Need some advice with first bike

[Stressfaktor]

Hi all

first of all - yes i have already researched and read most threads that i think are relevant.

I am looking for a bike that will bring me around town, but is also fun to ride in the country and can be used for road trips with someone on the back.
i have looked at the suzuki gn250, which are sold for about 4'500$ here in CHCH, which is what i can spend at most.

It seems quite nice and reliable but i haven't seen it in action yet because the retailers are all out of stock. One of the things i like most about bikes is the sound. i dont need to go faster than 120km/h but i just love it when its got a deep, grunty sound and i'm not sure if the gn250 can satisfy.

so yeah, to make it short: can u guys recommend me something for about 4-4500$, that can be used for shorter tours and sounds alright? And can anyone give me an idea of how the gn250 sounds? :laugh:

thanks in advance, stressfaktor.

[Smorg]

You can buy my 6 hundy for 4k it's got a nice grunty sound and it'll get you to 120 with ease..............even faster if you feel the need :apumpin:

[XTC]

GN's are sold new up here for $2995 + ORC. Maybe the freight charge to get them across the channel or the exchange rate makes the difference?? Good bike if you're not in a hurry. Then onto something better when you get your full. Don't be in too much of a rush.

[Stressfaktor]

i've got my full (overseas licence) yeah i'm not in a hurry but the sound is essential :devil2:

@smorgen: have u got pictures of it? what kind of bike is it?

[James Deuce]

GNs sound like a flatulent chicken, your overseas license is only valid for 12 months from date of entry to NZ, and a CBR600 is a sprotsbike that works equally as well as a sprots tourer.

Re. the spelling of sprots: it's how we do things round here.


Welcome to the Hotel California, errr, KB.

[Stressfaktor]

thanks for your replys. i can easily convert my overseas licence as i have done it with my car licence :psst:

hmmm the CBR600 looks alright if its something like this hehe

[Riff Raff]

can u guys recommend me something for about 4-4500$, that can be used for shorter tours and sounds alright? And can anyone give me an idea of how the gn250 sounds? :laugh:

thanks in advance, stressfaktor.

Welcome to KB. :spudwave:
If you have your full licence I wouldn't bother with a GN250. Not much grunt and definately wont satisfy you in the sounds department. What are your preferences in bike style - sports, naked, tourer, cruiser? That would give us an idea of what to recommend for you.

[Stressfaktor]

i'm not too much into sports ones, i thought of a tourer or cruiser, as long as its comfortable and has space for 2 people.

[limbimtimwim]

so yeah, to make it short: can u guys recommend me something for about 4-4500$, that can be used for shorter tours and sounds alright?I see there is a CBR250RR on trademe at the moment. Other side of the island from you though. They sound great if you like the sound of 1 million bees rotating at 16,000 rpm. They are have a good rep. Yes they do 120 no problem.
And can anyone give me an idea of how the gn250 sounds?Like a series of not to closely seperated puffs of air escaping from a whoopie cushion.

You did ask me to describe..

[crashe]

i'm not too much into sports ones, i thought of a tourer or cruiser, as long as its comfortable and has space for 2 people.

Yamaha Virago 1100 is a loverly cruiser.

Kawasaki Vulcan 800 is another cruiser.

[Stressfaktor]

@ limbimtimwim (what a name lol) thanks for the tip, that one seems alright. not sure if its a 2 seater though?
i found one of the same type on the west coast. hmm what about something that sounds more like uhm u know... deep and throttling?

i think those two above are a bit out of my price range but the seem alright

[madboy]

A GN is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Perfectly acceptable for the purpose they were designed. But I'd like to see you try and pull 120k 2-up. And as for the sound? Only if you have a cheap helmet will you even realise it's running.

It sounds like you could be after the lovely noise a twin makes?? I'm not sure what SV650s are worth, or even TL1000s these days, but maybe they or competitors are worth a look?

[Stressfaktor]

hm i quickly looked up trademe and they seem to be about 10'000...

I'm not looking for anything flash i just need something fun with good sound and a comfortable riding position for 2 :)

[SARGE]

GN's are sold new up here for $2995 + ORC. Maybe the freight charge to get them across the channel or the exchange rate makes the difference?? Good bike if you're not in a hurry. Then onto something better when you get your full. Don't be in too much of a rush.


the price went up to 3300 + orc on Oct 1 due to demand ( i have 2 left btw..)

[Stressfaktor]

how much would you want for one of them? i might just stick to something basic if i can get one for cheap

[Bonez]

hm i quickly looked up trademe and they seem to be about 10'000...

I'm not looking for anything flash i just need something fun with good sound and a comfortable riding position for 2 :)Tons or is that tonnes of cikles that fit this decription.

[Stressfaktor]

yes but i'm sure there are only a couple you could recommend?

what about http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-37465520.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=37051758

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=37523121

or the gz's?

[Bonez]

yes but i assume there are only a couple of those you could recommend? late 80's early 90s 600/750/1000s can be picked up for cheap. Things like this - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports-tourer/auction-37350845.htm

[Bonez]

Here's another worth considering. Added bonus of a shaft drive. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction_photo-37536851/permanent-0/photoid-13755325/photoid2-13755371/photoid3-13755400/p-1/m-0001%2D0026%2D1255%2D2913%2D/title-Motorbike.htm

Put a round head light on it and it'll look a bit better IMHO.

[Vilicus]

Hi all
which are sold for about 4'500$ here in? :laugh:

thanks in advance, stressfaktor.

a brand new gn250, 3300 in auckland,

was 2900 special last month