Oh, the curse of being tiny!

[scavi]

Hi guys, another biking newbie here, and a very small female one at that. I'm looking for a first bike and I need help!

I know the first suggestion that comes to everyone's mind is the Kawasaki Ninja, but I had a look-see over at TM and secondhand 250cc Ninjas seem pretty overpriced (in the $6-10k range), probably because of their obscene popularity among shorter newbies. I'm 5'2, 45kg, a broke student, AND none too handy with fixing up old or damaged models - so as you can see, my options are rather limited.

Can anyone in the vast database of biking knowledge that is KB help me out with a suggestion or two regarding non-Ninja bikes for little people/used Ninja bikes that a friend of a friend is willing to let go for under $4k/any decent and suitably small-sized learner bike that someone's selling for under $4k, really?

Thanks!

[sinfull]

Can anyone in the vast database of biking knowledge that is KB help me out with a suggestion or two regarding non-Ninja bikes for little people/used Ninja bikes that a friend of a friend is willing to let go for under $4k/any decent and suitably small-sized learner bike that someone's selling for under $4k, really?

Thanks!

Have a looksee on trade me at the yamaha scorpios, not a sports bike but great learner bike and affordable at around 4.5 k new !

[marty]

Lowered VTR250, but it's quite a weighty jobbie thb. Or a GN250. Scorpio if you want the 'sporty' look. GN is the lowest to the ground by far.

[DMNTD]

GN is the lowest to the ground by far.

Actually due to the width of the GN's seat at the front it negates any benefit of their low seat height.
In the cruiser range the best options are late modeled Hyosung GV250s or the Yamaha Virago 250 (any year).
The GV is a bigger bike out of the two but has a deceptively low seat height.
The Virago is very narrow at the front of the seat so makes it easy.

[scavi]

How's this Scorpio look? Missing taillights, licensing, and sporting a ding, but at $1k it looks reasonable to get road-ready to me. Weird place to get a knock, and the wound looks rusted, but I'd hazard a guess it wouldn't cost much to repair? :S

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-384853540.htm

[sinfull]

How's this Scorpio look? Missing taillights, licensing, and sporting a ding, but at $1k it looks reasonable to get road-ready to me. Weird place to get a knock, and the wound looks rusted, but I'd hazard a guess it wouldn't cost much to repair? :S

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-384853540.htm

Very high k's for that little motor, you could be looking at high maint. costs and possible rebuild which would blow any savings and $1000 is just the start bid , who knows where the reserve might be !
Keep hunting i'd suggest , i picked my partner up a 07 scorpio with 300 k's on the clock for 3 grand a couple years back ! She is 5'5 but i'm sure you'd reach the ground ok on it !

Never buy the first bike ya look at, try em all and spend winter testing as many as you can for size etc ! With the NZ dollar so strong the 2012 models that will come out oct nov will be cheaper again and will ultimately push the price of second hand bikes down !

[DMNTD]

I think you might find the Scorpio a wee bit tall

[Edbear]

Yamaha Virago or Suzuki VL250 would be great starter bikes! Low and easy to foot around, reliable as the sun but the Virago might be a bit cheaper to buy. Check out TradeMe. Hyosung is bit bigger and heavier, not by much but enough to put my wife off them.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hi guys, another biking newbie here, and a very small female one at that. I'm looking for a first bike and I need help!

I know the first suggestion that comes to everyone's mind is the Kawasaki Ninja, but I had a look-see over at TM and secondhand 250cc Ninjas seem pretty overpriced (in the $6-10k range), probably because of their obscene popularity among shorter newbies. I'm 5'2, 45kg, a broke student, AND none too handy with fixing up old or damaged models - so as you can see, my options are rather limited.
-sized learner bike that someone's selling for under $4k, really?

Thanks!

Hey there,

One of the boys here at work is selling a GPX250 that's not too shabby for $2500.00 if you're interested.

Pete

[rphenix]

Yamaha Virago or Suzuki VL250 would be great starter bikes!
I agree though i don't think the Hyo GV250 is heavy its low to the ground profile makes it easy for a learner to swing the bike around compared to say the GT250.

Another candidate is the Honda Rebel.

I think any of the mentioned cruisers are good buys most people getting their license want to start on a sports bike so there seems to be a bit of a premium for second hand 250's sports bikes compared to cruisers.

Try them all out see which suits you the most and go for the one with the best service history and lowest KM's/years relative to asking price :)

[Gremlin]

The DMNTD one should know about bikes... he does sell them after all.

If you're not too hung up about the style of bike (I know a lot of girls want the shiny *insert colour* fast looking one) then the 250 cruisers are going to have much better odds of having a more suitable seat height for you.

If you're not aware already, the seat height isn't the only thing you need to check. The seat width and size of the tank (seat end) also plays a part, so while one may be lower than another, if the seat is too wide, then it negates the low seat height. ie, tall seats, but narrower, may be a better option for you.

[allycatz]

Im 5'4 and have been re looking at bikes in the last few weeks, I have found the gz250 a nice low bike and good weight wise as well. Theres a few on TM under 4k

[HenryDorsetCase]

Hi guys, another biking newbie here, and a very small female one at that. I'm looking for a first bike and I need help!

I know the first suggestion that comes to everyone's mind is the Kawasaki Ninja, but I had a look-see over at TM and secondhand 250cc Ninjas seem pretty overpriced (in the $6-10k range), probably because of their obscene popularity among shorter newbies. I'm 5'2, 45kg, a broke student, AND none too handy with fixing up old or damaged models - so as you can see, my options are rather limited.

Can anyone in the vast database of biking knowledge that is KB help me out with a suggestion or two regarding non-Ninja bikes for little people/used Ninja bikes that a friend of a friend is willing to let go for under $4k/any decent and suitably small-sized learner bike that someone's selling for under $4k, really?

Thanks!

Honda VTR250

here's why:

cheap. (ish) particularly if you buy privately
reliable (Honda)
no fairing to munt (you WILL drop it)
small size.
light
fun.
"standard" riding position so not a windsock like on a cruiser, not the full on crotch rocket crouch.
good handling and brakes and ground clearance i.e. a properly functional motorcycle (cruisers have* low seat heights, but terrible suspension, no brakes to speak of, and no ground clearance: fine if you choose to ride that way, but why compromise straight up?)

I'd have one.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-383979737.htm


* I am generalising of course, but to make a point.

[ellipsis]

Actually due to the width of the GN's seat at the front it negates any benefit of their low seat height.
In the cruiser range the best options are late modeled Hyosung GV250s or the Yamaha Virago 250 (any year).
The GV is a bigger bike out of the two but has a deceptively low seat height.
The Virago is very narrow at the front of the seat so makes it easy.

...have to agree..my girl is just on 5 foot and it was either the Virago or the Hyosung GV that she was happy with as far as ride height...she settled on the GV...glad she did...after her couple of years on it and being over the cruiser style, it set her up well for her next bike...a 550..

[Crasherfromwayback]

Im 5'4 and have been re looking at bikes in the last few weeks, I have found the gz250 a nice low bike and good weight wise as well. Theres a few on TM under 4k

I can sell you a brand new one for $5500.00 on the road!

[jaffaonajappa]

Weird place to get a knock, and the wound looks rusted, but I'd hazard a guess it wouldn't cost much to repair?


Beware wounds that turn brown - never trust wounds that stay wet long enough to rust. Horrachio Yamamato -~ad.

Scorpios are great first bikes - but try it on for size first....can you reach the ground comfortably?

XV250 cruisers are awesome for new riders - more expensive than an equivalent year/mileage scorpio, but 'better' in about every respect. Except weight (negligible difference really) and perhaps repair costs. Very low seat - which is probably your primary requirement.

Recommend remembering to price out and buy some decent safety gears first....then get a bike that feels comfortable when sitting on it.

[The Singing Chef]

That scorpio just looks damn dodgy if ya ask me, near to 200k in 5 years, yikes , and the fact that no one is able to inspect it, seems a bit sus no?

[Edbear]

Honda VTR250

here's why:

cheap. (ish) particularly if you buy privately
reliable (Honda)
no fairing to munt (you WILL drop it)
small size.
light
fun.
"standard" riding position so not a windsock like on a cruiser, not the full on crotch rocket crouch.
good handling and brakes and ground clearance i.e. a properly functional motorcycle (cruisers have* low seat heights, but terrible suspension, no brakes to speak of, and no ground clearance: fine if you choose to ride that way, but why compromise straight up?)

I'd have one.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-383979737.htm


* I am generalising of course, but to make a point.

+1 if a standard bike is what you're after, the wee VTR is fabulous bike. They sound great with their V-twin beat which sounds deeper than a 250.

[jaffaonajappa]

That scorpio just looks damn dodgy if ya ask me, near to 200k in 5 years, yikes , and the fact that no one is able to inspect it, seems a bit sus no?

Im suspecting the milage would be a 10th of what he states....ie, he included the decimal point.

Otherwise id concur. It would be a dodgey / parts bin special.

Probably need to Q&A his auction, or view the bike.

[The Singing Chef]

already have, he states that it was the owner before him, and he doesnt want anyone knowing where he lives.

[Ender EnZed]

Scorpios are cheap. If you've got $4k to play with there's no reason to buy a dodgy one.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-382985940.htm

[scavi]

Haha alright, forget the $1k Scorpio then. Thanks for all the helpful comments, guys. I had a look at the various suggestions on here and the Virago and the GZ250 look like the best candidates. Hyosung GVs are in the $5-6k range and a definite stretch on my budget, although I will probably try to sit on one given the chance.

HenryDorsetCase - Smashing looking bike you've got there! But it's older than I am and I'm a bit wary of taking on machines over 15 years old because of the possible maintenance requirements - as I mentioned in my first post, I'm sadly not very mechanically inclined.

Crasherfromwayback - Lol, do you sell bikes for a living? $5.5k is a bit rich for my blood, although by gosh the 2011 GZ250 is a good looker. However the GPX250 at $2.5k sounds great. Drop me a PM, I need details! The year, the location, the colour, the kms, etc.

I guess I should mention that I'm in central Auckland. I know bikes can be easily transported, but I'm not sure how much that costs.. and in any case I'd like to check it over beforehand to make sure it fits me! Or that the ignition isn't too stiff for small hands to flip. Or the kickstand. You know. Various little things most people don't worry about that a little weakling has to. Heh.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Aw shucks. Just to clarify, that isn't my bike for sale, just an example of something you might consider.

Sounds like the winnowing process is proceeding though, all good. Take a few for a spin if you can for sure. and good luck and have fun.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Crasherfromwayback - Lol, do you sell bikes for a living? $5.5k is a bit rich for my blood, although by gosh the 2011 GZ250 is a good looker. However the GPX250 at $2.5k sounds great. Drop me a PM, I need details! The year, the location, the colour, the kms, etc.

.

As many as I can! I'll put you in touch with the man selling the GPX for $2500.00, I think it's a pretty fair price for it. He could probably get the bike up to you for $250.00.

Pete

[dogsnbikes]

That scorpio just looks damn dodgy if ya ask me, near to 200k in 5 years, yikes , and the fact that no one is able to inspect it, seems a bit sus no?

Doesn't look like a bike thats done 192,462km ks as a learner but does look like a bike thats done 19246.2km as a learner,But $300 for a tail light and a wheel bearing by the rear brake,lucky the wheel bearing by the sprocket don't need replacing :lol:

[scavi]

As many as I can! I'll put you in touch with the man selling the GPX for $2500.00, I think it's a pretty fair price for it. He could probably get the bike up to you for $250.00.

Pete

Brilliant. Thanks Pete. :)

[sinfull]

Doesn't look like a bike thats done 192,462km ks as a learner but does look like a bike thats done 19246.2km as a learner,But $300 for a tail light and a wheel bearing by the rear brake,lucky the wheel bearing by the sprocket don't need replacing :lol:

Ya had to go mentioning the sprocket didn't ya DOH ! Next thing ya know it'll have a dodgy chain and heaven forbid, a front sprocket too

The Mrs left her scorp at a Dave Freemans (pre89 GP winner) shop yesterday for storage for a couple of nights on her way to welly for vasity exams, and mentioned she might ask him about a slight front gaurd rub thats started not long after i put the new conti's on for her !
She was horrified when he stepped over the wheel and wrenched the bars lol Noise went away but apparently the look on her face took longer !
I might try that for her next wheel alighnment haha sounds so much easier !

[Desert Eagle]

Given your size and weight, would something in the 125/150 cc market be reasonable?

such as a cbr150, rg 150, yzf - r15 ?

Is there any other opinions on these bikes, not that I would know, Im at the other end of the scale...