Wanting to get on two fast wheels

[actionjackson]

Good evening all

Well after riding a scooter for a good couple of years now have decided to upgrade and get a big boys bike (well a start at least) so have just been looking through trademe and would like to know a couple of things **Sorry if the questions seem dumb am new (be nice)

1) Would a 125cc be fine on the motorway?
2) what style of bike would be easiest to learn on?
3) what should i be looking for?

Would this be good to start
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-375475996.htm

Any help would be great thanks

Rodney

[DrunkenMistake]

PM sent...

;]

[98tls]

After 2 years riding i would be looking at a 250 mate to be honest,nothing wrong with the wee FXR but there's a host of 250s out there that would fit the bill,maybe do the rounds of bike shops and ride a few,as for style re ease of ride cant imagine it would make any difference ie say a VTR250 would be just as easy to ride as a GN250 cruiser style..up to your personal taste in looks really.Wouldnt discard the thought of riding a road legal trail bike either eh,they tend to be taller but give you a whole new playing field.Good luck and enjoy.

[actionjackson]

After 2 years riding i would be looking at a 250 mate to be honest,nothing wrong with the wee FXR but there's a host of 250s out there that would fit the bill,maybe do the rounds of bike shops and ride a few,as for style re ease of ride cant imagine it would make any difference ie say a VTR250 would be just as easy to ride as a GN250 cruiser style..up to your personal taste in looks really.Wouldnt discard the thought of riding a road legal trail bike either eh,they tend to be taller but give you a whole new playing field.Good luck and enjoy.

Will the FXR seem a little underpowered or something? (scooter is only 50cc) what kind of speed would it be capable of?? and for a beginner on a 250cc what sort of price would should i be looking for?

[98tls]

Will the FXR seem a little underpowered or something? (scooter is only 50cc) what kind of speed would it be capable of?? and for a beginner on a 250cc what sort of price would should i be looking for?

At first probably not,a month later:facepalm:without doubt.Im an old bugger and way out of touch re what price you should be looking at for a decent 250,hopefully someone who knows will post up soon.

[actionjackson]

But will a 150 get me to 100km and would it be able to go on the motorway and keep up?? thanks

[DrunkenMistake]

But will a 150 get me to 100km and would it be able to go on the motorway and keep up?? thanks

Depends on the motor type I would say, 100 yes.. but it would be a slow journey Lol

[maggot]

Good evening all

Well after riding a scooter for a good couple of years now have decided to upgrade and get a big boys bike (well a start at least) so have just been looking through trademe and would like to know a couple of things **Sorry if the questions seem dumb am new (be nice)

1) Would a 125cc be fine on the motorway?
2) what style of bike would be easiest to learn on?
3) what should i be looking for?

Would this be good to start
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-375475996.htm

Any help would be great thanks

Rodney
In all honesty, the FXR is a great little bike. But little being the key word. It'll do 100 fine, it'll get you from A to B, and it's very forgiving. Easy to get parts for, easy to maintain, just an all round good easy bike. Great for learning on, and yet still fun.

I reckon go for it. The one in that listing looks tidy, and is a decent price.

[sil3nt]

But will a 150 get me to 100km and would it be able to go on the motorway and keep up?? thanksBarely. I would not get anything less than a 250 if you plan to use the motorway a lot. Might be able to get away with a Scorpion 225.

[ClutchITUP]

I would say perfect start after riding a scooter FXRs are awesome and will do 120 easily no worries,
If the price fits your budget go for it the thing looks like a nice bike.
Maybe get a bike saavy mate to test ride it first
If you have been happy enough on a scooter for 2yrs this will keep amused for a wee while
But then again you could buy a gsxr1000 an be like your standard gsxr owner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtofbxmlv8Y&feature=player_embedded

[98tls]

In all honesty, the FXR is a great little bike. But little being the key word. It'll do 100 fine, it'll get you from A to B, and it's very forgiving. Easy to get parts for, easy to maintain, just an all round good easy bike. Great for learning on, and yet still fun.

I reckon go for it. The one in that listing looks tidy, and is a decent price.

Fwiw i still reckon hes better to go to a 250 etc,hes after 2 years on a scooter got the basics eh,not disagreeing as such i just think he would quickly tire of the thing screaming its nuts off.What a motor will do and what it will do comfortably are way different.

[DrunkenMistake]

I would say perfect start after riding a scooter FXRs are awesome and will do 120 easily no worries,
If the price fits your budget go for it the thing looks like a nice bike.
Maybe get a bike saavy mate to test ride it first
If you have been happy enough on a scooter for 2yrs this will keep amused for a wee while
But then again you could buy a gsxr1000 an be like your standard gsxr owner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtofbxmlv8Y&feature=player_embedded

Hahaha I love that video, Squid ftw.:scooter:

[DrunkenMistake]

Fwiw i still reckon hes better to go to a 250 etc,hes after 2 years on a scooter got the basics eh,not disagreeing as such i just think he would quickly tire of the thing screaming its nuts off.What a motor will do and what it will do comfortably are way different.

Double post,
Oh well

Anyways I had a scooter for a month and was over it, Got a CBR 250, loved it for about 7 months then I was over it, Now I have a VFR 400, had it for 3 months, Cant see myself getting over this any time soon.. I would have gone mad if I was on a 150 for the time I was on a 250

[98tls]

Double post,
Oh well

Anyways I had a scooter for a month and was over it, Got a CBR 250, loved it for about 7 months then I was over it, Now I have a VFR 400, had it for 3 months, Cant see myself getting over this any time soon.. I would have gone mad if I was on a 150 for the time I was on a 250

Waaaaay back yonks ago when i sat my licence i had been riding since 9 years old (SL125) and when time to sit the licence test the old man put XL250 stickers on my XL350 and i rode the 30 odd miles to the county council office and sat the test,when the local cop announced i had passed he said "and dont think i didnt notice you rode all the way here":facepalm:

[DrunkenMistake]

Waaaaay back yonks ago when i sat my licence i had been riding since 9 years old (SL125) and when time to sit the licence test the old man put XL250 stickers on my XL350 and i rode the 30 odd miles to the county council office and sat the test,when the local cop announced i had passed he said "and dont think i didnt notice you rode all the way here":facepalm:

Haha, I got my 400 just before I sat my restricted, but when I pulled into the VTNZ testing station on the 250 and the guy went over it, he said to me "How long have you had the 400? its a flash looking bike"..
I work over the road pretty much so I ride past there everyday so im assuming he has just picked my gear and what not, but it made me give a bit of a laugh,

Sorry for Hijacking the thread, back on topic? haha

[JimO]

my vote is also for the vtr250. Great little bike my boys love theirs

[ClutchITUP]

Of course the vtr250 is better bike its a honda! But when have you ever seen a
yr 2000 vtr250 for 1800$?
its semi modern an simple its not going to cost alot if it breaks an he seems to like it

If you can afford a VTR its a much better bike
If you afford a 600RR its a better bike again an so on an so on

[Slyer]

For commuting? Can't go wrong with an FXR150.
Cheap to buy, cheap to run. Faster and nicer than a GN250.

Some say that you need a 250 minimum for the motorway, but really you don't.
As soon as you get a 250 they'll argue you need at least a 650 for long distances. Then they'll tell you a 1200 is best...
That FXR looks pretty tidy and it's a good price.
I say do it.

[EJK]

Barely. I would not get anything less than a 250 if you plan to use the motorway a lot. Might be able to get away with a Scorpion 225.

FXR is (just barely) faster than a Scorpio, aswell as with (just barely) higher topspeed.


At first probably not,a month later:facepalm:without doubt.Im an old bugger and way out of touch re what price you should be looking at for a decent 250,hopefully someone who knows will post up soon.



For commuting? Can't go wrong with an FXR150.
Cheap to buy, cheap to run. Faster and nicer than a GN250.

Some say that you need a 250 minimum for the motorway, but really you don't.
As soon as you get a 250 they'll argue you need at least a 650 for long distances. Then they'll tell you a 1200 is best...
That FXR looks pretty tidy and it's a good price.
I say do it.

I agree to both comments above.
By comparison, FXR is by far cheaper to maintain, say, than a V-Twin or IL4 (not sure about GNs tho).
Slightly easier on gas, narrower tyres (big savings here), cheap chains and sprockets (once I got a set of chains and sprockets for less than $40), 1lt engine oil etc and so on.

Other "faster" 250s, well, performance comes with a price.


Your call. In my opinion, while I owned a FXR, I had no trouble having fun (cept overtaking). Just chuck some sticky tyres (say, Bridgestone 39SS. They are CHEAP) and you are ready to race (literally). Mind you, many bucket racers race on FXRs and there is a reason for it.



But will a 150 get me to 100km and would it be able to go on the motorway and keep up?? thanks

0-100kph is no problem. 110kph to 130kph (overtaking) is the tricky part. Compared to a GN or Yamaha Scorpio, FXRs got closer gear ratio (6 speed) and higher reving engine (12,500rpm I think, GNs and FXRs got 9,500-10,000 rpm redline). I once went touring on a FXR (from Cape Reinga to Wellington). But listen carefully here, I'm saying it is "capable", not comfortable. ;-)

[GrayWolf]

Well after riding a scooter for a good couple of years now have decided to upgrade and get a big boys bike (well a start at least) so have just been looking through trademe and would like to know a couple of things **Sorry if the questions seem dumb am new (be nice)
Hi mate, firstly a bike will handle quite differently from a scooter, so if you have not ridden a bike on the road be prepared for that.
FXR150? Ok I have to admit that untill my partner decided to learn, my 250 days are errrr; decades past. :innocent: She has a GN250, yes an FXR etc is/are slightly faster, (and remember 20kph in real terms is only SLIGHTLY faster) but the old GN has been around since christ was a corporal. It is a very forgiving bike to ride (yes I ride a big bike usualy).. spares are plentiful, and cheap. You WILL likely chuck it down the road, GN is a LOT cheaper to repair. THey are not the fastest, but I see a fair few in use on the Wellinton Highway as commuterers. And remember, IF the proposed changes to the learner law do finaly arrive? The bottom is gonna drop out of the 250 and under market overnight for reasale value. Nothing wrong with the 'fast bike syndrome, we all did it as learners. :facepalm:

1) Would a 125cc be fine on the motorway?
Honest answer NO, the issue is the lack of 'real world' power. simply put, the faster a small bike reaches for top speed? it HAS to lose power elsewhere. At 80kph+ you do NOT have enough 'real world' power for any safe overtaking manouver in commuting traffic. Lower top speed? May mean a more easily ridden bike, but less ability to keep up to motorway speeds. Any small bike will be crucified by strong headwinds.

2) what style of bike would be easiest to learn on?
The one that suits you physicaly (not cramped, does not make you feel uncomfortable over the distance you'll travel) What is your actual 'need' for the bike? Just a commuter? everday transport? Only transport? Sports riding positions will give aches and pains in the end over a distance, sitting upright? is 'less comfortable' at speed, but is superior in commuting traffic for vision.
Take into account your weekly spending budget. Consumables like tyres, chain lube, petrol consumption, Servicing costs etc etc

3) what should i be looking for?
SEE ABOVE

Would this be good to start
I would also recommend one of these for a learner 250 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-374879392.htm
Only reason I didnt get one for SWMBO is she is a total novice and the GN is better suited to her height.

Any help would be great thanks

Rodney

Hope that helps a little, however they are only the opinions of a BLOODY OLD FART!

[jaffaonajappa]

Hope that helps a little, however they are only the opinions of a BLOODY OLD FART!

) Would a 125cc be fine on the motorway?
Honest answer NO, the issue is the lack of 'real world' power. simply put, the faster a small bike reaches for top speed? it HAS to lose power elsewhere. At 80kph+ you do NOT have enough 'real world' power for any safe overtaking manouver in commuting traffic. Lower top speed? May mean a more easily ridden bike, but less ability to keep up to motorway speeds. Any small bike will be crucified by strong headwinds.




Argh. couldnt cut'n'paste properly. Anyways.
Mate - I thought similar to what you have said here. But....have you ridden the new breed of small bikes lately?
Bought a new commuter bike last week - 150cc (ok its bigger than the 125 you are talking about, but.). Its absolutely sweet as on the motorway. goes from 70 to 110 similar pace as cars. 110 to 125ish takes a bit, thinking it will manage maybe 140 once its all run in.

But the important bit is that 80 to 110 increase - important for lane merging etc on the motorway. The new 150's are fine. (Them really new 125's are actually even faster btw).

Model: YZF R15.

[DrunkenMistake]

Argh. couldnt cut'n'paste properly. Anyways.
Mate - I thought similar to what you have said here. But....have you ridden the new breed of small bikes lately?
Bought a new commuter bike last week - 150cc (ok its bigger than the 125 you are talking about, but.). Its absolutely sweet as on the motorway. goes from 70 to 110 similar pace as cars. 110 to 125ish takes a bit, thinking it will manage maybe 140 once its all run in.

But the important bit is that 80 to 110 increase - important for lane merging etc on the motorway. The new 150's are fine. (Them really new 125's are actually even faster btw).

Model: YZF R15.
Those things are awesome!, im gonna test ride one some point soon, just havnt had the chance to organise it

[Leyton]

But will a 150 get me to 100km and would it be able to go on the motorway and keep up?? thanks

Hiya

Don't be too swayed by CC rating. It does not count for too much... for example, a Suzuki GN250 slug does not compare to a Hyosung 250cc slug compared to some 2-smokin Aprilia RS250cc rocket :P

A Honda CBR 150 for example, will get you too 100 no problem, however you will find at that speed it will feel as gutless as your scooter going 50km/hr. I would suggest getting perhaps a 250 with more torque then power if you concerned with acceleration. So perhaps a Ninja 250, or if you don't want a sporty bike.. perhaps a Hyosung GT250 Comet. The Ninja is a parallel twin, and the Hyosung is a V-Twin. The V-twin will give you smoother and gentle power.

Hyosung have a bad rep for quality, and they are not far wrong, however all failures are minor.

Honda are revealing a new CBR250 out in the next month or two ? If you are going new.. it is actually a very competitive price. I think they are starting them at around $7500.

Any way you go.. you will get your confidence on the 250... and you will be looking back wondering what the big worry was about and you will be wanting more power :)

The better you can beat the cages on the road the safer you are, keep that in mind as well. Exp on the motorway if you have to accelerate away from situations that you can not otherwise brake or steer clear of.

[jaffaonajappa]

Hiya

I would suggest getting perhaps a 250 with more torque then power if you concerned with acceleration. So perhaps a Ninja 250, or if you don't want a sporty bike.. perhaps a Hyosung GT250 Comet.
--------
The better you can beat the cages on the road the safer you are, keep that in mind as well. Exp on the motorway if you have to accelerate away from situations that you can not otherwise brake or steer clear of.

Yep - cant argue with that.

+1.!

[GrayWolf]

Argh. couldnt cut'n'paste properly. Anyways.
Mate - I thought similar to what you have said here. But....have you ridden the new breed of small bikes lately? Yes, and have been overtaken by 'Quillman' a couple of years ago on a tuned 2T 150 on the Taka's whilst riding an FJ1200......
Bought a new commuter bike last week - 150cc (ok its bigger than the 125 you are talking about, but.). Its absolutely sweet as on the motorway. goes from 70 to 110 similar pace as cars.
THAT is my point, it cannot outpace an accelerating car, and we all come across the asshole who just aint gonna be passed by a &^*# motorcycle at some time 110 to 125ish takes a bit, thinking it will manage maybe 140 once its all run in. GN250 does about the same top speed, 140ish
But the important bit is that 80 to 110 increase - important for lane merging etc on the motorway. The new 150's are fine. (Them really new 125's are actually even faster btw).
YUP THEY ARE, but again to get high performance, they lose tractability elsewhere and that isnt 'commuter friendly' power delivery

Model: YZF R15.

I guess to sum up, I changed from an old FJ1200 to a ZZR1100, of course the Zed is quicker, does handle better, BUT! in top gear roll on at 80 or 100 km's? the FJ EATS the zed untill you are into serious 'licence removing' speeds. Before anyone comments about different gears, revs at 110 kph they are within a 300rpm's of eachother in top gear. :chase:

[Beren]

Having had my 250 for a month I wouldn't want anything smaller... But then I do a lot of open road riding. Would have expected a 125 to struggle getting up hills or battling against the wind at motorway speeds? Also it is really useful to be able to kick down a gear and be able to accelerate up past 100 when needed and that you will definitely struggle with.

OT can you still get a 400 on a restricted? Thought I was on the 250 till I got my full...

[EJK]

Oh I just re-read the title (Wanting to get on two fast wheels).

Forget FXR. Infact forget any 150cc unless it's a two stroke.

[DrunkenMistake]

Oh I just re-read the title (Wanting to get on two fast wheels).

Forget FXR. Infact forget any 150cc unless it's a two stroke.

Oh damn I read it as Wanting to get on two wheels fast

[Slyer]

Oh I just re-read the title (Wanting to get on two fast wheels).

Forget FXR. Infact forget any 150cc unless it's a two stroke.
An FXR is fast fast vs a scooter.

[EJK]

An FXR is fast fast vs a scooter.

<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WnoEwVVfWTM/R_QpTYF3glI/AAAAAAAAB_M/sBdqpoNdQok/s320/no_shit_sherlock.jpg" />

[ducatilover]

You can pick up a GPX/ZZR cheap these days, great reliable bikes. Enough power for a 250 and comfy to ride. Or (As those who know me expect this) a Honda VT250 Spada. Smooth and bloody strong bikes, fantastic wee machines.

[Slyer]

EJ I'm allowed to state the obvious when you obviously missed the obvious.

[Slyer]

Speaking of GPX/ZZR I have a ZZR for sale really soon. :P
Come test it if you like.

[Camshaft]

if uve been riding for 2 years and are pretty confident u gota get a mc22. your going to get bored of anythng alse quickly

[actionjackson]

have managed to decide that i want a sports bike around the $2000-$2500 mark , so reading this and thinking on what i want it for (commuting to and from uni, not any long distances and ocassionally over the bridge) so thinking that i 150 would be fine, but i guess i wouldnt say no to a cheap (priced) 250.. (in saying that quality comes with price.. Hope i am on the right page and as has been pointed out anything would be faster then a 50cc scooter

[sosman]

Man up & get a 250, you might go holy fuck!...this is awesome! I might go for a ride out of Auckland. On the 150 you might not

[jazfender]

Man up & get a 250

stay in mantrol, bro

[Slyer]

have managed to decide that i want a sports bike around the $2000-$2500 mark , so reading this and thinking on what i want it for (commuting to and from uni, not any long distances and ocassionally over the bridge) so thinking that i 150 would be fine, but i guess i wouldnt say no to a cheap (priced) 250.. (in saying that quality comes with price.. Hope i am on the right page and as has been pointed out anything would be faster then a 50cc scooter
I'm looking to sell my ZZR250 at around that mark. If you want to pop by sometime over the weekend I live in Glenfield. Can show you the bike, maybe let you have a ride and give you any advice you need.
Bike looks like this one:
http://www.asiaparts.jp/Images/zzr250.jpg

[ducatilover]

I'd say in that price range the ZZR would be easily the best value.

[avgas]

Man up & get a 250, you might go holy fuck!...this is awesome! I might go for a ride out of Auckland. On the 150 you might not
Waaawaaaaa
Your sentence is awesome.
Its like saying, if your put all your money on black you might win, if you put on red you might lose. :facepalm: No shit sherlock.

You can have fun on a 150.....hell you can even crash on one if your good enough.

[GrayWolf]

have managed to decide that i want a sports bike around the $2000-$2500 mark , but i guess i wouldnt say no to a cheap (priced) 250.. (in saying that quality comes with price.. Hope i am on the right page and as has been pointed out anything would be faster then a 50cc scooter

A 2 to 2.5k sports bike? to be honest mate, if a 250 it is going to be either old (spares issues) well thrashed or crashed if a newer one....... I would think really hard about going there!!!

[ducatilover]

A 2 to 2.5k sports bike? to be honest mate, if a 250 it is going to be either old (spares issues) well thrashed or crashed if a newer one....... I would think really hard about going there!!!
He could easily get a tidy ZZR, GPX or GSX250 Across for that money :yes:

[GrayWolf]

He could easily get a tidy ZZR, GPX or GSX250 Across for that money :yes:

Yes He could, but he could also be sold a right dog, for that price....
My concern with the Across would be bodywork spare in case of a slide/drop... the ZZR? for that price would be higher milage.... the GSX? yes I have seen some nice ones of those around, I will admit... but again it comes down to how well it has been maintained.

[FJRider]

Yes He could, but he could also be sold a right dog, for that price....
My concern with the Across would be bodywork spare in case of a slide/drop... the ZZR? for that price would be higher milage.... the GSX? yes I have seen some nice ones of those around, I will admit... but again it comes down to how well it has been maintained.

If he did it through a dealer ... on HP over a few years (the more the merrier) ... after full licence gained ... upgrade/transfer payments to a bigger bike ... before the full price is paid up ...