Looking for recommendations for a bike for a short lass

[sonicnz]

I'm new to motorcycling and have just signed up to do a beginners course, but I've also been looking around at motorcycles in the meantime. I'm quite short and light, 5'3" & 50kgs. I've sat on a few bikes - Honda CBR250, Suzuki GW250 Inazuma, Suzuki Intruder 250LC, Hyosung 250 - and only put both feet flat on the ground with the cruiser (Intruder). I'm a little unsure whether I want a cruiser long term (I actually prefer the sports bike riding position), but wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of being on tippy toes when stationary either. I realise when I become more confident on the bikes the tippy toes thing will be less of a big deal too.

Are there any learner-approved sports bikes that suit smaller frames? I have heard that the Kawasaki Ninja might be a little smaller, but I haven't had a chance to try one out yet.

Thanks in advance :)

[Drew]

A low one.

You're welcome.

[paturoa]

Welcome!

The following link takes you to a web site where you enter your stats, height, inner leg etc and it shows you how you'll fit on most bikes out there. Unfortunately it doesn't do a reverse search on seat height. Not sure why they've never added that search.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

[BigAl]

Welcome, have a look at this link

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/139127-Oh-the-curse-of-being-tiny!?highlight=Low+seat+height

[sonicnz]

Welcome!

The following link takes you to a web site where you enter your stats, height, inner leg etc and it shows you how you'll fit on most bikes out there. Unfortunately it doesn't do a reverse search on seat height. Not sure why they've never added that search.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

Hey, that site's really cool. Thanks!



Welcome, have a look at this link

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/139127-Oh-the-curse-of-being-tiny!?highlight=Low+seat+height

Thanks, I was sure I wasn't the only short person out there. Seems the overwhelming answer is to get a cruiser-style bike, at least at first. I guess that can't hurt.

[Berg]

Lol, no you're not the only one out there who got short changed in the leg department. My boss is short and has just stepped off a GPZ250 Kawasaki onto a lowered Suzuki Gladius. I'm not over whelming in the legs so also have to be careful with seat heights and widths. Last bike was a Kawasaki ER6n (have now updated to a ZR750) and it was great for me and my short legs.

[jellywrestler]

honda bros 400 v twin means a narrow overall bike so has a narrower seat

[Drew]

honda bros 400 v twin means a narrow overall bike so has a narrower seatYou selling the missus one yet?

[Drew]

The only alternative I see to a cruiser is a scooter for low seat height. Some bikes can be modified to have their seats/suspension lowered which could be an option. I ride a bike that I can only put 1 foot fully on the ground with the other tip toe but for a learner 2 feet fully on the ground would be the way to go as so many places you stop could have gravel when you put your foot down.Seat height is not always the issue.

As Jellywrestler says, a narrow seat gives the rider the ability to have their legs straigter. So their arse can be higher if ya get what I mean.

[russd7]

yup, best not to get a goldwing yet then, the seats on them are bloody wide, but as has already been suggested, seat width has as much to do with it as seat height, so best bet is keep doin what ya doin and go round sittin on bikes, hmm probably best ya ask the owners first tho, some people like me are a little anal about strangers walking up and throwing their leg over :oi-grr:

[Mushu]

You learn pretty quick how to deal with a bike that has a high seat, I'm quite short but have no problem riding bigger bikes, you just kind of slide your ass to the side as you stop.

But it is worth looking into the ninja, I had one, the seat is quite low and the riding position is very relaxed, very good for getting used to being on the bike.

[jellywrestler]

You learn pretty quick how to deal with a bike that has a high seat, I'm quite short but have no problem riding bigger bikes, you just kind of slide your ass to the side as you stop.

But it is worth looking into the ninja, I had one, the seat is quite low and the riding position is very relaxed, very good for getting used to being on the bike.

that's the sort of advice that gets people into trouble, let her learn with a bike she's comfortable on and then she can make a desicion if she's got enough experience to cope with an extra issue like this. You've only got one life don't waste it on buying a bike you can't cope with

[fridayflash]

i still believe you cant go past the gn250 for starters, low seat, low tech, low price!

[Drew]

i still believe you cant go past the gn250 for starters, low seat, low tech, low price!Low thrill, low capability, low feeling when people see your bike...

[fridayflash]

low power yep but i get a thrill outa riding bikes like that, and i dont reckon spending $6995 on an intruder
will gain you anymore street cred

[Drew]

low power yep but i get a thrill outa riding bikes like that, and i dont reckon spending $6995 on an intruder
will gain you anymore street cred

I get a kick out of playing silly buggers on them, don't get me wrong.

But with the LAMs bikes available, it's possible to buy a bike you don't want to burn the second you get your full license.

[fridayflash]

you have a good point there...its a new way of thinking now
gs500e be a good low seat bike or like my lady had gb400
although theyre older bikes now
i lower my dr650 occasionally and she rides it ok..and like the lady above
is only 5'3

[Mushu]

that's the sort of advice that gets people into trouble, let her learn with a bike she's comfortable on and then she can make a desicion if she's got enough experience to cope with an extra issue like this. You've only got one life don't waste it on buying a bike you can't cope with

I'm not suggesting she go get a super high seat bike, just that there's no need to get a cruiser just because that's the only thing she can get her feet flat on. (if she's comfortable on it a CBR250 would be fine) I doubt there's any increase in the risk of her dying because she can't get her feet flat, a higher chance of dropping it, yes, but how many people die on bikes that aren't moving. She should buy something that she won't be devastated if she drops anyway since learners are likely to drop their first bike at some stage

[jellywrestler]

Low thrill, low capability, low feeling when people see your bike...

way out of touch again Drew, many a person has had a GN250 or have had a mate with one and know how damn good they do what they do. There's probably more stories about GN250's than any other bike over the last thirty years in NZ.

[Grashopper]

I really think with your weight and height a GN would be pretty ideal as a learner's bike. It has a low seat, low weight, doesn't mind if you drop it and is cheap to get even with low kms. It doesn't mean you have to keep it forever. Keep it until your restricted or until you feel confident enough. (In case you want to keep it, though, contact ducatilover about putting a 500cc engine in :lol:....:scratch: hm, maybe I should...)

What is your budget anyway?

[Mushu]

way out of touch again Drew, many a person has had a GN250 or have had a mate with one and know how damn good they do what they do. There's probably more stories about GN250's than any other bike over the last thirty years in NZ.

Depends on how you intend to ride it, they're good fun around town but I like to ride out of town and they don't really have enough power for the open road I wouldn't own one but plenty of people do, I don't think any less of them for it though.

[Drew]

way out of touch again Drew, many a person has had a GN250 or have had a mate with one and know how damn good they do what they do. There's probably more stories about GN250's than any other bike over the last thirty years in NZ.Not at all bro. I've spent a bit of time on them. Done some cool stupid stuff on them, and managed to wheelie a 125 quite respectably to boot.

However, given the option of doubling my initial spend for a 400 savage (or whatever they're called now), or a GN, I know what path I'm taking.

Plus, those stories you are prolly correct in thinking are out there, are likely 90% the early 'original' GNs. Not the chinese ones on offer these days.

[jellywrestler]

I actually prefer the sports bike riding position the sports bike position restricts your vision way more than a more upright bike, just another thing to throw in the mix...

[russd7]

the sports bike position restricts your vision way more than a more upright bike, just another thing to throw in the mix...

dont understand this statement, i ride both a tourer (whisperjet) and a sports tourer (zzr) and have good vision on both, only place is at intersections when i have to turn my head to look behind me :clap:

[Drew]

dont understand this statement, i ride both a tourer (whisperjet) and a sports tourer (zzr) and have good vision on both, only place is at intersections when i have to turn my head to look behind me :clap:

ZZR is not currently classed anywhere near 'sports' in seating position.

Head movement is restricted when your weight is on your arms and leaning forward. Try it on a table or summat.

[russd7]

ZZR is not currently classed anywhere near 'sports' in seating position.

Head movement is restricted when your weight is on your arms and leaning forward. Try it on a table or summat.

not a lot of difference in seating posi on zzr from a sports, have riden plenty of sports bikes as well and i understand the concept of having to hold your head back when on a sports but it still does not really affect your forward or perepheral vision and you do have mirrors to see behind you

[Drew]

not a lot of difference in seating posi on zzr from a sports, have riden plenty of sports bikes as well and i understand the concept of having to hold your head back when on a sports but it still does not really affect your forward or perepheral vision and you do have mirrors to see behind you

Lowers the ability to "head check". Kiwi drivers and riders are fucken useless at it already, making it hard for learners isn't ideal I wouldn't have thought.

[russd7]

Lowers the ability to "head check". Kiwi drivers and riders are fucken useless at it already, making it hard for learners isn't ideal I wouldn't have thought.

dont agree, i head check all the time when changing lanes or starting an overtaking maneuver when i know there are other bikes or cars around me and i dont have a problem, i think people put issues in that are not there or think that every one else suffers from their own inadequacies

[Mushu]

I have no problem performing head checks on my R6, sure you can't look directly behind you (like I can on the DR) but you can look around enough to see anything that's not in your mirrors.

[jellywrestler]

dont understand this statement, i ride both a tourer (whisperjet) and a sports tourer (zzr) and have good vision on both, only place is at intersections when i have to turn my head to look behind me :clap:

once again an experienced rider is probably unaware that this is the case fact as they compensate for it whereas a learner needs every bit of help and vision they can have in my opinion, just saying what I reckon...

[Mushu]

once again an experienced rider is probably unaware that this is the case fact as they compensate for it whereas a learner needs every bit of help and vision they can have in my opinion, just saying what I reckon...

There aren't any bikes to my knowledge that reduce visibility to the point of being dangerous, as long as you can see any area not covered by your mirrors, who cares if you can turn right around and see what's behind you, that's what the mirrors are for.

[Mushu]

My advice to the OP is find what you like and what feels comfortable try sit on as many bikes as you can. Don't let someone talk you into a specific bike because they perceive it to be safer, as long as your bike is mechanically ok, your attitude to riding is a far bigger factor in safety than what you ride, you're restricted in what you can ride on your 6L any way so look around and get what you like and what will fit your needs.

[swtfa]

Welcome to KB.
I'm only 3 inches taller (with short legs - well, short one end). My latest bike is a Kawasaki er-5 which I manage to get both feet flat on the ground, no tippy toes. It also LAMS approved. :)

[bikerannie]

I'm 5 foot 3 and my Honda Cbr 250 is perfect size for me

[sonicnz]

Hmmm plenty to think about and I definitely agree with the people that suggest I jump on as many bikes as I can and go with what is comfortable. I went into the Yamaha dealership today and jumped on an R150, it felt as tall as the XJ6N (which i think was the model of the 600cc bike i also jumped on) but significantly lighter. It was really easy to pull the bike up off its stand and although only 150cc I think may be a good starter bike. I think I would prefer one I am less likely to drop, then upgrade to something more powerful and heavier later.

That said, I still need to check out the kawasaki dealership, and sit on some of the bikes people have mentioned here. My budget is $10k for bike and gear, and I am pretty sure I will come in well under that.

Thanks for all the input :)

[george formby]

My advice to the OP is find what you like and what feels comfortable try sit on as many bikes as you can. Don't let someone talk you into a specific bike because they perceive it to be safer, as long as your bike is mechanically ok, your attitude to riding is a far bigger factor in safety than what you ride, you're restricted in what you can ride on your 6L any way so look around and get what you like and what will fit your needs.

I concur.

Prior to my G/F getting on the road I made a mental check list of what I felt was a suitable learner bike. Fit, weight, performance, mixed use on gravel tar & grass, crashability, comfort etc. We had many a good long chat about it & she sat on a few different styles of bike. Ended up with a trailie which is what I had in mind anyway.

The bike has been lowered but is still only a foot and a half for her which did cause doubts initially and a couple of drops. I anticipated this, I reckon all bikes are heavy once they get past the balance point. My logic was, better learning to look where you stop & how to handle your bike at a stand still from the start rather than wait until you shell out more money on a bigger, heavier bike then realise that your not as balanced or observant as you thought the first time you have to pick it up.

Another reason for the trailie is that I wanted her to learn a full palate of skills, off road techniques, too, not just tar seal. Be a bugger hitting a bit of gravel on the road on your first "big" bike & not having the reactions to handle it.

I have a couple of caveats with what I have written, not a recommendation to the OP, just sharing our own experience.
I knew that she would not be riding alone for quite a long time, until she was in my mind fully competent & safe.
I set my own bar as to what I thought was "safe". For my own peace of mind when she is riding.

Be well over a year that she has been on the road & she could ride just about anything now, stopping the bike on cambers or slick surfaces happens without thinking about it, stopping the bike in a position where she can ride away from the same, no footing about trying to get out of a park.

She is competent & happy riding on any surface in any weather. The weight & height of the bike are distant memories.

[SMOKEU]

I find it's easier to turn my head around to look behind on the upright push bike compared to my sports bike. It's not really a big deal though and vision is pretty good on sports bikes.

[baffa]

Start with a brand new scorpio, once you're confident, sell it on trademe for the same price you paid new for it (yeah, people are doing this) and get a sports bike.

Easy.

[Mushu]

Start with a brand new scorpio, once you're confident, sell it on trademe for the same price you paid new for it (yeah, people are doing this) and get a sports bike.

Easy.

You can't get the same price you paid for it on TM, why would somebody pay the brand new price for a second hand bike? I payed 9k for a ninja 250 last year sold it a year later for 5k maybe could have got 6 or 7 for it if I didn't sell it to my cousin but there is no point in buying a brand new bike unless you intend to keep it forever.

[Grashopper]

My budget is $10k for bike and gear, and I am pretty sure I will come in well under that.
Just don't forget to calculate insurance and rego in, too.

You've got a really good budget for your first bike, but would still recommended a used bike. They lose so much value so quickly and you will put scratches in it. Even of you are so lucky to never drop it, you still might scratch it just by not paying attention.

It would be ideal if you could grab someone who knows a bit about bikes and then check out some private sales, too.

[Zippo]

I had the exact same issue when it came to looking for a bike. I'm 5 foot 4 and weigh 54kg but I have a really short inseam - I think it's like 29inches. In fact I couldn't even flat foot a Gn250. I admit I didn't sit on too many bikes and I was just so desperate to find one so I could start riding. My personal opinion of the bikes I've sat on:

VTR250 - was one of the shorter bikes that I sat on due to the slim seat/upright position
FZX250 Zeal -I could flat foot but it was a bit heavier/upright position
GS500f - low bike but I think this would have been to big of a bike to learn on.
ZZR250 - I found this bike to be really heavy.
GW250 Inazuma - too big for me

I ended up going with the VTR250. I could almost flat foot it which helped, but as our driveway is on a bit of a slope, i really struggled with maneuvering my bike around. I ended up getting some proper bike boots and WOW did they make a world of difference. They give me an extra inch of height and they support my ankles so when I put my feet down it keeps the bike steady. It's taken me a good 7 months to get used to the weight of a bike (I'm such a weakling). It really is all about technique. I can push my bike around on a flat easily,because when it's fully upright there isn't any weight on you, but on a slope it's a bit different. Because it's a relatively common bike I can get parts for it quite easily and lack of fairings = win.

However, when I met one of the girls from KB who owns a ZXR250 I felt slightly ripped off haha. Her bike looks great and the seat height is sooo low and her bike feels so light because it has a lower centre of gravity. She knows I'm jealous of it hahah.

Bit of a ramble, but hope it helps :) Definitely agree that you should sit on as many bikes as possible because despite what their specs say on paper they can have a completely different feel based on seat width, center of gravity and riding position. Also, invest in some proper bike boots!!

Just remembered I sat on a:
gsx250 (invader) - that had a super low seat as well.

[Juniper]

However, when I met one of the girls from KB who owns a ZXR250 I felt slightly ripped off haha. Her bike looks great and the seat height is sooo low and her bike feels so light because it has a lower centre of gravity. She knows I'm jealous of it hahah.
ion. Also, invest in some proper bike boots!!
.

Must admit that is the one thing I love about my bike. It is the perfect learner hight for me. If I feel unstable when I stop I can put both feet down and actually stand up.

[sonicnz]

Had some motorcycle tuition today, but I was too n00b to attempt the BHS test. Hopefully next weekend. Being able to put both feet flat is less of an issue than I thought it would be, but the lesson was on a GN250 and I could put both feet down if I wanted to. Lots of going round in circles very slowly. Quite tiring. So much fun.

I think I'm going to aim for a Ninja, not sure about 250 or 300 (I've only sat on a 300). It was by far the most comfortable bike for me, and it looks like it would last me for my learners/restricted and beyond. It seems quite hard to find decent Ninjas second hand near Hamilton though :(

[Zippo]

Had some motorcycle tuition today, but I was too n00b to attempt the BHS test. Hopefully next weekend. Being able to put both feet flat is less of an issue than I thought it would be, but the lesson was on a GN250 and I could put both feet down if I wanted to. Lots of going round in circles very slowly. Quite tiring. So much fun.

Haha if it makes you feel any better, it took me 3 tries to pass my BHS. First time they didn't even let me attempt the test. Half a year later I decided to give it another go and couldn't do the slalom. I went back the day after and third time = woohoo :clap:

[Mushu]

Had some motorcycle tuition today, but I was too n00b to attempt the BHS test. Hopefully next weekend. Being able to put both feet flat is less of an issue than I thought it would be, but the lesson was on a GN250 and I could put both feet down if I wanted to. Lots of going round in circles very slowly. Quite tiring. So much fun.

I think I'm going to aim for a Ninja, not sure about 250 or 300 (I've only sat on a 300). It was by far the most comfortable bike for me, and it looks like it would last me for my learners/restricted and beyond. It seems quite hard to find decent Ninjas second hand near Hamilton though :(

The ninja is a good choice, its what I started with, and it's still in the family (cousin bought it from me) I wouldn't bother with the 300 just yet because they are so new, you'd be able to get a 250 much cheaper and there is almost no difference between them, slightly more torque on the 300 but it really doesn't seem to make a notable difference. Plenty of nice second hand bikes in Auckland I would assume, and it's not far to go from Hamilton.

[mossy1200]

Road trip to welly. Be quick and thank me later. Bike shop tune required.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-623003990.htm

[Glowerss]

Road trip to welly. Be quick and thank me later. Bike shop tune required.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-623003990.htm

Fuck that. I wouldn't touch one of those with a 10 foot pole. That thing looks munted.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-622677247.htm Is much closer to Hamilton and a much sounder choice IMHO!

Either that, or I've got a Hornet for sale as well :scooter:

[Highlander]

When we were looking for a bike for my wife, we got sick of going into shops and saying we wanted a bike that was not too high for her with the standard response being to point us to a cruiser.

We ended up with the SV 400s http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-576701656.htm Fellt a lot gruntier than the other 400's I tested for her.

We had a GSX600f that was too big and heavy for her and she was always uncomfortable with it.
The SV is a much better fit.
Also took her boots into a shoe repairer and had the sole built up by about 10mm but she would be fine on this bike without that.

[Hitcher]

If a "short lass" wants a bike built to suit, then Mrs H's ride may be available. Mrs H is 157cm barefoot.

Suzuki GSF650S K6. Racetech emulators on the front, Ohlins spring 80kg less than stock load on rear. Front forks lowered through the triple clamp. All suspension work done by Robert Taylor.

Seat lowered by Mac McDonald at McDonalds Motor Trimmers.

Scottoiler, Givi taller-than-stock screen. Daytona heated hand grips. Near new Michelin Pilot Road 3s.

123,000km. Serviced every 6,000km to Mr Suzuki's schedule by qualified service people since new. It runs as well as it ever has. It burns no oil. The K6 is the last of the bulletproof Suzuki oil-cooled engines.

Racy red. In tidy condition.

Make a reasonable offer and you will get a reasonable bike.

[Mushu]

There's a ton of 250 ninjas on trademe for around 5k with less than 15000 ks, if you like them I'd say that's the way to go, I'm sure plenty of them within driving distance of you.

[sonicnz]

Sat my BHS on Sunday and found some time to do the theory test today, so now I've got my learners and it's time for me to actually get myself a bike!

Yay!

[Zippo]

Sat my BHS on Sunday and found some time to do the theory test today, so now I've got my learners and it's time for me to actually get myself a bike!

Yay!

Congratulations!!:niceone: Keep us updated on what bike you end up buying!

[arcane12]

Sat my BHS on Sunday and found some time to do the theory test today, so now I've got my learners and it's time for me to actually get myself a bike!

Yay!

Nice! I hope you find something to works for you. :)

[Grashopper]

Yay. Congrats :2thumbsup: So are you still thinking of getting a Ninja?

[sonicnz]

So... got my bike today. A green Kawasaki Ninja 250. Ended up buying it new because I like nice things. The shop lowered it a little bit for me and now I can put both feet flat on the ground. I have added one single kilometre to the speedo, riding around in my little cul-de-sac. Loving every minute of it.

Hopefully the weather is fine for the next few days so I can spend some more time on it :)

[Grashopper]

Neat. Congrats. :2thumbsup:
Have fun and safe riding

[arcane12]

So... got my bike today. A green Kawasaki Ninja 250. Ended up buying it new because I like nice things. The shop lowered it a little bit for me and now I can put both feet flat on the ground. I have added one single kilometre to the speedo, riding around in my little cul-de-sac. Loving every minute of it.

Hopefully the weather is fine for the next few days so I can spend some more time on it :)

Good work! Might see you out there one day. There is a training course from roadsafe coming up in October. I found it great last year.

[Grashopper]

+1 On the roadsafe course. Here (http://www.roadsafe.co.nz/subsidised-training-hamilton-city-council-skills-training)is a link to it.
It's heavily subsidised so it only cost 50 bucks for the entire day.

I also did the one last year. Great training course!

[splatcat]

I'm new to motorcycling and have just signed up to do a beginners course, but I've also been looking around at motorcycles in the meantime. I'm quite short and light, 5'3" & 50kgs. I've sat on a few bikes - Honda CBR250, Suzuki GW250 Inazuma, Suzuki Intruder 250LC, Hyosung 250 - and only put both feet flat on the ground with the cruiser (Intruder). I'm a little unsure whether I want a cruiser long term (I actually prefer the sports bike riding position), but wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of being on tippy toes when stationary either. I realise when I become more confident on the bikes the tippy toes thing will be less of a big deal too.

Are there any learner-approved sports bikes that suit smaller frames? I have heard that the Kawasaki Ninja might be a little smaller, but I haven't had a chance to try one out yet.

Thanks in advance :)
well my view on learner would be 250 honda magna but past that stage .. being only 5,9 the supermagna my feet are flat on the ground with room to strink lol. thou dream bike is a new vmax or motus V4.
your,ll find the bike to suit you...ride safe.
cheers.

[splatcat]

So... got my bike today. A green Kawasaki Ninja 250. Ended up buying it new because I like nice things. The shop lowered it a little bit for me and now I can put both feet flat on the ground. I have added one single kilometre to the speedo, riding around in my little cul-de-sac. Loving every minute of it.

Hopefully the weather is fine for the next few days so I can spend some more time on it :)
i thought the kawasaki ninja bikes were on ban list for learner bikes ?

[arcane12]

+1 On the roadsafe course. Here is a link to it: http://www.roadsafe.co.nz/subsidised-training-hamilton-city-council-skills-training
It's heavily subsidised so it only cost 50 bucks for the entire day.

I also did the one last year. Great training course!

That is an unfortunate shortening of the url...

[Grashopper]

i thought the kawasaki ninja bikes were on ban list for learner bikes ?

Where did you read that?

Here is the current list of approved and prohibited bikes. http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/lams.html
Additionally to all bikes on the approved list, bikes 250cc or under are automatically approved as long as they are not on the prohibited list.

[splatcat]

Where did you read that?

Here is the current list of approved and prohibited bikes. http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/lams.html
Additionally to all bikes on the approved list, bikes 250cc or under are automatically approved as long as they are not on the prohibited list.
read ban list .pretty sure says all varibles of kawasaki 250.plus cant see it on approved list on liam site.

[Grashopper]

That is an unfortunate shortening of the url...

:lol: Ok, will see what I can do.

[mossy1200]

:lol: Ok, will see what I can do.

All 250s and under other than a selected group of 2smoke racers are included as lams legal.

RG250 ,apriliaRS250 and so forth etc. Basically gp250 race rep bikes are no good

[mossy1200]

Nice choice. Ninjas rock. Even green ones. White ninjas are good, black are evil and green are turtles. Ninja turtles.:clap:

[Grashopper]

read ban list .pretty sure says all varibles of kawasaki 250.plus cant see it on approved list on liam site.


All 250s and under other than a selected group of 2smoke racers are included as lams legal.

RG250 ,apriliaRS250 and so forth etc. Basically gp250 race rep bikes are no good

Wot he said....And I said :scratch:

Just because the Kawasaki KRs 250cc are on the prohibited list doesn't mean that all Kawasaki 250s are automatically banned. Just those KR models.

[Maha]

So... got my bike today. A green Kawasaki Ninja 250. Ended up buying it new because I like nice things. The shop lowered it a little bit for me and now I can put both feet flat on the ground. I have added one single kilometre to the speedo, riding around in my little cul-de-sac. Loving every minute of it.

Hopefully the weather is fine for the next few days so I can spend some more time on it :)

Yip me too, my last three bikes over five years have been brand new, doubt I will ever buy second/third/fourth hand again.

[sonicnz]

Ninjas rock. Even green ones. White ninjas are good, black are evil and green are turtles. Ninja turtles.:clap:

I'm totally going to borrow that line sometime.


Also thanks guys for the roadsafe link, I'm definitely keen to sign up to that.

I'm having great fun on the bike, got myself up to 80 on a quiet highway by my house, and managed to get down Te Rapa Straight and back and felt comfortable doing so.

One thing I have found with the bike is that a couple of times when I've come to a stop the bike seems to catch between first and neutral (even though the neutral light isn't on I can let the clutch out and it's not going anywhere). I have been coming to a stop in second and then putting the bike into first. I'm guessing I'm being too gentle on the lever going down into first? It has happened twice now, and then I resolved to push the lever down harder and it was fine for the rest of the journey. Went through a fun sequence when I managed to stall the bike as I tried to rock it back and forth to see which gear it was in. Probably amused a few motorists with my stalling too. No panicking on my part, but certainly said some things that I can't repeat in polite company!

[mossy1200]

One thing I have found with the bike is that a couple of times when I've come to a stop the bike seems to catch between first and neutral

It might be that you need the lever adjusted. It could be its sitting a little to low to change down easily.

[Drew]

One thing I have found with the bike is that a couple of times when I've come to a stop the bike seems to catch between first and neutral (even though the neutral light isn't on I can let the clutch out and it's not going anywhere). I have been coming to a stop in second and then putting the bike into first. I'm guessing I'm being too gentle on the lever going down into first? It has happened twice now, and then I resolved to push the lever down harder and it was fine for the rest of the journey. Went through a fun sequence when I managed to stall the bike as I tried to rock it back and forth to see which gear it was in. Probably amused a few motorists with my stalling too. No panicking on my part, but certainly said some things that I can't repeat in polite company!


It might be that you need the lever adjusted. It could be its sitting a little to low to change down easily.

It's a Kawasaki. Get used to it, the gearboxes are shit!

[arcane12]

I'm totally going to borrow that line sometime.


Also thanks guys for the roadsafe link, I'm definitely keen to sign up to that.

I'm having great fun on the bike, got myself up to 80 on a quiet highway by my house, and managed to get down Te Rapa Straight and back and felt comfortable doing so.

One thing I have found with the bike is that a couple of times when I've come to a stop the bike seems to catch between first and neutral (even though the neutral light isn't on I can let the clutch out and it's not going anywhere). I have been coming to a stop in second and then putting the bike into first. I'm guessing I'm being too gentle on the lever going down into first? It has happened twice now, and then I resolved to push the lever down harder and it was fine for the rest of the journey. Went through a fun sequence when I managed to stall the bike as I tried to rock it back and forth to see which gear it was in. Probably amused a few motorists with my stalling too. No panicking on my part, but certainly said some things that I can't repeat in polite company!

I guess that implies you keep polite company?

Since you bought new, the first thing I would do would be to go back to the shop and ask. I am sure they would be happy to talk about it, or look at it.

If I am unsure of if I remember to change down to first (happing less and less often, promise!) I just try to kick it down, and pop it to neutral. Then I know for sure down is 1st! I also sometime find when I am at a stop it changes to 1st easier if I release and grab the clutch again (when I am in neutral with the light on), once or twice even rolling the bike slightly foward to let the gears line up just so. But 95% of the time it's no worries. Firs time it happened I got rather worried the light was going to go green and I'd be sitting there trying to find 1st! Of course if I am in 2nd the 650 single just shrugs and gets on with it. ;)