I'm buying a 2nd bike

[tcshred]

I'm looking at buying my second bike. Currently i've got a Yamaha Scorpio 225 which has been great around town. But on the motorway its too slow and i'd like something a bit newer

I haven't been riding that long, so don't really want anything too big. I got my restricted a few weeks ago after being on my learners about a month or two.

I've been looking at a Ninja 300R. Its reasonably priced, looks good.

Am I going to outgrow it too fast? Like I did with my Scorpio, or should I go for something bigger? I use it around town 95% of the time so its not like I need to go fast. But I also plan on using it for some short trips like Auckland to Hamilton about once a month.

Anything else I should consider? most bikes seem to jump from the 250 sort of range to 500 or 650 cc

[Hitcher]

Your first step up should be to 260cc. Take great care, particularly with Power Bands.

[carburator]

make sure it comes fitted with the yellow power band not the green. ( stock )

[BuzzardNZ]

I think the ninja 300 sounds like a really good fit if you're doing 95% of your riding in town. They are bloody nice bikes for what they are.

[The End]

I'm looking at buying my second bike. Currently i've got a Yamaha Scorpio 225 which has been great around town. But on the motorway its too slow and i'd like something a bit newer

I haven't been riding that long, so don't really want anything too big. I got my restricted a few weeks ago after being on my learners about a month or two.

I've been looking at a Ninja 300R. Its reasonably priced, looks good.

Am I going to outgrow it too fast? Like I did with my Scorpio, or should I go for something bigger? I use it around town 95% of the time so its not like I need to go fast. But I also plan on using it for some short trips like Auckland to Hamilton about once a month.

Anything else I should consider? most bikes seem to jump from the 250 sort of range to 500 or 650 cc


I had a Scorpio for a little over 3 years. During that time, it did me well for inner city commuting, motorways and the odd weekend ride. Sure you're not going anywhere super fast, but it was a great bike and I never had any mechanical issues with it. I never found the low HP an issue until I moved out in the country and started commuting 130kms a day. While I managed it on my Scorpio for 4 weeks rain/hail/shine eventually I realised it wasn't practical to be on such a small bike for a big commute.

That said, my advice would be to avoid the Ninja 300; not only is it expensive for what it is, but for the same price or lower you could get a good condition LAMS bike. What is your budget?

You will eventually find that if you really get bitten by the motorcycle bug, that 300ccs on the Ninja won't be enough for when you decide to go on proper weekend rides. Instead of stepping up 75ccs, save your money in the long run and get something bigger.

I've just moved from a Scorpio to a Hornet 900 and have found the transition fine. Sure the 900 has a hell of a lot more power (not complaining:bleh:) but it hasn't been difficult to get used to. Being cautious and a mindset of being aware that more horsepower = more chance of getting into trouble has kept me fine for the past 9 days of owning the 900.

Good luck!

[Grashopper]

I think you're going to miss out on a lot of awesome bikes if you jump up too high from a 225.

So Ninja 300 sounds ok to me or a 400 cc bike. I would go for a KTM Duke 390, though.

[tcshred]

The Suzuki GSR400 looks like a good option too, but it looks like they don't import these into NZ? nothing on the NZ Suzuki website.

[Grashopper]

Colemans Suzuki in Auckland generally import some nice 400 cc bikes for the LAMS market here from Japan. So they would be a good starting point.

At the moment they have a Ninja 400 on Trademe (I didn't even know there were 400cc Ninjas...): http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-757472251.htm

Or you go for something like this. Good in traffic as you sit higher and see better what is going on around you: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-760316997.htm

[awa355]

The Japs make a lot of 400cc versions of different models. The 400cc is the limit the average rider can legally ride without having to sit a upgraded licence which is apparently a fairly differcult level to pass.
(I think).

[Tazz]

You will outgrow anything LAMS if you want to. How much power is enough anyway ;)
Personally I would go for an older inline 4 250-400 than the newer single bangers if you're after decentish power, otherwise prepare for disappointment or look higher in the LAMS range.

[Akzle]

FFFFFUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKK NOOOOOOOOOOO, a "what bike" thread... this is the shit i wake up to on a fucken sunday morning?? god damn you. god damn you to hell.



I've been looking at a Ninja 300R. Its reasonably priced, looks good.

FFFFFUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKK NOOOOOOOOOOO

[nzspokes]

Scorpio will do up to 135 on the motorway.

Slow down Rossi.

[Urano]

I would go for a KTM Duke 390, though.

hands down +1.
:niceone:

[nodrog]

You can get a K6 GSXR 1000 for the same price as a ninja 300, the perfect all round bike.

[EJK]

You can get a K6 GSXR 1000 for the same price as a ninja 300, the perfect all round bike.

Not so much. The OP will quickly outgrow power wise.

There is a ZX14R on trademe for $7500 at the moment.

[Laava]

Not so much. The OP will quickly outgrow power wise.

There is a ZX14R on trademe for $7500 at the moment.

Yes but by the time he adds a NOS kit, the price will rapidly escalate north of the 15K mark.

[Erelyes]

I had a Scorpio for my first 6 months (on L's) then upgraded to a Ninja 250.

I felt like I was ready for more bike after 6 months on the 250. However I kept surprising myself with what I didn't know.

Even when I got my Full (last month), sold the Ninja and got an SV650, there was still some things the 250 could have taught me. But I was ready for the bigger bike nonetheless.

Hence my recommendation is get a busa.

[ducatilover]

Ninja 250/300s are beige. Like a Hyosung. I'll sell you a Hyosung.

[george formby]

I had a Scorpio for my first 6 months (on L's) then upgraded to a Ninja 250.

I felt like I was ready for more bike after 6 months on the 250. However I kept surprising myself with what I didn't know.

Even when I got my Full (last month), sold the Ninja and got an SV650, there was still some things the 250 could have taught me. But I was ready for the bigger bike nonetheless.

Hence my recommendation is get a busa.

Had a fang on a new Busa today. Total smoochy pussycat. Then I gave it a big handful at 100kmh in 3rd, on a private road. "Goodness me" I thought to myself prior to caressing the Brembos.

In all seriousness, which isn't much, summit like an SV, GSX, ER ect on the LAMS is perfick.

[Banditbandit]

I'm looking at buying my second bike. Currently i've got a Yamaha Scorpio 225 which has been great around town. But on the motorway its too slow and i'd like something a bit newer

I
Am I going to outgrow it too fast? Like I did with my Scorpio, or should I go for something bigger? I use it around town 95% of the time so its not like I need to go fast. But I also plan on using it for some short trips like Auckland to Hamilton about once a month.

Anything else I should consider? most bikes seem to jump from the 250 sort of range to 500 or 650 cc

It's not necessarily the size of the engine ... a 500cc cruiser is a very different proposition from a Ninja 300 ...

I think you will outgrow the Ninja too quick for the money you spend.

Have a look around .. there are plenty out there. Anything that you purchase now is likely to have a shortish shelf life ...

Have a look at this Ducati ..

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-769989343.htm

Or this Honda

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-770737916.htm

[caseye]

I would go for a 500cc. It really would be a waste of money trading up to something only 75cc more. With a 500 you will have the power for long trips and its lighter weight over bigger bikes will make handling on hills better. The lighter weight is not so good in side winds but as you are still a learner you want something that's reasonably easy to corner on too. I would not get a sports bike as the lowered riding position can restrict peripheral vision.

Hey I didn't know ol Valentino was still here!
Ignore this advice, go ride lots of bigger bikes and see for yourself, the other posters have got it right, the 300 will fade quickly, a bigger probably less expensive more capable 6 or more LAM's will do the trick.
Go have some fun riding different machines, the right one is the one you don't want to get off when you ride back to the shop.

[GrayWolf]

Hey I didn't know ol Valentino was still here!
Ignore this advice, go ride lots of bigger bikes and see for yourself, the other posters have got it right, the 300 will fade quickly, a bigger probably less expensive more capable 6 or more LAM's will do the trick.
Go have some fun riding different machines, the right one is the one you don't want to get off when you ride back to the shop.

This bit of advice also, is worth partly ignoring.. "Go have some fun riding different machines, the right one is the one you don't want to get off when you ride back to the shop."
There are plenty of folks over the years that purchase on 'emotion' then regret it several months later.

previous to my current (according to this "you'll soon outgrow the 300" theory) underpowered bike I had (still do) a ZZR1100, even today still a machine that turns in a respectable velocity 20 yrs after its inception. Prior to this and still lurking in the garage an FJ1200......
Firstly, identify your need, sport? commute? tour? (weekend distances). etc.... if your highest priority is commute? protection (fairing/screen) riding position that gives a good traffic view, is more preferable than arse up, chin down sprotbikes. If you want to do all?? then you will have to make compromises for sure.
Your physical size and the seat height is a consideration, no good being on tippy toes if you are frequently stopping. I've ridden the GPX/ZZR 250's (which really the 300 is based on) they are OK, competent, and will do the job, but???
Even though a 650 single will be no faster for top end, it has much better grunt.. (this does not always mean it is quicker over a standing 1/4, but roll on throttle in top, or down a gear, rather than constantly playing tunes on the gearbox to keep it in the power band.
Using my two old bikes as a good example, the ZZR will bury the FJ for top end and acceleration,,, untill, top gear roll on under 120 kph, or below the 6k rpm where the kwaka produces it's real power.. The FJ is still a formidable 'torque monster' and will pull from 50-60kph in top gear, the kwaka 'bogs down'...
I'd agree something like a 500 is a good step, GS500, or the EN?500 kwaka (both good solid 500cc twins). The 400 gpz would be OK if low mileage.
You have things like the BMW F650 series, Yam XT, Suzook DR650, Kwak KLX650's as well, all capable of 160-170ish kph, and capable of doing big distances. There are plenty (and some years ago I also would have said, you can never have too much power) who espouse BHP, trick suspension, attac, YPVS, yada yada yada........
My simple answer is, most long term riders I know for 'years of riding', distances, age, buy a bike that fits their actual needs, not the ego...
I'm lucky, my bike does both, suits my needs, and gives me satisfaction every time I ride it.... even though it is 'underpowered'......:rolleyes: