PDA

View Full Version : Researching next bike, where'd the big ones go???



Gremlin
19th November 2005, 22:02
The situation: On restricted, but looking to apply for an exemption, because I feel bloody dangerous on the ZZR. Rear suspension is the hardest it will go, and last weekend I bottomed it out and hit the bottom of the fairing going through a corner. Brakes, crosswinds, all hopeless.

If I get the exemption, I'll be looking for a larger bike, better brakes, suspension etc. This means more cc's (won't deny, overtaking will be a lot safer and easier too). I prefer sprotsbikes, and those bloody designers think smaller is better. Its not. :mad:

So, I need to find out what bikes I fit, what sort of cc I will need to step up to, to find a decent sized bike... Only a pictorial will do this justice, forgot to take a photo of the nc30. It felt like a scooter, Rayza just said "Oh" :killingme

Cheers to Sarge (Dallas) for all his help and advice and suggestions of bikes :spudwave: Stop laughing... I'm beginning to get worried :mellow:

The sv650 was too small, full lock, the handlebar would have been 5mm from my knee. The sv1000 looks and feels farkin good, I look like I fit it... :weep: *drool*

edit: its loaded them reversed, look from end first...

NhuanH
20th November 2005, 06:21
buy a harley. they are made for big fellows. :niceone:

Jackrat
20th November 2005, 06:45
For somebody that prefers sprotbikes you have a bit of a mission in front of you.It's just the nature of the beast that their made small,race track influince an all that.
The Bandit might be your best bet.
Or some other sportstourer.
Good luck.

Eurodave
20th November 2005, 07:44
I SO hear ya dude, Im 6' 3'' & most bikes are too small for me to feel comfortable on

Eurodave
20th November 2005, 08:00
When I built up one of my Guzzis for touring duty, I used a LM3 2'' longer swingarm, higher wider semi western handlebars, Spada/G5 fatter higher seat, longer forks off a CB900,& longer rear shocks. I then cast up new footpeg hangers that put the footpegs 4" further forward & 2" lower
All of this combined helped me to fit the bike better but I still look like a pumpkin riding a pimple

boomer
20th November 2005, 08:11
Either of teh SV's or the bandit mate:scratch:

T.W.R
20th November 2005, 08:38
Bud you are going to be hard pressed to find a sportsbike to be comfy on, i'm6'4" but fold up into my ZXR easy enough but thats because i've got used to it(helps with manhandling it in the tight stuff). probably the most roomy of sportsbikes though older would be FZR1000s or the YZF thunderace as they are renowned for their stretch to the bars (statements made by short testers)
Other than that your going to have to look at the likes of Bandits,ZZRs,& other sports-tourers etc. but to be truely comfy you may have to size up the likes of a Triumph Tiger or similar

Zapf
20th November 2005, 22:47
I think a 1000 would be just a bit big..... however should look at the SV650S, the new shape one... same size as the SV1000S but smaller engine.

Zed
20th November 2005, 23:12
The sv1000 looks and feels farkin good, I look like I fit it... :weep: *drool*Yep, without a doubt you look best on the SV1000 IMO...nice lineup of bikes behind it too! :love:

Btw, have you considered a Blackbird? It would certainly cater for your physique...maybe too much of a step up, though an SV1000 is getting up there!

thehollowmen
20th November 2005, 23:37
As much as I hate to say it... you do look like you fit the SV1000S.

I dunno if they'll give you an exemption though for something that big.

avgas
21st November 2005, 02:29
the faster you go, the dumber the mess.
Sorry man - but i have a thing about what your going to attempt. Yeh sure i could give you a list of about 5-10 'bigger' bikes that wont get you fucked up and will teach you the ridding skills you still require....but hey dont worry about that. I hope that for your sake you have been riding 'off-road' for the last 2-3 years, otherwise you wont have skills to do jack when the shit hits the fan on a big sports bike.

Dafe
21st November 2005, 05:03
Shit, What shop is that one in the pics?
They've got a good selection. 4 GSXR's sitting behind the SV pic! nice selection!!!

Swoop
21st November 2005, 08:16
Shit, What shop is that one in the pics?
They've got a good selection. 4 GSXR's sitting behind the SV pic! nice selection!!!

Looks like Coleman's, where Sarge resides!

thehollowmen
21st November 2005, 08:29
Go sit on a DL650 and an F650 .. you might get away with the F650 being on the list of learners bikes in NSW

zadok
21st November 2005, 09:31
As mentioned, the SV1000 looks the best fit out of that lot. I have a mate who is over 6', and he tried out several bikes and found the Kawasaki ZX-9 was the best fit at the time. Maybe any of the ZX series could be for you.

Krayy
21st November 2005, 10:32
Bugger the bigger bikes...get onto the mighty VTR250 and maybe you'll be able to keep up with me!!! :banana:

SlowHand
21st November 2005, 12:29
Pics are busted. I just hear bikes screaming when I open them.

NO NO NO NO!! All of you but NhuanH got it wrong.
You have 3 options Grem
1. Lose some blardy weight.
2. Ride slower so you dont bottom out
3. Buy a cruiser - Virago 250 perhaps. THE best boik in the world I hear!

I think 2 & 3 go together too, so do 3 and get 2 for fwee!

The_Dover
21st November 2005, 12:42
Hyosung GT250???

I'm 6'3" and was about 105kg when I rode one and never had an issue. The frame is as big as the new SV's and it is learner legal.

I think asking for an exemption on those grounds is bullshit but if they give you one then take your pick. Plenty of bigger guys riding sprotsbikes out there and I found the K5 to have plenty of room for me!

cowpoos
21st November 2005, 12:52
Hyosung GT250???

I found the K5 to have plenty of room for me!
really....shame you can't stay on them or keep them going...other wise be the perfect bike aye :Pokey:

The_Dover
21st November 2005, 14:49
Keep 'em going? It was stopping the fucker in one piece that I was struggling with. Still, third time lucky....or maybe I should get a TL?

cowpoos
21st November 2005, 14:51
lmao.....get a TL...I dare you....ya cheeky shit....lol

seriously...get a TL...it'll show you got balls

Devil
21st November 2005, 14:59
Is the new shape SV650 the same physical size as the SV1000?

As for the SV1000 having too much grunt, I disagree. It may have a fair bit of poke, but its very manageable. You'd have to do dumb shit on it for the power to cause a problem. Riding the Hornet 900 and the SV1000 back to back made the SV feel like a pussycat as far as power delivery goes!

Zapf
21st November 2005, 18:50
Is the new shape SV650 the same physical size as the SV1000?

As for the SV1000 having too much grunt, I disagree. It may have a fair bit of poke, but its very manageable. You'd have to do dumb shit on it for the power to cause a problem. Riding the Hornet 900 and the SV1000 back to back made the SV feel like a pussycat as far as power delivery goes!

Yea same frame and size for 650 and 1000. Haven't rode the SV1000, but the Hornet does go well... but then again we want him not to go to a BIG bike so quick right? ermmm spank must love his pussycats...:lol:

Dafe
21st November 2005, 18:54
The LTSA are pretty tough on providing exemptions and will generally only provide it for a day at a time. i.e.if you're sitting a test!

Darkman
21st November 2005, 19:03
hey dude..you look the best on the sv 1000 by far. why not try the blackbird or maybe the zzr1100 or zx-14r..they are made for big oaks!!!they have loads of horsepower for the big guys with there wifes up too, and the power to weight is not as close as the superbikes and therefor the front stays on the ground...

Zed
21st November 2005, 21:00
...and the power to weight is not as close as the superbikes and therefor the front stays on the ground...That's a good point Darkman!

Hmmm, my Bird must be defective then?? :spudbn:

The_Dover
21st November 2005, 21:27
That's a good point Darkman!

Hmmm, my Bird must be defective then?? :spudbn:

Nah Zed, that's just what happens when you park your fat ass on the pillion seat!!

ducatilover
21st November 2005, 22:01
the faster you go, the dumber the mess.
Sorry man - but i have a thing about what your going to attempt. Yeh sure i could give you a list of about 5-10 'bigger' bikes that wont get you fucked up and will teach you the ridding skills you still require....but hey dont worry about that. I hope that for your sake you have been riding 'off-road' for the last 2-3 years, otherwise you wont have skills to do jack when the shit hits the fan on a big sports bike.
and there lies the answer.....honestly a sv1000 would be a great fit but most likely a bit too big a step up....try a bandit 650 on for size or if you already havnt honda hornet 900:2thumbsup

oldrider
21st November 2005, 22:06
You look best on the 1000 by far. You must be a big motherfucker, those other bikes look really cramped under you. Big is OK. Ride with your brains and not your wrist. Keep that for the shower.:blip: Good luck with the exemption guess you will need it. Cheers John.

Zapf
21st November 2005, 23:29
and there lies the answer.....honestly a sv1000 would be a great fit but most likely a bit too big a step up....try a bandit 650 on for size or if you already havnt honda hornet 900:2thumbsup

a big boned mate of mine had a ride on both the SV650S and 900 Hornet... and the SV def had more room.

the 900 Hornet is big bike class for the engine but physically is not much larger than a 250 Hornet...

skidMark
21st November 2005, 23:33
you must be f**king tall !!!! maybe a car? lol just kidding no motorcyclist should ever sink so low

Karma
22nd November 2005, 00:03
Love my bike, but definitely too small.

I'm only 6'4" (tall anyway) but I can put both my feet flat on the ground and still not be on the seat, ie. I have like several inches clearence between me and the seat.

Not sure what to move upto really... suppose it depends on what's available at the time, but the thought of either a ZX9R or R1 springs to mind... how do people find these for size?

SARGE
22nd November 2005, 00:17
Shit, What shop is that one in the pics?
They've got a good selection. 4 GSXR's sitting behind the SV pic! nice selection!!!



ah yes .. home sweet home *sigh*..

that yellow (http://colemanssuzuki.motorcycletrader.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=1167023&TabID=5416&Alias=colemanssuzukinz) Gixxer (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=297952&postcount=1) just got sold yesterday..nutso machine

Lou Girardin
22nd November 2005, 07:25
Bandit 12, your back will thank you. Ride all day and get off fresh.
Plus, a can and rejet will give more hp than the SV could dream of.
Tyres and chains last longer too.

SARGE
22nd November 2005, 08:40
Bandit 12, your back will thank you. Ride all day and get off fresh.
Plus, a can and rejet will give more hp than the SV could dream of.
Tyres and chains last longer too.


dunno if he's up to the torque of the 12 Lou.. the 650 is a nice piece of kit though

ducatilover
22nd November 2005, 09:19
a big boned mate of mine had a ride on both the SV650S and 900 Hornet... and the SV def had more room.

the 900 Hornet is big bike class for the engine but physically is not much larger than a 250 Hornet...
really? the hornet seemed pretty big sized to me...i'm going insane i'm thinking of upgrading in a year right? but i want a gixxa whats happening, someone hit me quick:bash: :bash:

Zapf
22nd November 2005, 10:39
really? the hornet seemed pretty big sized to me...i'm going insane i'm thinking of upgrading in a year right? but i want a gixxa whats happening, someone hit me quick:bash: :bash:

yes... I'll HIT YOU QUICK :bash: :bash: :bash: going by ur record... the gixxer is too fast for u :hitcher:

ducatilover
22nd November 2005, 13:58
yes... I'll HIT YOU QUICK :bash: :bash: :bash: going by ur record... the gixxer is too fast for u :hitcher:
that may be a point to consider....i'll buy one another day:yes:

Reckless
23rd November 2005, 00:15
Firstly you have to choose if you wanna go twin or four pots??
I have a Z1r 1000 I've ridden for 15 years and a newish VTR1000 Storm (wanted to try the twin thing) my two close riding buddies have the SV1000 and a VFR800. The VTR is quite sport based so you sit in it (a bit more cramped) more than the SV1000. I've ridden them all for quite some distances and for a more sporty/wheel stand feel go for the VTR (which I prefer) for a great touring/wheel stand bike with heaps of mid torque go SV1000. But for a magic alrounder and lovely sport tourer go VFR. The slightly more upright position would suit you.
That is if you wanna go that big. My overall recommendation is to bloodywell slow down on your present bike learn your skills, go sv650 next, thrash the shit outa that and if your not hurt by the end of that period go to a 1000 then. Going learners to 1000cc equals death! I got 250kph twice, outa the VTR last weekend and thats with a tooth less than std on the front sprocket. lord knows what she'll do with the correct gearing on???

P.S. IF you have any inclanation and love bikes go Moto-xing it'll teach you more faster about bike handling than anything!!

Thats my opinion agree , disagree or get stuffed lol lol Jeepers didn't mean to write a book!!!!!!!!!!!

iwilde
23rd November 2005, 10:35
Get a busa! But I'll still pass you on the outside through some twisties on my 250sm!

Eurodave
23rd November 2005, 10:55
I reckon you are all missing the original point.
Restricted licenced riders are limited to 250cc bikes, all of which are physically too small for the us tall riders, so what to do? Apply for an exemption? Maybe, although that certainly wont happen if you go for a 'Busa or Gixxer, SVthou etc etc. What is needed is a larger, more spacious 250 & they are like rocking horse shit! Why the hell cant someone make a decent sized 250??

Waylander
23rd November 2005, 10:57
The funny thing on this thread is to hear peaple say they are 6'3" and yet they are shorter than me.:blink:

Best bet is to get a cruiser mate. Doubt you'll ever be happy with the fit of a sportbike.

iwilde
23rd November 2005, 10:59
I reckon you are all missing the original point.
Restricted licenced riders are limited to 250cc bikes, all of which are physically too small for the us tall riders, so what to do? Apply for an exemption? Maybe, although that certainly wont happen if you go for a 'Busa or Gixxer, SVthou etc etc. What is needed is a larger, more spacious 250 & they are like rocking horse shit! Why the hell cant someone make a decent sized 250??

Very true, I'm 6'3" and round 108kg, My KLXSM is a wee bit small, but the best I could find for me due to the up right riding position. Even when I step up I'll stay with the SM concept.

The_Dover
23rd November 2005, 11:08
The funny thing on this thread is to hear peaple say they are 6'3" and yet they are shorter than me.:blink:

Best bet is to get a cruiser mate. Doubt you'll ever be happy with the fit of a sportbike.

If you're referring to the fact I may not appear as tall as you Gaylander (probably due to the fact I'm not a lanky streak of piss )then do the math!

190cm (as per my immigration medical) divide by 2.54 = 74.8 inches

= 6' 2.8"

Is 0.2" that critical to ya?:shake:

And FFS, you don't have to be a dwarf to ride a sportsbike, shit even I was suprised how tall Stroud was at BBT and he looks fairly comfy on the K5!

justsomeguy
23rd November 2005, 11:16
Hey Grem - you get the exemption???

Waylander
23rd November 2005, 11:18
If you're referring to the fact I may not appear as tall as you Gaylander (probably due to the fact I'm not a lanky streak of piss )then do the math!

190cm (as per my immigration medical) divide by 2.54 = 74.8 inches

= 6' 2.8"

Is 0.2" that critical to ya?:shake:

Just a random comment mate, no reason to get all defensive. And I'm only 6'1 something inches.

Karma
23rd November 2005, 11:24
Just a random comment mate, no reason to get all defensive. And I'm only 6'1 something inches.


As long as you're taller than the rent boys on K'Rd then you don't have to be the bitch :blip: . But that's not something anyone here would get into.... right?

Reckless
23rd November 2005, 15:31
I guess the law says you can kill yourself just as kwik with only restricted license experiance on our roads if your 4' or 7'. Kinda makes sense though.

But I admit its hardest on the tall guys. Don't forget most of our bikes are designed for littler japenese people.

The_Dover
23rd November 2005, 15:34
As long as you're taller than the rent boys on K'Rd then you don't have to be the bitch :blip: . But that's not something anyone here would get into.... right?

Have you seen the size of some of them?:blink:

Not that I have ever been to K'Rd after dark in my life, Juzzer told me:yes:

cowpoos
24th November 2005, 20:42
Im hungery

SARGE
24th November 2005, 20:45
Im hungery



ok Cowpoos


we get it ..



McDonalds is OPEN!!!

Goblin
24th November 2005, 20:47
Im hungery

WELL GO COOK SOME EGGS!
And tidy yourself up a bit eh!

earl
24th November 2005, 23:43
Don't laugh but have you looked at the GS1200ss Suzi-not the prettiest bike unless you are into retro but a good reach to the bars,100hp which is not too much for starters and real cheap!!

Back Fire
25th November 2005, 02:14
Don't laugh but have you looked at the GS1200ss Suzi-not the prettiest bike unless you are into retro but a good reach to the bars,100hp which is not too much for starters and real cheap!!

I agree with you actually! Shame they are still carb'd though

Gremlin
25th November 2005, 02:42
Sorry, been off the site and busy for the last couple of days. To some of the issues raised I'll add some info.

1. I was looking at the older thous (early 90) but based on feedback I ruled them out due to big weight jump from my bike (150-160ish dry I think) to them at about 230 dry. I thought they wouldn't be too bad as they are slower than current thous... but too heavy for commuting.

2. Budget is tight (somewhere around 5 mark - may go up depending on christmas work, but I won't get a loan to get a liability) so new bikes/models are out.

I don't want to jump straight to litre plus group, as most say it is not a wise idea, not 100% sure I'm wise and controlled enough to behave :nono: but in the same vein, I can't move to 400s and they are the same size basically as the zzr... Rayza and co laughed when I sat on an NC30... he advocated them too.

Big problem tho is that I like sprotsbikes, I know fairings are expensive, but I like the shape etc. Initially I didn't even like the look of the half faired sv1000, but it grew on me, but its waaaaay out of reach.

Simply: I'm hunting down bigger sprotsbikes, without too much power, but with enough to pass cars safely (I don't want to hang around in the oncoming), and strongs brakes and suspension for my weight... Every bike besides the 1000 sank a bit more than usual just when I sat on it...

Yes, I guess I could try losing weight, but I'm trying slowly (ie so it doesn't come back).

The problem is finding a sprotsbike that is a good step up, but making me nice and safe on the roads, not nice bottoming out a bike when the suspension is set to its stiffest....

DEATH_INC.
27th November 2005, 06:45
Try an earlier gixxer 750 (90ish)they're fairly largish.(maybe we can put a 250 in it for ya:lol: )the weight shouldn't be too much of an issue, with your size and all.
All you bigger guys who want a sprotbike should try a ZX12,they're fucken huge.

WINJA
27th November 2005, 09:45
Love my bike, but definitely too small.

I'm only 6'4" (tall anyway) but I can put both my feet flat on the ground and still not be on the seat, ie. I have like several inches clearence between me and the seat.

Not sure what to move upto really... suppose it depends on what's available at the time, but the thought of either a ZX9R or R1 springs to mind... how do people find these for size?
MY MATE WAS THE SAME HEIGHT AS YOU AND VERY HEAVY AND HE HAD NO PROBS ON A STREET MAGIC , NC30 OR VTR 250

justsomeguy
27th November 2005, 10:22
Sorry, been off the site and busy for the last couple of days. To some of the issues raised I'll add some info.

1. I was looking at the older thous (early 90) but based on feedback I ruled them out due to big weight jump from my bike (150-160ish dry I think) to them at about 230 dry. I thought they wouldn't be too bad as they are slower than current thous... but too heavy for commuting.

2. Budget is tight (somewhere around 5 mark - may go up depending on christmas work, but I won't get a loan to get a liability) so new bikes/models are out.

I don't want to jump straight to litre plus group, as most say it is not a wise idea, not 100% sure I'm wise and controlled enough to behave :nono: but in the same vein, I can't move to 400s and they are the same size basically as the zzr... Rayza and co laughed when I sat on an NC30... he advocated them too.

Big problem tho is that I like sprotsbikes, I know fairings are expensive, but I like the shape etc. Initially I didn't even like the look of the half faired sv1000, but it grew on me, but its waaaaay out of reach.

Simply: I'm hunting down bigger sprotsbikes, without too much power, but with enough to pass cars safely (I don't want to hang around in the oncoming), and strongs brakes and suspension for my weight... Every bike besides the 1000 sank a bit more than usual just when I sat on it...

Yes, I guess I could try losing weight, but I'm trying slowly (ie so it doesn't come back).

The problem is finding a sprotsbike that is a good step up, but making me nice and safe on the roads, not nice bottoming out a bike when the suspension is set to its stiffest....

All very well but utterly useless if you dont get an exemption. How's that going???

kro
27th November 2005, 16:52
You look to be the same build and height as me, I had to buy an older 88-89 FZR thou to get a big I did not look riduculous on. You do look big on the SV, which is a picty, as they are such a nice bike.

The other thing to look at is getting something with a bit more of an agressive lean-forward position like the TL's GSXR's etc etc, and see if they look a little better, seeing as you won't be sitting so upright.

Raven
27th November 2005, 19:41
Get a 2nd hand blackbird.

Why?

1. It's got manners and is very easy to ride.

2. It's not the fastest thing in the twisties but you're a long way off being a boy racer.

3. Get something with a real fairing and not a postage stamp as you might as well learn in comfort. Most people I know are trying to put fairings on their naked bikes.

4. They're bullet proof (if ya like fixing things get a hardley)

5. With your size anything smaller will be an expensive stepping stone to a litre bike.

6. Don't be put off by the big bad litre as the difference in performance between a bird and most other bikes is stuff all and you won't be worrying about power bands etc. (except of course cruisers handle like a bucket of sh*t and the slugs are just that slugs)

7. Ya won't be spending the rest of your life trying to make it go faster which is a real expensive hobby.

8. Go and do every advanced training school thingy you can find, join a club have fun and live long.

Zapf
27th November 2005, 22:00
a big mate of mine (your hight and weight) finds a CBR600F fits well... just go have a sit on one :)

Zed
27th November 2005, 22:18
Get a 2nd hand blackbird.

Why?

1. It's got manners and is very easy to ride.You got that right! You have to have good manners yourself to ride one fast though...they are a very powerful motorcycle indeed, and if you can learn to harness that power you will be one happy camper! :banana:

ducatilover
27th November 2005, 22:26
what about an fj 1200? they are pretty potent but they are very comfy and big:yes:

Gremlin
28th November 2005, 18:33
All very well but utterly useless if you dont get an exemption. How's that going???
hehe... talk about a one track mind :lol:

submitted on Friday, supposed to find out within about a week :wait:

Blackbird: an outside option, CaN has offered a ride on his on the runway at Whenuapai, when doing the Bronz course, might take him up to see what its like...

CBR600F: definitely on the list as an option, haven't been able to find heaps to sit on, haven't been looking really hard tho...

FJ1200: no offence to Sarge, but the look of it doesn't exactly excite me.

GSXR750: was able to sit on an 88 on the coro ride, not bad size wise, but did struggle a bit on seat to peg length, probably could be adjusted though. Could have sworn the pegs were at different heights :wacko:

Waylander
28th November 2005, 18:37
Could always just get a cruiser. Then no worries about being cramped. Don't worry about it not being your style, they are everyones style lol. And ask Slash if he ever has trouble keeping up with sportbikes on his 800. Though he drags pegs and pipes alot sooner in a corner than I do lol.

justsomeguy
28th November 2005, 19:00
hehe... talk about a one track mind :lol:



Matey - I don't want you to go through what I went through.

Almost bought this - 1992 ZXR400 with 3,500 genuine k's on the clock - looked like it was straight of the show room floor and he only wanted 3,800 :cry:

Just make sure you can get that bloody piece of paper before you go building your hopes up.

cowpoos
28th November 2005, 19:09
WELL GO COOK SOME EGGS!
And tidy yourself up a bit eh!

you pig****SLAP**** you can sleep on the f??k?n couch to night MISTER

cook you own F??K?N eggs ya prick

and by the way...you have never made me cum...{runs off...slams door}

Skunk
28th November 2005, 19:10
Blackbird: an outside option, CaN has offered a ride on his on the runway at Whenuapai, when doing the Bronz course, might take him up to see what its like...

CBR600F: definitely on the list as an option, haven't been able to find heaps to sit on, haven't been looking really hard tho...

FJ1200: no offence to Sarge, but the look of it doesn't exactly excite me.

GSXR750: was able to sit on an 88 on the coro ride, not bad size wise, but did struggle a bit on seat to peg length, probably could be adjusted though. Could have sworn the pegs were at different heights :wacko:Just buy my ZRX1100. Low on HP big on torque...

Bugger it: SOMEONE buy it. please

Goblin
28th November 2005, 19:28
you pig****SLAP**** you can sleep on the f??k?n couch to night MISTER

cook you own F??K?N eggs ya prick

and by the way...you have never made me come...{runs off...slams door}

You gettin lippy eh??

I never made YOU come? So farkin what?? I did and thats all that matters eh!

And DONT slam the frickin door!!

cowpoos
28th November 2005, 19:42
You gettin lippy eh??

I never made YOU come? So farkin what?? I did and thats all that matters eh!

And DONT slam the frickin door!!

erie silence.....

boomer
28th November 2005, 20:35
CBR600F: definitely on the list as an option, haven't been able to find heaps to sit on, haven't been looking really hard tho...


My '99 F4 is at AMPs ready for a new home :doobey:

Eurodave
29th November 2005, 13:07
Hey Gremlin, see Speedmedics rat bike thread, I think weve found the perfect big bike for you!!!:whistle:

Lou Girardin
29th November 2005, 14:54
4. They're bullet proof (if ya like fixing things get a hardley)



Owned a few have you?
Or is this just uninformed crap?:bs:

dawnrazor
29th November 2005, 15:56
Blackbird, ZX12R, Hayabusa, VFR.
The hayabusa is huge

FEINT
1st December 2005, 13:47
Just took a Hornet and a VTR1000 for a ride today.... nice!!!! :p

Gremlin
4th December 2005, 15:46
I is soooooooooooooooo happy...

I GOT IT!!!!! Just arrived today, after a fun ride with aff-man, hayabusa and co. Even better, I am completely exempted from the 250cc, being I can ride any bike I choose, and for the licence tests as well. (It even states that I can ride a motorcycle exceeding a capacity of 2500cm3 for the full licence).

To be honest tho, I was sort of expecting it, I'm sick and tired (not to mention a little scared) of constantly bottoming it out...

The best part of the open exemption is that I am not restricted to anything, so I can afford to wait, and find something that fits me properly and not be worried about it being under a new cc limit.

As I said to hayabusa today, I realised today I don't really need more speed in corners, just better brakes, suspension (ie handling) and more power uphills. Also what would be good would be more roll-on power at 100 for safe overtaking.

:doobey: :doobey: :doobey: <- very happy

Leong
4th December 2005, 16:29
Congrats Gremlin....

must have seen you on the road today too at Kaiaua..

ducatilover
4th December 2005, 21:24
sorry i am a bit lost..... what did you get gremlin?

Gremlin
4th December 2005, 21:28
the exemption I was applying for, to be able to ride a bigger bike on my restricted license.

Open ended too, so I am not limited by cc :2thumbsup

Devil
5th December 2005, 07:30
Lucky sod.
Well, may common sense be your guide! I've mentioned it before, its not the power of the motor, its the nut attached to the bars.

ducatilover
5th December 2005, 10:22
the exemption I was applying for, to be able to ride a bigger bike on my restricted license.

Open ended too, so I am not limited by cc :2thumbsup
lucky bastard:banana:

iwilde
5th December 2005, 12:40
the exemption I was applying for, to be able to ride a bigger bike on my restricted license.

Open ended too, so I am not limited by cc :2thumbsup

just out of interest, how does someone go about getting an exemption?

Gremlin
5th December 2005, 18:22
here, sent this to a pm querying the same thing...


Go to an aa centre or something like that (I got my form from my BHS instructor). You need form DL4.

Fill it in, go back to aa centre or equivalent, you pay $22.20 as an application fee, and they consider it case by case. The application is sent to Christchurch for consideration.

Get your restricted first, it is only under exceptional circumstances that they will give an exemption on a learners license. (probably because you have then passed a practical test, and proved you can ride)

You need to state traffic offenses and the like, and then give details as to what condition you applying for an exemption (ie, mine was the 250cc) on what license (mine was 6R), and what reasons you think you should have an exemption. They will need to see that you will be as safe with the exemption (for me, once I pointed out the details I plainly stated I was less safe without).

My reasons were weight impacting on crap brakes, dangerous suspension (still bottoming out after being stiffened), top heavy = vulnerable in winds, all leading to being dangerous in corners.

Any more info needed??

Also, if you receive an exemption, you then have to permanently carry the letter with you.

edit: Also, I popped into Coleman's and Sarge helped me out getting some pics of me on several bikes to show the problem (pics in first post)

Back Fire
6th December 2005, 03:35
Also, if you receive an exemption, you then have to permanently carry the letter with you.


A good Idea is to do what I did with my exemption letter. Go down to your personal/local lawyer and have a few certified copies made up... They scuff easy in wallets and become illiterate and also, paper melts in the rain, which being on a bike could find its way to meet your letter...

Gongrats again Grem!!

Waylander
6th December 2005, 13:58
Congrats mate. Enjoy your new found freedom.

Gremlin
7th December 2005, 14:23
mmm dropped into Mt Eden this morning to get a wof, and while waiting I hunted out the ninjas... (please don't mention that site again)

Sat on their 96 zx6r, nice, just big enough for me (tightish fit, but not too tight), might even be a good chance of being my next bike. Also sat on their zx7r, 96 and 97 bikes... Very nice, heaps of space, but it strikes me as a big bike physically (well... yeah, I could expect that when looking for big bikes... :laugh:)

Out of my price range, and a bit too heavy, being a tad over the 200kg mark, but very nice...

Then quizzed Mike heaps over the ninja range, and he answered all my questions... soo helpful. I had such a good time, that I almost forgot about paying for the wof, only when I had some of my gear on did I remember.

Gremlin
7th December 2005, 14:38
Oh, another thing that came out of my chat with Mike, it turns out he received a letter from the ltnz, saying that the exemptions would probably be done away with.

I double checked he wasn't confusing that with CBTA, but it seems that exemptions may be on the way out.

Jeez, I was surprised and felt bloody lucky I had just got mine...

Gremlin
7th December 2005, 17:51
OK, sat on a 96 zx6r, 96 zx7r, and a 97 zx7r today. Obviously the 2 7s are basically the same (tiny differences in weight, hp blah blah).

I can fit on both, but the 6 would be just big enough for me, but its only about 180kg dry, so could be a reasonably nimble step up from the zzr.

The 7 is definitely bigger and quite comfortable (short of test riding them). Sitting on it, just looking at the front and rolling it, it straightaway seems larger, bulkier, and my impression was not as nimble (in my huuuuuge experience of course :lol:). But it weighs just over 200kg dry, so probably not as nimble.

Comfort?? Or manoeuvrability?? Riding is wet, dry, country, commute (including splitting)