Considering....advice?

[Seraph]

I'm just in the process of looking at options of transport, mainly a car or bike, and could do with a little advice on bikes from anyone willing to give some :shifty: here's the story... I'm 17, living about 40km away from the closest place I could get a job and need a way of getting there and back, the majority of the journey would be along open highway *makikihi - timaru, if anyone knows where that is...* Obviously as a teenager I won't be getting a job with massive pay, or extremely long hours so won't have a great deal to spend on petrol...In your opinion would a 250 be a realistic option to be traveling 80km + a day on? and be cheap enough to run? including wof's, rego and standard maintenance? I'd first be looking at something like a gn250 for the first 6 months or so then upgrading to a bandit250 or similar after that. Thanks, any advice is greatly appreciated.:done:

[Fishy]

Definitely the cheaper option mate. I commute 110km's per day and have done in both on a bike and in the car and the bike beats it hands down with running costs.

Just remember to get yourself some good waterproof gear.

[Str8 Jacket]

would you be new to riding or have you ridden a bike before? reason im asking is 40 km's is quite a big ride each way for a complete newbie on a bike with no experience...

Oh yeah, welcome!

[Wasp]

well my bandits cost me nothing so far and ive had it 6 weeks (been in for a few warrenty jobs though and apparently they have some nasty hidden secrets) but i love it to bits :hug: but it is harder to ride than my old bike (a honda vtz 250).

Im also 17 (nearly 18 YAY!), spent last year working 1 1/2 hours after school everyday and full time during the holidays. started full time straight after exams and still working here right as we speak.

the bike is a perfect mode of transport for me, if i had a car i would have to pay for parking but with the bike i can easily park in the garage at work.

Now while i dont travel anywhere near 40kms to get to work (more like 5 minutes) im guessing you'll be fine once you get used to riding, only problems i forsee is the 70km/h speed limit for learners (and if you break it or not) and the weather.

[Jantar]

Makikihi - Timaru is a good road, not too busy, yet still enough traffic that you need a bike capable of cruising at the legal speed limit. Your suggestion of starting on a GN then later progressing to a Bandit is a good choice for that particular piece of road. Once you have been riding for a couple of years you will probably want to move up to a 600.

A bike will work out a lot cheaper than a car for commuting that distance, but you will need good gear. Half an hour on a frosty morning will feel like 2 hours if you don't keep warm.

[Whynot]

if you are wanting honest opinions whether to get a car or a bike i doubt this is the best place to get them ..... :shifty:

but, yea if you do get a bike ... get good, warm, waterproof gear ... you won't regret it
:rockon:

[cowpoos]

would you be new to riding or have you ridden a bike before? reason im asking is 40 km's is quite a big ride each way for a complete newbie on a bike with no experience...

Oh yeah, welcome!
he'll soon get experience at that rate thou doll.... :nya:


and yer welcome to the out box in the corner of the interweb....

[Jantar]

...40 km's is quite a big ride each way for a complete newbie on a bike with no experience...

40 kms in South Canterbury carries about the same risk and difficulty as 4 kms in Wellington.

[Str8 Jacket]

40 kms in South Canterbury carries about the same risk and difficulty as 4 kms in Wellington.

For sure, but I was meaning "should anything untoward happen" then its a long way out to be waiting for someone... Im all for him getting a bike, the only way to learn is from experience - believe me I for one know that all to well...

[sels1]

*makikihi - timaru, if anyone knows where that is...* :

yep, went thru there lastThursday


*I'd first be looking at something like a gn250 for the first 6 months or so then upgrading to a bandit250 or similar after that. :

Thats fairly sound thinking, go with that.
Welcome aboard, btw

[sefer]

*makikihi - timaru, if anyone knows where that is...*

Yeah, that's where they make fries right ;)

Running costs = bike
Not freezing your arse off = car

Guess it depends on if you can face getting up in the morning in the icy/pouring rain and riding 40K :)

[Seraph]

would you be new to riding or have you ridden a bike before? reason im asking is 40 km's is quite a big ride each way for a complete newbie on a bike with no experience...

Oh yeah, welcome!

I'd Be totally new to riding, but considering the ammount and place i'd be riding I'd definately be looking for the closest riding school :laugh: I don't wish be be a danger, or hazzard to other road users or myself.


if you are wanting honest opinions whether to get a car or a bike i doubt this is the best place to get them ..... :shifty:

but, yea if you do get a bike ... get good, warm, waterproof gear ... you won't regret it
:rockon:

Although this most likely isn't the best place to get an honest opinion between bike or car, it's the best I know of for honest opinions on bike's and i doubt many people on here would give bad advice to a n00b :laugh:


Thank you to eveyone else giving advice, I didn't expect anywhere near this ammount of responce :) so thank you again

[Squeak the Rat]

It be a cold place in the south seas down thar me hearty, oooh arrrr.

Yar'd be wantin the good gear, that's for sure mateeey.

40km's in freeezin' wind and blusterin rain at 100km/hr be enuf to send the saltiest sea dog to a shiverin' wreck.

Go to yar local bike shop, thar be bountiful treasure thar....

Arrrrr.

[Str8 Jacket]

I'd Be totally new to riding, but considering the ammount and place i'd be riding I'd definately be looking for the closest riding school :laugh: I don't wish be be a danger, or hazzard to other road users or myself.


Well in that case I definately reckon that you should go with a GN for your first bike. When I started riding 10 months ago I hadnt even driven a car on the road so it was a huge thing for me at the time... And even though I had ridden bikes when I was young (10-12) I had to teach myself to ride all over again. Even though I bag GN's now I have to admit that they are extremely easy to ride, they take alot of punishment and you can get them cheap. The only thing about GN's is that they tend to "eat" oil but you just need to watch it.
Definately get a bike, its the best thing I ever did!

[Colapop]

welcome to the nutt farm...

Would that distance be an issue on a bike? You should talk to Skelstar... He's selling his Hyosung 250. It's done 20,000k in less than a year with no ill effects. So the answer there is no, the distance won't be a problem. Fuel costs are going to be hugely less. Comfort, well, a car has a heater. But if you buy some decent gear then it won't be too bad even down there.

[Macktheknife]

I would always say go for the bike, its heaps cheaper to run and fix but you will get wet. Besides that its great, GN's are good learner bikes but I would say to stick to it for a bit longer than 6 months, you will never regret taking a bit more time to learn things properly. Get yourself to some riding lessons too, you will learn heaps and meet some good local people to assist with your riding skills.
Welcome to KB, you dont have top be crazy here... but you will fit in better.

[crashe]

Welcome to KB..........

Yep start out on a GN250... they are great for learners to learn on....

I would agree with everyone else and say get warm waterproof jacket, pants, gloves and boots and a BRAND NEW HELMET.

The riding gear you can buy second hand and it can be really good gear.
But buy a BRAND new Helmet that is most important.

If poss buy 2 sets of gloves... so that when you are drying out the wet pair you will have a dry pair to use when going home etc. Nothing is worse than putting on wet gloves and having to ride 40kms in them.. brrrrrr

The warehouse has wet weather pants $8.83 (yellow or green) if you need something to wear in a hurry if you dont have proper pants.
Put your feet into plastic bags inside your boots that will keep your feet dry as well.


(yep people I didnt recommend a virago - they are much too expensive to buy for a school kid)

[Ixion]

I....In your opinion would a 250 be a realistic option to be traveling 80km + a day on? and be cheap enough to run? including wof's, rego and standard maintenance? I'd first be looking at something like a gn250 for the first 6 months or so then upgrading to a bandit250 or similar after that. Thanks, any advice is greatly appreciated.:done:

I commute about 60km a day, mostly motorway, usually on a 250. Petrol is about $17 per week (blurdy hell, it was $11 not long ago!).

Rego is whatever rego is ,and WoF twice a year. I do my own maintenance, but it's not dear on a bike. A GN is cheap to maintain, only one cylinder, air cooled, tyres are cheap .

A very sensible choice is the GN, one of the best learner's bikes ever made.

And welcome.

[Two Smoker]

I'd Be totally new to riding, but considering the ammount and place i'd be riding I'd definately be looking for the closest riding school :laugh: I don't wish be be a danger, or hazzard to other road users or myself.

Whats this????? A teenager with a head on their shoulders???

Your looking at all the right things mate... Personally i wouldnt go for a GN250 considering most of your riding will be on the open road... It has a top speed of 125ish and a little bit sluggish in acceleration... Im not saying they are not a good bike, they are excellent to learn on...

I think you should look at a bandit or something similar (ie naked and 250 multi) and decent wet weather gear (nice cordura with armour)...

As for costs... Petrol consumption is far less than a car... My GSX-R600 will get 200km's on the open road for $22... Thats better than a late model 1.5 litre car!!!

[Seraph]

Whats this????? A teenager with a head on their shoulders???

Your looking at all the right things mate... Personally i wouldnt go for a GN250 considering most of your riding will be on the open road... It has a top speed of 125ish and a little bit sluggish in acceleration... Im not saying they are not a good bike, they are excellent to learn on...

Yes! that's where i like it to stay :laugh: keeps me out of trouble.



I think you should look at a bandit or something similar (ie naked and 250 multi) and decent wet weather gear (nice cordura with armour)...

As for costs... Petrol consumption is far less than a car... My GSX-R600 will get 200km's on the open road for $22... Thats better than a late model 1.5 litre car!!!

The only issue with that would be 1. availibility down this way, and 2. a slight cashflow problem....Being a student at tops i'd have $3k for a bike and gear...last time i checked at Motorcycle World in timaru the chepaest 2nd hand 250 they had was $3500, going upto $5995 for a bandit 250, and the usual brand new GN's at whatever price they are new..$3450 or something?

[Colapop]

Keeping an eye out here will definitely help you with both bike and gear.
Have a look at QUASiMOTO & Minotaur leathers (They have Codura gear too).
Bikes on here are generally not too bad and you'll get heaps of help from the friendly KB team if needed. You're one stop shop.

[slimyxylofone]

I think you've got a good plan for learning. I too started out on a GN250 (about 6 months ago) and they are great for learning bike craft on. 40km won't be too bad but you will find that once you get a bigger bike (even a bigger 250) that the riding is so much more relaxed. This is a function of two things though, increased experience and not being blown all over the place as much. I can now ride much further on my ZXR 250 than the GN and I actually find the riding position more comfortable.

GNs can handle the open road reasonably well. I managed Auckland - Dunedin the long way with no troubles other than a sore bum. You really do notice the lack of grunt and susceptability to wind gusts as it's a single cyllinder naked bike. It cruises at 100km in 5th on 6000RPM with a redline of 8000RPM. If you don't mind hearing her sing then 110km/h cruising isn't too bad.

I recently upgraded to a ZXR250 which is a 4 cyllinder sports bike. Not nearly as economical (still 20km/l open road 6th gear) but a lot faster and more stable. I wouldn't reccomend starting on it though due to cost and too much speed/ harder to handle. I don't regret a thing starting on a GN.

For petrol economy the GN will get close to 30km/l open road sitting on 100km/h. Very good by anyones standards. FXR150 is closer to 35-40km/l I believe. Might be worth looking into how those run at open road speeds. I think they're similar to GNs in performance but haven't ridden one before.

You should be able to buy a 2004-2005 model GN close to $2600-2800 from a dealer with only a few 1000 kms on the clock. You can buy a private one for less which would be a good option. Budget $1200 for good gear - essential!!

Good luck

[HenryDorsetCase]

I once rode a TS125 from Waimate to Timaru and return in a day. when I got back I felt like Id been on a week long tour! through Africa!

It gets bloody cold and 'orrid down there but the GN will be cheap to run, and good to learn on.

[Seraph]

You should be able to buy a 2004-2005 model GN close to $2600-2800 from a dealer with only a few 1000 kms on the clock. You can buy a private one for less which would be a good option.


Just having said that i've been informed that there's a 2004 GN250, Being sold at a bike shop near Timaru, for $2200 (might even sell below that...)with wof nd rego....buying privately would give less com-back if something went wrong in a hurry than if i got one from a shop wouldn't it? Is this a good price? cosidering it's in good nick..cosmetically anyway, not too sure about the mechanical side of things...yet

[Jantar]

$2200 is a very good price from a dealer. If you don't take it at that price then please let me know and I'll buy it for the wife. (might even make a dollar or two at the same time.) :shifty:

[inlinefour]

I'm just in the process of looking at options of transport, mainly a car or bike, and could do with a little advice on bikes from anyone willing to give some :shifty: here's the story... I'm 17, living about 40km away from the closest place I could get a job and need a way of getting there and back, the majority of the journey would be along open highway *makikihi - timaru, if anyone knows where that is...* Obviously as a teenager I won't be getting a job with massive pay, or extremely long hours so won't have a great deal to spend on petrol...In your opinion would a 250 be a realistic option to be traveling 80km + a day on? and be cheap enough to run? including wof's, rego and standard maintenance? I'd first be looking at something like a gn250 for the first 6 months or so then upgrading to a bandit250 or similar after that. Thanks, any advice is greatly appreciated.:done:

At your age I did the same on an A100 before upgrading to the RD250LC. Anything is possible if you want it to be...

[slimyxylofone]

Just having said that i've been informed that there's a 2004 GN250, Being sold at a bike shop near Timaru, for $2200 (might even sell below that...)with wof nd rego....buying privately would give less com-back if something went wrong in a hurry than if i got one from a shop wouldn't it? Is this a good price? cosidering it's in good nick..cosmetically anyway, not too sure about the mechanical side of things...yet

Hey, yeah that sounds pretty good. But saying that it really depends on its condition and how its been treated. Even though it's 2004 these bikes are cheeply made and are prone to rusting. My 2004 that I bought had started to rust already because the owner hadn't taken the best care of it.

Rust/heat damage to the front exhaust pipes are inevitable because of the heat present, but you can slow the process considerably by buying a good metal polish and cleaning it after each ride.

Go check it out though! could be a good deal. There are a few things I would look for when going there though.
- Is its general condition good? - a little rust is expected, but considering its 2004 it should be okay and not overly rusted.
- Is the oil level, brake fluid level and chain/sprocket in good nick? If these are low or the chain is in bad nick/un lubed then that's just an indication of poor maintence - Not necessarily a make or break thing but worth looking for.
- Is there rust in the petrol tank?!?! this is important and GNs tend to get rusty tanks. Rust in tank is not good.
- Does it have a service history and has it had its scheduled services? This is also important.
- Closely related to the above, has the dealership done any servicing (eg oil, and filter etc?)
- what's the mileage?

These engines are pretty safe so mainly need to know if the oil has been changed regularly and has it had its services.

Plus remember it's coming into winter and not many people are buying bikes so don't be pressured into buying the first thing you see! This also means you can get a deal on gear if you buy from them. If no gear, try to knock a hundy or so off the bikes price.

[crashe]

also most dealers will throw in a helmet as well...

some are really generous and will throw in $300 worth of gear... (jacket OR pants)

so see what offers they are willing to throw in... wheel and deal with the dealer.

[Insanity_rules]

Welcome to the madhouse. Good move commuting on a bike but go the good warm dry gear. Look on trade me for everything except a helmet. GN's are a good lil bike and pretty bulletproof too.

[Seraph]

Quick update on that GN, Went to have a look at it after school :laugh: It's in pretty much mint condition with not even a speck of rust in sight...it's mechanically in good nick with only 10,000K's on the clock, and will have a full service before it's sold.....on hold for me untill monday :woohoo:
Thanks for all the hints, tips and advice people! U'z rock!:Punk:

[Colapop]

It's good to have new riders on the roads that actually want to learn how to ride - instead of "I wanna bike, ride fast, fast good"
Good on you Seraph, sounds like your heads on the right way (not up your...*cough*)

[Jantar]

I will reiterate Colapop's remarks. Hope to see you on the road someday soon. :ride:

[Highlander]

$2200 is a very good price from a dealer. If you don't take it at that price then please let me know and I'll buy it for the wife. (might even make a dollar or two at the same time.) :shifty:

Mrs J looking to take up riding bikes instead of (as well as) Horses or is it wishfull thinking?

[Jantar]

Mrs J looking to take up riding bikes instead of (as well as) Horses or is it wishfull thinking?

Mrs J used to ride bikes back in the early 80s and is looking to get back into it. A 250 to start back with, then something like a Bandit 600. She'll never give up the horses though.

[Highlander]

I've offered several times to get another smaller bike so Mine can learn to ride but she is not (yet) keen.
Trying not to push hard enough to turn her away.