Back to riding (Heeler)

[Heeler]

Morning all. New to the forum and looking for advice. I haven't had a bike for a few years and am looking to buy something again. Have had sports bikes in the past but am now looking for something that I can use for commuting to work (Waikato to Auckland - 100k's each way), when it's fine anyway. Would also like to get out for the occasional weekend ride. Given the distance, economy and comfort are at the top of the list. I know I need to get out and ride some to see what I like but wouldn't mind a bit of advice to narrow down my options. Cheers.

[yungatart]

Choosing a bike is such a personal thing that I would hesitate to recommend anything other than try as many as you can before you buy.
However, I would suggest most strongly that you do a refresher/rider skills/or RRRS course.
Bikes are quicker and technology is better than it was a few years ago..you however, are just older.
Enjoy the journey.

[scroter]

welcome to kiwibiker
have to agree sorry, almost impossible to decide.
Save some dollars for training. prorider do a bike control skills course which will cost you $249. check there site out www.prorider.co.nz

[Supertwin Don]

Get on down to the Te Rapa Tavern on a Wednesday evening between about 5-30 and 6-30 and meet up with some of the "Laxed out Rides" crew. This will give you someone to ride with and a chance to talk over "types" of bikes, and maybe get a "sampler" ride or two.
The Te Rapa does a good burger, chips and a drink deal on a Wednesday, as well.

[Heeler]

Thanks guys. I had a feeling that would be the answer, guess I need to put a bit of time aside before jumping in.

Burgers at Te Rapa sound great

[BMWST?]

you have also got the adv thing Do you want a bike that is a bit more at home on a gravel road.?ADV types bikes ussually will have a more spacious and upright riding position.The downside is they will have a correspondingly higher seat height

[Hortz]

I would agree with everyone, if you haven't ridden for a few year most bike have a lot more power nowadays. You will need to consider whether you will be comfortable in an upright position, eg cruiser or laid down eg sports bike.

[GrayWolf]

I agree with the above posters, go for a skills refresher as a paramount need.
If you are going to do 100k each way I regularly travel 50+ k's to work each way. I'd not look at smaller that 750cc.
You have said you want comfort and distance ability as a preference.
What do you want to spend on the bike? You can pick up low K's 1000cc+ bikes very reasonably priced if you hunt around. (I grabbed my ZZR with 30k for 5.25k)
Old FJ1200 are about (jap import) FZ1000 (fazer). 1200/1250 bandit. GS1400, FJR11/12/1300's all are good all rounders, reliable, well proven motors and able to cover large distances easily... which if its 200k a day, will soon clock up some high milage on any engine.

[bluninja]

I'm also looking at getting a bike again. I sold my SV650S and RSVR to fund coming back to NZ, and though I should earn some money so that I can buy one.

I'd disagree with Graywolf about having 750+ for a 100km each way commute. I used the SV for 2 years at 105 km each way commute all year round.

Boringly I'm looking at an SV650S cos I know it's fun, and can be worked hard; a DL650 V-Strom for something different, and possibly the GSX650F. Can't justify a 1 litre sports bike financially, or physically (they are just too small for me now), so I'm looking at a middleweight all rounder.

Good luck and have fun choosing.