Newbie needs bike!

[HalfAKiwi]

Hi everyone,

I've been a silent follower of this forum for a while but have now finally registered aswell and hope you can help me.

I've just passed my BHS :Punk: and am currently studying the rode code, I'm planning on having my learners by next week.

I learnt to ride (in a park) on a Honda CBF250 and did my BHS on a Yamaha Scorpio 225.

I'm now looking at getting my own bike but don't quite know which one.
I liked the CBF, but couldn't stand the Scorpio.
I don't want anything smaller than a 250.
I like the look of naked bikes.
I don't want a dirt bike or a plastic fantastic bike.
I'm female and quite small at 5.4 so I'd need a small or low bike so I can still touch the ground with more than just tippietoes :)

Is a two cylinder better than a four?

I have taken the CBF up to 80km/h :innocent: on an empty back road and am fairly confident in taking off and stuff. Funnily enough I stalled the Scorpio at my BHS test around 8 times and the CBF when I learnt how to ride only like twice or so :)

I also liked the seating position on the Scorpio and CBF, so I wouldn't want anything where I'm lying flat on the tank :)

I've been looking at a Suzuki Bandit 250, what do you guys think?
What other bikes could suit me?

Cheers!

[nodrog]

A GSXR thou would be ideal.

[Newbi]

Well done on passing ya BHS, and good luck with the theory test, its pretty easy, just practise the tests online. I only recently got my 6L too. I ride a Suzuki Intruder 250, I love it, but cruiser style bikes may not be your style. I like it cos I am also a chick and shorter than you and I can get both feet down which is what I definately wanted. You will get plenty of advice from the "guru's" on here hahaha. But on a serious note heaps of it is really useful.:yes:

[DR650gary]

Yamaha SR250. Suzuki GN250.

Very popular for a reason. Suzuki may have the edge as it has the gear indicator. Not an essential item but does give you a bit of confidence. All my sons rode one for 12 months or so. Easy to buy and sell again and hard to break when you drop it with the exception of indicators. Will easily do 100 kph when you are ready and relatively easy to fix when you forget to put oil in.

Just my thoughts and enjoy the ride, whatever you end up with.

[Tigadee]

Congrats!


I also liked the seating position on the Scorpio and CBF, so I wouldn't want anything where I'm lying flat on the tank :)

Considering your height and preferences, a Road-type (e.g. Scorpio) and Cruiser-type bike would suit you because of the low seat height and sitting posture.

You can try virtual configurations of various bikes you're interested in using this web site:
http://cycle-ergo.com/

You can select the Scorpio or CBF as a base and then choose subsequent bikes to compare with. Sport bikes typically have a knee angle of 70 degrees or less, and cruisers have a knee angle of 90 degrees or more. The Scorpio has a neutral knee angle of 80 degrees, which I find very comfortable.

[5150]

A GSXR thou would be ideal.

Just disconnect 3 cylinders. Yes? :innocent:

[Spearfish]

http://cycle-ergo.com/



Thanks for the link.

[HalfAKiwi]

Thanks for all your input so far, and thanks for the link, that really is useful!

I think I want 'more' bike than a Suzuki GN250, if you know what I mean. My bike-nut fiance reckons I was pretty quick in picking it up :love: so I do want a bike that I will be happy with for a while.

Anyone any comments on a Bandit 250?

Also looked at a Honda VTR250 or a Hyosung GT250 on tradme...?

[Grasshopperus]

Try a VTR250 or a Hornet250, they fit the bill quite nicely for you. The vtr is a 2-cylinder the hornet is a 4. Try 'em both.

[DR650gary]

Thanks for all your input so far, and thanks for the link, that really is useful!

I think I want 'more' bike than a Suzuki GN250, if you know what I mean. My bike-nut fiance reckons I was pretty quick in picking it up :love: so I do want a bike that I will be happy with for a while.

Anyone any comments on a Bandit 250?

Also looked at a Honda VTR250 or a Hyosung GT250 on tradme...?

My wife was also very quick at getting there and even managed to get onto bigger bikes before her time. She now rides her Cagiva Raptor confidently.

Like you, she is small and foot/ground touching is vital. Most modern bikes can be lowered very easily if they have a dog bone or triangle type setup at the bottom of the shock. The ER6 series of Kawasaki is difficult and requires a new shock so could be expensive.

On my way up Ngauranga Gorge yesterday a Suzuki Boulevard 250 flew past me so speed is obviously not a problem and up hill.

You may not like the cruiser style, neither do I, but it is just a first bike so get the best bike your budget will allow that makes you feel confident. You can sell and move on the popular bikes fairly quickly when you want to change. If you see one that you like, google it with "lowering kit" added to the name and you will see if there are lowering systems available. If it has dogbones at the bottom, you will be able to find someone who will be able to do the job for you.

Cheers

[Old Steve]

Also looked at a Honda VTR250 or a Hyosung GT250 on tradme...?

I'm only 5' 7" with a limited inside leg measurement. A mate has just bought a Hyosung Comet - similar to the GT250. I have trouble touching the ground on it.

I ride a Hyosung GV250 learner cruiser, this is very similar to a Suzuki Intruder 250 mentioned above. Great low centre of gravity, low seat so you can get your feet flat on the ground, will cruise at up to 120 km/hr (130 km/hr on a slight downhill with a following breeze), 350 km on a tank before the reserve once you start to push it (over 400 km on a tank while you're learning).

Get around the bike shops and sit on as many bikes as you can, that way you'll eliminate those models which don't suit you. When I did the RoadSafe course here in Tauranga there was a girl who was probably only 5' 5" give or take a couple of inches, and she was riding a Suzuki Intruder and she looked good. The Intruder and Hyosung GV250 are big looking bikes too so should be more visible out on the road.

[Hellzie]

I have a honda hornet 250, and I highly recommend you get one, they are awesome! Its very forgiving while you're learning, and fast enough and very maneuverable when you gat a bit more confident! I don't feel like I've grown out of it yet and I've been riding about a year... Not long in the scheme of things but it has been a pretty steep learning curve so far, and the hornet has been perfect the whole time so far!

Have fun with whatever bike you end up getting! Enjoy and welcome!

[English Kiwi]

Hi everyone,

I've been a silent follower of this forum for a while but have now finally registered aswell and hope you can help me.

I've just passed my BHS :Punk: and am currently studying the rode code, I'm planning on having my learners by next week.

I learnt to ride (in a park) on a Honda CBF250 and did my BHS on a Yamaha Scorpio 225.

I'm now looking at getting my own bike but don't quite know which one.
I liked the CBF, but couldn't stand the Scorpio.
I don't want anything smaller than a 250.
I like the look of naked bikes.
I don't want a dirt bike or a plastic fantastic bike.
I'm female and quite small at 5.4 so I'd need a small or low bike so I can still touch the ground with more than just tippietoes :)

Is a two cylinder better than a four?

I have taken the CBF up to 80km/h :innocent: on an empty back road and am fairly confident in taking off and stuff. Funnily enough I stalled the Scorpio at my BHS test around 8 times and the CBF when I learnt how to ride only like twice or so :)

I also liked the seating position on the Scorpio and CBF, so I wouldn't want anything where I'm lying flat on the tank :)

I've been looking at a Suzuki Bandit 250, what do you guys think?
What other bikes could suit me?

Cheers!


Well done indeed on passing :)

Well done on passing ya BHS, and good luck with the theory test, its pretty easy, just practise the tests online. I only recently got my 6L too. I ride a Suzuki Intruder 250, I love it, but cruiser style bikes may not be your style. I like it cos I am also a chick and shorter than you and I can get both feet down which is what I definately wanted. You will get plenty of advice from the "guru's" on here hahaha. But on a serious note heaps of it is really useful.:yes:

I'm with Newbie on this one...I learnt on an Intruder 250 and they are a great bike, easy to ride and a low seat height makes things better. I had this for about 1yr, once I got confident enough I up graded to a 250 ninja, which I can just get my toes down on. I'm only around 5"4 as well so was a good step up :)




Also looked at a Honda VTR250 or a Hyosung GT250 on tradme...?

I wasn't a fan of the Hyosungs and their seat height is a bit higher than a Ninja...but either way I recommend an Intruder or Ninja :)

Good luck with your search and keep us informed :)

[tigertim20]

VT250
VTR250
SR250
CBF if you like it
gt250 hyosung
Hornet
baby virago

Lots of options. Id steer away from GN's. I never understood the appeal, they're fuckin shit, theyre ugly, theyre gutless, and IMO, useless altogether, unless your sole use is non motorway commuting. plenty of way better bikes out there.

Only you can decide what feels comfortable and safe for you. Go and browse the second hand bikes for sale, and go take a few for a test ride. We can only give our opinions, and only you can decide which opinions you share.

test riding lots of bikes is half the fun anyway!

[The End]

I've just passed my BHS and am currently studying the rode code...I don't want anything smaller than a 250...

This bike will do great!

http://www.nationalmcnetwork.com/wp-content/plugins/RSSPoster_PRO/cache/96a7d_All%2BChrome%2BPaint%2BSuzuki%2BHayabusa.jpg

The extended swing arm and chrome are a must.




Just out of curiousity though, what could you not stand about the scorpio?

[Hawkeye]

Don't sweat the big stuff over your first bike. Get a cheap bike in the style you prefer and just get out and ride. Too many learners spend so much time on what their first bike should be.

Riding as a learner is all about learning road craft. Becoming confident on two wheels whilst navigating around in traffic. Learning road position, observation, cornering, stopping, hill starts, u-turns etc etc.
It is not about how fast or slow you ride. All learner bikes, be it a GN, scorpio, CBR or whatever, fill the 'learner' criteria.

My first bike was a little single pot 250 that I paid $100 for. Spend another $250 getting it road worthy and rode it for a year. I had lots of fun, learnt lots, and then granduated up to the bigger bikes.

Your first bike is only a stepping stone to bigger and better things. So as I said in my first sentence......

Welcome to the world of freedom and fun. Just one important thing.... keep the rubber side down and the shiney side up!

[curly]

Whats your price range?

The vtr250 is a good learners bike you will not be disappointed, i maybe biased though :innocent:

Go test ride one

[HalfAKiwi]

Thanks so much everyone for your thoughts and input!

I have passed my theory test yesterday and now officially hold a learner's licence! :headbang: Matamata watch out!

I now got a CBF250 and very happy with it! Now I just have to go out and practice practice practice....

[DR650gary]

I now got a CBF250 and very happy with it! Now I just have to go out and practice practice practice....

No, you need to post a photo of your new steed :Oi:

and they are a great bike which you will have a ball on.

[HalfAKiwi]

haha alright here we go :jerry:

[Old Steve]

Looking good!!! Now ride the pants off it.

[Hellzie]

haha alright here we go :jerry:

Niiiiiice! You will have loads of fun on it! Has it got a name yet?

[DR650gary]

haha alright here we go :jerry:

That looks excellent. Didn't realise it had a twin outlet, unless I have misinterpreted the photo. (I have, that's the frame). That will benefit with a nice slightly more open exhaust. Maybe a shorty.

Nice gear too, nearly matching :yes:

Enjoy the ride and see if you can track down a few riding courses, they will help you ride and survive.

Cheers

[HalfAKiwi]

Haha thanks! I know I should've gotten the black/white jacket instead of the black/blue to match my black/white pants but they didn't have this one in my size :(

But it's hard enough as it is to get any women's gear that's not flippin PINK!:girlfight:

[DR650gary]

Haha thanks! I know I should've gotten the black/white jacket instead of the black/blue to match my black/white pants but they didn't have this one in my size :(

But it's hard enough as it is to get any women's gear that's not flippin PINK!:girlfight:

Similar issue here, my wife is 5 ft size 8 with small feet.

Pants and jackets will come and go.

Cheers

[chasio]

Excellent, well done. :banana:

Chasio

P.S. And wear boots.

[HalfAKiwi]

Oh, and I forgot - her name is Smurfette! :)

Yeah boots are definitely the next thing on the list, but when I started out, helmet, jacket, pants and gloves stretched me a bit financially..

[ynot slow]

Boots try either 1 tonne or lifestyle imports,both have good quality for $150ish and my ones from lifestyle were great,waterproof and comfy,they were the most comfy boots I've worn.

[DR650gary]

Oh, and I forgot - her name is Smurfette! :)

Yeah boots are definitely the next thing on the list, but when I started out, helmet, jacket, pants and gloves stretched me a bit financially..

What size are you? Post your size and I'm sure someone on here will have something for not a lot of money.

We have some good condition size 5 (NZ) boots available.

Cheers

Gary

[HalfAKiwi]

Yeah more than happy to go for 2nd hand boots if in good condition.

Not too sure about the size, I'm a European 38 I think that's a NZ size 7?

Tanks for the brand suggestions! Need to make a trip to Hamilton on the weekend, that's what you get for living in a small town *grml* :)

[DR650gary]

Yeah more than happy to go for 2nd hand boots if in good condition.

Not too sure about the size, I'm a European 38 I think that's a NZ size 7?

Tanks for the brand suggestions! Need to make a trip to Hamilton on the weekend, that's what you get for living in a small town *grml* :)

I am sure someone will have a pair of women's size 7's floating around, if not, ask these guys a question about a pair. They are in Foxton and we have bought quite a bit of gear of them and have had no issues with it. Prices are often very good as well. 06-363 5355

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/pants/auction-421363058.htm

They are a small business in Foxton and repairs chainsaws etc as well!

Cheers