Learning to Ride a Bike

[kgx]

So I've finally decided to learn to ride a bike, my life long dream :p So I've read through the LTSA pages and looks like a long licensing process, but has to be done.

I just need suggestions for a first bike. Any particular ones that are good? Don't have any intentions of getting a scooter but if that's what I have to start with, so be it (preferably not though).

People at gpforums recommended GN250, but it's a little out of my budget. Are there good bikes around $2000? What are second hand bikes like? Are there any issues I need to be aware of?

Cheers.

[James Deuce]

There's plenty of second hand GNs around for a lot less than $2000. Don't forget you'll need $700-$1000 for riding gear, and about $500-$600 for the rider training and licensing programme.


There are a huge number of issues to be aware of, hence my suggestion for rider training and a budget for gear. We could crap on all day about what you need to watch out for , but at the end of the day you are better off buying the bike, buying some gear, and then going to a training school to learn those things in a practical fashion.

[kiwifruit]

yep, what Jim2 said, get into it and have fun :)

[Macktheknife]

Hi Kgx,
Welcome to the site, you would be advised to also get yourself into the site mentoring program, find a mentor in your area and go from there. Bikes are usually a matter of fit for size and and budget, gear is really important, get the best you can afford.
PM me for any help on what and where if you like.
Mack

[McJim]

Yeah - I bought my Helmet, Gloves, boots, Trousers and jacket and then had to wait another 3 months before I could afford to buy a bike. Used to sit in the living room with my helmet on while playing road rash on Playstation.

$2000 on a bike will get you GN250 or FXR150 second hand.

What do you want to do on the bike? Commute? Hoon? Pose? Race? Different bikes for different things.

Most 250's are $5000 or more so best of luck snapping up a good deal.

[BUNGY]

I was in your position about a month ago. Managed to pick up a kR150 for 2000 in good condition which has been great to learn on. Also know people who have learnt on FXRs and RGV150s and they seem pretty good as well. Find a bike you like the feel of and get out there and learn. Once you get the hang of riding it alot of fun.

[07fatboy]

So I've finally decided to learn to ride a bike, my life long dream :p So I've read through the LTSA pages and looks like a long licensing process, but has to be done.

I just need suggestions for a first bike. Any particular ones that are good? Don't have any intentions of getting a scooter but if that's what I have to start with, so be it (preferably not though).

People at gpforums recommended GN250, but it's a little out of my budget. Are there good bikes around $2000? What are second hand bikes like? Are there any issues I need to be aware of?

Cheers.
don't know about this 1 but i reckon get licence on driving school bike first then save up for a good bike in the mean time...get a cheep clapt out heap learn to ride out in the paddock in the grass doing emergency braking and ovals blee blee blah blah learn to get it going and keep it going once yove sorted that out saved some foldies and buy a decent bike just my 2 cents:Punk: :scooter: :Punk: :rockon:

[Swoop]

Good on ya for getting onto 2 wheels!!!

Hang around here. Some folks will be moving onto larger bikes when the time comes, and they may be keen to offer theirs to you when they do.

[Steam]

I got my good reliable old GN250 for $800 from a priest who was leaving the country, so there are some great bargains out there, you just got to wait and shop around heaps. Buy gear first tho, (my gear cost more than the bike!)

[texmo]

Get a GN250 like they all said. Also read read and read, most people dont have a clue what they are on about so listen to the proffesionals like keith code author of ' A twist of the wrist' technical books sell ti for $50 and some libarys have it.

[kgx]

I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?

[Maha]

I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?

the BHS guy aint going to fail you cos of what you wear, unless you turn up in a t-shirt and shorts (not that stupid aye?)
I started on a GN but i also had all the gear (very important)... so dont leave it to long, i have some RJAYS pant for sale....real cheap as new.
You have made a good decision to get onto a bike...keep making good decisions..:rockon:

[James Deuce]

I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?

Wearing the gear isn't a pass or fail issue.

I've definitely moderated what used to be a fascist stance on all the gear all the time, BUT as a newbie you're about 1 billion times more likely to crash in the first 6 months. More power to you if you don't, but by GOD it hurts when you do.

[sunhuntin]

good on you for getting on to two wheels. :yes:
theres some cheap ginnys [gn] on trademe....i recommend a 250 as they are gutless, lmfao. 250 is just enough power for a newbie. ive never ridden anything less.

general shoes are ok to do the test in, but get some cowboy boots or similar asap. my wreck, i would have smashed my foot but for wearing proper boots.
get a decent jacket too, and gloves...fingers are the first thing to get cold!
as above, get out on a paddock and go for it...weave, stop start, gear changes, learn where your indicators are etc. i learned to ride, and had my first bin on a rugby field...watch out if its rained or theyve just cut the grass.

buy a cheapy bike to begin with, so if you do crash you dont smash up a new bike.

[gijoe1313]

Ahh good on ya fer taking up the two wheels of freedom! Just get as much info and research as much stuff as you can! Good gear is a must! So, read the mags, troll the forums and get out and sit on as many bikes as you can! :scooter: :yes:

[rwh]

People at gpforums recommended GN250, but it's a little out of my budget. Are there good bikes around $2000? What are second hand bikes like? Are there any issues I need to be aware of?


I was recommended a 250 twin, since they are supposed to be about as easy to ride as a single and powerful enough to be still adequate after getting some experience and not wanting to struggle at 100k. I got my VT250F (V-twin) off trademe for $2000 and have been happy with it. It's in the shop with a flat tyre at the moment, and it had to have some excessive oil drained from it - and I had some trouble with the dipswitch - but mostly it's been fine.

I got someone else (limbimtimwim) to test ride it for me first; I think I'd recommend that for any second hand bike, if you know someone you trust who can ride.

Richard

[Fub@r]

So I've finally decided to learn to ride a bike, my life long dream :p So I've read through the LTSA pages and looks like a long licensing process, but has to be done.

I just need suggestions for a first bike. Any particular ones that are good? Don't have any intentions of getting a scooter but if that's what I have to start with, so be it (preferably not though).

People at gpforums recommended GN250, but it's a little out of my budget. Are there good bikes around $2000? What are second hand bikes like? Are there any issues I need to be aware of?

Cheers.

Welcome aboard......I was in your position 8 weeks ago when I ditched the car and got a bike, never looked back.

For me I purchased a 2005 GN250 with 1000km on it for $2400 off Trademe so was basically new. GN's range from $500 for an 80's one to $3300 new. Its a good bike to find your way on although you will eventually outgrow it and want more power, but they are good for 110kph (guys from last saturdays ride cant testify to that:Punk: )and run on the smell of an oily rag (once again, last saturday I was the only one that didnt need to fill up). I will upgrade early next year once I have my full.

As for gear I purchased it through the Motomail Outlet Shop. All brand new. $900 got me gloves, helmet, boots, jacket, leggings but you can get cheaper gear as well.

Riderskillz is an awesome place to do your test. All you need is normal clothes as the test is carried out at a maximum speed of 20kph, and he provides a cycle helmet for the test. As with a normal motorbike helmet you cant hear the instructions. Also make sure you have warm clothes as the test is done rain or shine. Also if its your first time on a road bike pay the extra for the 1hr lesson before the test so you can practice all the test exercises.

[HDTboy]

I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?

Mate, I crashed my first bike at 60ish Kph on the first night I owned it wearing work boots. Both of my ankles are now fucked, I sprained them badly in that crash and they sprain very easily now.

[toymachine]

and run on the smell of an oily rag (once again, last saturday I was the only one that didnt need to fill up). I will upgrade early next year once I have my full.


I didn't either :P

If you look around you can get some real bargains on trademe, like Fubar said his was $2400 and I was bloody impressed when I saw it, immaculate.

A GN would be a good starter, though you may outgrow it moderately soon depending on your tastes speed wise..

You may like an FXR150 if the GN isn't to your taste, there's nearly always a few on Trademe and they're cheap bikes.

[toymachine]

Originally Posted by kgx
I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?


Mate, I crashed my first bike at 60ish Kph on the first night I owned it wearing work boots. Both of my ankles are now fucked, I sprained them badly in that crash and they sprain very easily now.

I rode in old sneakers (don't even cover my ankles) untill last week and I did my BHS in them too... I wouldn't recommend it for long term use but you won't be going over 20kph on your BHS with riderskills so don't worry too much.

[sunhuntin]

For me I purchased a 2005 GN250 with 1000km on it for $2400 off Trademe so was basically new. GN's range from $500 for an 80's one to $3300 new. Its a good bike to find your way on although you will eventually outgrow it and want more power, but they are good for 110kph (guys from last saturdays ride cant testify to that:Punk: )and run on the smell of an oily rag (once again, last saturday I was the only one that didnt need to fill up). I will upgrade early next year once I have my full.
.

yep...ive heard reports of them being put up to 160k, but i dunno if i believe it or not...i feel like i need a 6th gear once i hit about 110k. have done 120k, but that was downhill. lol.

get roughly 262k to a tank, plus 20k reserve on top of that. cost about $17 to fill, but thats from dry...most ive ever put in was $15 and even that was pushing it.

if you get an 80s one, check thoroughly for rust, i mean literally get under the bike and check the bottom of the exhaust and also where the exhaust joins the motor. prone to rust, those areas.

[kgx]

You may like an FXR150 if the GN isn't to your taste, there's nearly always a few on Trademe and they're cheap bikes.I like the look of that :D :Punk:

[Fub@r]

I like the look of that :D :Punk:

If you find a bike on Trademe etc and want a price check or want to know the pro's and con's of it let KB'rs know, and they'll be happy to advise

[Swoop]

More power to you if you don't, but by GOD it hurts when you do.
So you are safe then, if you are an athiest???

[James Deuce]

I'm not even an atheist. Neither am I an agnostic. My outlook could be characterised as humanist, nihilistic, entropism.

I merely used a phrase to emphasise a point.

[Drum]

Welcome to the site KGX.

Rubber side down mate.

[McJim]

I'm not even an atheist. Neither am I an agnostic. My outlook could be characterised as humanist, nihilistic, entropism.

I merely used a phrase to emphasise a point.


nihilistic existentialism is the best though - you are all figments of my deranged imagination. I am the only thing in the universe and the universe is me.....Buwahahahaha!

[toymachine]

nihilistic existentialism is the best though - you are all figments of my deranged imagination. I am the only thing in the universe and the universe is me.....Buwahahahaha!

Is that what it felt like till Rusty's NSR flew past on the straights last weekend? :D

[rwh]

get roughly 262k to a tank, plus 20k reserve on top of that. cost about $17 to fill, but thats from dry...most ive ever put in was $15 and even that was pushing it.


That sounds quite impressive - I've been getting much worse than that on my VT250F; more like 130k plus reserve, and spending about $17 to fill from there. Since it's been fixed up (was too full of oil) and the weather's been warmer (I kept forgetting to turn off the choke ... now I'm not using it), I've got up to 160k, but I refuelled then anyway to avoid running out on the way to work next day - maybe it will go further ...

Richard

[Jeaves]

Filled up today and the RG used 6 ltrs in 160K...about 26 km/l :ride:

Mind you thats using the motorway going to work everyday <_<

Good luck Kgx on finding a bike too , only had mine for about a month and its just super

[davereid]

I think its a great idea to start on a 200-250cc trail bike. You can gain a lot of balance and riding skills off road, but still take your bike to work during the week. Some of the cheaper brands are only $3400 brand new, and are pretty reasonable copies of Hondas. And the big wheels and forgiving suspension are great around town if you have to nip up a kerb or whatever. On the downside, they are a fraction slower than road bikes, but I think the experience gained on the beach or forest track is worth a zillion miles of practice in a car park.

Safety gear - its easy to become obsessive. Comfy full face helmet, lightweight gloves and a cordura jacket are a good start. Then boots and pants as the budget allows.

The thread around here is that you WILL fall off. I think you should consider it a possibility, but with care, and good wits you may well ride for years without a ding.

[sunhuntin]

That sounds quite impressive - I've been getting much worse than that on my VT250F; more like 130k plus reserve, and spending about $17 to fill from there. Since it's been fixed up (was too full of oil) and the weather's been warmer (I kept forgetting to turn off the choke ... now I'm not using it), I've got up to 160k, but I refuelled then anyway to avoid running out on the way to work next day - maybe it will go further ...

Richard

yeh, my choke goes back in once im about a block away. i reset the tripmeter every fill, and had to ride long distances for about 4 days just to hit reserve. i think i can get more to a tank without needing reserve, but its just natural to turn the tap the minute i notice the bike struggle...probably would have got another half k out of it i think. not sure.
i always start with the choke after shes been sitting a while, or shes parked in the rain/cold winds as i find the temp chills the engine faster. if shes sitting in full sun with little, no choke.
used to ride to welly and back quite often...would fill either in wanganui or bulls, depending, and then fill at otaki on the way home. if i didnt need any, id wait till either levin or foxton.

[McJim]

That sounds quite impressive - I've been getting much worse than that on my VT250F; more like 130k plus reserve, and spending about $17 to fill from there. Since it's been fixed up (was too full of oil) and the weather's been warmer (I kept forgetting to turn off the choke ... now I'm not using it), I've got up to 160k, but I refuelled then anyway to avoid running out on the way to work next day - maybe it will go further ...

Richard

How different is the VT250F from the modern VTR? I know that the Spada engine bears an uncanny resemblance to the VTR engine - I have a 13L tank and I fill it up after every 200km - there is usually only space for 8 or 8.5 litres. When cruising along the road at constant speeds I tend to have the bike in top gear and the revs around 4000-5000 need to drop a gear to get guts out of it of course but 200km on 8 litres seems excessively good compared to many. What am I doing wrong?

[Katman]

I'm with all the others. Buy a second hand GN250 - learn on it till you get your full license - then sell it and buy a real bike.:msn-wink:

[kgx]

So I went for my BHS on Saturday and I couldn't ride the bike in a straight line at 20km/h :( So disappointing. I could drive straight at faster speeds, but at slow speeds I was all wobbly. Anyway, that was my first time ever on a bike.I think I'll get a 50cc scooter and practice hard out on it and get my BHS later in the year.

[McJim]

Who did you do you BHS with?

Riderskills? John Wright?

Usually if you muff it up first time they give you a chance to re-sit at reduced cost don't they? - persevere dude.

Bikes are hard to handle at slow slow speeds - especially small engined bikes coz the power delivery ain't smooth. Develop this skill it will be very useful in Auckland.

Do you know anyone with a basic bike you could go to a carpark with them at a weekend and just practice - that's what I did with my wife so she could pass her basic handling skills.

[kgx]

Riderskills. Very helpful guy and I appreciate the extra help he put in :) I guess I need a little extra time driving at slow speeds, so I might do that on my own and go back to him later on.

[MikeyG]

I picked up my GN for $600. It's a slightly older model but still goes well.

Definately get some riding gear and lessons though, they do wonders for your confidence.

[Jimmy B]

Hi KGX,

Yep practice. This might sound dumb but I reckon riding a bike at low speed is a bit like carrying 6 pints of beer back from the bar. The more you look down at the beer, the more you spill. Best to focus on where you are going not what you are doing.

Out of interest, were you looking down, sort of at your immediate path or looking well ahead at where you wanted to go? If it is the former then it maybe as simple as practicing the latter.

Good luck

JB

[ManDownUnder]

I've booked a test at RiderSkills, will I need proper bike boots? The strongest shoes I have is work shoes but it barely goes above my ankle. I'll buy proper ones later but is this good enough for a Basic Handling Skills Course?

Awesome attitude being worried about the gear. Keep in mind it's the only thing keeping your skin from the tarmac...

www.trademe.co.nz (http://www.trademe.co.nz) can be your friend. Leather jackets are available if you wait and punce when the time is right. I got mine for $200 and it's a really good one. 2nd hand, character (and a whiff of dope in the right pocket!!)

Boots and gloves are a must, as is a good helmet. The helmet is the only thing I'd insist you buy new. If they've had some hits they won't always show the damage, but they won't perform when needed

[Hawkeye]

So I've finally decided to learn to ride a bike, my life long dream :p So I've read through the LTSA pages and looks like a long licensing process, but has to be done.

I just need suggestions for a first bike. Any particular ones that are good? Don't have any intentions of getting a scooter but if that's what I have to start with, so be it (preferably not though).

People at gpforums recommended GN250, but it's a little out of my budget. Are there good bikes around $2000? What are second hand bikes like? Are there any issues I need to be aware of?

Cheers.

Congrats on the decision. I recently did the same. After xx years of looking at bikes and wishing, It's great to be out there. Don't let the length of the licence put you off. Use it as way of building up knowledge and experience.
Then when you get the full, you will be in a better position to know what type of bike you really want.
My recommendation. Spend the money to buy gear that will last you a while and don't worry too much about the first bike. Unless you have a money tree so the finances are not a problem, the first bike is a disposable means to an end. You just need a bike to get out there that will give you the experience, without putting you at risk. You don't need the latest xyz rocket. I paid $100 for mine and then spent about another $400 putting it on the road. It's not the flashest bike around but it owes me nothing.
:yes:

[kgx]

Hi KGX,

Yep practice. This might sound dumb but I reckon riding a bike at low speed is a bit like carrying 6 pints of beer back from the bar. The more you look down at the beer, the more you spill. Best to focus on where you are going not what you are doing.

Out of interest, were you looking down, sort of at your immediate path or looking well ahead at where you wanted to go? If it is the former then it maybe as simple as practicing the latter.

Good luck

JBYeah I was looking down too much :(

[gijoe1313]

Yeah I was looking down too much :(

Ahhh, been there done that at my BHS - fortunately I did it when I was practising before the test had started. I did mines with John Wright and he told me "Never ever look down for thats where you will go!"

Chin up and just keep practising with the rubber side down, when you do achieve it you'll feel great and then get on with learning more! :yes: