Need advice on buying my first bike

[Shakes]

I've only just joined this site and would like some advise on buying my first bike. As with probably everyone else, I have played around on bikes before but never on public roads and usually with dirt bikes. However it has always been a dream to own one so now that fuel prices has finally become enough of a factor to muffle the wife's protest, I am planning on getting my BHS cert and learners. I have been looking around on every website I can find and familiarising myself with what's available for what sort of price but here's the thing. I'm a cruiser fan and weigh about 110kg. With that said, the only mentionable cruisers I've been able to find are 250's (Which won't work for my "Unique physique") and 750's or larger (Which are not LAM approved). What I'm looking for is a 400 - 600cc but NO ONE is selling them used. I've seen the occasional one for $5000 or less, which is the price bracket that I'm looking for but they get sweeped up really fast. So I guess I'm trying to find out what the best available cruiser would be in those sizes sothat I can narrow my search.

Any input would be welcome.

[James Deuce]

LAMS approved.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/SearchResults.aspx?&cid=1&searchType=&searchString=Suzuki+s40&x=0&y=0&searchregion=100&type=Search&sort_order=&redirectFromAll=True&rptpath=all&generalSearch_keypresses=14&generalSearch_suggested=0

[Shakes]

Thanks, I must admit I haven't given these much thought because I don't much about them. I'll do some more research.

[coreys]

Champ, have you checked out a Hyusong 650 Aquilla?
I think that they are LAM approved, 650 twin, cruiser style. Might be worth a look
http://www.hyosung.co.nz/dealers.php

[madandy]

^^for $5k?

Jim2 is onto it with the s40.

[Shakes]

Thanks guys. I'm looking at all the suggestions. How much horsepower can one expect from the s40's?

[White trash]

S40 has the most fun power and torque delivery of all the LAMS cruisers in your budget but is physically a very small bike. For your height, it'll be uncomfortable. The Yamaha/Dragstar XVS650 will fit you better, but are fucken boring to ride.

I'd take your 5K, and throw down a sizeable deposit on the Hyosung ST7 (650cc) L. Biggest midsized cruiser by far and the most powerful LAMs bike on the market.

[nzspokes]

S40 has the most fun power and torque delivery of all the LAMS cruisers in your budget but is physically a very small bike. For your height, it'll be uncomfortable. The Yamaha/Dragstar XVS650 will fit you better, but are fucken boring to ride.

I'd take your 5K, and throw down a sizeable deposit on the Hyosung ST7 (650cc) L. Biggest midsized cruiser by far and the most powerful LAMs bike on the market.

Really? Weve got a Hyo GT650 comet and it is somewhat slow.

Well more than somewhat....

[James Deuce]

In case you haven't noticed, White Trash is selling something.

Stick to your budget. Don't let salesmen talk you into spending more than you want to. Unless you can afford it, in which case it's probably good advice.

[White trash]

No I'm not, I'm offering input as requested by the OP. As I said, within his budget the XVS650 is without a doubt the best LAMs option available to him due to his height and weight, despite being a little gutless.

If he wanted to extend his budget and get the best bike he can legally ride, the ST7 has no peers.

Wasn't aware that profession had an influence over the validity of ones opinion. Glad I now know the rules. Will refrain from offering advice in future.

[James Deuce]

When did you get so touchy?

Have a mate. 6'4". Quite happy on an S40. If you're budget constrained it's the only realistic option. The XV's are relatively expensive.

[Oblivion]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-516668680.htm

Its in Wellington, But it could be a good buy, If you managed to get someone to have a look at it. At 3k, its way inside your budget.

[GrayWolf]

I've only just joined this site and would like some advise on buying my first bike. As with probably everyone else, I have played around on bikes before but never on public roads and usually with dirt bikes. However it has always been a dream to own one so now that fuel prices has finally become enough of a factor to muffle the wife's protest, I am planning on getting my BHS cert and learners. I have been looking around on every website I can find and familiarising myself with what's available for what sort of price but here's the thing. I'm a cruiser fan and weigh about 110kg. With that said, the only mentionable cruisers I've been able to find are 250's (Which won't work for my "Unique physique") and 750's or larger (Which are not LAM approved). What I'm looking for is a 400 - 600cc but NO ONE is selling them used. I've seen the occasional one for $5000 or less, which is the price bracket that I'm looking for but they get sweeped up really fast. So I guess I'm trying to find out what the best available cruiser would be in those sizes sothat I can narrow my search.

Any input would be welcome.

Hi Shakes,
reality on the Hyobags... They may not yet be up to japanese standards, but these days they arent far short, and to be honest the Jap's still make fuck up's and have to recall/modify even modern bikes. Soo 'no effin power'? Here's where the gotta have the latest n greatest brigade foam at the mouth because this years XMVGTRX 150 has 1hp more and weighs 0.5kilo less so it is the 'fucking shizzzz'. Reality is, when being used for 'normal' road riding the Hyo is as good as anything else out there. maybe the Japanese 650 V twins like the SV650 suzuki is 'better' but then Hyo used to build the bloody SV650 motor FOR Suzuki. I dont think the SV650 is LAMS approved anyway. Compared to a 650 0f 30 yrs ago? XS650, GN650 etc, the Hyo is more than competent for power, it is as/more powerful than the one time 'king' Triumph Bonneville 650.
Research your 'need' and buy what suits YOU not someone else's 'opinion' of what is best or you need. For performance I think you'll find the Hyo quite acceptable Gt650 or Aquilla.... but then I ride a bloody slow. low powered V twin anyway... so what the hell do I know?
GW

[Old Steve]

I'm with White Trash. I think the Hyosung ST7 is a fantastic bike, and the ST7-650 LAMS would be a great learner cruiser. I had the ST7 for a day, nice ride, good seating position, low c of g, enough power for a bike of it's size and type, though the power is developed high in the rev range. But it's unlikely there are any available second hand yet and their new price is well above the OP's price range.

[St_Gabriel]

I'm a cruiser fan and weigh about 110kg. With that said, the only mentionable cruisers I've been able to find are 250's (Which won't work for my "Unique physique")

Any input would be welcome.

I was (and still am) of a more "Unique" physique (I am a Fatter Fat Bastard) and had no issue with both Hyosung GV250 and the Suzuki VL250 hauling my fat arse around, both could exceed 110kmh (on closed roads only of course). If I was starting out now though I would have preferred a bigger bike to be able to safely overtake with a margin to spare.

[Shakes]

Okay so I've checked out all the suggestions so far and the EN500 is already on my whatchlist. The Aquila looks awesome but is somewhat out of by budget. I must say that the S40 didn't really pull my attention due to it's empty appearance in the engine bay but you guys have given me alot to think about. I'm just after something that cfan do 110km/h cumfortably without having to strangle the shit out of it. I'll keep all the suggestions in mind.
Thanks again.

[Drew]

Some good advice...
All except what that dodgy salesman said:yes:

[White trash]

All except what that dodgy salesman said:yes:

Fuck off fatty.

[Drew]

Fuck off fatty.Pfft, wont sell any bikes with that attitude.

What a fuckin rookie!

[wainui]

Mate how you getting on with your looking.Been thinking about selling my VS 750 intruder.Dont want too but can only ride one at a time. I can email pics to you as dont know how to upload on here.Mine 87 Inruder with 20000 miles on clock I think will check SHe is a beaut.It on my profile but cant see properly let me know
How far you plannin on going as the intruder range can be cramped on long trips but great fun and fast for short jaunts 200 ks or so .Good off the line speed too and light and agile ,easily haul you ass round even with pillion .I myself extended footpegs and redone seat on its bigger bro an way more comfortable .Should imagine this will be for you too.
Good luck

[Tigadee]

Okay so I've checked out all the suggestions so far and the EN500 is already on my whatchlist. The Aquila looks awesome but is somewhat out of by budget. I must say that the S40 didn't really pull my attention due to it's empty appearance in the engine bay but you guys have given me alot to think about. I'm just after something that cfan do 110km/h cumfortably without having to strangle the shit out of it. I'll keep all the suggestions in mind.

Honda Magna 250 (or the Taiwanese OEM version, the Kymco Venox 250) is for big fellas. I'm 6'1" and 110kgs and the Magna/Venox fit me really well physically and aesthetically (didn't look like a Russian circus bear on a kid's bicycle).

Best big 250 cruiser other than the Aquila, the rest are smaller. The Magna's V-twin pulls really well and smoothly too, and I've hit 140kph on a straight and no wind, though 130kph sustained is more usual.

[akkadian]

Just go buy a Yamaha Vmax mate. No-one uses L plates anyway... :bash:

[pratik8890]

I guess u should stick to a Japanese for your 1st bike as it'll have less maintenance cost than the other brands.