Hello midlife crisis - I've been expecting you

[Barts]

Hi.

Learn to ride course booked? check
Basic Handling Skills Course booked? check
Obtained and read Highway Code? check

Feel confident about what bike to buy? WTF :shit:

What I do know:
- I want to commute from Plimmerton to Wellington CBD (approx 30km)
- I am 6'3" / 189cm and weigh 90kg
- I am not looking for a sports bike - just a good bike to learn on and gain some experience (ideally one that provides a neutral / head up position)

What I don't know:
- New 250cc (and keep for a good number of years) or second hand, and upgrade up when confident?
- Make....model....manufacturer...
- Price
- How much I need to budget for helmet and protective gear

What would be the most appropriate 3 bikes for me to test ride upon ownership of learners licence?

Thanks guys - I am sure you remember this feeling ?!

Barts.

[Smifffy]

For what my opinion is worth - not really even 2 cents, given inflation & GST.

I'm assuming you have a rough idea of costs anyway and want to do this with a reasonable budget. I'd look at second hand 250, and the can't go wrong standards are:

Cruiser style:
Suzuki GN 250

Sports:
Honda VTR 250
Kawasaki Ninja 250

Naked:
Honda Hornet 250
Suzuki Bandit 250

Dual sport
Suzuki DR 250

IMO you can't go wrong with any of these bikes, they all have their fans & detractors. They also have good resale potential. Hyosung also have some offerings that are worth considering by many accounts.

$500, maybe less, should see you right for gear off the bat.

Of course once you start you want to continuously upgrade. Get the bike, and the gear, and ride, ride, ride. Go for your full as soon as you can, you will see a number of threads here about people who have been riding for many years, have finally seen a big bike they think is a bargain, but still don't have their full :facepalm:

Ride with as many different people as you can, check their bikes out and decide what you want from there.

Do some courses

http://www.prorider.co.nz/ is a good one.

[Spearfish]

Well done smifffy!

As a learner any bike on smiffys list will do but you wont be a learner for ever.
The more riding you do the better you get, the better/safer you get the more doors open as to what you want to do eg- instead of just commuting you go wandering over the weekend then from there you start touring..on it goes.

Basically a long winded way to say you will probably out grow the learner bike so don't waste to much on it.

I wish the power weight ratio would kick in rather than the current CC limit, for me I would be camped happily at the upper end of the limit my whole biking life.

[CookMySock]

It's just whatever spanks yer monkey ay. If you are going to commute then you need something modern and reliable.

For outright buzz and good looks, there isn't much to beat a GT250R for a learner bike. They are not without their issues, but with an unbaffled screaming demon exhaust and a few other mods they are quite the business - if you like that style of bike.

BTW welcome to biking! Plz get some training, specifically - 75% of riders killed on the road is because they don't know how to swerve the bike in an emergency.

[Ronin]

It's just whatever spanks yer monkey ay. If you are going to commute then you need something modern and reliable.

For outright buzz and good looks, there isn't much to beat a GT250R for a learner bike. They are not without their issues, but with an unbaffled screaming demon exhaust and a few other mods they are quite the business - if you like that style of bike.

BTW welcome to biking! Plz get some training, specifically - 75% of riders killed on the road is because they don't know how to swerve the bike in an emergency.

Care to show some stats on that Stevey? No? Didn't think so.

Oh and to the OP. Welcome and have fun. At 6"3' you could be better off looking at the hyobag as they are a bigger bike.

[Edbear]

Care to show some stats on that Stevey? No? Didn't think so.

Oh and to the OP. Welcome and have fun. At 6"3' you could be better off looking at the hyobag as they are a bigger bike.

I think the Hyosung 250 is the biggest 250 and better for taller folk. In the cruiser side of things I think the Suzuki 250 Intruder is the biggest. Hyosung have been the top selling sports bike for a while now, mainly due to the 250 being sylish and a v-twin and a lower price. Ninja is another popular learner bike, they're a revver forever and go well for a 250 and Honda VTR is a great bike, but too cramped for my 5'11". Sounds great though!

[GPXchick]

http://www.drivingtests.co.nz/

Great help with the scratchy tests :) I did my learners 6 weeks ish ago, Good luck to you. I got my boy 2007 2nd NZ owner under 9500 km's :) good price.:yes:

[ducatilover]

Try the Hyosung GT250/GT250R
I'd say a Hornet would suit you, more pep than the ferociously gutless Hyosung and proven to be extremely reliable.
I'd suggest VTR250 and what not, but not for a person of your height.
DR250 would be worth checking out, could be a barrel of laughs too.
If you're on a tight budget and just want great value for money a Honda VT250 Spada or Suzuki GSF250 Bandit would be the way to go, both also proven to be reliable (My Spada had 154km on the clock when I sold it)
Try everything you can before buying, be patient and bloody well be safe! :yes:

[steelphoenix]

If you're on a tight budget and just want great value for money a Honda VT250 Spada or Suzuki GSF250 Bandit would be the way to go, both also proven to be reliable (My Spada had 154km on the clock when I sold it)
Try everything you can before buying, be patient and bloody well be safe! :yes:

154km? :blink: More zeroes?

Yes, try before buying - and definitely get a pre-purchase inspection on anything you don't get from a dealer (consider it for a dealer bike too). Twice it's saved me from buying bikes I would have had to do a grand (or more) of repairs on soon after purchase...

Be safe, and have fun! :)

[Bren]

Being a larger bloke I would think that the likes of the GN250 would be a bit small for you, but as mentioned the Hyosung250 cruiser aint too bad, and there is the option of the Kawasaki Eliminator 250...

Or another option since you are a tall lad is to maybe get permission from the powers to be to start off on a slightly bigger bike...maybe a 400. You can get dispensations from LTSA, not sure how you go about it though...

[sil3nt]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-360586161.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-362745817.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361466870.htm

Three cheap low km bikes that look pretty tidy and are local.

My pick would be Hornet > Hyosung > Bandit.

Gear will costs you between $500 and $1500 depending on what you get.

[Timmeh:P]

Sorry to all those who feel I am repeating myself every time someone starts a "what first bike?" thread.... But...

Honda Hornet!!!

Best all round 250cc bike out there.

Great size 600 cc bike frame, so it's not a big jump in weight and overall dimensions when you upgrade.

Better HP than any kawa or hyo

will do 100000km - 100000000km (as long as you look after it)

Has a 180 back tyre (big bike look)

upright seating position if that is your thing

Only down side is the odd front tyre size... But if you call your tyre supplier ahead of time, they can usually get one in.

Good luck!!

[p.dath]

Get a second hand bike. You will do some damage to the first bike you buy. Almost guaranteed.

[slofox]

"Hello midlife crisis - I've been expecting you"


Sometimes I think my whole fucking life has been a mid-life crisis...


Yea, I know,:Offtopic:

[White trash]

Hey Barts, welcome to KB. Feel free to pop past TSS Red Baron in Alicetown Lower Hutt. Happy to go over a variety of different bike and gear options, new and used. Might even make ya a coffee. Or get Dom to.

Ask for Jimmy.

[TOTO]

realistically you need to budget about $1000 for protective gear, and this will give you a very good range of choices and you will not be restricted to the cheapest and nastiest gear on the market, which will fall apart after 2 months.

[blatz]

Hi.

Learn to ride course booked? check
Basic Handling Skills Course booked? check
Obtained and read Highway Code? check

Feel confident about what bike to buy? WTF :shit:

What I do know:
- I want to commute from Plimmerton to Wellington CBD (approx 30km)
- I am 6'3" / 189cm and weigh 90kg
- I am not looking for a sports bike - just a good bike to learn on and gain some experience (ideally one that provides a neutral / head up position)

What I don't know:
- New 250cc (and keep for a good number of years) or second hand, and upgrade up when confident?
- Make....model....manufacturer...
- Price
- How much I need to budget for helmet and protective gear

What would be the most appropriate 3 bikes for me to test ride upon ownership of learners licence?

Thanks guys - I am sure you remember this feeling ?!

Barts.

Hyosung GT250 - should be able to pick a brand new one up for up for about $7k, but second hand maybe $4-5k. As you will find out the 250cc market is pretty full so you have a lot of options.
If I was doing it all over again and could afford it I'd go for a new bike but do take what p.dath said about dropping the bike in to consideration (if it's your first bike).
In terms of gear I'd budget for roughly $1,000 if looking for all new gear head to toe.

[superman]

I went spastic when I went for gear. Spent around $1700 for complete leathers and helmet so I could use them at the race track also, but was told leather lasted decades if looked after well... here's hoping! Also "had to" get a 5 star sharp rated helmet... :facepalm:

[Oblivion]

I went spastic when I went for gear. Spent around $1700 for complete leathers and helmet so I could use them at the race track also, but was told leather lasted decades if looked after well... here's hoping! Also "had to" get a 5 star sharp rated helmet... :facepalm:

What!? :blink: Impulse buyer much? I spent $450 on gear and they are hassle free a year on. Dont have boots or pants yet though :facepalm:

But yea, a few people would consider 1tonne gear.

Cheap and reliable as hell I've heard.

[superman]

What!? :blink: Impulse buyer much? I spent $450 on gear and they are hassle free a year on. Dont have boots or pants yet though :facepalm:

But yea, a few people would consider 1tonne gear.

Cheap and reliable as hell I've heard.

I just went with Qmoto. It wasn't impulse buying, I was researching a long time before I came to the conclusion that there is no way I'm wearing anything but leather. Helmets cool though, internal retractable sunvisor :bleh: tis all fancy.

[Oblivion]

I just went with Qmoto. It wasn't impulse buying, I was researching a long time before I came to the conclusion that there is no way I'm wearing anything but leather. Helmets cool though, internal retractable sunvisor :bleh: tis all fancy.

Did you buy tassles with all that? :facepalm:

[superman]

Did you buy tassles with all that? :facepalm:

They are but a stylish addition of my creation! :angry:

[mrchips]

Good on ya Bart, there aint no substitute to commuting on ya bike + you hone good skills riding everyday in all weathers, especially in wellington :eek:

fwiw.... whatever bike you get, learning basic bike maintenance will help keep your working steed reliable & in tip top condition.

Take it easy out there.

[Usarka]

"Hello midlife crisis - I've been expecting you"

Sometimes I think my whole fucking life has been a mid-life crisis...


Waaddaaya mean MID? :rofl:

[Little Miss Trouble]

Honda Hornet!!!

Best all round 250cc bike out there.

Great size 600 cc bike frame, so it's not a big jump in weight and overall dimensions when you upgrade.


+1 on that. If I were to do my learners over again I'd go for a well looked after hornet over the new GPX/ninja that I had.


Oh and I'll also state AGAIN for the record, I think the hyobags look hideous, sound like crap (even with after market exhausts) and if that weren't enough the questionable build quality means you couldn't pay me enough to ride one!

[Ratti]

dude, do not do the gn250, you will regret it almost immediatly. Apply for an exemption. I think it happens when you go get your bit of paper to say you are allowed on the road.

If you dont want to go that route, then a 250 Hyo cruiser will fit you with foot control extension thingummys.

you could pm me and I can intro you to someone else who might be able to help.

[CookMySock]

realistically you need to budget about $1000 for protective gear, and this will give you a very good range of choices and you will not be restricted to the cheapest and nastiest gear on the market, which will fall apart after 2 months.Some of the cheap gear on trademe is surprisingly good, and some of the brand name stuff is surprisingly shit.

Cheap helmet, and cordura jacket and pants is fine.

Suggest you spend a bit more for comfy leather boots ($240) and leather gloves ($100.)

[Usarka]

Hmmmm, while some cheap might be stuff ok - as a rule if you buy cheap there's a bigger chance that it is shit.

[Smifffy]

For gear, grab a copy of kiwirider mag, and peruse the ads, check the prices, look at the pics, decide what you think you'll need, and you will likely get a very good indication on price.

I reckon (again 2cents worth) get yourself the basic of everything in cordura, while you are on your L, pick up the odd item here and there to upgrade, as and when something takes your fancy and you get a better idea of the kind of riding you do, and the things that annoy you.

You can either save the other stuff for your occasional pillion, or flick it on via trademe. This lark is like everything, there are always more & different things you will like the look of and want to try. I'd say few people get everything exactly as they want first time up.

I have a cordura jacket and it has done me superb service for the last year and a bit, but I would like to get another jacket soon, and who knows when that will happen?

[CookMySock]

Hmmmm, while some cheap might be stuff ok - as a rule if you buy cheap there's a bigger chance that it is shit.From my direct experience, the cheapo $135 jackets we got off trademe were (and still are) bloody brilliant, and the $190 dririder gear (now completely buggered) we got from the bike shop was shit. We use (and destroy) a lot of gear with four riders in the house.

[Barts]

Thanks so much for all your threads. Heaps of great advice and bike choices from everyone. I'll let you know how I get on! Cheers again. Barts.:yes:

[slofox]

Waaddaaya mean MID? :rofl:

I mean I have been in the middle of the crisis since I was born...:facepalm:

[Toaster]

Do some courses

http://www.prorider.co.nz/ is a good one.

Agreed, the payback in learning good habits early is invaluable.

[Wannabiker]

For what you want to do...I would look at a Hyosung Comet. The more upright riding position is easier to commute on....and these bikes will trundle along the open road quite well too, even with a pillion. The Hyo has a larger frame and suits us bigger blokes and has great fuel economy. (I had 2 and these would get 28-30 Km/L.)

At 6'3 you would look like a labrador humping a foxy if you went for a VTR.

The DR might also be a good option...get the gearing set up for the road (rear sprocket) and put some more road suitable tyres on it. I used to love commuting from Raumati on my BMW F650, which is just like a large trail bike.

[Seroom]

Hi Barts


Learn to ride course booked? check
Basic Handling Skills Course booked? check
Obtained and read Highway Code? check

You didn't mention Sit Test, do you already have your license from your youth?
I hadn't ridden for over 20 years and when the opportunity arose I jumped straight onto a 1400. Once I got my mojo back it was like I had never left.

On the other hand if you are new to motorcycling as your post implies.


Feel confident about what bike to buy? WTF

Definately second hand, because of the might drop factor.
If you get bitten by the bug flick it on and upgrade once you have your full.
If you are happy commuting and don't become a 'biker' as such then don't get emotional, keep it till it drops it'll be cheaper in the long run.

My Pics 250:
Cruiser - Suzi VL250 intruder
Naked - Hyo comet 250
Sport - Hyo GT250R or Ninja250

Don't get a GN250 they are cheap but at 6'3" way to small for you.

Gear:
I'm riding in Spool and apart from the little dangly things on the zips popping off, it has lasted me 7 years and still going. Only thing to watch out for is hot exhasts as none of the Gortex gear likes heat. Oh and the little dangly things, I replaced them with small keyrings.

Otherwise any of the modestly priced Trademe stuff will get you on the road.

Most of all, enjoy the ride :scooter:

[Ratti]

Otherwise any of the modestly priced Trademe stuff will get you on the road.


No No NO...Please, consider the opinion of one who repairs gear and has no brand loyalty whatsoever...DO NOT PURCHASE CHEAP/MODERATLY PRICED GEAR OFF TM

Why? I have had too much of this gear brought to me in the hope I can fix it. The seams are substandard and often not caught in properly, the thread is of poor quality and the fabric is often around 600D in weight. Riding gear needs to be at least 1000 denier to offer useful protection. Please, consider sticking with gear from bike shops, yes it is more expensive, but how much is the skin on your body worth?

this has been covered extensivly in the Gear thread and well worth looking through as it comes up often

End of rant.

p.s. second hand gear can be problematic, but if you go for the brands stocked by bike shops it would be better than the nothing.

[Seroom]

No No NO...Please, consider the opinion of one who repairs gear and has no brand loyalty whatsoever...DO NOT PURCHASE CHEAP/MODERATLY PRICED GEAR OFF TM

End of rant.

I did in fact recommend SPOOL, but not everyones budget stretches to $800-900+ for a jacket and pant set straight from go. There is a new Dririder Nordic Pro on TM at the moment for $189, more than adequate to get a commuter on the road.

[Seroom]

No No NO...Please, consider the opinion of one who repairs gear and has no brand loyalty whatsoever...DO NOT PURCHASE CHEAP/MODERATLY PRICED GEAR OFF TM

End of rant.

Your advice is quite correct.
I did in fact recommend SPOOL, but not everyones budget stretches to $800-900+ for a jacket and pant set straight from go.

[Old Steve]

I'm not that tall, in fact rather challenged in the inside leg measurement, but I've found the Hyosung GV250 - the cruiser - is a big bike for a 250. I chose it because of its visual impact, see and be seen. Couple of weeks ago a Harley rider just wouldn't believe it was a 250. Drill the 3 pop rivets out which hold the baffle in place in each exhaust and take the baffles out - be seen, be heard, be safe.

It's comfortable, reliable (there's a lot of Suzuki Intruder in it, Hyosung made Suzukis under license for 20 years), has enough performance for a learner (has the same power-to-weight ratio of a Honda Shadow 750), and has a good upright seating position (as an older rider, I didn't look forward to riding with my chest glued to the top of the fuel tank and with my heels jammed up the crack of my bum on a sports bike).

[Barts]

For what you want to do...I would look at a Hyosung Comet. The more upright riding position is easier to commute on....and these bikes will trundle along the open road quite well too, even with a pillion. The Hyo has a larger frame and suits us bigger blokes and has great fuel economy. (I had 2 and these would get 28-30 Km/L.)

At 6'3 you would look like a labrador humping a foxy if you went for a VTR.

The DR might also be a good option...get the gearing set up for the road (rear sprocket) and put some more road suitable tyres on it. I used to love commuting from Raumati on my BMW F650, which is just like a large trail bike.

Hi there Wannabiker

Thanks for your recent post. Appreciate your comments regarding the VTR - definitely NOT a good look!

I note however that the seat hight of a Hornet (which pretty much every other thread to original posting has recommended) is 760mm. Surely if the VTR is 775mm then both bikes are way to small - or am I missing something (i.e placement of foot pegs etc).

Also... any comments re build quality and longevity of parts with the Hyo's?? I love the look of this bike - being a tall lad too full frame size fits well.

So many posts have bagged them for so many reasons - what's the scoop.

Cheers.

Pete

[Barts]

Kia ora people of KiwiBiker.

Just thought I'd send out a quick update. I've been making some good progress lately with my new hobby (which I can see will quickly be replaced with new addiction - possibly even above coffee :yes: )

Couple of weeks back I participated in a learn to ride course followed by a basic handling course ran by Andrew and Lynne of Roadsafe http://www.roadsafe.co.nz/

I highly recco these folks - it pissed it down all day however this only added to the fun..

Passed sit test last week at local AA and picked up temporary licence. Woo hoo.

Over the weekend I picked up some experience on a dual purpose bike - man that was fun. I just wanted to get on a stretch of open gravel and practice changing all the way up and down the gears etc and also low speed turns etc.

Later this arvo I may get a try on a friends Ninja - just following up on all the great advice to sit on and try as many bikes as possible to see what feels 'right'.

Over the next couple of weekend I intent to try out the following, before making my final purchasing decision. Man this is taking time however I know it's the right thing to do (vs. buying first bike I like the picture of..)

In no particular order:

Sports:
- Ninja
- Hyo GT250R EFI
- Megelli 250R (I believe this is brand spanking new to NZ?)

Naked:
- Hyo GT250 EFI
- Honda VTR250
- Honda Hornet

Other:
- Scorpio
- GN250

To be honest all of the above bikes I am told are good bikes... Furthermore second hand I am learning quick is the way to go - to get me through my learners/restricted period.

Whilst I love the look of these bikes I can't help but ask - why not just settle for a scorpio or GN 250 and get some much needed k's under my belt and then buy a bigger bike this time next year? If we are talking full licence machines surely waiting out for a XJ6N or ER-6N is the way to go???? There's no way I can justify two bike purchases within a year to the missus (expecting first child 12 weeks and counting....)

My variables..
- 6"3' tall and 90 KG.
- 60K commute per day
- Mixture of SH1, dual carriage and urban (congested) riding

Thank for all the help and advice guys and gals - O for awesome :scooter:

Cheers for now!

Barts

[JimO]

Ask for Jimmy.

you will probably wake up tied to a chair, wearing a ballgag waiting for zed to show up

[Maha]

For your size and weight the GN and Scorpio should now not enter the equation.
- Hyo GT250 EFI
- Honda VTR250....}these three however are a more suited 250 option.
- Honda Hornet

[ducatilover]

For your size and weight the GN and Scorpio should now not enter the equation.
- Hyo GT250 EFI
- Honda VTR250....}these three however are a more suited 250 option.
- Honda Hornet

Why the EFI? The carb models were fine, bloody cheap too.

[Old Steve]

I have done 16,000 km since I bought my Hyosung GV250 (cruiser) in February 2010 On Sunday I did a round trip Tauranga, Te Awamutu, Pirongia, Te Awamutu, Arapuni, Putaruru and home over the Kaimais. Over 270 km, I got over 30 km/L (used less than 9 Litres of fuel). The bike has a huge tank, 15 L of which 2 L is reserve, so you should get an open road range of over 400 km. I cruise at between 110 and 120 km/hr on the open road with the Ulysses Club (other members say my speedo must be 6 km/hr high, so thats cruising at up to 115 km/hr flat tack), they don't race so I'm comfortably keeping up. Coming up the Waikato side of the Kaimais I'm usually in fifth up the initial straight climbs, down to fourth through the middle curves, and down to third gear @ 8,000 rpm for the last three or four corners. I pull away from Honda Shadow 750s and pretty much keep up with Suzuki Boulevard C50s.

Do try a Hyosung GV250 cruiser. They're cheap, I've found mine reliable. Budget for having a ScottOiler fitted to lube the chain on any bike you buy. They're a big bike, but I filter through double lane traffic here in Tauranga. DO spend as much as you can on your safety gear, especially on your helmet. How much is your head worth? Spend the money to protect it.

But, buy 2nd hand, it's cheaper and you're probably going to move up as soon as you have your 6F. I am going to keep my GV250 now I've got my 6F, she's comfortable, big enough to be visible, easy to ride through the city and good on the open road. And I feel that I'm improving my riding skills riding on a 250 with other riders who have bigger bikes.