Looking to get started

[Panther79]

Hi guys,

I am looking to get into biking, perhaps a mid life crisis thing given I am approaching 33. I have read a lot but doubt that means I know a lot :).

I will be buying some good quality gear first so if i do come off, I will be protected but first had some questions on what bike to get. I am leaning more towards the sports bikes and like the look of the new CBR's but as a beginner, would rather start on something cheaper that I won't mind as much if I drop.

Are Suzuki FXR's good for learning on? They seem like a good learner option and do not cost much and I suppose after 6 months or so I could sell it for near on the same price I paid for it, provided I do not overpay?

I was also looking at this 1989 ZXR Kawasaki with a blown engine http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=512771831. Perhaps not the best thing for a beginner to look at but what sort of price would I be looking at to replace the engine with a new one.

Appreciate any helpful replies as it is a lot to take in from the start :)

[f2dz]

Hi,

Don't know much about the FXR, but also check if a Honda Hornet, Suzuki Bandit or Yamaha Scorpio are in your budget. If you're wanting something fully faired then check out a late-ish model Kawasaki Ninja or Hyosung GT250R. I was looking at a ZXR earlier too. They're nice, but getting a little on the old side now. Their price might plummet on the release of LAMS too, which is something you might want to wait for.

The late model Honda CBRs are nice but like you say, potentially a bit much to spend on a new bike you might drop. I wouldn't look at it going in that way. If you tell yourself you're gonna drop it you probably will. I thought I'd drop mine before I started riding but I just drilled it into my mind that I wasn't going to, and so far I haven't.

Pretty sweet mid life crisis resolution though if you ask me. You'll get tons of fun and enjoyment outta one.

[Akzle]

Hi guys,

I am looking to get into biking, perhaps a mid life crisis thing given I am approaching 33. I have read a lot but doubt that means I know a lot :).

I will be buying some good quality gear first so if i do come off, I will be protected but first had some questions on what bike to get. I am leaning more towards the sports bikes and like the look of the new CBR's but as a beginner, would rather start on something cheaper that I won't mind as much if I drop.

Are Suzuki FXR's good for learning on? They seem like a good learner option and do not cost much and I suppose after 6 months or so I could sell it for near on the same price I paid for it, provided I do not overpay?

I was also looking at this 1989 ZXR Kawasaki with a blown engine http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=512771831. Perhaps not the best thing for a beginner to look at but what sort of price would I be looking at to replace the engine with a new one.

Appreciate any helpful replies as it is a lot to take in from the start :)

generally, for a first bike. don't buy someone else's problems. get one that's clean and running.
you now have a fantastic (or will when it's october, because the big bikes get less dangerous in october)range of bikes to choose from <660cc.

cbrs r shit.

the first thing you should do is search. this topic has been covered ad nauseum.
the next thing you do is find a list of bikes you like the look of and get someone local who knows their shit to shortlist it, then go ad testride em for ya. then you buy them beer. and everyone is happy.

[Panther79]

Hi,

Don't know much about the FXR, but also check if a Honda Hornet, Suzuki Bandit or Yamaha Scorpio are in your budget. If you're wanting something fully faired then check out a late-ish model Kawasaki Ninja or Hyosung GT250R. I was looking at a ZXR earlier too. They're nice, but getting a little on the old side now. Their price might plummet on the release of LAMS too, which is something you might want to wait for.

The late model Honda CBRs are nice but like you say, potentially a bit much to spend on a new bike you might drop. I wouldn't look at it going in that way. If you tell yourself you're gonna drop it you probably will. I thought I'd drop mine before I started riding but I just drilled it into my mind that I wasn't going to, and so far I haven't.

Pretty sweet mid life crisis resolution though if you ask me. You'll get tons of fun and enjoyment outta one.

Thanks for the reply, I think it is a sweet mid life crisis too, my new wife and her family not so haha. I was more wanting something sporty with the fairings even though this is probably not a good idea if I am looking to get something I won't be so upset at dropping so had kind of ruled out those you have listed.

I must read up a bit more on this LAMS thing. I understand some 250's will not be allowed for beginners so I had better read up on it.

[Panther79]

generally, for a first bike. don't buy someone else's problems. get one that's clean and running.
you now have a fantastic (or will when it's october, because the big bikes get less dangerous in october)range of bikes to choose from <660cc.

cbrs r shit.

the first thing you should do is search. this topic has been covered ad nauseum.
the next thing you do is find a list of bikes you like the look of and get someone local who knows their shit to shortlist it, then go ad testride em for ya. then you buy them beer. and everyone is happy.

Thanks for the reply. I must read up on this LAMS thing but are some 250+cc suitable after October for beginners? Still think i will go for a 250CC max. Anyone in Wellington want to volunteer to help me :), beer and stronger brews are on offer for help :) would really like someone to teach me how to maintain the bike too eventually.

Another query, I do not have a garage where I live, is this a big problem? I have a car platform with no roof, is a cover enough or will the bike develop problems long term without being stored in full cover?

[Delerium]

Hi,

Don't know much about the FXR, but also check if a Honda Hornet, Suzuki Bandit or Yamaha Scorpio are in your budget. If you're wanting something fully faired then check out a late-ish model Kawasaki Ninja or Hyosung GT250R. I was looking at a ZXR earlier too. They're nice, but getting a little on the old side now. Their price might plummet on the release of LAMS too, which is something you might want to wait for.

The late model Honda CBRs are nice but like you say, potentially a bit much to spend on a new bike you might drop. I wouldn't look at it going in that way. If you tell yourself you're gonna drop it you probably will. I thought I'd drop mine before I started riding but I just drilled it into my mind that I wasn't going to, and so far I haven't.

Pretty sweet mid life crisis resolution though if you ask me. You'll get tons of fun and enjoyment outta one.

Low k hornets are hard to find now.

[jellywrestler]

Hi guys,

I am looking to get into biking, perhaps a mid life crisis thing given I am approaching 33. I have read a lot but doubt that means I know a lot :).

I will be buying some good quality gear first so if i do come off, I will be protected but first had some questions on what bike to get. I am leaning more towards the sports bikes and like the look of the new CBR's but as a beginner, would rather start on something cheaper that I won't mind as much if I drop.

Are Suzuki FXR's good for learning on? They seem like a good learner option and do not cost much and I suppose after 6 months or so I could sell it for near on the same price I paid for it, provided I do not overpay?

I was also looking at this 1989 ZXR Kawasaki with a blown engine http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=512771831. Perhaps not the best thing for a beginner to look at but what sort of price would I be looking at to replace the engine with a new one.

Appreciate any helpful replies as it is a lot to take in from the start :)
how big are you? this will have a bearing on what size bike will fit your frame, there's no real issues jumping on a lams approved bike over 250 especially in wellys where often the most dangerous thing is not being able to keep up with the traffic and them swamping you....
being 33 you should have a bit more ability to control surplus power that may initially be a bit too much for you, than say a 17 year old.

[Panther79]

I am pretty small, hover around 70 KG and 1.78m tall. I did some more research and I am now more leaning towards a Yamaha Scorpio as the first bike and was interested in this one http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=510715206. I am possibly moving to Aus towards the middle/end of next year and hopefully can get this for under the asking price and be able to sell it for close to a similar price. What do you guys think? Or should I wait for LAMS to kick in and perhaps the price will drop on this?

[Glowerss]

Scorpios are fantastic little bikes. I pootled about on one for 2 or so months before jumping on a 400.

Being in wellington, there are 2 potential worries with the scorpio. Particularly since I believe you said you can't put it in a garage.

The Chrome on the scorps is unbelievably thin. They will rust just from looking at them sideways. You'll need to be ON the anti corrosion. Some serious CRC application or something stronger if you can find it. Mine was under cover and would just leech moisture out of thin air and merrily rust away.

Thing 2 is, at least for me as I'm a bigger chap, its a VERY light bike. You'll get blown around in crosswinds a fair bit. Considering you're in wellington, it'll be a bit unsettling at first :D It doesn't bother me anymore, but when I first started, going down the motorway in a heavy wind scared the piss out of me :laugh:

A good bike to keep an eye for, are the pre 2008 ninjas. Called GPX or ZZR 250s. You can usually find really good nic version with low Ks for CHEAP as. fantastic little starter bikes. Last you awhile as you can rev the nuts off of em and have a ball.

[ducatilover]

If you went a bit soft in the head and buy that ZXR, find another motor and bring it up to the north Wairarapa, I'll do the engine swap for free.

The Scorpio are excellent machines, reliable, predictable, stupidly cheap to run.
You may want to consider the VTR250, just as reliable (if not more so) and a bit more pep than a Scorpio.

The ZZR250 and GPZ/X have been mentioned, also great little bikes, you'll fit them fine. They're cheap to buy and cheap to run, proven to be solid little motors too.
The Honda Hornet is another great bike, and the Suzuki GSF250 Bandit.


There's also a massive amount of bikes on the LAMS list that'll suit you



Welcome to the site too:yes:

[Kornholio]

Thanks for the reply. I must read up on this LAMS thing but are some 250+cc suitable after October for beginners? Still think i will go for a 250CC max. Anyone in Wellington want to volunteer to help me :), beer and stronger brews are on offer for help :) would really like someone to teach me how to maintain the bike too eventually.


Go see one of the Mair boys in Wellington... They'll see ya right and I think they drink beer......<_<

[Panther79]

Just got my gear sorted this weekend and will sort my license too. Shit then gets serious, looking for a bike!, not many options on Trademe in Welly at the moment. Will post some I am interested in for feedback. Have asked a few questions on this one and waiting for some answers, cbr125

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=523735432

Ideally would like a 250cc and really like the newer Ninjas but then don't want to fork out 5-6K and then drop it. Not many reasonably priced older Ninjas for sale at the mo. Have gone of the idea of getting a Scorpio, a sportier bike is what I am after from the get go :)

[mossy1200]

You cant have a midlife thingy at 33. It must be something else. Bad curry maybe.:shit:

[FJRider]

You cant have a midlife thingy at 33. It must be something else. Bad curry maybe.:shit:

Dam right .... I'm 54 and just approaching mine ... :yes:

[Glowerss]

Just got my gear sorted this weekend and will sort my license too. Shit then gets serious, looking for a bike!, not many options on Trademe in Welly at the moment. Will post some I am interested in for feedback. Have asked a few questions on this one and waiting for some answers, cbr125

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=523735432

Ideally would like a 250cc and really like the newer Ninjas but then don't want to fork out 5-6K and then drop it. Not many reasonably priced older Ninjas for sale at the mo. Have gone of the idea of getting a Scorpio, a sportier bike is what I am after from the get go :)

Sportier in what way? Cuz if you want "sportier" performance, buy the scorpio :laugh: Seriously the 125cbrs have some 12 BHP. If you weight more then, I dont know, an ethiopian, I wouldn't buy a cbr 125. It's little more then a scooter really. I'm 100kg, and my 22 BHP scorpio struggled on hills and the motorway.

Especially living in Wellington! Trying to go uphill in a headwind? You'd be lucky to break 80kph :bleh:

See if you can't find an 07 or earlier GPX 250. You can pick one of those up for $3k easily. Or look for a Honda Hornet, which also are fantastic bikes. Wellington motorcycles has 2 GPX 250s (not that I'd pay what they're asking for them, mind) that you could have a sit on and see if it suits you at least.

[Panther79]

Sportier in what way? Cuz if you want "sportier" performance, buy the scorpio :laugh: Seriously the 125cbrs have some 12 BHP. If you weight more then, I dont know, an ethiopian, I wouldn't buy a cbr 125. It's little more then a scooter really. I'm 100kg, and my 22 BHP scorpio struggled on hills and the motorway.

Especially living in Wellington! Trying to go uphill in a headwind? You'd be lucky to break 80kph :bleh:

See if you can't find an 07 or earlier GPX 250. You can pick one of those up for $3k easily. Or look for a Honda Hornet, which also are fantastic bikes. Wellington motorcycles has 2 GPX 250s (not that I'd pay what they're asking for them, mind) that you could have a sit on and see if it suits you at least.

I guess I meant sportier in terms of looks.. Great suggestion re the GPX250, I have seen the two on Trade Me at Wellington Motorcycles and baulked at the price. However, will take up your suggestion and have a look at them, even take one for a ride (once I get my license this week) and see how it suits me. Perhaps they will move on the price given how long they have had them for sale :)

[Brett]

ZXR250C (1990-1995 or so). Had a few of them over the years, great little learner bike.

[@ndy]

Suggestion: buy a bike in running order with wof ready... last thing you want to do is spend money and have a bike sitting in your garage waiting for parts ecc... while the summer goes by and everybody else is riding (been there, not fun).

[ducatilover]

Suggestion: buy a bike in running order with wof ready... last thing you want to do is spend money and have a bike sitting in your garage waiting for parts ecc... while the summer goes by and everybody else is riding (been there, not fun).
:facepalm: I can vouch for this

But building something custom is half the fun

[@ndy]

:facepalm: I can vouch for this

But building something custom is half the fun

Very true.. that's why you need two bikes! One for riding, and another one for fixing, building, learning, breaking, fixing again.