liking the look of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=340574869

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=347760912

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=325550904


Any thoughts? Obviously the kawasaki is a bit more expensive but it is from a dealer and they might give me a good deal with some gear. Maybe :niceone:

Huge jump in price compared to the zxr and the other two. The zxr would be the best bike, but there is a mark on the fairing and I don't believe it is worth 5.5k. Even at a dealer price I'm sure it should be more like 4.5k.

How about this? (This has gear for sale too if you want)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-346189719.htm

Or this?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-345993828.htm

Or:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-339964712.htm

Or: (this is like the gsxr, but is slightly diff and has storage where the fuel tank is meant to be)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-347634061.htm

Remember it is a buyers market and you may know if the bikes have been on TM for a while so the price should be slightly negotiable.

[digs_nz]

Yeah I've been a little bit inconsistent.. flip flopping on whether or not I want to spend money or not. The main thing is getting value for money so sounds like the ZXR is out.

I really like the look of the FZR, but there isn't much information about (they are pretty old?). Seems quite a few k's, not really sure whether I would trust buying a bike this old on trademe.


1. Have heard bad things about Hyosung. While I know this might be slightly ignorant; I have no choice! Gear won't fit

2. Looking for something a bit more sport looking.

3. Like this one. Quite a few k's though. I think the colour could grow on me, emailed to find out status of warrant and rego. Thanks :niceone:

4. Spotted this one already but didn't mention it. Will shoot him an email.. low k's :)

[avgas]

I really like the look of the FZR, but there isn't much information about (they are pretty old?).
FZR became YZF which became YZF-R? (Sports series e.g. R1, R6, R7) and FZ (touring series e.g. FZ1, FZ6)

They are a good bike, especially if you get an exup model which opens and exhaust valve and sounds nuts when going fast.
Not to mention that some models came out with 20 valves.

[Old Steve]

I set myself a $5000 budget, and this came out at about the following costs:

Bike, Hyosung GV250 $3200
Bike transport Wgtn to Tauranga $200
Instruction and Basic Handling Skills $200
License $79
Jacket, gloves, helmet and pants $900 (note, I can't get motorcycle boots to fit, so use steel cap high ankle work boots, so add another $150 or so for boots)
Hi-viz fluoro yellow jacket $8

I spent near to $700 after about 4000 km fitting new sprockets, chain and a ScottOiler (I recommend the ScottOiler, makes chain lubrication a breeze), and bought a cartom of 10, 1L, good quality 4T m/c engine oil for $100. Do oil changes at 4000 km, bout 1.5 L of oil, and change filter ($28) every 8000 km. Ongoing maintenance is a noticiable cost, so is rego ($400/yr for a 250).

So do buy your gear before you buy your bike, and buy the best you can.

And remember, every other vehicle out on the road is going to try to kill you.

[digs_nz]

I set myself a $5000 budget, and this came out at about the following costs:

Bike, Hyosung GV250 $3200
Bike transport Wgtn to Tauranga $200
Instruction and Basic Handling Skills $200
License $79
Jacket, gloves, helmet and pants $900 (note, I can't get motorcycle boots to fit, so use steel cap high ankle work boots, so add another $150 or so for boots)
Hi-viz fluoro yellow jacket $8

I spent near to $700 after about 4000 km fitting new sprockets, chain and a ScottOiler (I recommend the ScottOiler, makes chain lubrication a breeze), and bought a cartom of 10, 1L, good quality 4T m/c engine oil for $100. Do oil changes at 4000 km, bout 1.5 L of oil, and change filter ($28) every 8000 km. Ongoing maintenance is a noticiable cost, so is rego ($400/yr for a 250).

So do buy your gear before you buy your bike, and buy the best you can.

And remember, every other vehicle out on the road is going to try to kill you.

Thanks. I'm going to buy locally, definitely, so that I have a chance to test it out first, so that should kill $200 for shipping. But yeah the rest looks pretty good. Rego + insurance is expensive!!! Grr

heres another bike I've been looking at everyone, have heard quite good things about the CBR250RR

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=327803327

That yellow GPX 250 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=339964712) has a new warrant and a rego. Gonna go take a look next week I hope, woohoo!

[sil3nt]

Thanks. I'm going to buy locally, definitely, so that I have a chance to test it out first, so that should kill $200 for shipping. But yeah the rest looks pretty good. Rego + insurance is expensive!!! Grr

heres another bike I've been looking at everyone, have heard quite good things about the CBR250RR

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=327803327

That yellow GPX 250 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=339964712) has a new warrant and a rego. Gonna go take a look next week I hope, woohoo!The GPX will just keep going and going. There is a reason they made them for 20 years practically unchanged! The new ninjas might look better but they are no faster.

[mikemike104]

I have a 1989 GPX that as of next week will owe me bout 6k, paid $2800 for it, have spent the rest on mechanical work... and last weekend blew the head gasket.

Still, my woes aside I think its a great first bike, very forgiving, light, nimble, excellent on the commute to work, slim build so easy to split when or if needed. They also have a 18l tank so I get about 330kms per tank full, and atm that's about $32 to fill.

If I were you I think I would find it very hard to not naturally prefer to pick a faster bike like the CBR250RR you mention above, on the other hand the yellow GPX is a 2001 so heaps newer than the Honda..

Good luck with it all.

[mikemike104]

The GPX will just keep going and going. There is a reason they made them for 20 years practically unchanged! The new ninjas might look better but they are no faster.

Also I agree with this. :scooter: Honda Hamilton who have my bike now think it has done far more work than what my speedo has counted... so therein may lie my problem.