Some advice please!

[Ulsterkiwi]

Hi all
New to the forum but already have a question.
I did try searching for a previous version of my question but didnt find anything, apologies if I missed it.
Have just got my learners. Previous experience was scooters in mediteranean islands 25+ years ago and a few goes on a honda trike around the same time. So yes, no clue.
Am trying to research my first bike and would like some advice before I head out into the world of dealers and trademe.
I am inclined to getting something cheaper to start off with as I have no firm ideas about the kind of bike I would ultimately like, having no experience to call on. Am aware dealers will try to sell what is on the shop floor to some extent at least. TM sellers just want rid of their bikes and dont worry so much if its the right one for me and fair enough too!
One thing I would like a bit of input on is what folks here consider a useful bike for taller people. I am 1.96m or 6'4" in old money. I did my BHS on a GT125 and to call it cramped would be an understatement.
So, what ya think?

[speeding_ant]

What's your budget?
What kind of riding will you be doing (commuting, fun)?
What style of bike do you like (Chopper, naked, sports)?

[Drew]

You my friend, want a Suzuki GSXR1000. It's comfy as for the taller types if ya get an early one, you'll love it.

You're welcome.:yes:

[The Reibz]

Hayabusa RCC Ultra Turbo, I hear there is a LAMS chip avaliable for them now...

Ok serious time. Get a FZR400, I started on a FZR250, great bikes. Should be able to pick up a cheap one. I even think there is one in the bike trader section for like 1600 or something.
Be prepared to learn alot of mechanical skills regardless of what you buy. :)

[Drew]

Ok serious time. Get a FZR400, I started on a FZR250, great bikes. Should be able to pick up a cheap one. I even think there is one in the bike trader section for like 1600 or something.


He said six foot, four inches tall. FZR400 is a very retarded suggestion I'm afraid.

[Paul in NZ]

A LAMS approved trail bike? edit - sorry adventure bike - trail bike...pfft... how '70's'....

[Ulsterkiwi]

What's your budget?
What kind of riding will you be doing (commuting, fun)?
What style of bike do you like (Chopper, naked, sports)?

Yeah, sorry should have indicated that.

Budget is not set in stone but don't really want to spend more than $6k first time out, I would be confident on picking up a decent car for that but am rapidly finding out that means nothing, its not comparing apples with apples.

I am looking at commuting from Kapiti to Wellington and perhaps a weekend fun run

Style, I am more concerned about being comfortable than the look to be honest and whilst cruisers appeal aesthetically they all seem to be low to the ground and I wonder if they are cramped.

I do understand I will have to try some bikes out, I was thinking that the collective experience and knowledge on here would be useful to tap into and let me bypass things which will be a waste of time.

While I am here again I was wondering if a 250 should be discounted altogether? I am around 110kgs to go with the long frame. I dont fancy struggling up the Ngauranga gorge every evening with no reserves of power left to get out of trouble.

Cheers for all the replies folks, much appreciated....even the "retarded" one :-)

[BigAl]

I think you need to investigate what bikes are on the lams list, the gixer thou may be but certainly not an R1;)

Then go around the local shops and see what you like the look of and fits. Don't discount buying from a shop as you may not pay much more than privately and get some peace of mind.

[10bikekid]

I don't own any of these so its a should be a non prejudice;) but purely functional comment :yawn:

given all your requirements (all lams approved)

1, Kawasaki KLR650, best all-rounder, good buying, roomy, good weather protection, cheap to run and very reliable (my KTM only gets half these ticks:crazy:)

2, Honda XL650 Transalp, great bike but not cheap

3, BMW 650 Funduro, Bit of both of the above

[blackdog]

KLR650 seems to be the sensible choice, yes.

[Milts]

Can't say I've ever sat on one of these but they look sexy as fuck, and should do for both commuting and weekends:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-601103628.htm

TBH you don't need to spend $6k for a good LAMS bike.

You will also get much better feedback/advice if you pick a few potential models and ask about pros and cons, rather than just starting a blanket "what bike should I buy" thread.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Can't say I've ever sat on one of these but they look sexy as fuck, and should do for both commuting and weekends:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-601103628.htm

TBH you don't need to spend $6k for a good LAMS bike.

You will also get much better feedback/advice if you pick a few potential models and ask about pros and cons, rather than just starting a blanket "what bike should I buy" thread.

fair comment, I guess I go and try and few and report back, thank you all again.

[Mrs Shrek]

fair comment, I guess I go and try and few and report back, thank you all again.

A good place to start would be Wellington Motorcycles (they sell other bikes besides HD's)
Pete (crasherfromwayback) is a good guy to deal with, he'll even make you a coffee :facepalm:

[Drew]

Can't say I've ever sat on one of these but they look sexy as fuck, and should do for both commuting and weekends:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-601103628.htm

I was very impressed with the one I rode, and it was a real rough piece of shit looking thing. But they're very small.


, he'll even make you a coffee :facepalm:I thought we'd all agreed to stop calling it "coffee"?

[McFatty1000]

While I am here again I was wondering if a 250 should be discounted altogether? I am around 110kgs to go with the long frame. I dont fancy struggling up the Ngauranga gorge every evening with no reserves of power left to get out of trouble.



Haha yeah, a 250 may be on the small side (or at least most) - I've got a friend who sounds slightly smaller than you but looks like a giant trying to ride a scooter on my bike.
Go for a lams if you can

[pete-blen]

there yer go.... right on the LAMS cc limit...
tall enough for a 6'.4" rider...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-588705362.htm

[Ulsterkiwi]

Back to pick the collective brain again.
Ok so I tried a BMW F650. To my untrained eye it seems in good order, no obvious leaks, rust, damage, broken bits etc.
I took it for a ride and after being on small bikes this was just soooo comfortable.
My only gripe was it was really awkward to get it into neutral, perhaps its just a case of getting used to the gearbox but it was a veeeery delicate movement from 1st to get the light on.
What I liked was riding position and comfort. Size and weight felt good.
What I didnt do was take it on the highway but I did spend 20 minutes stopping and starting at intersections and lots of turns and manoevres on the street which is what I will be doing a fair bit of.
My plan is to take it to a bike mechanic and have him (or her!) check it over. The owner is agreeable. (Really nice guy by the way, are all bikers good guys?)
Its a '99 with 82k on the clock. $4.5k with new WOF and 3 months rego. Some movement on price but wondered what you all thought and any tips or pointers on what to watch out for with this bike?

Cheers

[Drew]

(Really nice guy by the way, are all bikers good guys?)Fuck no!

Its a '99 with 82k on the clock. $4.5k with new WOF and 3 months rego. Some movement on price but wondered what you all thought and any tips or pointers on what to watch out for with this bike?

CheersOther than them being generally accepted as horrible to look at, they're good enough bikes from all accounts I've had.

No Gixxer thou though.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Other than them being generally accepted as horrible to look at, they're good enough bikes from all accounts I've had.

No Gixxer thou though.

and unfortunately wont be for at least 18 months until I get my full :-)

[Drew]

and unfortunately wont be for at least 18 months until I get my full :-)

Dude, did you get out on the gay side of bed this morning, and put a dress on?

[10bikekid]

Back to pick the collective brain again.
Ok so I tried a BMW F650. To my untrained eye it seems in good order, no obvious leaks, rust, damage, broken bits etc.
I took it for a ride and after being on small bikes this was just soooo comfortable.
My only gripe was it was really awkward to get it into neutral, perhaps its just a case of getting used to the gearbox but it was a veeeery delicate movement from 1st to get the light on.
What I liked was riding position and comfort. Size and weight felt good.
What I didnt do was take it on the highway but I did spend 20 minutes stopping and starting at intersections and lots of turns and manoevres on the street which is what I will be doing a fair bit of.
My plan is to take it to a bike mechanic and have him (or her!) check it over. The owner is agreeable. (Really nice guy by the way, are all bikers good guys?)
Its a '99 with 82k on the clock. $4.5k with new WOF and 3 months rego. Some movement on price but wondered what you all thought and any tips or pointers on what to watch out for with this bike?

Cheers

You get the Idea, but for me I couldn't bring myself to pay that much for a 99 with 82k on the clock, though it is possible they are super reliable and that's not an issue. Would be considering paying 6k for a Honda 650 Transalp which would be nicer to ride and go forever, recommend you find one and take it for spin to compare.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Dude, did you get out on the gay side of bed this morning, and put a dress on?

yup, a nice little black number.

perhaps I missed something? I got my learners a few days ago, I need to do 6 months on that before I can take my restricted and then a minimum of 12 months before I can take my full licence test (assuming I complete the necessary training to reduce it from 18 months). 6+12=18 months which then means any bike I choose/can afford which presumably would include your beloved Suzuki?

[Ulsterkiwi]

You get the Idea, but for me I couldn't bring myself to pay that much for a 99 with 82k on the clock, though it is possible they are super reliable and that's not an issue. Would be considering paying 6k for a Honda 650 Transalp which would be nicer to ride and go forever, recommend you find one and take it for spin to compare.

okie dokie, pretty sure I can get the BMW for a fair bit less mind you but I understand its only informed choice if I am actually informed :-) so need something to compare to.

cheers!

[Drew]

yup, a nice little black number.

perhaps I missed something? I got my learners a few days ago, I need to do 6 months on that before I can take my restricted and then a minimum of 12 months before I can take my full licence test (assuming I complete the necessary training to reduce it from 18 months). 6+12=18 months which then means any bike I choose/can afford which presumably would include your beloved Suzuki?

It's just a pissed take. Don't sweat it.

[Ulsterkiwi]

It's just a pissed take. Don't sweat it.

not possible in my little black dress, too much exposed flesh. Its ok, I get it, was simply chucking some back your way.......or is that not allowed on my learners? ;)

[unstuck]

or is that not allowed on my learners? ;)

Not only is it allowed, I strongly recommend it.:devil2:

[sels1]

Back to pick the collective brain again.
Ok so I tried a BMW F650.
I had one of those once and had a good run out of it. The motors are built to last.
It would make a good commuter. Is it in Kapiti?

[Ulsterkiwi]

I had one of those once and had a good run out of it. The motors are built to last.
It would make a good commuter. Is it in Kapiti?

sure is! the kms on the clock is the one thing making me wince a bit. Am guessing though by your comments thats not necessarily a huge concern. So thank you for that.
By comparison I have seen a '97 F650 with 20k on the clock going for $6995 and hopefully going to look at a '06 Dakar with 50k on the clock, this is from a dealer and he is talking $9kish
Getting the '99 bike checked in the morning by mechanic, will see what that throws up.

I went to 4 bike shops in Wellington this morning. By far and away Wgtn Motorcycles made the best impression. They were actually interested in doing business! There appears to be a real dearth of LAMS approved bikes bigger than 250cc. Between 4 places I was shown a KLR650 demonstrator (so pretty much brand new) and a very rough looking KLX400 which was clearly set up for off-road. Not much choice!

Looks like its a sellers market out there. There is a limit to what is available in my region and to go further afield means spending time and money travelling to try bikes out which I dont have and would rather spend on a bike, so to speak! I dont have enough experience to buy unseen and transport to me. I am completely new to this scene so may well be talking rubbish but it does look like the law changes have meant there is a shortfall in available stock. Either the bikes in question are doing their jobs so no one is selling or the few that do become available are commanding high prices and are snapped up by those in the know very quickly. This is fun!:yes:

[Milts]

When buying second hand, especially for your first bike, buying local so you can see it is definitely the best move. I think most on here agree there is not much better than bike shopping with cash in pocket... other than, you know, riding it.

Having been to a few motorcycle shops around wellington of the past years I think they're all pretty good to deal with - we're spoilt in this city.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Cheers Milts, I am sure that in time I will be more confident of buying out of town.

So far as the bike shops are concerned in Wellington I visited two more today (in the Hutt on the way home). The first was because I was passing it. When I explained what I was after the sales lady was very apologetic they didnt have anything in stock other than brand new bikes but did take some time to show me what was on offer and indicated what might be coming in, took my details and offered to get in touch when something of the type and budget appeared.

The second place I called to was one I had phoned earlier in the day to check out what they had. The guy said to call out, he had a couple of bikes that would interest me. I did so and when I indicated what I wanted in a second hand bike and what my budget was, I was promptly taken to be shown a series of brand new bikes starting at $12k, twice the budget I specified. Geez! and car dealers have a bad rep sometimes! I said I didnt want a 250 and was offered a test ride on 3. I know I talk funny but this was getting beyond a joke!

Anyway back to TM for me :-) Are there any other online places to look for 2nd hand bikes that folk here would recommend?

Cheers

[Wayz]

CBF250? You could pick one up for 3K on trademe, Naked sports would be the way

[sels1]

Getting the '99 bike checked in the morning by mechanic, will see what that throws up.:


So how did that go?

[Ulsterkiwi]

So how did that go?

very well, the mechanic said "very nice example, tried hard but couldnt find anything wrong with it."

looked at and tried another 2 bikes, a Dragstar 650 and a yamaha 250 cruiser (can't remember model).

Tried a few other dealerships who again were only offering brand new.

Have looked around at similar offerings for F650s of different types, age and mileage around the country. This one seems the business, for me anyway, and heck, I like the thing!
I had a good run on the highway to take it to the mechanic, felt much happier and stable than on the cruisers and the 250 was just as a I expected, just fine and dandy but not as happy with my bulk sitting on it!

Have bought the F650, pick it up on Tuesday. Now is the time to start to learn how to ride! My BHS instructor talked about a number of courses/instruction I can take now, will be booking myself on to those quick sharp :-)

Can I say a huge thank you to those who have taken the time to post and offer constructive and piss taking comment, all is welcome and appreciated.

[unstuck]

Cool, I hope you will be very happy together.:Punk::Punk:

[sels1]

Have bought the F650, pick it up on Tuesday. .

Well congrats!
I think you made the right choice for your circumstances. Will be seeing you on the road around Kapiti then.
PM me if you want to go for a local ride

[Ulsterkiwi]

thank you all for the well wishes :-)

will be sure to get in touch to go for a ride sels :-)

[Mrs Shrek]

Well congrats!
I think you made the right choice for your circumstances. Will be seeing you on the road around Kapiti then.
PM me if you want to go for a local ride

:wavey: Hi sels1

[russd7]

Cool, I hope you will be very happy together.:Punk::Punk:
bout time you got ya act together and got your damned legality sorted to mr stuck fella, then you can join us on the thurs rides when i start em up again :2thumbsup
not comin up to pick ya up lol it would make me late :yawn: