The right bike for me?

[Tyrone]

i started out riding a 50 cc scooter because it was cheap. i never had any kind of attachment to cars or bikes but that wee bike started something. my friend was selling his 98 rg 150e 2x and i bought it. that bike has changed my life.
shes getting old and i am seriously looking around for a new bike.
the sump casing broke and i took her into the shop to fix her and they gave me a loan bike (suzuki grass tracker 250) which changed my perspective on cruiser style. i LOve it. so comfortable and build solid, quite naked.
i am serious about buying a new bike, i am now sold on cruisers, but i want something to carry my gf so hopefully she falls in love with riding one day too.
i would like something bigger than 250 as well. i have been looking at 250intruders, does the v - twin make much of a difference in power?
i dont want to get anything over a 600, just a comfortable bike with nice power and less than 10k.
any suggestions? cheers

[blackdog]

try one of these. this one is in chch

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-345070810.htm

[Virago]

I'm guessing that you've got your full license?

[Tyrone]

i am on restricted atm but keeping eyes open!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=345070810&rewritten=true
this is perfect, price, power and looks comfortable, im guessing it isnt hard to put on a sissy bar? thank you, i will chase this bike down =-)

[hellokitty]

i am on restricted atm but keeping eyes open!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=345070810&rewritten=true
this is perfect, price, power and looks comfortable, im guessing it isnt hard to put on a sissy bar? thank you, i will chase this bike down =-)

I looked at one of these bikes but was talked out of it, for a lot of reasons. What I ended up with one of these
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009-Honda-VT750C2ShadowSpirit750.htm
I went from a 250 cruiser to this 750 and it was so easy! It has heaps more power that the 650 you were looking at. You will be able to get one in your price range easily, perhaps a 2006 or something?

[blackdog]

i am on restricted atm but keeping eyes open!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=345070810&rewritten=true
this is perfect, price, power and looks comfortable, im guessing it isnt hard to put on a sissy bar? thank you, i will chase this bike down =-)

you are welcome

sissy bar no worries, plenty of them around


I looked at one of these bikes but was talked out of it, for a lot of reasons. What I ended up with one of these
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009-Honda-VT750C2ShadowSpirit750.htm
I went from a 250 cruiser to this 750 and it was so easy! It has heaps more power that the 650 you were looking at. You will be able to get one in your price range easily, perhaps a 2006 or something?

i agree, a very good alternative, but you will pay substantially more for the equivalent age and mileage

[Spearfish]

Considering the other costs of bikes it isn't big but what about the rego jump at 600?

[Berg]

Look at a Kawasaki ER6N or ER6F if you prefer a fairing. Awesome bike to learn how to handle a bit more power. They will comfortably sit on the speed limit all day and are super forgiving in corners if you make a mistake. Also a nice upright riding position that gives good visibility. Mrs Berg has my old one and loves it.

[hellokitty]

i agree, a very good alternative, but you will pay substantially more for the equivalent age and mileage

Yes, you could buy the 650 new compared to the 750 a few years old.
Everyone seemed to think (myself included) that I would out-grow the 650 very quickly. I know I will enjoy the 750 for years. Being on a tight budget makes it so hard.


Considering the other costs of bikes it isn't big but what about the rego jump at 600?
Yes the jump is big - I have a seperate rego account that has $15 go into it each week to cover the huge cost.

[AllanB]

I'd take the Honda over the 650 Suzuki. Or keep an eye out for a tidy VN800 Kawasaki or the Suzuki equivalent .


If you have $10k to spend you should seriously look at the M50
http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Cruiser/Boulevard+M50/

$12500 NEW so a pre-loved example should be within your budget or you may be able to talk turkey on a serious deal on a new one if you stretch your budget.

Yep it is a 800cc bike but it will be ideal two up and last you decades. The only issue I'd see is just getting used to the weight but they carry it low and have a low seat height so just take it easy - dare I say 'cruise'!


a QUICK SEARCH FINDS: http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/UsedItemResults.aspx?N=4294967251+4294964156+0

Kawasaki http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/UsedItemResults.aspx?N=4294967265+4294964237+0

[Spearfish]

Yes, you could buy the 650 new compared to the 750 a few years old.
Everyone seemed to think (myself included) that I would out-grow the 650 very quickly. I know I will enjoy the 750 for years. Being on a tight budget makes it so hard.


Yes the jump is big - I have a seperate rego account that has $15 go into it each week to cover the huge cost.

Thats a good way to do it to.
I guess an extra 50 cc for the money is hard to justify I'm at the other end of the scale with the rego on an old 125, hardly worth it. Three years then its vintage!! and $120 a year??

[blackdog]

here you are mate... get in quick

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-351017037.htm

[hellokitty]

[QUOTE=Spearfish;1129970829]Thats a good way to do it to.
I guess an extra 50 cc for the money is hard to justify /QUOTE]

Yes that is true - lots of people said to me that as I am paying top dollar for rego, that I may as well get a much bigger bike. I don't want a heavier and more powerful bike - I love my 750. Anway, I don't consider it wise for a new(ish) rider like me to jump on a huge bike.

[Tyrone]

thank you all this has been a real eye opener, thanks for sharing the knowledge unfortunately i missed that honda shadow =-/ that was dam nice.

[skinman]

go the C50 if you want to cruise 2 up. Edbear has his for sale, looks a nice one, all set up. You will need to get your full tho.

[KiWiP]

If you're looking at getting a bike to get your full and are then going to get a bigger bike once you have your full why do you care what it is? Any 250 in good mechanical order will go over the speed limit so think what else can you do with it. Go off road? look cool outside the local, scare your self shitless? If it's not going to be a keeper don't worry about it get something cheap (though safe) and get your full and move on.

You mention power. Learn how to ride first then you will know what power you need.

[Sable]

I think what you need is one of these
230984