Which LAMS bike should I get ? [Archive]

Glen Baker

11th June 2017, 01:13

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I've had my Learners licence since I was 18, had a few bikes in that time. Haven't had a bike for 18 years been doing the whole mortgage and kids thing. Now it's time to get a bike. I'm after a 650cc Naked bike as I'm 110kg, would prefer to pay about $8k but can't really find anything decent for that price. Seriously thinking about buying a new Kawasaki ER6N, then derestricting it when I get my full.

Any thoughts ?

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Jeeper

11th June 2017, 06:13

I went with XSR700, it has a similar size engine but weighs 25 kgs less compared to ER6N.

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Jeeper

11th June 2017, 06:16

Also, I liked the seating position more. Both have ABS brakes and twin discs upfront.

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nzspokes

11th June 2017, 08:14

Youve not ridden for a long time so look to get a cheapy to start with so it wont be upsetting when you drop it.

Find yourself a good trainer and go do some lessons once you have the bike. Get good at riding then get the good bike. You will live longer that way.

Also nobody ever keeps there Lams bike so dont spend to much on it. Even ones you can de-restrict.

Scubbo

11th June 2017, 08:38

dr650 or klr650 then you can go on all roads :P and cheap-er tires / servicing is a doddle good bike to re-learn and still have heaps of fun without loosing license -- i'd go more for DR650 since its a lighter / less fragile and invincible motor

tigertim20

11th June 2017, 09:15

T.W.R

11th June 2017, 09:18

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I've had my Learners licence since I was 18, had a few bikes in that time. Haven't had a bike for 18 years

So basically you're a born-again fledgling biker.....Take heed of this

Youve not ridden for a long time so look to get a cheapy to start with so it wont be upsetting when you drop it.

Find yourself a good trainer and go do some lessons once you have the bike. Get good at riding then get the good bike. You will live longer that way.

Also nobody ever keeps there Lams bike so dont spend to much on it. Even ones you can de-restrict.

Glen Baker

11th June 2017, 11:55

8k is a shitload of money for a learner bike IMO.
I cant see any need to spend more than 5k on a first bike.

are you one of those "i dont want anything more than 3 years old' types? because there are plenty of great options out there well under 8k.

If youve had your learners a long time, you should look into competency based training assessments too, you might not be too far away from your full, if you are reasonably competent on a bike.
5K is more what I'd like to spend but I haven't found any decent larger capacity naked LAMS bikes apart from Hyosung GT650's for that price. They look nice, but I've read lots of mixed reviews about them. I don't think a 400 or 500cc is gonna move my 110 kg fast enough to keep up with my workmates on their cruisers.

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Glen Baker

11th June 2017, 11:57

dr650 or klr650 then you can go on all roads [emoji14] and cheap-er tires / servicing is a doddle good bike to re-learn and still have heaps of fun without loosing license -- i'd go more for DR650 since its a lighter / less fragile and invincible motor
I was kind of thinking a DR650 but I'm only 5"9 so don't know if I would even touch the ground.

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T.W.R

11th June 2017, 12:19

I was kind of thinking a DR650 but I'm only 5"9 so don't know if I would even touch the ground.

Longer dog-bones....problem solved :msn-wink:

Glen Baker

11th June 2017, 12:37

8k is a shitload of money for a learner bike IMO.
I cant see any need to spend more than 5k on a first bike.

are you one of those "i dont want anything more than 3 years old' types? because there are plenty of great options out there well under 8k.

If youve had your learners a long time, you should look into competency based training assessments too, you might not be too far away from your full, if you are reasonably competent on a bike.
Not too worried how old it is, just want a bike that looks like a full size bike and has enough power to pass safely in 100 Km traffic and I can do some decent miles on it. (Got a few trips planned) Most the guys I will be riding with only ride cruisers so top speed isn't too much of an issue. Would prefer naked/street fighter , but open too fully fairing sports, adventure, or super motard.

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nzspokes

11th June 2017, 12:54

huff3r

11th June 2017, 13:01

5K is more what I'd like to spend but I haven't found any decent larger capacity naked LAMS bikes apart from Hyosung GT650's for that price. They look nice, but I've read lots of mixed reviews about them. I don't think a 400 or 500cc is gonna move my 110 kg fast enough to keep up with my workmates on their cruisers.

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I have an SV400S and love it. Only a 400 but 53hp puts it above most of the LAMS 650s anyway. Don't discount the smaller capacity bikes, there is a lot more to it than engine size.

Also dad has the CB500X and really rates it, less power than the SV but still more than enough for him, he takes pillions on it a bit and is still happy with it.

FJRider

11th June 2017, 13:42

I've had my Learners licence since I was 18 ...

The driver/rider licensing protocols have changed a lot. The learners license now needs renewing. You'd pay to check if your learner license status is still current first.

rastuscat

11th June 2017, 13:47

I went with XSR700, it has a similar size engine but weighs 25 kgs less compared to ER6N.

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My favourite LAMS bike. The XSR is a gem.

tigertim20

11th June 2017, 16:07

5K is more what I'd like to spend but I haven't found any decent larger capacity naked LAMS bikes apart from Hyosung GT650's for that price. They look nice, but I've read lots of mixed reviews about them. I don't think a 400 or 500cc is gonna move my 110 kg fast enough to keep up with my workmates on their cruisers.

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if you havent ridden in nearly 20 years, then 'keeping up' with anyone should be the furthest thing from your mind, and unless they all like to ride everywhere at 180km/hr, you'll keep up fine on a 250 if you wanted to anyway even if youre 110kg.

Keep hunting - lots of people tuck their bikes away at this time of year.

Scubbo

11th June 2017, 16:13

I was kind of thinking a DR650 but I'm only 5"9 so don't know if I would even touch the ground.

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they've got a low seat height man, and come stock from factory with a lowering link hole on the wishbones should you need it! will last forever and keep its value too :niceone:

rastuscat

11th June 2017, 16:19

Glen Baker

11th June 2017, 17:29

The driver/rider licensing protocols have changed a lot. The learners license now needs renewing. You'd pay to check if your learner license status is still current first.
Had to renew my licence about a month ago and yes I definitely still have it.

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FJRider

11th June 2017, 18:21

Guy passed his CBTA 6R with me today. Good rider. He has a KTM390.

He wants rid of it as it rattles. Things fall off.

He's going to buy a 675 Daytona, and put 660 stickers on it. I've advised against it, but I'm an instructor, not a baby sitter.

If one of your former work associates did a radio check on the plate ... it would still come up as being 675 would it not ... ??? And the owner would be shown as being a restricted rider.

Depending on circumstances and attitude of the officer(s) at that time ... it might not go well (or be convenient) for the rider.

Glen Baker

11th June 2017, 18:54

Found a tidy 2013 Hyosung GT650R online for $5495, 15000Km on the clock, any one had any experience with these ?

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Jeeper

11th June 2017, 22:32

My favourite LAMS bike. The XSR is a gem.
I've really enjoyed it from the beginning. With no experience at all 4 months ago, it handled brilliantly to allow me get some confidence. Enough confidence that now I have a restricted license (first attempt). With more and more experience, its getting even easier to ride. Low end torque is great for slow speed commuting traffic.

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GrayWolf

12th June 2017, 01:34

Firstly lets get the 250 thing out of the way?

WHY would you? Revvy, peaky power delivery on sports 250's, and usually thrashed to fuckery and back again.

It's amazing how just a year or so ago, they were weeping that 250's just weren't enough. Now they have up to 660cc? "no one keeps their LAMs bike for long anyway" The LAM's bikes are as powerful as the old 'real' Triumph Bonneville's etc. Remember the Legendary Z1-900 was only 80 odd BHP.

Bikes like the DR. KLR, XTZ may be 'adventure/trail bikes' and 'only 40 odd BHP but they have good torque and well proven engines that have been around for over 25yrs. There are plenty of folk who ride them big distances with no problem, just don't expect massive overtaking power.
Hyosong's have a difficult time, they took a while to 'get it right' in many area's. The newer ones ARE better than older. What people tend to overlook is, even BMW had to do a major recall recently, as has most of the Japanese even in the last 10yrs.
It's the old 'give a dog a bad name' syndrome. Many will expound the virtues of XYZ because they had one years ago, got one, or everyone else says they are the dogs nuts.

Work out WHAT you want? sport riding {not conducive to comfortable distance riding} mostly commuting? DR/KLR etc are excellent for that. The hyo is in two models the GT and GTR or the CF Moto

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1342329167.htm

Google the owners clubs for the bikes you short list..... It's pointless other people telling YOU what bike you want/need comes down to height/weight/needs as well as running costs.

remembert a 4cyl 250 costs as much as a 100cc 4 cyl to service.

razza11

12th June 2017, 09:32

Found a tidy 2013 Hyosung GT650R online for $5495, 15000Km on the clock, any one had any experience with these ?

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Find a shop that is selling one and go for an hours ride. You might want to consider the riding position that suits the time you intend spending on the bike. Son had one of these for short time but not long enough to gauge their reliability with higher k's. Nimble ride if you are happy leaning on wrists all ride and being cramped in the legs. Your mates probably have cruisers for a good reason.

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Ulsterkiwi

12th June 2017, 19:22

We have a 2014 CB500X coming up for sale if you are interested. In your price range. It's my wife's current bike but I have ridden it many a time even two up with her on the back and it's more than fast enough. I am 1.96m tall and 110kgs, probably more.
It's kitted for touring with full luggage. PM me if you are serious about buying a decent, well sorted bike.

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rastuscat

13th June 2017, 08:17

Asher

13th June 2017, 09:28

I got out of tickets on my ZX6R (636cc) by claiming it's a LAMs bike.

I would suggest an MT07/XSR700.
They are physically bigger than most learner bikes but the suspension is too soft for me at 95kg so would be even worse for you bit that's always upgradeable and you should be able to find 2nd hand bikes for around $8k

rastuscat

13th June 2017, 10:43

The CB500FA and the CB500XA are great learner bikes for most people.

Plenty of guts for open road riding, not too heavy, but heavy enough.

I like the upright riding position, making it easy to get your head checks done. They are easy to slow-speed handle, if you use the right techniques.

All that said, the XSR is my favourite.

Black Knight

14th June 2017, 10:46

You can buy a XSR for $8K?-Please tell me where.

MVnut

14th June 2017, 16:52

Guy passed his CBTA 6R with me today. Good rider. He has a KTM390.

He wants rid of it as it rattles. Things fall off.

He's going to buy a 675 Daytona, and put 660 stickers on it. I've advised against it, but I'm an instructor, not a baby sitter.

Things never change, when I was 16 I had a TR3 that I 'converted' to look like an RD250. It was a wee bit peaky for the street but a lot of fun. Z1s didn't know what hit 'em haha

mossy1200

14th June 2017, 19:40

Its not naked but since its a Honda you could ride it naked.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-1344523954.htm

I think I would go for a older mt03 like this one.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-1342389565.htm

Or a Benelli 600
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-1347688162.htm

Glen Baker

24th June 2017, 14:15

Came across a Lams approved 2015 Benelli BN600IS today, any one had any experience with these ?

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caspernz

24th June 2017, 14:33

Found a tidy 2013 Hyosung GT650R online for $5495, 15000Km on the clock, any one had any experience with these ?

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Nothing wrong with this as a first bike for a returning biker. Like nzspokes already mentioned, a bit of training will do wonders for your longevity.

Came across a Lams approved 2015 Benelli BN600IS today, any one had any experience with these ?

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The first bike from Benelli since the Chinese owners took over...meh, I'd prefer a Hyosung in this situation.

It just comes down to taking a few bikes for a spin, the right bike question will answer itself...

FJRider

24th June 2017, 14:40

Came across a Lams approved 2015 Benelli BN600IS today, any one had any experience with these ?

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http://www.trademotorcycles.com.au/2015-benelli-bn600s-lams-review/

Pontiac_Tonz

11th July 2017, 11:04

Found a tidy 2013 Hyosung GT650R online for $5495, 15000Km on the clock, any one had any experience with these ?

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I am quite happy with my Hyosung - bought it with the sole purpose of getting my license (after hooning around in my younger days on motocross bikes and a ZZR 1100 with no license) and now use it every weekday for work.

Looks tidy as I keep it clean, I get it serviced regularly and have no issues. (Colemans look after me here)

Parts & service though - Yeesh - I have found the agents on the shore piss poor at best. Hold stuff all parts - or maybe it is just the ones I want.

Rang with an issue with fuel gauge - not interested - you didn't buy it from us (one year old at that point)
Chain guard - nope - two months as we just got our last order (bought online for a third of what they were asking - three weeks delivery)
Rear guard (dickhead backed over the bike and broke the rear guard, but only as it hit a wall on the way down) 6 weeks (rang a week later to say they found one - minor redemption)
Picked up previously spotless bike with dirty oily hand prints on it - saddle bags not correctly re-fitted.

Interesting note. After aforementioned dickhead backed over the bike, no dings or damage apart form the bit that hit the wall - the handle bars and controls were out of alignment - otherwise nothing else!

OOOps - back to the point. Runs good - pretty much ideal for Auckland traffic.

rastuscat

16th July 2017, 13:58

Hyosungs are heavy in the steering at slow speed.

I know, I know, it's easily fixed by going fast everywhere. In reality though, everyone has to ride at slow speed when stopping and starting every ride, and often when maneuvering into and out of spaces.

Not the best bike for a novice, but once you get used to them, they are okay. Not better than okay, just okay.

Why would you have a bike that's just okay, when you can find one you are passionate about?

pzkpfw

16th July 2017, 14:54

Ulsterkiwi

16th July 2017, 15:30

What's the word on the Aprilia ETX?

My son's expressed a vague interest in learning to ride as he's coming to the leave-home age.

Seen some of these on TradeMe, a couple of years old, just a few km, and pretty cheap.

Cheap for a reason? Or "good enough" to get a start with?

My experience with this bike is flavoured somewhat that I am 1.96m tall and 115kgs in my birthday suit. I was given one of these as a loan bike while my grown up Aprilia was being serviced. I was surprised that it had and digital instrument screen, gear indicator and a reasonably accurate fuel gauge but had a carburettor not fuel injection. The example I rode was NOT fine until well warmed. Around town and with sufficient neck wringing it worked ok, no way that wee motor was going to have the ooomph to take my arse up the gorge to go home. That said it did occur to me it would be great for a youngster starting out. I even suggested it to a work colleague who is looking for something for her 16 year old to get around on. Build quality was pretty good I thought and it has a very different character to a GN. Next step would be something like the KTM 200s but a much bigger price tag.

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pzkpfw

16th July 2017, 17:42

My experience with this bike is flavoured somewhat that I am 1.96m tall and 115kgs in my birthday suit. I was given one of these as a loan bike while my grown up Aprilia was being serviced. I was surprised that it had and digital instrument screen, gear indicator and a reasonably accurate fuel gauge but had a carburettor not fuel injection. The example I rode was NOT fine until well warmed. Around town and with sufficient neck wringing it worked ok, no way that wee motor was going to have the ooomph to take my arse up the gorge to go home. That said it did occur to me it would be great for a youngster starting out. I even suggested it to a work colleague who is looking for something for her 16 year old to get around on. Build quality was pretty good I thought and it has a very different character to a GN. Next step would be something like the KTM 200s but a much bigger price tag.

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Thanks for that. My boy is a little shorter than me, and I'm 1.93m. He's also the shape and weight of a long thin stick - so that bike might be just fine for him. He's thinking of Palmy for University next year. Not too many hills to cope with.

I had to move a GN125 for a friend of the Wife (who'd broken her wrist falling off a GN125 on a training course). I really HATED the steering geometry. Felt unsafe, to me.

Ulsterkiwi

16th July 2017, 17:50

Thanks for that. My boy is a little shorter than me, and I'm 1.93m. He's also the shape and weight of a long thin stick - so that bike might be just fine for him. He's thinking of Palmy for University next year. Not too many hills to cope with.

I had to move a GN125 for a friend of the Wife (who'd broken her wrist falling off a GN125 on a training course). I really HATED the steering geometry. Felt unsafe, to me.

If the young fella is light, then the wee Aprilia will work for him. Def around Palmy. Make sure you get one of the "road" ones the pseudo enduro ones have knobblie type tyres that will walk a wee bit.

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