Automatic bikes?

[ryanstev]

Hi, sorry if this is against the rules, I've searched but couldn't see anything relevant.

For the last 2 1/2 weeks I've been working in the Auckland CBD, traveling by train from Massey and I've worked out it's taking around 3 hours per day to do so.
I leave home at 7:20am to get to the Ranui station to take the 7:38am train, which arrives at Britomart at around 8:45am and I walk up to Albert street, arriving at work at around 8:55am.
When I go home I leave work at around 5:30 and get home at around 6:50.

So, that's a bit ridiculous, so I've decided to buy a motorbike.

The thing is and this probably won't be popular, I don't want a normal shifted bike, I want an auto clutch, or fully auto/CVT.
I'd just get a Maxi Scooter, except I don't like how they look, but faced with getting a normally shifted bike, I would.

Can anyone tell me what kind of bike would suit me? I want to ride on the motorway, so would probably need atleast 125cc, I'm 97kg, 5 foot 10.
I would have just bought a Honda NC700, except it's 10cc over the limit for learners. :(

I want either an auto bike, or a scooter that looks like a motorbike, thanks for any suggestions.

[ryanstev]

Oh, I should probably clarify, the reason why I don't want a manually shifted bike is, my drive is stupidly steep.
A FWD car can't drive up when it's wet and a RWD can't back up when it's dry (or wet) even my AWD Legacy will spin the wheels and get stuck if I slow down too much.

If i got a bike, even a learner friendly one, I'd fall over trying to get up and would probably need help leaving in the mornings.

[Oakie]

Oh, I should probably clarify, the reason why I don't want a manually shifted bike is, my drive is stupidly steep.
A FWD car can't drive up when it's wet and a RWD can't back up when it's dry (or wet) even my AWD Legacy will spin the wheels and get stuck if I slow down too much.

If i got a bike, even a learner friendly one, I'd fall over trying to get up and would probably need help leaving in the mornings.

Shift. (I mean 'house', not 'gear').

[ryanstev]

I just bought this place in December, can't shift yet.

[FJRider]

Oh, I should probably clarify, the reason why I don't want a manually shifted bike is, my drive is stupidly steep.


Getting up the drive is the easy bit with a manual gearbox. STOP ... select 1st gear ... and GO ..


Going DOWN (with an auto) ... start down and hope the brakes work ...



Going down (with a manual) ... Select 1st gear ... and GO ...





Too easy ... ???????

[oneblackflag]

This sound's fucking retarded.

Just don't pop the clutch....

[Akzle]

learn to manual you fucken pussy.
You should have moved to ponsonby, you aint no westie.

[ryanstev]

I wish so much people could realise just how stupid they sound when they use the ability to ride a manual bike or drive a manual car as something that defines how manly they are.

I don't go around saying things like "Just learn how to fucking code in PHP you stupid fuck" or "Just learn how to cut out rust in a car and weld in a replacement patch panel you fucking bitch" or "Learn how to fucking replace a rotten floor in your house you dumb ass."

You can ride a manual? Cool. I can't.

[oneblackflag]

I wish so much people could realise just how stupid they sound when they use the ability to ride a manual bike or drive a manual car as something that defines how manly they are.

I don't go around saying things like "Just learn how to fucking code in PHP you stupid fuck" or "Just learn how to cut out rust in a car and weld in a replacement patch panel you fucking bitch" or "Learn how to fucking replace a rotten floor in your house you dumb ass."

You can ride a manual? Cool. I can't.

:facepalm: you don't deserve a bike if you can't be arsed learning to push up and down with your foot and squeezing a clutch on/off.

[Ender EnZed]

Oh, I should probably clarify, the reason why I don't want a manually shifted bike is, my drive is stupidly steep.
A FWD car can't drive up when it's wet and a RWD can't back up when it's dry (or wet) even my AWD Legacy will spin the wheels and get stuck if I slow down too much.

If i got a bike, even a learner friendly one, I'd fall over trying to get up and would probably need help leaving in the mornings.

That sounds like it would be a shit load easier to deal with on a bike with a clutch than any sort of scooter CVT/slippy shit. Bikes are lot better on steep hills than cars (or scooters).

Just get something cheap enough that you won't mind dropping in the driveway a couple times, grow a pair and give it a go.

[ryanstev]

:facepalm: you don't deserve a bike if you can't be arsed learning to push up and down with your foot and squeezing a clutch on/off.

Why do you care so much?

Unless you're going to suggest a bike to me, thanks for your comments, I'll take them under advisement.

[Ender EnZed]

I wish so much people could realise just how stupid they sound when they use the ability to ride a manual bike or drive a manual car as something that defines how manly they are.

I don't go around saying things like "Just learn how to fucking code in PHP you stupid fuck" or "Just learn how to cut out rust in a car and weld in a replacement patch panel you fucking bitch" or "Learn how to fucking replace a rotten floor in your house you dumb ass."

You can ride a manual? Cool. I can't.

:clap:

You knew were going to get some shit for a question like this, don't act so surprised that you were right.

[ryanstev]

That sounds like it would be a shit load easier to deal with on a bike with a clutch than any sort of scooter CVT/slippy shit. Bikes are lot better on steep hills than cars (or scooters).

Just get something cheap enough that you won't mind dropping in the driveway a couple times, grow a pair and give it a go.

Thanks, I'm not 100% against a manually shifted bike.
As you can probably tell, I've never had a bike before, I figured with how steep my drive is, I'd need to lean way forward to keep it from tipping back, but then I was a bit worried about balance and removing weight from the back wheels (although, being on a hill I know weight transfer would take care of that)

My car's parked at the bottom of the drive, so I'd have to start the bike almost touching the side of the car, because that's the only flat part.

[oneblackflag]

Do you know how I know you're a little bitch?

People secure in themselves don't abuse people over the Internet, unprovoked, simply because they want an automatic bike.
It's not a normal thing for someone who is happy with their own lives to do, so it makes me wonder why you feel the need to build yourself up over such a stupid thing.

Listen to me, it sounds like I care what a username is typing to me over the Internet.
Unless you're going to suggest a bike to me, thanks for your comments, I'll take them under advisement.

Abuse? :lol: you really are a Princess.

I suggest an auto quad bike for you.

[FJRider]

.. You can ride a manual? Cool. I can't.

About fucking time you learned to then ...

[ryanstev]

I suggest an auto quad bike for you.

Thanks, but I want to lane split and that'll be a bit wide.

[Ender EnZed]

Thanks, I'm not 100% against a manually shifted bike.
As you can probably tell, I've never had a bike before, I figured with how steep my drive is, I'd need to lean way forward to keep it from tipping back, but then I was a bit worried about balance and removing weight from the back wheels (although, being on a hill I know weight transfer would take care of that)

My car's parked at the bottom of the drive, so I'd have to start the bike almost touching the side of the car, because that's the only flat part.

If a car can drive up it then you're not going to flip over backwards.

It's obviously not the easiest spot to learn how to ride a bike from though. I'd suggest learning the basics at a course where the bike is provided and you get your basic handling skills certificate at the end of the day. The trainer will know you're starting from scratch and you'll be fine fucking around in a flat car park, just like everyone else who learnt to ride.

There's still a big jump from there to a super steep hill you're not confident about though. Do you have somewhere else you could store a bike for a while after buying it? Just start with what you're comfortable with for a few weekends rather than trying to ride to work in rush hour the first day. When you've got more confidence, try your driveway, then ride to work and gain yourself 10 hours free time each week.

[nzspokes]

Oh, I should probably clarify, the reason why I don't want a manually shifted bike is, my drive is stupidly steep.
A FWD car can't drive up when it's wet and a RWD can't back up when it's dry (or wet) even my AWD Legacy will spin the wheels and get stuck if I slow down too much.

If i got a bike, even a learner friendly one, I'd fall over trying to get up and would probably need help leaving in the mornings.

If it is really that steep how did it get a consent? Maybe you should look at re-paving the drive with something more aggressive. My drive is steep at the bottom but the surface is rough and traction is never a problem.

And if your going to ride any bike up it, count on a long warm up.

[nzspokes]

Thanks, but I want to lane split and that'll be a bit wide.

I would work on getting up your drive first.

[Rhys]

Apart from scooters the only auto bike I know of is Honda CTX700 I don't know how may would be in NZ though

[ryanstev]

If it is really that steep how did it get a consent? Maybe you should look at re-paving the drive with something more aggressive. My drive is steep at the bottom but the surface is rough and traction is never a problem.

And if your going to ride any bike up it, count on a long warm up.

I just measured it, it's around a 30% incline.
Kind of understandable that someone who's never ridden a motorbike might be a bit concerned about buying a bike, then realising he can't ride up it.

[nerrrd]

The thing is and this probably won't be popular, I don't want a normal shifted bike, I want an auto clutch, or fully auto/CVT.
I'd just get a Maxi Scooter, except I don't like how they look, but faced with getting a normally shifted bike, I would.

Can anyone tell me what kind of bike would suit me? I want to ride on the motorway, so would probably need atleast 125cc, I'm 97kg, 5 foot 10.
I would have just bought a Honda NC700, except it's 10cc over the limit for learners. :(

I want either an auto bike, or a scooter that looks like a motorbike, thanks for any suggestions.

'fraid we never got the DCT (auto) versions of the NC range here in NZ (in the days of the 250cc learner limit you could apply for an exemption to ride a bigger bike if you could make a decent argument that you needed one, can you still do that? Don't think 'my drive is too steep' would have worked anyway, but who knows). Haven't heard of any other autos out there that would be small enough to be LAMS compliant, so scooter it is.

This one kind of looks like a ninja if you squint a bit: http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/catalog/streetbikes/sports/SC300BEFA/overview, well it's got some green bits :laugh:

[nzspokes]

I just measured it, it's around a 30% incline.
Kind of understandable that someone who's never ridden a motorbike might be a bit concerned about buying a bike, then realising he can't ride up it.

I think the bottom of mine is more than that. My bike pretty much idles up it.

[Reckless]

Have you thought about loading 97kg plus gear and work shit 110kg on a 125 on a cold morning than making that auto clutch climb the drive every morning??
That's hard on the auto my friend. Even on a manual bike its gonna give the clutch more shit than normal till you get good at it.
Not that I'm aware of an auto bike in the first place? Scooter maybe?

I gather your legacy is an Auto as well so you have no manual experience whatsoeva??

To be honest its not that hard unless your a knob and the way you have responded to the KB shit slung your way you have some fight LMAO.

Do it!! fight the fear of the hill, you'll master the clutch, it aint such a specialised skill as some would make out. Dirt bikers do it 100 times every ride :)

[blackdog]

It ain't pretty.

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/cfmoto/2013-cfmoto-v5-cruz-250-ar150877.html

[ryanstev]

Have you thought about loading 97kg plus gear and work shit 110kg on a 125 on a cold morning than making that auto clutch climb the drive every morning??
That's hard on the auto my friend. Even on a manual bike its gonna give the clutch more shit than normal till you get good at it.
Not that I'm aware of an auto bike in the first place? Scooter maybe?

I gather your legacy is an Auto as well so you have no manual experience whatsoeva??

To be honest its not that hard unless your a knob and the way you have responded to the KB shit slung your way you have some fight LMAO.

Do it!! fight the fear of the hill, you'll master the clutch, it aint such a specialised skill as some would make out. Dirt bikers do it 100 times every ride :)

Well, I'm letting myself in for even more shit, but yes, my turbo Legacy is an auto. :rolleyes:
I have a 5 litre muscle car, which is an auto too.

I can drive manual, I learnt on an old 72 Hiace column shift.

OK, well, I'll need to take some classes anyway, which will be on a normal bike, so I'll give a manual bike a try.
I know bikes are light, but with such small motors, compared to cars, I thought I'd have to ride the clutch too much to get up a steep drive like mine, it's OK for experienced riders, but for a learner I just figured it wasn't a good idea.

[chasio]

The Aprilia Mana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aprilia_Mana_850) is an over-ridable auto, but is not LAMS, either. Never seen one, but I believe they were (are?) sold here.

If you ignore the unhelpful stuff, the advice to master a manual is what I would also suggest in your scenario. Get a cheapish dual purpose bike that is already a bit scuffed up but sound and good at falling over (handguards, etc.), get some training, practise elsewhere and then give it a crack (perhaps having removed the car if there is a danger of stalling and going back into it).

[nzspokes]

It ain't pretty.

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/cfmoto/2013-cfmoto-v5-cruz-250-ar150877.html

This made me LOL

The engine’s power is kept in leash by a CVT automatic transmission

Its got 15hp......

[ryanstev]

Yeah, I'd need a bit more power than that.
My electric mountain has 6 1/2 HP and does 78kph.

I had a list of motorbikes I was going to look at last year, when I wanted fuel efficiency.
FXR150
GN250
SR250
ZZR or GSX 250

Apparently all learner friendly.

[local]

Pics of the driveway, pics of the muscle car, or none of this ever happened.

Edit: Bonus points for pics of your missus.

[ryanstev]

Well how can I refuse?

302913
302914

[Moi]

You have two options...

#1 Learn to ride a bike

#2 Learn to ride a 250+cc scooter

The only auto bikes available in NZ are all non-LAMS bikes.

[SNF]

Try a 650cc Suzuki Burgman? Or how about an automated electric/air shifter kit, which takes care of the clutch You'd still have to select gears though. If you don't have to, why would you? Gears are fun. Its always scary at first. stick with it. Once you get it you'll be hooked. Who cares - everyone stalls at first.

[SNF]

Also you talk about riding the clutch. Most motorbikes have wet clutches - there are a few which don't. A wet clutch won't burn out - granted it will get hot and wear - clutches are maintenance items with a finite lifespan. A wet clutch can handle being slipped - what seems like riding the clutch in car terms and is often necessary in smaller 4 cylinder engines when taking off especially on hills.

[Daffyd]

SYM and KYMCO both do maxi scooters, prolly considerably cheaper than a 650 Burgman. SYM Maxsym is 400cc and Kymco is 500, both LAMS friendly.

Thinking seriously about one myself. And before people start on about the quality of Taiwanese product, be aware that they are both amongst the largest scooter makers in the world, producing several million per year. Also, Kymco supply BMW with motors for their maxi scoot.

[blackdog]

When did the definition of a 1974 Falcon taxi become 'musclecar'. Ah, hang on... forgot this was the automatic sportbike thread.

[ryanstev]

When did the definition of a 1974 Falcon taxi become 'musclecar'. Ah, hang on... forgot this was the automatic sportbike thread.

I'm afraid I can't answer you, maybe you could ask the various muscle car magazines that have four door XC Falcons featured within their pages.

[george formby]

:laugh: I looked at a place to rent on Scenic drive, it was lovely. The room to rent was just about to be vacated by Bo runga, I asked if she would leave the dirty sheets, you know, a keep sake.
Any hoo. The drive was that steep that my wee FWD car flunked it. Reverse or nothing.

To the guts of it.
Ridden properly just about any bike will cruise up your drive, yes, they have little engines but they also have bugger all weight for gravity to overwhelm the tires. Even if it's mid winter & green, a bike will get up with decent condition tires.
Auto or manual makes no difference if you do not know how to get the power to the ground appropriately.
I suggest a 250cc + 4stroke trailie, some training & a bit of practice. With a trailie you can go somewhere which is steeper, more slippery and learn to negotiate it. Probably pissing yourself laughing while you do so. After that your drive way becomes just that, a drive way. Trailies don't mind the odd lie down either.
I guess you need to do a bit of planning & logistics but a standard gear change is easy & you maintain control.

[blackdog]

I'm afraid I can't answer you, maybe you could ask the various muscle car magazines that have four door XC Falcons featured within their pages.

Yours could probably do with a bit of polish before the centrefold shoot though huh.

[ryanstev]

Yours could probably do with a bit of polish before the centrefold shoot though huh.

You wouldn't believe the amount of rust I've cut out of it.
It's been 6 years since I bought it, it took about 2 1/2 years for all the rust to be fixed.

That's not car paint, it's POR15 I've applied to seal my welds, since it's a few years away from getting a proper paint job.
I've driven it a total of 30 minutes in that time.

Say what you want about the car, it's a project, of course the paint will be shit.
You should see it now, 9 months after that picture was taken, it's covered with even more dust and now a ton of bird shit, but it doesn't change the fact that it's a muscle car and legal to drive if I wanted to.

[blackdog]

You wouldn't believe the amount of rust I've cut out of it.
It's been 6 years since I bought it, it took about 2 1/2 years for all the rust to be fixed.

That's not car paint, it's POR15 I've applied to seal my welds, since it's a few years away from getting a proper paint job.
I've driven it a total of 30 minutes in that time.

Say what you want about the car, it's a project, of course the paint will be shit.
You should see it now, 9 months after that picture was taken, it's covered with even more dust and now a ton of bird shit, but it doesn't change the fact that it's a muscle car and legal to drive if I wanted to.

You must have mistaken my sarcasm for interest.

[Akzle]

I wish so much people could realise just how stupid they sound when they use the ability to ride a manual bike or drive a manual car as something that defines how manly they are.

I don't go around saying things like "Just learn how to fucking code in PHP you stupid fuck" or "Just learn how to cut out rust in a car and weld in a replacement patch panel you fucking bitch" or "Learn how to fucking replace a rotten floor in your house you dumb ass."

You can ride a manual? Cool. I can't.

fuck. And i was thinking about buying kleenex shares too.

Maybe consider a flatter suburb on the north shore, or a retirement village, where you can sip tea and complain about difficult things like chewing whole food and driving a manual.

Youre a hazard to yourself. Just fyi.

$_fuck['yourself']

[kave]

The only auto bikes available in NZ are all non-LAMS bikes.
The Gilera DNA180 would probably meet LAMS requirements, though I can't be arsed checking if it's on the list. Sometimes they come up for sale, but they are pretty uncommon.

[awa355]

No point buying a maxi scooter or heavy bike with expensive body panels. If you come to a grinding halt halfway up and have to do a reverse U turn on the drive, the bike will slide out from under you for sure.

[ryanstev]

You must have mistaken my sarcasm for interest.

Nope, just letting you know that I don't care that you're "making fun of my project"

[ryanstev]

fuck. And i was thinking about buying kleenex shares too.

Maybe consider a flatter suburb on the north shore, or a retirement village, where you can sip tea and complain about difficult things like chewing whole food and driving a manual.

Youre a hazard to yourself. Just fyi.

$_fuck['yourself']

There seems to be a lot of unhappy people on this board, who care far too much that everyone rides the same way they do.

I thought the whole biker spirit was about "being free" and not being caged, nope, people try anything to build themselves up, well I hope it worked and you're slightly happier.

[nerrrd]

There seems to be a lot of unhappy people on this board...

You have no idea how many...:laugh: But seriously it may seem intimidating now but think of the mad skills you'll have once you master it on a manual bike (no offence, scooterites.)

[Akzle]

There seems to be a lot of unhappy people on this board, who care far too much that everyone rides the same way they do.

I thought the whole biker spirit was about "being free" and not being caged, nope, people try anything to build themselves up, well I hope it worked and you're slightly happier.

IF butthurt_n00b=TRUE
THEN ECHO 'dilligaf'

im happy as fuck, my derision is for teh lulz. You put out.

You better find some big girl panties if youre going to hang around here.

Knowing clutch is a life skill. Auto is a waste of an engine.
If you think welding code to your floor qualifies you as manly, then your prejudice is worse than mine.

[nodrog]

Well how can I refuse?


I thought you said you had a steep driveway and a muscle car?

Are you asian?

[GrayWolf]

Hi, sorry if this is against the rules, I've searched but couldn't see anything relevant.

For the last 2 1/2 weeks I've been working in the Auckland CBD, traveling by train from Massey and I've worked out it's taking around 3 hours per day to do so.
I leave home at 7:20am to get to the Ranui station to take the 7:38am train, which arrives at Britomart at around 8:45am and I walk up to Albert street, arriving at work at around 8:55am.
When I go home I leave work at around 5:30 and get home at around 6:50.

So, that's a bit ridiculous, so I've decided to buy a motorbike.

The thing is and this probably won't be popular, I don't want a normal shifted bike, I want an auto clutch, or fully auto/CVT.
I'd just get a Maxi Scooter, except I don't like how they look, but faced with getting a normally shifted bike, I would.

Can anyone tell me what kind of bike would suit me? I want to ride on the motorway, so would probably need atleast 125cc, I'm 97kg, 5 foot 10.
I would have just bought a Honda NC700, except it's 10cc over the limit for learners. :(

I want either an auto bike, or a scooter that looks like a motorbike, thanks for any suggestions.

Big scooters like the Bergman, T max etc are more than capable, even the 250/300cc ones. Biggest issue would be the weight, body position if you stall or have to 'leg maneuver' on the drive.
Do the basic handling course, even talk to the instructor about your concerns with the drive. It may cost a bit extra, but I am sure they'd come and show/teach you how to safely go up and down the driveway


Oh and welcome to Kiwibiker....... where Manliness and 'testicular fortitude' is judged by how abusive you can be towards people from a distance (keyboard)

[ryanstev]

Thanks for the comments everyone (well most :devil2: )

I'll get a normal bike, comments explaining wet clutches and that I wouldn't burn the clutch by riding it too much like on a car, etc, were really helpful and made me change my mind. (Rather than "You fucking bitch")

[pritch]

It could appear likely to a casual observer that the OPs assessment of his own capabilities is more realistic than the opinion most repondents to this thread have of their own ability.

Among the dross though there were some useful suggestions:
Do a course
Get a trailbike or a scooter and no, it doesn't need to be a 650.

And we are still waiting for the picture of the missus. :whistle:

[caspernz]

Thanks for the comments everyone (well most :devil2: )

I'll get a normal bike, comments explaining wet clutches and that I wouldn't burn the clutch by riding it too much like on a car, etc, were really helpful and made me change my mind. (Rather than "You fucking bitch")

Good call. Once you've done a course or two, any doubts about using a motorbike even on a steep bit of driveway will fade.

You shouldn't need to ride the clutch I'd say, with some practice at low speed riding you'll get the confidence. I mean if you bought a bike to do the motorways in Auckland, you'll be lane splitting in no time, so your driveway will soon be the least of your worries I'd think...

[Moi]

The Gilera DNA180 would probably meet LAMS requirements, though I can't be arsed checking if it's on the list. Sometimes they come up for sale, but they are pretty uncommon.

That's a neat wee thing...

I was thinking of something larger - Aprilla Mana had come to mind...

[george formby]

Just had a brain fart. Wonder how a Piaggio MP3 would go?
Just sayin.

[SNF]

Good call. Once you've done a course or two, any doubts about using a motorbike even on a steep bit of driveway will fade.

You shouldn't need to ride the clutch I'd say, with some practice at low speed riding you'll get the confidence. I mean if you bought a bike to do the motorways in Auckland, you'll be lane splitting in no time, so your driveway will soon be the least of your worries I'd think...

This is true. My explanation of slipping the clutch wasn't great (holding it at the friction point a little longer for a smoother take off, steady with the throttle) Vs riding a clutch (half engaged, as the engine spins faster, clutch getting hotter.).

Also someone mention motards, which is a good idea. Big single cylinder, tons of torque lower down so don''t need to do clutch slipping and no fancy plastic to get mangled unlike sportier bikes.

Also CVT parts need replacing eventually. I've had to get a new cvt clutch ,rollers, basically everything for my Jog in 4 years of owning it. In total its probably cost more for all the parts in that than a clutch (springs and plates for my FZR).

[BlackSheepLogic]

For round town, heavy traffic (i.e. Rush Hour(s)) a scooter is great so don't discount it as an option. I have a 125 for town use that is small & light. Perfect for around town etc. They are also cheap. You will need at least a learners license for anything over a moped - do you have one?

Shifting on a bike is not a hard skill to learn, but around town in heavy traffic, having the CVT is nice.

[Big Dog]

Golly there are some haters about. The whole auto question is like shit to flies on line.

Sadly, although the method of transmission is a little lacking in finesse the knuckle dragged message is right.

Ultimately I recommend, as others have get some lessons before you commit to a bike type.
You may surprise yourself. A scooter will do the job, but in the long run something with gears will cost you less in practicality, pain and your wallet.

Maybe a road legal dirt bike? Like a DR250?
Cheap, easy to ride, don't cost much if you drop them at low speed and being a single cylinder very forgiving of steep driveways and poor clutch control.
That will be much easier to master than the CVT / auto approach of wrong it's neck, lean forward to hold down the front and let go the brake as if a clutch.

Once you get started it is hard to stop and you may find it difficult to start again.

Due to the nature of CVT if you slow down it tends to stop.

Believe me. I have had a far worse driveway with a much less consistent surface than you show in pictures.


With a clutch you have more options. Like trailing the brakes or slipping the clutch. If it all goes tits up you can stall the bike and use the gears as brakes while you decide what next.

Each time you donut it will be less scary. Then after a couple of dozen rides it will be easier.



Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I wish so much people could realise just how stupid they sound when they use the ability to ride a manual bike or drive a manual car as something that defines how manly they are.

I don't go around saying things like "Just learn how to fucking code in PHP you stupid fuck" or "Just learn how to cut out rust in a car and weld in a replacement patch panel you fucking bitch" or "Learn how to fucking replace a rotten floor in your house you dumb ass."

You can ride a manual? Cool. I can't.

So, not a manly man then, more a girly-man?

that's cool, takes all sorts.

I just don't think you're cool enough to ride a motorbike, sorry. Thanks for your application. You should continue the course of testosterone pills, keep up the DIY skills practice, and maybe one day you will be fortunate enough to receive "the nod" perhaps even "the handshake".

Don't know about "the nod" or "the handshake"? Well, that's as it should be. Only manly men know about those things.


OK seriously: have you sorted yourself out yet?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Just had a brain fart. Wonder how a Piaggio MP3 would go?
Just sayin.


they can go pretty well. I really like them.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Kiwibiker....... where Manliness and 'testicular fortitude' is judged by how abusive you can be towards people from a distance (keyboard)

what's your problem m8??? Time for the bash!

[ryanstev]

ne day you will be fortunate enough to receive "the nod" perhaps even "the handshake".

Don't know about "the nod" or "the handshake"? Well, that's as it should be. Only manly men know about those things.


Those aren't exactly secrets. :)

[Reckless]

what's your problem m8??? Time for the bash!

Couple of the KB Crazies got into him in couple threads needs to learn "let their shit, be their shit" LMAO :devil2:

[Moi]

Just had a brain fart. Wonder how a Piaggio MP3 would go?
Just sayin.

As already noted, they go very well... :innocent:

downsides to one - heavy, weigh around 250kg, and all the beautiful Italian bodywork to be damaged by a drop

[Moi]

You have been given some very sound advice in amongst the dross...

Whatever you decide to get you need to do the Basic Handling test and get your 6L. Talk with the people who do the Basic Handling test and seek their advice - someone suggested get them to look at your situation and give you advice on how to tackle your driveway. A number of alternatives have been suggested: scooter, trail-bike, 250-bike, motard - do the research and go look and sit on a few. If your driveway is a major concern you need to be able to flatfoot the bike you have and feel confident in maneuvering it around at the bottom of your driveway [looks like a large area of flat gravel under the house which would make turning easier] and to feel comfortable doing a start on the driveway and also be prepared to pick the bike up when you drop it - bike with no fairings makes good sense for that reason. For the first few months of riding the north-western m'way you'd be advised to go with the traffic and leave the lane splitting until the skill has grown - lane splitting is not for the faint-hearted [a number of threads on this site about the woes of lane-splitting]. There are a number of courses available for the new rider and the NASS might also be of assistance.

As an aside - you said you learnt to drive in manual car - a bike is not that different. OK, so the hand does the clutch and foot the gearshifting but the principles are the same if not a little easier with a wet-clutch - but that will all be explained and taught in the basic handling course.

Go for it - you'll enjoy it!

[imdying]

I'm not sure why anyone would suggest a motorcycle... clearly she is going to need a scooter so she can put her purse under the seat.

[ryanstev]

I'm not sure why anyone would suggest a motorcycle... clearly she is going to need a scooter so she can put her purse under the seat.

I keep my purse and tampons in a backpack.

[pritch]

and all the beautiful Italian bodywork to be damaged by a drop

How can you "drop" something with three wheels?

And hot from the Cologne show; it would seem someone at Yamaha has been smoking the electric puha.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/yamaha/intermot-2014-yamaha-01gen-multi-wheel-crossover-concept.html

[Daffyd]

How can you "drop" something with three wheels?

And hot from the Cologne show; it would seem someone at Yamaha has been smoking the electric puha.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/yamaha/intermot-2014-yamaha-01gen-multi-wheel-crossover-concept.html

Article says Yamaha don't state specs. MCN says it's T-Max powered. That means 500cc.

[Banditbandit]

There seems to be a lot of unhappy people on this board, who care far too much that everyone rides the same way they do.

I thought the whole biker spirit was about "being free" and not being caged, nope, people try anything to build themselves up, well I hope it worked and you're slightly happier.

Yeah ... you would think so ... but bike riders are generally fucked up human beings ... (And yes, I have ridden for 40+ years ...)

Seriously, a bike will handle that driveway - and a gear shift/clutch will be better. On steep hills non-manuals can struggle and will wear out faster than gear shift clutches ... if you get a gear shift bike chances are you will stall it going up the hill a few times before you get used to it .. there's more chance of that, as a new rider, than wheel stand and flip it ...

[Banditbandit]

I keep my purse and tampons in a backpack.

I don't ride with a back pack - there's going to be a whole argument now about this - my position is based on the fact that if you come off, a backpack is more likely to make you tumble and upset any slide ..

[ryanstev]

I don't ride with a back pack - there's going to be a whole argument now about this - my position is based on the fact that if you come off, a backpack is more likely to make you tumble and upset any slide ..

Thanks, that's good to know, I'll get a rack for my future bike.

[danchop]

they can go pretty well. I really like them.
everyone of them I pass in motorway clog,acts and thinks like a car,ie sits in the que.
now I live west and own 4 Suzuki uz125s(scooters),a burgman 650 scooter and have owned untold normal bikes,ive also lived in a house where we had to drag the wheelie bin up the drive with a car because it was too steep to pull humanly..
now id rule out the big scoots fullstop,theyre fuckin heavy,wide and not great lane splitters..
the 125 scoots would be ideal but your a heavy prick(im only 75 kg @ 5 10)only downside with them is going down your drive because theyre bascilly in neutral unless you have power to them,so your relying on all the brakes.its hard to beat a 125 scoot lanesplitting on the northwestern
so manual like sit up right kind of thing(gn250,trail bike etc)probably if you go that way.
you can try my uz125 out on your drive one day if you feed me piss while I watch,i don't mind it being dropped hard(theyre tough as nuts),heres my number if your keen 0272755860

[5150]

Get an R6 (very learner friendly bike) ;) and then move house

No seriously, in my honest opinion, the automatic scooter / bike might seem like a good idea now, but in the long run you will wish that you have bought a proper motorcycle. Once mastered, it is easier and safer to do it on a proper bike then on a scooter, especially going down hill on a wet morning. I would suggest you get a learner friendly motorcycle, 250cc or above and learn to ride it. You will be glad later. More of a cruiser type rather then sports type as there won't be soo much weight over the front wheel (great if you suddenly apply breaks on the wet surface). Go try one, and also go and do a basic skills course. Any local bike shop will help you with getting in contact with them. The more you do now, the easier will get later. There is no right or wrong way, just that if I was starting from scratch, that is how I would go about it.

Good luck :)

[vifferman]

As an aside - you said you learnt to drive in manual car - a bike is not that different. OK, so the hand does the clutch and foot the gearshifting but the principles are the same if not a little easier with a wet-clutch - but that will all be explained and taught in the basic handling course.

In fact, the manual gearchange on a bike is MUCH easier than on a car, being sequential, so learning to use it should be a doddle.

[FJRider]

I don't ride with a back pack - there's going to be a whole argument now about this - my position is based on the fact that if you come off, a backpack is more likely to make you tumble and upset any slide ..

So ... if you do wear a back pack .... and come off ... be sure to slide on your front. :innocent:

And ... the later skin grafts will be easier on you ... as you will be able to just lie on your back. :yes:

Many (including me) DO wear back packs on occasion .... just be aware that items you put in it may hurt you when they become embedded in your spine ... if you DO fall off and land on your back.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The Kreiga backpacks have Level 2 CE armour built into the back of them which I thought was a good idea: bring money though

http://www.kriega.com/r30/

[buggerit]

I keep my tampons in a backpack.

Roll yer own ?

[Big Dog]

The Kreiga backpacks have Level 2 CE armour built into the back of them which I thought was a good idea: bring money though

http://www.kriega.com/r30/

I happen to have some old armour out of an old jacket. I could stitch some into a backpack for about half that if your keen?
Lol.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[ryanstev]

So I just went for my Basic Handling Skills Test, my first time riding a bike (other than a quad bike years ago) and learned how easy it is to change gear on a bike, which puts into perspective some of the replies here.

I did my test on a GN125, passed and will be going for my learners soon and most likely buying a GN250.

[carburator]

Well, I'm letting myself in for even more shit, but yes, my turbo Legacy is an auto. :rolleyes:
I have a 5 litre muscle car, which is an auto too.

I can drive manual, I learnt on an old 72 Hiace column shift.

OK, well, I'll need to take some classes anyway, which will be on a normal bike, so I'll give a manual bike a try.
I know bikes are light, but with such small motors, compared to cars, I thought I'd have to ride the clutch too much to get up a steep drive like mine, it's OK for experienced riders, but for a learner I just figured it wasn't a good idea.

I haven't bothered to read the whole six pages but if its a short commute why don't you gear the bike up by going 2 to 3 teeth up on the back
sprocket giving you a really low first gear , ok high way speed its going to be reving higher but still its not like your jumping on a r1..

[SNF]

So I just went for my Basic Handling Skills Test, my first time riding a bike (other than a quad bike years ago) and learned how easy it is to change gear on a bike, which puts into perspective some of the replies here.

I did my test on a GN125, passed and will be going for my learners soon and most likely buying a GN250.

Did my test on one too. Told you gears are easy. GN's are light little thumpers, good idea, should be easy for your driveway. Eventually you'll crave something with a bit more power.


I haven't bothered to read the whole six pages but if its a short commute why don't you gear the bike up by going 2 to 3 teeth up on the back
sprocket giving you a really low first gear , ok high way speed its going to be reving higher but still its not like your jumping on a r1..

This isn't a bad idea - although GN's don't really suffer in the torque department - I mean for their power

[HenryDorsetCase]

I did my test on a GN125, passed and will be going for my learners soon and most likely buying a GN250.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

its not too late to do something useful with your life.

[ryanstev]

The GN250 isn't really my style of bike, (I do like the GZ250 though) but I need to be realistic, it'll be my first bike, I want something easy, with a similar RPM to a car (rather than learning how to ride at 11k, etc) and I'll be able to sell it without losing much value.

[Akzle]

The GN250 isn't really my style of bike, (I do like the GZ250 though) but I need to be realistic, it'll be my first bike, I want something easy, with a similar RPM to a car (rather than learning how to ride at 11k, etc) and I'll be able to sell it without losing much value.

what the fuck is your objection to learning things?

[HenryDorsetCase]

The GN250 isn't really my style of bike, (I do like the GZ250 though) but I need to be realistic, it'll be my first bike, I want something easy, with a similar RPM to a car (rather than learning how to ride at 11k, etc) and I'll be able to sell it without losing much value.

Honda VTR250

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-788371699.htm

an actual motorcycle.

there is no "learning how to ride at 11k" You just get on the fucking thing and ride. If you see valves or things that should be inside the engine on the outside, then you have revved it too much.

You're overthinking. Just get on with it.

[Reckless]

Honda VTR250

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-788371699.htm

an actual motorcycle.

there is no "learning how to ride at 11k" You just get on the fucking thing and ride. If you see valves or things that should be inside the engine on the outside, then you have revved it too much.

You're overthinking. Just get on with it.

My son started on one of these great bikes!!
Still reckon lams approving 650cc is freckin crazy but my opinion only??

[breakaway]

Honda VTR250

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-788371699.htm

an actual motorcycle.

"x2 woman owners "

Translation: dropped a lot, maintenance ignored, clutch almost totally fucked, treated like shit in general.

[ryanstev]

what the fuck is your objection to learning things?

In case you can't tell, I err on the side of caution, maybe too much.
I think it'd be a bad idea to just go straight to a sport bike with fairings and a high RPM and learn all this new stuff, while also being paranoid about damaging things if I drop the bike. But then again, I'm a learner, so what would I know (not sarcasm)

[awa355]

"x2 woman owners "

Translation: dropped a lot, maintenance ignored, clutch almost totally fucked, treated like shit in general.

Add in 'thrashed/trashed by the boyfriend, partner etc'.

[Akzle]

My son started on one of these great bikes!!
Still reckon lams approving 650cc is freckin crazy but my opinion only??
VTR250 ≠ 650cc??

In case you can't tell, I err on the side of caution, maybe too much.
I think it'd be a bad idea to just go straight to a sport bike with fairings and a high RPM and learn all this new stuff, while also being paranoid about damaging things if I drop the bike. But then again, I'm a learner, so what would I know (not sarcasm)

perhaps a blankie and a lie down then...

incase you haven't noticed, motorcycling is not inherently risk-free.

also. you will drop it, especially with that nervous disposition. aucklanders can smell it. (or maybe just have their snouts too far buried in their latte to pay attention to anything else)
hopefully... you wont drop it under a SUV.

go get some training. the vtr wasnt a bad suggestion either...

[SVboy]

VTR250 ≠ 650cc??


perhaps a blankie and a lie down then...

incase you haven't noticed, motorcycling is not inherently risk-free.

also. you will drop it, especially with that nervous disposition. aucklanders can smell it. (or maybe just have their snouts too far buried in their latte to pay attention to anything else)
hopefully... you wont drop it under a SUV.

go get some training. the vtr wasnt a bad suggestion either...

Axle mostly makes sense here. A Honda VTR 250 plus training would probably work well for you. And fuck the haters! ( esp on your Project Falcon)

[ryanstev]

Ok, final post and can we please let this thread die? :)

I passed my theory test on Thursday, had to pass an eye test, which I did today and I got my paper license.

I also bought my first motorbike, it was one I saw on Red Baron's website, it's a cruiser, which wasn't the style I thought I'd get, I thought I'd get a fully flared sport bike, but I saw this and fell in love and kept looking back on the site.
I went to Red Baron today and saw it in person and knew it was the one, but still decided to sit on a couple of sport bikes and realised they weren't for me, I didn't like the position.

So, I took my bike for a test ride and wow, it was an easy ride, I loved it, so, I'm the proud owner of a GN125! :bleh:
Not really, I bought a 94 Honda VT250 Magna. (No, I didn't get this by mistake, instead of a VTR250)
I get it on Tuesday once it's made legal for the road.

303243
303244
303245


Thanks for all the replies, good and bad, they made me realise that I COULD ride a normal bike and an automatic bike was a bad idea, they also made me realise that my plan on being "responsible" and getting a "sensible" bike like a GN250 was stupid too.

[Akzle]

So, I took my bike for a test ride and wow, it was an easy ride, I loved it, so, I'm the proud owner of a GN125! :bleh:
Not really, I bought a 94 Honda VT250 Magna. (No, I didn't get this by mistake, instead of a VTR250)
I get it on Tuesday once it's made legal for the road.


good. you should be fucking happy with it.
and with all your weight on your ass you should be able to lay rubber all the way up your drive.

kb threads never really die... they go into a sort of purgatory/stasis until some clown dredges them in a few years, the five people jump on and congratulate someone for an awesome thread dredge and berate whoever needs berating.
don't worry son, you'll get the hang of it one day. then you can learn teh wave.

[haydes55]

good. you should be fucking happy with it.
and with all your weight on your ass you should be able to lay rubber all the way up your drive.

kb threads never really die... they go into a sort of purgatory/stasis until some clown dredges them in a few years, the five people jump on and congratulate someone for an awesome thread dredge and berate whoever needs berating.
don't worry son, you'll get the hang of it one day. then you can learn teh wave.


Don't tell him about the KB wave until he actually gets his full license! Fuck akzle some times you're so thick.

[Akzle]

Don't tell him about the KB wave until he actually gets his full license! Fuck akzle some times you're so thick.

sorry :baby: i'll go to your room and spank myself...

[Big Dog]

Congrats on a nice bike. Very learner friendly while not useless.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[paturoa]

I wish so much people could realise just how stupid they sound when they use the ability to ride a manual bike or drive a manual car as something that defines how manly they are.

I don't go around saying things like "Just learn how to fucking code in PHP you stupid fuck" or "Just learn how to cut out rust in a car and weld in a replacement patch panel you fucking bitch" or "Learn how to fucking replace a rotten floor in your house you dumb ass."

You can ride a manual? Cool. I can't.

Just ignore the trolls.

[Akzle]

Just ignore the trolls.

kind of irrelevant since he learned how easy and manly it is to change gears.

Then bought a honda...

[SNF]

Good shit, well done on the bike. Fun factor riding that should last longer than a GN.

[Imagineering]

It appears you need a thick Skin around this Forum as anything said that departs from the 'Norm' will cop a bit of crap.

Having said that, and if you are still a member of this Forum, and therefore reading this, consider;


With a Manual Bike, after you learn it, YOU have control over what the Bike does.

With an Automatic, the BIKE has control over you, vis-a-vis, you are stuck with whatever the Factory has decided on with Gear Ratios, Revs/Clutch Slip etc. This may not get you up your Hill and then you are stuck with the Bike.

Just my 2c Worth.

.

[Akzle]

It appears you need a thick Skin around this Forum as anything said that departs from the 'Norm' will cop a bit of crap.

hahahahah. norm.:sweatdrop