New bike time. Ideas?

[Lozza2442]

Heya!

So, as planned (to coincide with LAMS), my Suzuki GN125 is took small for me now. I want to upgrade to something bigger, but not something so big that it will be too heavy for me.

I am - 23 years old, 5'8 tall, 85kg ish.

What do you think I should get next? My budget is up to $2k (ish).

Cheers :)

[george formby]

Heya!

So, as planned (to coincide with LAMS), my Suzuki GN125 is took small for me now. I want to upgrade to something bigger, but not something so big that it will be too heavy for me.

I am - 23 years old, 5'8 tall, 85kg ish.

What do you think I should get next? My budget is up to $2k (ish).

Cheers :)


Ask yourself what you want it to do. You want a mile eater for weekends away, a sprot bike, dual porpoise so you can ride gravel, a layed back cruiser etc?

[nathanwhite]

Ask yourself what you want it to do. You want a mile eater for weekends away, a sprot bike, dual porpoise so you can ride gravel, a layed back cruiser etc?

Pretty much this.

Here's something that may help you when looking over a bike, it's certainly the most comprehensive list I've seen
Link (http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html)

[Lozza2442]

Ask yourself what you want it to do. You want a mile eater for weekends away, a sprot bike, dual porpoise so you can ride gravel, a layed back cruiser etc?

I've only really used it as a commuter so far. But I want something that I can comfortably ride for hours at a time for weekends. The GN seat is amazingly comfy. Not a gas guzzler.
I've only ridden the GN, so don't have anything to compare to in terms of Sport vs Cruiser vs everything else..

[george formby]

Pretty much this.

Here's something that may help you when looking over a bike, it's certainly the most comprehensive list I've seen
Link (http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html)

That's very good.

I've found that my mates do not like having there bikes looked at too closely, though. "Is that a speck of dirt I see?" "chain is slack by 2.6mm...." "Where is that oil dripping from?"

[nathanwhite]

I've only really used it as a commuter so far. But I want something that I can comfortably ride for hours at a time for weekends. The GN seat is amazingly comfy. Not a gas guzzler.
I've only ridden the GN, so don't have anything to compare to in terms of Sport vs Cruiser vs everything else..

Get a scorpio? Similar to a GN250 and plenty fine for open road stuff


That's very good.

I've found that my mates do not like having there bikes looked at too closely, though. "Is that a speck of dirt I see?" "chain is slack by 2.6mm...." "Where is that oil dripping from?"

Be fair, it's not that precise

[Lozza2442]

Pretty much this.

Here's something that may help you when looking over a bike, it's certainly the most comprehensive list I've seen
Link (http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html)

That's cool for once I know what I want to get and I'm actually getting one, I'm still at the stage of what bikes do I want to look at though.

I need advice on what the heaviest bikes I should be looking at are, which bikes will make me fly off the back, which ones I wont be able to control and will kill myself on etc

If you were in my situation, what bike would YOU get?

[george formby]

I've only really used it as a commuter so far. But I want something that I can comfortably ride for hours at a time for weekends. The GN seat is amazingly comfy. Not a gas guzzler.
I've only ridden the GN, so don't have anything to compare to in terms of Sport vs Cruiser vs everything else..

Sprot v cruiser is two extremes, the first you can't get much further forward, the second you can't get much further back. Somebody just rode past on a GS 500E.
(http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?q=gs+500+e&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=4Pv&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1659&bih=850&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=jk5dKEKoxHxUsM:&imgrefurl=http://www.suzukicycles.org/GS-series/GS500E.shtml&imgurl=http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/2001/2001_GS500E_red_450.jpg&w=450&h=314&ei=48o-UMCtD46XiQfN7YDYDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=384&vpy=200&dur=39&hovh=187&hovw=269&tx=169&ty=105&sig=117099901016137750312&page=1&tbnh=133&tbnw=190&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:77) A fine upstanding motorcycle. Lots of different bikes in this category & all practical daily rides which can let their hair down at the weekend to a greater or lesser degree.

[nathanwhite]

If you were in my situation, what bike would YOU get?

As a first bike under LAMS? anything that didn't have 4 cylinders. As a 2nd bike.... I don't know really, my 2nd bike will sit firmly in 6F territory.

The GS500F if your after a sportier bike would be good
Honda nighthawk 400 could be a nice naked.

Unfortunately I haven't researched this area of bikes as it hasn't be applicable to me so I can't really answer this easily

[oneofsix]

That's cool for once I know what I want to get and I'm actually getting one, I'm still at the stage of what bikes do I want to look at though.

I need advice on what the heaviest bikes I should be looking at are, which bikes will make me fly off the back, which ones I wont be able to control and will kill myself on etc

If you were in my situation, what bike would YOU get?

Initially i was going to suggest the GN250 but as you say you want to go for hours and refer to LAMS what about a mid-range bike, 4 - 600. After a GN250 I went to a 400, found the power increase was about right. If you to ride long distances and enjoy the scenery then stick with road or crusier styling, if you want to see how fast you can get from A - B then go sport. At just on 6 ft I didn't enjoy the cramped knees the VFR400 caused on long rides, nor the pressure on the wrists (higher speeds helped that :facepalm:) but did ride it from Greymouth to Palmerston North OK, the rest on the ferry helped.

[Lozza2442]

Sprot v cruiser is two extremes, the first you can't get much further forward, the second you can't get much further back. Somebody just rode past on a GS500 A fine upstanding motorcycle. Lots of different bikes in this category & all practical daily rides which can let their hair down at the weekend to a greater or lesser degree.

This looks really nice, some of the earlier ones are similar style to the GN as well, so it may be a good change over to something bigger. Doesn't seem tooo much heavier than the 125, which is surprising but good by me!


As a first bike under LAMS? anything that didn't have 4 cylinders. As a 2nd bike.... I don't know really, my 2nd bike will sit firmly in 6F territory.

The GS500F if your after a sportier bike would be good
Honda nighthawk 400 could be a nice naked.

Unfortunately I haven't researched this area of bikes as it hasn't be applicable to me so I can't really answer this easily

Yeaaaaaaah. That's why I'm confused as to what to get... There's heaps of advice re first bikes, but subsequent bikes? Nuttin. I got the 125 knowing I'd only have it for a couple months to learn the initial practice etc on. Just convenient I can actually get bigger with the LAMS. Means I am looking for a bike to have for a while, not just in the short term like current.

[Lozza2442]

Initially i was going to suggest the GN250 but as you say you want to go for hours and refer to LAMS what about a mid-range bike, 4 - 600. After a GN250 I went to a 400, found the power increase was about right. If you to ride long distances and enjoy the scenery then stick with road or crusier styling, if you want to see how fast you can get from A - B then go sport. At just on 6 ft I didn't enjoy the cramped knees the VFR400 caused on long rides, nor the pressure on the wrists (higher speeds helped that :facepalm:) but did ride it from Greymouth to Palmerston North OK, the rest on the ferry helped.

Yeeep I think you may be right about the 4-600 (prob more the lower end then the 600).
I do enjoy the scenery, but the man has a sport bike & enjoys getting from A - B. Whereas I'm all about the trip along the way.

I guess I've made him go slow this long so it doesn't matter haha

Since starting riding, I've been getting a sore right hand/wrist (ride to work then go on computer all day then ride home) so I guess I should take that into consideration too.

[nathanwhite]

Yeaaaaaaah. That's why I'm confused as to what to get... There's heaps of advice re first bikes, but subsequent bikes? Nuttin. I got the 125 knowing I'd only have it for a couple months to learn the initial practice etc on. Just convenient I can actually get bigger with the LAMS. Means I am looking for a bike to have for a while, not just in the short term like current.

For subsequent bikes one can go up to a 600-750cc IL4 without too much of a problem and a fair degree more of safety then said beast as a first bike.

The category that attracted me was the 4-650cc single/twin field. You get 3-4 times the power of the first bike and delivered in a way that won't send you off the back or scared crapless with an errant twist

[Lozza2442]

The category that attracted me was the 4-650cc single/twin field. You get 3-4 times the power of the first bike and delivered in a way that won't send you off the back or scared crapless with an errant twist

Haha this is EXACTLY what I'm trying to avoid. I want to be able to go up hills at normal speed without being scared I'm gonna 'pop a wheelie' or whatever haha

[curly]

IMO for learners there's nothing wrong with the 250s
CB250 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-501141066.htm)
VT250 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-485429015.htm)

Bigger than 250. I would look at these for ones.
GS500 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-507926635.htm)
BROS (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-427513151.htm)

[nathanwhite]

Haha this is EXACTLY what I'm trying to avoid. I want to be able to go up hills at normal speed without being scared I'm gonna 'pop a wheelie' or whatever haha

One word. Twins.



BROS (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-427513151.htm)

Ah the BROS, that was what I was thinking about.

[george formby]

The category that attracted me was the 4-650cc single/twin field. You get 3-4 times the power of the first bike and delivered in a way that won't send you off the back or scared crapless with an errant twist

That category still attracts me. Lots of very good bikes fit that bill & still have enough puff to get the heart rate up on a decent road.
Review of Gladius v ER6 (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/122_0908_kawasaki_er_6n_vs_suzuki_gladius/viewall.html)

They might be out of your budget....

A mate just sold his ER6n, great wee bike, my G/F loved it, fits like a glove.

[nathanwhite]

I've never been a fan of the ER's looks. Something about that headlight is just a little too funky for me.

Now a first gen SV650S on the on the other hand....

[Maha]

If you were in my situation, what bike would YOU get?

Hornet/Bandit (or similar)...very comfortable, very user friendly, great riding postion, brilliant for the commute or the weekend rides, holds value and will give you a good idea of what motorcycling is all about.....FUN!

Mikey may still have this...http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/151872-1996-Honda-Hornet

[f2dz]

Ah the BROS, that was what I was thinking about.

+1 for the BROS.

Pity it's a Honda, but a guy at work has one and I took a fancy to it, strangely enough. Very cool lil bike. If LAMS was in before I bought my first I'd look very strongly at getting a 400 BROS.

[Glowerss]

You might want to look and find out what even fits within your budget to narrow the list down.

The list of bikes you can get for under 2k that isn't a steaming pile of poo is veeeeeeeeeeery narrow. Especially once people become aware that their bike are LAMS compliant.

The Suzuki gs500e are fantastic step up bikes. Nearly identical in power to my 400, which is a big marshmallow. Neutral riding position, very comfortable. Problem is, you can't find any of them for less then sort of 2750ish. And they are extremely cheap bikes.

I was really lucky and scored my 400 for 2100 back in March. IF you can find a diversion 400 for your budget, It's a great bike and I'd reccomend it. Only real fault with em is damn things have a very buzzy engine for an IL4. Otherwise nice smooth power delivery, not too much of it, comfy seat, nice position, not too heavy ect.

Price is going to be your biggest enemy. You may have to stretch the budget to find something, unless you're willing to buy a fixer uppererer.

[Lozza2442]

You might want to look and find out what even fits within your budget to narrow the list down.

The list of bikes you can get for under 2k that isn't a steaming pile of poo is veeeeeeeeeeery narrow. Especially once people become aware that their bike are LAMS compliant.

The Suzuki gs500e are fantastic step up bikes. Nearly identical in power to my 400, which is a big marshmallow. Neutral riding position, very comfortable. Problem is, you can't find any of them for less then sort of 2750ish. And they are extremely cheap bikes.

I was really lucky and scored my 400 for 2100 back in March. IF you can find a diversion 400 for your budget, It's a great bike and I'd reccomend it. Only real fault with em is damn things have a very buzzy engine for an IL4. Otherwise nice smooth power delivery, not too much of it, comfy seat, nice position, not too heavy ect.

Price is going to be your biggest enemy. You may have to stretch the budget to find something, unless you're willing to buy a fixer uppererer.

I can prob stretch to about $3k, I was just giving an indication of price so people didn't suggest I get a $15k bike etc. I'll have a look at the gs500e's, I like my Suzuki so it'll be good to have something of the same brand. Looks quite nice too.

I'm not anti the fixer-uppererer, all my cars have been and I like putting the effort in to my own stuff. That sense of accomplishment and shyt.

What do you mean by a very buzzy engine? like... vibrates when it tries to get up to speed? My GN does that, so if it is that I'm not too bovver'd

[sootie]

The book shop in the semi defunct Fox Centre (near you) has been having a few sales. They had some Green covered Superbike (Pocket Guide) books for sale about 2 weeks ago & I bought one for $7.50. A number of the bikes detailed are 250cc or less. For a few dollars more, I think they have a few other good bike books for sale too.

Worth a look?

[Glowerss]

I can prob stretch to about $3k, I was just giving an indication of price so people didn't suggest I get a $15k bike etc. I'll have a look at the gs500e's, I like my Suzuki so it'll be good to have something of the same brand. Looks quite nice too.

I'm not anti the fixer-uppererer, all my cars have been and I like putting the effort in to my own stuff. That sense of accomplishment and shyt.

What do you mean by a very buzzy engine? like... vibrates when it tries to get up to speed? My GN does that, so if it is that I'm not too bovver'd

Yeah, it just buzzes a lot like a single. Particularly in the 3.5-5k RPM range it's a bit rough. It felt smooth as coming off of my Scorpio though! Most people probably wouldn't even notice. It's comfortable enough at motorway speeds, the mirrors are just farkin useless :2guns::2guns:

Anyway if you can find an XJ400 for sale, it's definitely a good next up bike. Apparently it's quite small for a 400 as well. It's a bit cramped for me at 6'0 or so, so would probably be quite roomy for somebody round 5'8. I can flatfoot it easily. It's fairly light, although you should be warned that anything is going to feel like a great big whale after a Gn125 :p They're an easy bike to work on as well (or so I've been told. I'm fairly useless mechanically speaking).

They pop on the market here and there, and theres still some around for a steal. Like I said I grabbed mine for 2100, and one sold from a 1$ res the other day in great nic for 2200 or so.

Otherwise bikes to look out for are things like the ZZR400 (although those are a bit heavier) and RF 400s (not sure those are LAMS legal though). GS500s are great, as are ER5f (or 500 ninja) if you can find em. Those seem to be fairly rare though.

Have you considered some of the quicker 250s? 250 Hornet/Bandit ect? Might be able to find some of those in good condition for a reasonable price once October hits.

[mossy1200]

Revere on the list?

Its like a big bros but higher bars and more upright sitting. I did one up and sold it for 2200 so in the correct price bracket. I was impressed with its fun factor to ride.

[FJRider]

The Cruiser style suits the altitude impaired (short) riders (as do dual purpose bikes). Sprot bikes are the "knee's under the armpit's" type riding ... to an inexperienced rider, may find it uncomfortable after a few hours on the road. (hunched up like a dog having a shit)
Most bikes on the LAM's list shouldn't worry you about sliding off the bike. And I doubt if any under the $3000 limit will be a worry. I think if you spend more than that at your early stage of motorcycling ... it would be silly. Especially if you aren't that certain of what style you really want/like.

[Matariki]

You could wait for October when the LAM's system kicks into action, that way you'll have a larger selection of motorcycles to choose from.
Here's the list of motorcycles that will be available for the learner/restricted rider - http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/approved-motorcycles.html

Older motorcycles tend to sell for cheaper on trademe (for obvious reasons), but there's nothing wrong with classic and vintage motorcycles, especially when they're well maintained and looked after. :yes:

There are some good websites out there that give reviews and star ratings on models of motorcycles based on the experiences that riders all over the world have had with them:
http://www.bikez.com/
http://tanshanomi.com/index.html

And here's a website here that will give you a basic perspective on motorcycle sizes in comparison to your own height and weight:
http://cycle-ergo.com/

[GrayWolf]

I can prob stretch to about $3k, I was just giving an indication of price so people didn't suggest I get a $15k bike etc. I'll have a look at the gs500e's, I like my Suzuki so it'll be good to have something of the same brand. Looks quite nice too.

I'm not anti the fixer-uppererer, all my cars have been and I like putting the effort in to my own stuff. That sense of accomplishment and shyt.

What do you mean by a very buzzy engine? like... vibrates when it tries to get up to speed? My GN does that, so if it is that I'm not too bovver'd

Hey Lozza,
Ok I will chip in my 2c worth... I've owned a plethora of bikes over the years from 'insane to boring'... After the GN125 with the given 'dimensions' you are (of course a woman never lies about them??).... I would totaly agree with a GS500, they are not 'powerful' which will fit into the LAMS, and the engine has been in production for a fair time, so has the kawasaki EN500 engined bikes. There is an older 500cc adventure tourer Kwaka based on the same engine. It's derived from the old GPz500 twin of the 1980's which is basically half a Ninja 1000 of the era.
There was a later version of the XS400 Yam, which looks like half and XJ 750 engine, issue there may be spares availability, or breakers having parts in the event of a spill.
The Early XS400 was a rattly bucket but if well maintained they are OK. The Honda 400 or 450 twins from the mid/late 70's or the older GSX400/450 of the same era, Colemans sold a trade in GSX400 twin recently for very low on trademe, it was auctioned off. There is a few candidates, if you get cheap within LAMS and have someone local to do the required work....
example(s)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-507785397.htm not really high K's only real weak spot was/is the alternator easily fixable these days!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-508742955.htm << at that price (so far) ........ no brainer!!! excellent LAMS bike, even in the event of motor work, the 500GB, or the 650 XR series motors bolt in, or the top end (650) bolts on!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-507610768.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-507852898.htm << awesome acceleration, so just lost licence? probably had a tough life, but???

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-508969780.htm << if a stator can be found? good bike!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-507280666.htm < not a bad choice, BUT, they can do the oil ring and burn all the oil in one ride... knackered motor, however people also get big milages from them too.....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-508304105.htm << if LAMS approved? MY PICK, if you can get the work and parts sorted, this is the ZI's baby brother, and as strong in the motor as you would wish for!!! but it's also kick start, and they are easy peasy to kick over!!!

[Lozza2442]

Hey Lozza,
Ok I will chip in my 2c worth... I've owned a plethora of bikes over the years from 'insane to boring'... After the GN125 with the given 'dimensions' you are (of course a woman never lies about them??).... I would totaly agree with a GS500, they are not 'powerful' which will fit into the LAMS, and the engine has been in production for a fair time, so has the kawasaki EN500 engined bikes. There is an older 500cc adventure tourer Kwaka based on the same engine. It's derived from the old GPz500 twin of the 1980's which is basically half a Ninja 1000 of the era.
There was a later version of the XS400 Yam, which looks like half and XJ 750 engine, issue there may be spares availability, or breakers having parts in the event of a spill.
The Early XS400 was a rattly bucket but if well maintained they are OK. The Honda 400 or 450 twins from the mid/late 70's or the older GSX400/450 of the same era, Colemans sold a trade in GSX400 twin recently for very low on trademe, it was auctioned off. There is a few candidates, if you get cheap within LAMS and have someone local to do the required work....
example(s)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-507785397.htm not really high K's only real weak spot was/is the alternator easily fixable these days!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-508742955.htm << at that price (so far) ........ no brainer!!! excellent LAMS bike, even in the event of motor work, the 500GB, or the 650 XR series motors bolt in, or the top end (650) bolts on!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-507610768.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-507852898.htm << awesome acceleration, so just lost licence? probably had a tough life, but???

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-508969780.htm << if a stator can be found? good bike!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-507280666.htm < not a bad choice, BUT, they can do the oil ring and burn all the oil in one ride... knackered motor, however people also get big milages from them too.....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-508304105.htm << if LAMS approved? MY PICK, if you can get the work and parts sorted, this is the ZI's baby brother, and as strong in the motor as you would wish for!!! but it's also kick start, and they are easy peasy to kick over!!!

Awesome, thanks for all those links I'll have to give them a good look over. :wari:
Quick question, what on earth is a Stator?? Not something I've come across as yet. Which part of the motor is this?

Also, surprisingly I didn't lie! Zomg. It's not actually mandatory for women to lie about it ha. There's no point lying in this situation when you need to give proper decriptions to be able to tell what the best bike is.

[blackdog]

That GB is the nuts. I would say a perfect first step up, and it may well come in under budget.

Not likely to depreciate much compared to many others and easy as to work on and get parts for.

If only I had the readies for every machine I looked at and wanted.

[Matariki]

I would go for the Honda GL400 Wing Custom (its LAMS approved).

That's a nice bike (rare too), I would of bought it myself If had allot more experience with motorcycle repairs and spare cash sitting in the bank. I don't know off the top of my head where you would get a stator from for it (the seller might know, if not, you'll need to ask around), you could try the local motorcycle mechanic, or if that's no good, I can think of several websites that might have what you're looking for; Ebay (http://www.ebay.com/), Wemoto (http://www.wemoto.com/), Bits4bikes (http://www.bits4bikes.co.nz/), Econohonda (http://www.econohonda.co.nz/), Hondapartshouse (http://www.hondapartshouse.com/home.aspx), CMSNL (http://www.cmsnl.com/), Mrcycles (http://www.mrcycles.com/), Japmcdismantlers (http://www.japmcdismantlers.co.nz/) (they have a GL 400 in stock that might have a stator in working condition) etc. I also heard that the parts used for the Honda GL400 are compatible with the Honda CX500. So that's something worth looking into if you're keen on the motorcycle.

If you're not into motorcycle repairs, you might want to skip this one. But there are tutorials on the internet on installing stators, as well as books covering the basics of motorcycle repairs (Haynes has written some very good motorcycle techbooks). And if you screw it up, there's always the mechanic (or you could try asking an experienced motorcycle enthusiast from here to look at it).

Now watch this video of a Japanese man riding a Honda GL400

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNO9NpJEOt8

[nzspokes]

I went from a 250 to a 1200 with a 400 in between for a month or to. You get used to wheelies after a while.

But PM crasherfromwayback as he gets trades in sometimes which are great deals, tell him Spokes sent ya.

[actungbaby]

Haha this is EXACTLY what I'm trying to avoid. I want to be able to go up hills at normal speed without being scared I'm gonna 'pop a wheelie' or whatever haha

I tell you my nephew brought a kawaski ex 250 ninja well my dad did and he selling it also

I never thought about them but i rode it few times was fun and brillent bike i chouldint fault it i buy myself

if had the cash, and am honda fan boy i got say the cbr 250 whould haave to bloody good to better it.

I like it better than my 750 around town so much fun .

[actungbaby]

That GB is the nuts. I would say a perfect first step up, and it may well come in under budget.

Not likely to depreciate much compared to many others and easy as to work on and get parts for.

If only I had the readies for every machine I looked at and wanted.

+1 nice bikes

[Matariki]

The Honda GB400 is also another fantastic choice and bargain (Its also LAMS approved). It would most likely also work out much cheaper (in terms of any needed repairs and registration) too than the GL400. :yes: And if you wanted too in the future, it would make a nice cafe racer project.

Definitely worth keeping your eye on.

[FJRider]

The Honda GB400 is also another fantastic choice and bargain (Its also LAMS approved). It would most likely also work out much cheaper (in terms of any needed repairs and registration) too than the GL400. :yes: And if you wanted too in the future, it would make a nice cafe racer project.

Definitely worth keeping your eye on.

The GB500 is still "On the list" and a improvement on the 400. Although not by that much. Same dimensions of seat hight/length ... etc.

[tamarillo]

at this money it may depend on what comes up that is good buy and simply look at all between 450 and 650cc. Not much good stuff at thsi money.

I woudl say preference to twins maybe so as to keep light, simple, and therfore also for standards - standard road bikes. I reckon best compromise riding position, best riding and handling without going to sports bike which may be too radical a ride position after GN. Smaller cruisers will creat a wind sopck out of you and be hard work on trip, and just dont handle and brake as well - you will notice difference.

Suzuki GS500 is great bike - huge miles, plenty of poke, light and easy to handle. There are similar bikes from others - Kawasaki ER5 great bikes and maybe Honda Bros.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-511481829.htm too much but right bike.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-537458106.htm

BUT you might be surprised how well a good 250 can go - more than okay at 120 km.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-539897712.htm

I know it is too much but these Honda Bros are very good bikes and ridden well will keep up easy with much bigger bikes. But also small and light:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-535686224.htm

If you feel confident you can handle weight of a 4 cylinder (possible but not best advise) Yamaha XJ's are bullit proof older bikes:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-534152572.htm
Not best unless you feel attracted to extra engine.

These have gained great reputation, simpel light twin, good parts, might be too pricey:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-537685218.htm
dont be put off by name - they have established themselves well now. ideal if you can swing the money.

An ex of mine learnt on an old 1980's BMW R65 (650cc) twin boxer which can be picked up for $2500 when rough. Only okay if the idea and euro bit appeals and touring and learning to do own work appeals. cant see on TM right now. Solid things but keep weight low so good learners and will go for ever and ever and ever.

[Whynot]

get a busa!