New here, and new to motorbikes (stevo_nz)

[stevo_nz]

Hi guys, Am new here and also just getting into the motorbike scene.
I currently ride a moped but am buying a new house so need to get a big boys bike as the commute is going from 5km to 30km.
Never ridden a motorbike so have to g through the whole licencing thing.
Am looking to spend upto $3k for a second hand bike up to 250cc LAMS approved.
The commute will be from Porirua to Wellington so motorway riding.
Any recommendations on what brand/model to look out for? (and what too avoid)
I am only 5'6" so prefer something where I can touch the ground.

Cheers

Steve

[onearmedbandit]

You won't go wrong with one of these for a cheap learners bike. Cheap to run, cheap to fix if you drop it, reasonably good resale and low seat height. Everyone has their opinions but if I was you I'd avoid anything with fairings as if you drop it they are pricey to replace/repair.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-965871976.htm

Some people rate these as well but I have no personal experience of them.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-959134243.htm

[BuzzardNZ]

You won't go wrong with one of these for a cheap learners bike. Cheap to run, cheap to fix if you drop it, reasonably good resale and low seat height. Everyone has their opinions but if I was you I'd avoid anything with fairings as if you drop it they are pricey to replace/repair.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-965871976.htm

Some people rate these as well but I have no personal experience of them.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-959134243.htm

Out of those two, I think the Hyosung would be the better option given that he'll be doing motorway commuting plus not sure how a GN would cope going up the Naguranga gorge.

[BrendonF]

Out of those two, I think the Hyosung would be the better option given that he'll be doing motorway commuting plus not sure how a GN would cope going up the Naguranga gorge.

The mighty GN250 is a great learners bike. Cheap and reliable and don't under estimate these little things. I learnt on one the older ones in the mid nineties.

Yes anything with fairings is bloody expensive to fix if you drop it.

[stevo_nz]

Thanks guys.

Sold the 50cc scooter today so there is no going back.
Next step is to do the basic handling and learners licence then buy a big boys bike.

[mrchips]

Hey, this looks like a genuine bargain.... a 2007 scorpio @ 3,709 k's for $2,200 ono

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-970572764.htm

I new a motorcycle instructor who got one when they first came out.... super reliable & way better performance than the GN. He highly recommended.

Here's a review..

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/91015-2008-Yamaha-Scorpio-225-review

Enjoy !

[BSOD1000]

I agree an unfaired Hyosung is an excellent starter bike..

[caseye]

Hey, this looks like a genuine bargain.... a 2007 scorpio @ 3,709 k's for $2,200 ono

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-970572764.htm

I new a motorcycle instructor who got one when they first came out.... super reliable & way better performance than the GN. He highly recommended.

Here's a review..

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/91015-2008-Yamaha-Scorpio-225-review

Enjoy !

Theres your bike! Can't go wrong and yes heaps better than the old faithful GN.Buy it.

[BrendonF]

Looks like a good little bike. The screen is a big bonus as is the kms for its age. I would be taking it for a test ride.

[mrchips]

Yes the givi screen is a real bonus + if your battery goes flat it's got a kick start as well as lectric. shit.... if I didn't have so many bikes I'd buy it.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

[stevo_nz]

Thanks guys, I made contact yesterday regarding the bike but had already sold.

Looked perfect otherwise so on the lookout for something similar.

[Drew]

My Scorpio surprised me no end. They go pretty good, but the muffler chokes them something fierce.

[sidecar bob]

My Scorpio surprised me no end. They go pretty good, but the muffler chokes them something fierce.

Love your stomp grip bro.:lol:

[rustys]

Thanks guys.

Sold the 50cc scooter today so there is no going back.
Next step is to do the basic handling and learners licence then buy a big boys bike.

Hi stevo, welcome to the forum.
Our Ulysses Kapiti Coast Branch did a training course with "Two Bald bikers" over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, all l can say I would highly recommend these guys for a course, we have used others in the past but these guys do not place pressure. They are from Wainuomata, and have two small Scorpio bikes for learners to use, both are NZTA and CBTA qualified and are now running "Ride Forever' Courses, www.twobaldbikers.co.nz
Good luck sorting a bike.

[OddDuck]

Welcome to the forum.

Just one bit of advice... try to buy something no older than ten years, twelve at the outside, even if you pay a bit more.

Time kills everything and sorting an endless series of niggly problems is exactly what you don't need on a commuter / first bike.

[Rhys]

Welcome to the forum.

Just one bit of advice... try to buy something no older than ten years, twelve at the outside, even if you pay a bit more.

Time kills everything and sorting an endless series of niggly problems is exactly what you don't need on a commuter / first bike.

Coming from the man with a bike from 1995 :bleh:

[stevo_nz]

Thanks guys,

I have picked up a Kawasaki Ninja 2008 (getting dropped off tonight)
Done the BHST on Saturday
Done the Learners Theory Test today

Looking forward to finding a quiet area to get a bit more practice in.

[BrendonF]

Thanks guys,

I have picked up a Kawasaki Ninja 2008 (getting dropped off tonight)
Done the BHST on Saturday
Done the Learners Theory Test today

Looking forward to finding a quiet area to get a bit more practice in.

Awesome mate! Great bike and the best selling learner bike in Aus. Time to go riding


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[OddDuck]

Coming from the man with a bike from 1995 :bleh:

Yes. I say it because I know. Been there, done that, still there, still doing that. I still reckon it's the right bike for me.

OP's best with a bike that needs oil changes and tyres every once in a while and nothing more.

[OddDuck]

Thanks guys,

I have picked up a Kawasaki Ninja 2008 (getting dropped off tonight)
Done the BHST on Saturday
Done the Learners Theory Test today

Looking forward to finding a quiet area to get a bit more practice in.

Nice!! A mate sold his Ninja 300 and regretted it... still checks them out every time one goes by. Great little bikes.