First bike for a newb

[Mrfoo]

Hi
After putting about on a 50cc for around two years I recently bit the bullet and got my learners licence.
After a fair amount of research I've chosen to go the crusier route for my first bigger boys bike.
After still more research I've got down to three bikes that appeal to me and seem to get good reviews.
The Suzuki Marauder 250
The Suzuki Intruder 250LC (what were they thinking calling it that)
And the Hyosung GV250N EFi Aquila.

I plan on having the bike for at least two years and once I have my full licence going on some weekend trips with my daughter on the back.
I can get a new Marauder for a Damn good price but the 250LC and Aquila are V twin and the Aquila has EFI and features out the wahzoo.
Also you can't get really factory accessories for the 250 Suzuki's but the Hyosung has stacks off the shelf.

I'm wondering of anyone here has heard anything about these (or other) bikes, or has any sage advice on choosing a first bike.

Cheers

[Blinkwing]

What kind of accessories are you after, and are you planning on upgrading to a bigger bike? Would be better to go the second-hand route for a 250 if you are.

edit: I currently ride the 250LC (I call it a VL250, looks like it has a couple different names) and it's a nice bike.

[White trash]

They're all good bikes but the Marauder is really better suited to commuting riather than open road riding. The VL is a bloody well built little bike and has great build quality. The Hyosung is the biggest and best performing of the three. Very nice feeling bike on the open road as well. Features for dollars, it spanks the fuck out of any other 250cc cruiser available.

Ride 'em all, make your own mind up would be my reccomendation.

[mrmeal]

Gidday mate and welcome to the bigger biker world :) With Gears! :)

I had a Suzuki Marauder and loved it for what it was. I'd had my learners for 10 years, started ages ago and went away from bikes for colelctively 9 of those years. I started out with a couple of GSXR's over the time I was riding in the early days but decided as I got back into it I wanted to try a cruiser style so found a neat little Marauder on trademe for a song. I liked it, but discovered my personal preference was, for now back to a street sports. That is my preference, nothing to do with the bike experience the Marauder gave me. Miss it still, If I win Lotto, I'll be buying a cruiser to park next to my GSXR ;).

I would strongly suggest as you get into riding pick up a second hand one. Lets face it right now you think this is the preference you would like in a ride style. Your thoughts may in fact change as you ride more and more. Only you will know :) Second hand bikes to learn on are a great thing to do, you don't lose a lot of the resale value if you upgrade to a larger unit. You may drop it, as a lot of 250's on the market have had done to them as people learn. Dropping a second hand bike that has a few blemishes, is a whole lot less painful than dropping a pristine example of goodness. :) I see you are in Auckland, if you are looking new still, check out Colemans up off K road, Gundry street. good guys, will help you out. Take a bike for a test ride and see what you feel. that is after all key mate. They get a lot of trade in's there as riders step up to something larger in engine capacity. They can help you get into some good riding gear at a reasonable price too at the same time. No direct ties to them myself, other than having my bike serviced there, and finding them good genuine blokes/ladies :)
I never rode an intruder myself, the V-twin could make all the difference in ride feel, so try both if the opportunity presents :)
Happy Hunting!!:woohoo:

[Old Steve]

I've got a 2006 Hyosung GV250, her name is GLORIA. I'd buy her again if starting again and knowing what I know now. Buy second hand, save the money you'd spend on a new bike for your 2nd bike. Mind, I've just got my full license after 11 months and 15,000 km of riding (over 25, well over 25), and I'm keeping GLORIA because I don't think I've exceeded her limitations.

I keep up with the group on Sunday rides, mind they're not racers usually doing 110 to 115 km/hr max. I do drop behind going over the Kaimais, but drop down a gear and you don't fall back too far. Coming up the Waikato side of the Kaimais I'm down to 9000 rpm in third gear at 80 km/hr over the last 3 corners at the top.

She's a big bike, very visible. I had a Harley rider tell me the other week that he wouldn't have guessed that she was a 250 - don't know if he was commenting on her size or my riding ability LOL. I've noticed other riders after a couple of hours standing up on their pegs to ease the muscles in their bum, I don't have that problem. Again I don't know if it's because GLORIA is comfortable or my bum has extra padding.

Nice big tank, easy to get over 30 km/L, I'll do a ride of 350 km or more without having to wory about filling up. Drill the pop rivets out on the exhaust baffles and remove them (save them so you can put them back in when you sell the bike) and she sounds fantastic.

Buy as late a model as you can, definitely 2007 or later. My carby version has given no problems. Have a ScottOiler fitted!!!! First sprockets and chain lasted 13,000 km (I bought her at 9,000km), now at 24,000 I've just had the chain adjusted for the first time. New front tire at about 15,000 km, new back tire at about 20,000 km. I change the engine oil every 4,000 km, filter at 12,000 km. Had new front disc brake pads at 20,000 and rear pads probably due in 3 - 5,000 km.

If buying a mid-size cruise I'd definitely consider the Hyosung ST-7 based on the run I've had with GLORIA.

Problems? Earlier models prone to chrome rust so autosol the chrome surfaces well, buy later model if your budget allows. Some early models have had problems with the indicator switch.

[Mrfoo]

:yes: Thanks for all your advice. I'm going to set up some test rides this weekend.
I'll let you know how all it goes.

[chua060]

I've got a 2006 Hyosung GV250, her name is GLORIA. I'd buy her again if starting again and knowing what I know now. Buy second hand, save the money you'd spend on a new bike for your 2nd bike. Mind, I've just got my full license after 11 months and 15,000 km of riding (over 25, well over 25), and I'm keeping GLORIA because I don't think I've exceeded her limitations.

I keep up with the group on Sunday rides, mind they're not racers usually doing 110 to 115 km/hr max. I do drop behind going over the Kaimais, but drop down a gear and you don't fall back too far. Coming up the Waikato side of the Kaimais I'm down to 9000 rpm in third gear at 80 km/hr over the last 3 corners at the top.

She's a big bike, very visible. I had a Harley rider tell me the other week that he wouldn't have guessed that she was a 250 - don't know if he was commenting on her size or my riding ability LOL. I've noticed other riders after a couple of hours standing up on their pegs to ease the muscles in their bum, I don't have that problem. Again I don't know if it's because GLORIA is comfortable or my bum has extra padding.

Nice big tank, easy to get over 30 km/L, I'll do a ride of 350 km or more without having to wory about filling up. Drill the pop rivets out on the exhaust baffles and remove them (save them so you can put them back in when you sell the bike) and she sounds fantastic.

Buy as late a model as you can, definitely 2007 or later. My carby version has given no problems. Have a ScottOiler fitted!!!! First sprockets and chain lasted 13,000 km (I bought her at 9,000km), now at 24,000 I've just had the chain adjusted for the first time. New front tire at about 15,000 km, new back tire at about 20,000 km. I change the engine oil every 4,000 km, filter at 12,000 km. Had new front disc brake pads at 20,000 and rear pads probably due in 3 - 5,000 km.

If buying a mid-size cruise I'd definitely consider the Hyosung ST-7 based on the run I've had with GLORIA.

Problems? Earlier models prone to chrome rust so autosol the chrome surfaces well, buy later model if your budget allows. Some early models have had problems with the indicator switch.

is the Hyosung GV250 easy to ride for newbies? coz im think to get one, and im new to motorcycles. thanks

[Mrfoo]

Ello again
Just thought I'd post what happened with my test rides this weekend.

On Saturday I test rode the two Suzuki's starting with the Marauder.
Both were 2nd hand so what I found could be a little different on brand new bikes.
The Marauder was ok but I found that the clutch had a really harsh bite and the single banger gave quite a rough feeling to the ride. The engine sorta felt like it was 'trying' to accelerate. However it gave me the most comfortable seating position of all the bikes and I had great fun stalling it at some lights :)
The Intruder was defiantly a better bike. The ride was was smoother (the seating position wasn't as good though), the engine felt smoother accelerating, and when I was doing 50 it felt like 50. The only real down side was that I found I didn't like the speedo, or dash in general, being on the fuel tank.

At this point I was probably going to get the Intruder on cost and performance.

On Sunday I took out a new Hyosung GV250. On mounting the it felt like a much bigger bike (its 30kg heavier than the Intruder), and the seating position was almost as good as the Marauder.
After stalling again (more hill start practice required) I set off.
The EFI gave it nice smooth acceleration and the power was available as soon as you gunned it. After getting comfortable with the gear changes I thought “this feels good at 50” glanced at the speedo and “Oh Shit I'm doing 80”. A quick brake, and glance around for cops, and I continued on. I noticed the suspension felt quite bouncy even on flat roads. Later found out that the suspension was on the factory setting and and has four harder settings.

All in all I found.
All three bike handled pretty well with the Suzuki's 'Feeling' more nimble (probably due to the weight difference).
If your a new rider, and cost is important, and you plan on getting a bigger bike as soon as you get your full licence the Marauder is a nice commuter could be the bike for you.
If you want a bit more Grunt the Intruder might be the was to go.
If price isn't a problem, or you plan on keeping the bike for quite awhile, the Hyosung is probably a good choice.

I pick up my GV250 on Thursday :yes:

[Garfield]

Ello again
Just thought I'd post what happened with my test rides this weekend.

On Saturday I test rode the two Suzuki's starting with the Marauder.
Both were 2nd hand so what I found could be a little different on brand new bikes.
The Marauder was ok but I found that the clutch had a really harsh bite and the single banger gave quite a rough feeling to the ride. The engine sorta felt like it was 'trying' to accelerate. However it gave me the most comfortable seating position of all the bikes and I had great fun stalling it at some lights :)
The Intruder was defiantly a better bike. The ride was was smoother (the seating position wasn't as good though), the engine felt smoother accelerating, and when I was doing 50 it felt like 50. The only real down side was that I found I didn't like the speedo, or dash in general, being on the fuel tank.

At this point I was probably going to get the Intruder on cost and performance.

On Sunday I took out a new Hyosung GV250. On mounting the it felt like a much bigger bike (its 30kg heavier than the Intruder), and the seating position was almost as good as the Marauder.
After stalling again (more hill start practice required) I set off.
The EFI gave it nice smooth acceleration and the power was available as soon as you gunned it. After getting comfortable with the gear changes I thought “this feels good at 50” glanced at the speedo and “Oh Shit I'm doing 80”. A quick brake, and glance around for cops, and I continued on. I noticed the suspension felt quite bouncy even on flat roads. Later found out that the suspension was on the factory setting and and has four harder settings.

All in all I found.
All three bike handled pretty well with the Suzuki's 'Feeling' more nimble (probably due to the weight difference).
If your a new rider, and cost is important, and you plan on getting a bigger bike as soon as you get your full licence the Marauder is a nice commuter could be the bike for you.
If you want a bit more Grunt the Intruder might be the was to go.
If price isn't a problem, or you plan on keeping the bike for quite awhile, the Hyosung is probably a good choice.

I pick up my GV250 on Thursday :yes:

Hi, thanks for the commentary....I have been toying with the idea of the cruiser style as well, have test ridden the Honda Magna which I thought was a good comfortable ride but quite pricey even for a second hand one....the Hyosung still draws my attention back to though and I am torn between the the Comet or the GV250.....but thanks for the feedback it has helped this newb.....

[HenryDorsetCase]

No love for the VT250? I'd like one, and I've had a full licence for 30 years!

[Mrfoo]

No love for the VT250? I'd like one, and I've had a full licence for 30 years!
Don't get me wrong the Suzuki Intruder VT250 is a damn good bike and the price is substantially better. I suspect someone a bit taller would have no problem with the seating position. But it just wasn't the right bike for my situation.

[Mrfoo]

Hi, thanks for the commentary....I have been toying with the idea of the cruiser style as well, have test ridden the Honda Magna which I thought was a good comfortable ride but quite pricey even for a second hand one....the Hyosung still draws my attention back to though and I am torn between the the Comet or the GV250.....but thanks for the feedback it has helped this newb.....
Glad to here it was helpful :)
I was going to try the Honda's but the staff at the local Honda dealer were ummmm a bit snooty? After 5 mins poking around, and projecting my best I'm looking to spend money vibe, no sales staff had even approached me.
Being a bit of a short ass, and having some minor back problems the cruisers seem to be a better fit for me.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Don't get me wrong the Suzuki Intruder VT250 is a damn good bike and the price is substantially better. I suspect someone a bit taller would have no problem with the seating position. But it just wasn't the right bike for my situation.

is there a Suzuki VT250?

It turns out I meant the Honda VTR250:

heres one:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-365965482.htm

but it sounds like you've made the right choice for you. Dont forget to register and warrant the thing: dont want the demerit points to pile up too quickly...

[Mrfoo]

is there a Suzuki VT250?

It turns out I meant the Honda VTR250:

heres one:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-365965482.htm

but it sounds like you've made the right choice for you. Dont forget to register and warrant the thing: dont want the demerit points to pile up too quickly...

Oops brain fart on my part :facepalm: sorry.
Nice bike I remember looking a VT250's years ago (early 90's I think).
At the time it was a toss up between that and a Ninja, ended up getting a car :(

[mrmeal]

sounds like you are a happy camper! well done on the GV250's. Not ridden one myself, but was looking at buying one when I found a GZ250 maruader at a song of a price that I would surely have been slapped silly by all and sundry if I passed it up. You are right the gv250 is a good sized offering, plenty of road presence and looks the part of larger cruisers. handles the road very well from the looks of it. Tidy unit sir!
:woohoo:

[Old Steve]

Congratulations on the new bike!!! Hope you're as happy with your GV250 as I've been with mine.

Now I (the holder of myfull motorbike license for 3 weeks) took the Hyosung ST-7 for a ride on Saturday. Went over the Kaimais from Tauranga, over to the Okoroire Pub for a coffee (OK, I was riding someone elses bike), then back home. Found that, once I was over into the Waikato, I was entering corners condiderably above the legal speed limit and exiting them 10 km/hr faster. That was the most fun I've ever had outside the bedroom. Still love riding my GV250, but have this awareness in the back of my mind that there is something better out there.