Cruiser or sports?

[MrMeow]

Hey all.
Im on to my learners. (yay!) and now in the market for my first bike.
I managed to convince my father (50) to get his licence too and we are going halves in a bike.
Now we just have to sort out the dilema of getting a bke that suits both our tastes, budget(4k) and ability(none).
We both have no experience biking so it needs to be a easy bike to ride, with a bit of gusto for when we get a bit more experienced.
Im leaning towards a sports bike like an nsr250:Punk: but my father wants to go for a cruiser more like a gn250.
Can you guys reccomend a good sports/crusier bike to get?
Thanks all

EDIT: i have tested a couple of bikes FXR 150, RG 150, Gn250, an old gsx 250. We probably want a four stroke as the powerband on the RG was a bit intimidating for a learner like me.

[hXc]

Don't get either! You'll scare yourself shitless on an NSR and bore yourself shitless on a GN. Get a naked, the best of both worlds - not overly sporty, but not cruisy.

I'm bias, but try and find a Honda Spada VT250. They're rare, but they are beautiful machines. One is in my profile if you want a look. They're a V-twin so they have enough power for fun, but not too much. They're power curve and torque curve is predictable and they're forgiving. Nice to cruise at a comfy speed, or go a little faster, if you're capable. They're a very capable bike and will give most bikes a run for their money in the corners, with the right rider.

[hXc]

Im leaning towards a sports bike like an nsr250

We probably want a four stroke as the powerband on the RG was a bit intimidating for a learner like me.Contradictory mate. NSR is a 2 stroke performance bike. If the RG scared you, don't even think about an NSR.

[Ixion]

What hXc said. You say you were intimidated by an RG150. Nothing wrong with that, props for recognising that it's a learning experience. But the NSR250 is many times the intimidation of an RG150. After 40 years and a LOT of experience of two strokes, I'd have no worries about jumping straight on an RG150. But I'd approach an NSR250 with respect and caution.

Stick to 4 strokes, the 250 two smokers are NOT a beginners bike. Yes , I know there are people who have done it and survived. Those who haven't don't write in with their experiences.

[MrMeow]

i wasn't serious about the nsr thing.. i was just trying to show the difference mine/my fathers taste...

so any recomendations for a good half way mark...?

[hXc]

i wasn't serious about the nsr thing.. i was just trying to show the difference mine/my fathers taste...

so any recomendations for a good half way mark...?I'm bias, but try and find a Honda Spada VT250. They're rare, but they are beautiful machines. One is in my profile if you want a look. They're a V-twin so they have enough power for fun, but not too much. They're power curve and torque curve is predictable and they're forgiving. Nice to cruise at a comfy speed, or go a little faster, if you're capable. They're a very capable bike and will give most bikes a run for their money in the corners, with the right rider.
I said that earlier. Profile for a pic.

[gijoe1313]

Hey congrats on getting on two wheels of freedom (both of you!) As you probably know the two fiddy market is completely screwed - but obviously you'll eventually find a nice ride that caters to your needs. Yeah, me being bias as well - go the naked bikes! I would say Hornet, but the prices on these rides are ... not for everybodies budget!

Anyhow, keep looking, testing and then tell us when you get one! :rockon:

[Fub@r]

Don't get the GN............get yourself a nice naked V-Twin

[Fat Tony]

I haven't a clue what the restrictions are for newly qualified bikers over there but my first bike after doing my test was a naked SV650 - brilliant fun - comfy - good all rounder for both the newly qualified and your old man in my opinion - even had a laugh on track with it

Obviously if you're not allowed that sort of capicity just totally ignore the post (or get an SV restricted?)

*Edit, Ahhhh, just noticed the 250 references... ignore me... everybody else does.

[hXc]

Obviously if you're not allowed that sort of capicity just totally ignore the post (or get an SV restricted?)250cc or under. Nothing bigger, even restricted.

[Lias]

A Gn250 isnt a cruiser.. Its a commuter bike.

Viragos and GZ250's are nice 250 cruisers to pick up, mate of mine just brough a mint GZ for $4k so its in your budget range too.

[BarBender]

Good suggestion by whoever it was to get a naked.

I rode a GT250 Comet for a couple of weeks while my bike was getting repaired. Great bike and would recommend it to anyone starting off.

[jafar]

Yamaha has brought out the 225 scorpio , I havn't ridden one but they are selling for around $3700.00 brand new , might be worth a look :scooter:

[shaneh]

I'm a learner with only a few days experience on 2 wheels (many years on my farm quad) and just bought a Hyosung Comet 250. I spent all day riding it yesterday and found it to be really forgiving.
Power is smooth, no chance of a wheel stand dumping me on my arse. Everything seems to work. Except gears changes are confusing. Not much feeling through new boots or poor gearbox design, not sure which. But find myself atempting to change gear, not sure that it has changed (no positive clunk) and so give it another kick. Oops, just changed up two gears. Never mind, bike just keeps going. I'd better get this sorted before I start doing proper speeds.

[Mr. Peanut]

You don't want an NSR, it isn't a first bike.

The Kawasaki GPX250 is awesome, you can do anything on them. Parts EVERYWHERE, millions of them around. A totally over looked bike. I think Twin 250s are worth the extra buck. Inline fours are overpriced and to be honest, not a lot faster (you can do 140km/h 2 up on a GPX).

That said, if you can get a multipurpose bike (trailbike with lights) go for it. Once you get into motorcycling more, you'll realise what a good idea it was; and when you upgrade to a bigger bike, you'll have a handy traily. They dont break when you drop them, and the resale value is very good. Engines are usually bullet proof and cheap to fix.

Out of all the bikes you tested, if the GSX250 is in decent nick, go for it. I hope that helps, and good luck! Whatever you choose, you're going to have a blast.

http://www.rideforever.co.nz/

[MVnut]

get the honda v-twin:yes: not a crewsa:sick:

[crashe]

Cruiser.:love:


There ya go, just go and buy a cruiser...... all sorted.

Now which one......... well what can I say.


VIRAGO:love:




PS: Go around the bike shops and sit on a few 250's and get to see what you both like...

Oh yeah and welcome to KB.

[MrMeow]

on a completly unrealated note....what do you guys mean when you talk about chicken strips on your bike???

[carver]

Hey all.
Im on to my learners. (yay!) and now in the market for my first bike.
I managed to convince my father (50) to get his licence too and we are going halves in a bike.
Now we just have to sort out the dilema of getting a bke that suits both our tastes, budget(4k) and ability(none).
We both have no experience biking so it needs to be a easy bike to ride, with a bit of gusto for when we get a bit more experienced.
Im leaning towards a sports bike like an nsr250:Punk: but my father wants to go for a cruiser more like a gn250.
Can you guys reccomend a good sports/crusier bike to get?
Thanks all

EDIT: i have tested a couple of bikes FXR 150, RG 150, Gn250, an old gsx 250. We probably want a four stroke as the powerband on the RG was a bit intimidating for a learner like me.

thought of a trail bike?
if ya old man is 50 i think a nsr will kill his wrists and the maintenance will kill your wallet.
the biggest problem with cruisers is that they are inherintly GAY.
you could try a naked bike, the new yamaha scorpio is supposed to go well, pm waylander, he has ridden one, (dont tell him what i said about cruisers though! (lol))

[Mr. Peanut]

on a completly unrealated note....what do you guys mean when you talk about chicken strips on your bike???

Unused tyre on the edge, it's a gauge of how far the bike is being leaned over.

[sels1]

As suggested above - The Hyosung Comet 250 vtwin is a good learner bike - there is a few coming up 2nd hand now and there were only $5-6 new so you should find one in your budget. And the new Yamaha 225 looks easy to ride - I have only had a sit on one but looked like fun - and only $3700 brand new.
The idea of a street legal trailbike is also good. You can take it to a park/paddock/beach and muck around learning some riding skills knowing if you drop it, it wont hurt you or the bike much.

[Lteejay]

What hXc said. You say you were intimidated by an RG150. Nothing wrong with that, props for recognising that it's a learning experience. But the NSR250 is many times the intimidation of an RG150. After 40 years and a LOT of experience of two strokes, I'd have no worries about jumping straight on an RG150. But I'd approach an NSR250 with respect and caution.

Stick to 4 strokes, the 250 two smokers are NOT a beginners bike. Yes , I know there are people who have done it and survived. Those who haven't don't write in with their experiences.

So anything like a FZR, FXR, GSX, GPX etc?????? Lookin to buy myself and dont want anything to grunty. What do you think- would prefer a sports rather than a naked.

[hXc]

So anything like a FZR, FXR, GSX, GPX etc?????? Lookin to buy myself and dont want anything to grunty. What do you think- would prefer a sports rather than a naked.Why? A naked is a lot cheaper to fix when the noob stuff happens, and a lot sexier.

I'd have it a guess that any naked you throw at any of those bikes, could easily keep up/beat* any of them. The only one that would give me any touble on a straight, would be the FZR, and that's because it would keep pulling when mine is struggling, but that's an engine thing, not a style.

*Depending whether the said naked is a 4cyl, or twin.

[Mr. Peanut]

So anything like a FZR, FXR, GSX, GPX etc?????? Lookin to buy myself and dont want anything to grunty. What do you think- would prefer a sports rather than a naked.

You want something cheap to fix. If you got a GPX, parts would be readily available. It's just a wee charmer of a bike.

[davereid]

QUOTE MrPeanut : That said, if you can get a multipurpose bike (trailbike with lights) go for it. Once you get into motorcycling more, you'll realise what a good idea it was; and when you upgrade to a bigger bike, you'll have a handy traily.

I couldnt agree with you more MrPeanut !

Regardless of your future choice of cruiser or sports bike, most of us like to have a dual purpose bike in the shed.

- The 200-250CC versions are capable of open road speed limits so you can go for rides with your mates.
- They get 75 mpg, so are cheap to run.
- They make great commuters - even better than the so called commuter bikes, as you are higher and can see more, bigger wheels and better suspension help you out when you hit that pothole.

And then you get the bonus - learning riding skills off road, on the beach, or on an organised adventure ride.

Even after you pass your licence, and get a bigger bike, you'll always be happy to grab you old trail bike and zap down the shops, or off to work while your bike bike is being serviced or whatever.

BUY A DUAL PURPOSE BIKE ! :done:

[Ixion]

So anything like a FZR, FXR, GSX, GPX etc?????? Lookin to buy myself and dont want anything to grunty. What do you think- would prefer a sports rather than a naked.

I am a believer in the philosophy that a learner's first bike should be just that. A bike to LEARN on. The simpler the better. And if after three months you can ride it to its limits, then upgrade (and forward your name to the factory GP team maangers. Cos anyone who can ride any bike to its limits after 3 months, or 12 for that matter, is the next Rossi)

I'd suggest sticking with a naked for the early days. Odds are you may drop it - not a proper crash, the typical newbie "incident' is a low speed thing at about 10kph. But even 10kph can do a $1000 worth of damage to a faired sports bike. I've seen quite a few people get put right off after a minor off because it costs so much to repair and even after they repair it they are too scared of a repeat.

And I second everything that has been said about the chook chasers. The 150-250cc trailies have to be the most underrated learner bikes around. Get one of those and LEARN TO RIDE IT and you will run rings around the posers on the 4 cylinders. And have the bonus of a whole world of fun they don't even know exists. It's our best kept secret the world that starts where the seal ends. (yes , you CAN go there on a road bike, even a sprots bike - IF you have the skills. But we talking learners here)

[Lteejay]

I'd suggest sticking with a naked for the early days. Odds are you may drop it - not a proper crash, the typical newbie "incident' is a low speed thing at about 10kph. But even 10kph can do a $1000 worth of damage to a faired sports bike. I've seen quite a few people get put right off after a minor off because it costs so much to repair and even after they repair it they are too scared of a repeat.



Thank for the advice Ixion - makes sense. Hxc mentions 4 cyl or 2 cyl - whats better for newbie?

[hXc]

Thank for the advice Ixion - makes sense. Hxc mentions 4 cyl or 2 cyl - whats better for newbie?
I prefer twins, but it's a personal choice.

Twins have low down torque, therefore are generally quick off the mark if you know how to. But their power starts to slowly drop, where a 4cyl will keep pulling. I would suggest a twin, but other would suggest a 4cyl, so I don't really know.

[carver]

I prefer twins, but it's a personal choice.

Twins have low down torque, therefore are generally quick off the mark if you know how to. But their power starts to slowly drop, where a 4cyl will keep pulling. I would suggest a twin, but other would suggest a 4cyl, so I don't really know.

yeah, me likes twins and singles...a inline 4 just feels too smooth, and i dont like the power delivery.
GPX is a good one,as is the comet.
for the first bike man, fuck the looks,get something practical.

[Hellraiser]

My 50 Cents


MOTARD

[hXc]

Lteejay, go to my profile for a pic of my bike. It's a Honda VT250 Spada, not very common. But if you can find one, I tell you, you won't be disappointed. Trust me...

[carver]

My 50 Cents


MOTARD

the only 250 motard (std) is the kawasaki d tracker.
not bad, rode one once, not enough go for a motard though.

[MWVT]

Lteejay, go to my profile for a pic of my bike. It's a Honda VT250 Spada, not very common. But if you can find one, I tell you, you won't be disappointed. Trust me...

I second that... I picked mine up for 1000 bucks about 3 years ago, rode it for year and a half and decided it was time to move on. It's certainly not the fastest 250 around, but it's a heap of fun, and really easy to work on. Value was 'retained' brilliantly as i sold it for 2000. I went two up from Welly to Auckland as well. Having said that, you have to be friendly for a ride of that distance on such a small bike.

Having my time again would tempt me to go the dual purpose route however.

[Hellraiser]

If your going to go with a VTwin then think ......

ELECTRIC MANGO

it seems to be the crazy in hollywood (and west auckland) at the moment

[hXc]

I second that... I picked mine up for 1000 bucks about 3 years ago, rode it for year and a half and decided it was time to move on. It's certainly not the fastest 250 around, but it's a heap of fun, and really easy to work on.It is a lot of fun. And maybe not the fastest, but it can still whip the big boys in the corners. If you were at the Taupo trackday in November, you would of seen that.

It's a brilliant bike, for a learner or more experienced. I've had 10 months of pure bliss riding this machine, and hope to have another 14months of the same, before I can get my full. In saying that though, mine has had 3 NZ owners (excluding me) and they all kept it longer than they needed to.


I went two up from Welly to Auckland as well. Having said that, you have to be friendly for a ride of that distance on such a small bike.Not necessarily. I've ridden 750k's before, after riding for only two months. And over the holiday season, I'll be riding about 1200k's, plus rides in various places I'll be staying. I have no worries about the Spada, or myself making it upon the Spada.

Anyone who has one, loves it to bits. Very under-rated bike, and not that common, although parts are. If you can pick one up, then I advise you to, you won't regret it.

[Coyote]

NAKED BIKES ARE GAY
Yeah hxc, take it :bleh:

Sportsbikes are awesome, but I don't think your dad will appreciate the seating position. My Dad didn't on my old CBR, nor on the RG. But the handling is superb, the speed is excellent, plus fairings are great for highway speeds

Haven't had any cruiser experience, but it doesn't look like you'll get the nice handling of any other bike. Your Dad will probably find it comfy

Ignoring my first statement, naked bikes are good, just don't listen to hxc cause he's way too biased and is only against sportsbikes for their looks :p I suggest getting a windscreen up front cause the wind pushing against you can get tiring. Plus they have the sportsbike seating position that your Dad will hate. Hxc's Spada had some nice power though

But my reccomendation would be a Motard. Something like the Kawasaki D-Tracker or an old XR250. As what has been previously said, they're tough and reliable. The seating position is upright which your Dad will like, and you're sitting far enough back for the wind to bounce off the front and over you in most cases. Motards like your YZF250 are high performance bikes, they aren't so reliable. But they're fun though

Good luck :niceone:

[Indiana_Jones]

Get a naked 250, like a VTR or something, not too sporty, not too cruisy. 'Biking's just right'

-Indy

[Hellraiser]

But my reccomendation would be a Motard. Something like the Kawasaki D-Tracker or an old XR250. As what has been previously said, they're tough and reliable. The seating position is upright which your Dad will like, and you're sitting far enough back for the wind to bounce off the front and over you in most cases. Motards like your YZF250 are high performance bikes, they aren't so reliable. But they're fun though

Good luck :niceone:

You left out the most important part ..........

Motards are way more fun to ride.

[hXc]

I suggest getting a windscreen up front cause the wind pushing against you can get tiring.I've never had a problem with the wind. Actually, I've never noticed it.

[Coyote]

I've never had a problem with the wind. Actually, I've never noticed it.
You're light up front might be deflecting enough wind. I was only reciting what my Dad said about his old CB125

[Coyote]

You left out the most important part ..........

Motards are way more fun to ride.
But of course!

I'd love to get a Husky SMR450, but my budget will most likely force me to get a VFR400

[Lteejay]

What is a Motard???????

[Mr. Peanut]

A dirt bike with road tyres and/or tighter suspension. I tink.

[Toaster]

Welcome to biking dude... safe riding and have fun!

[Toaster]

My first bike wa a GSX 250. I am a little 6ft, so was perfect for me to get a slightly heavy 250. Not too fast and happy about town.

[Forest]

If you can afford it, keep an eye out for a Honda VTR 250.

[Hellraiser]

What is a Motard???????

Prior to the 1990s, supermotos, including the precursor motorcycles used in Superbikers, were converted open-class two-stroke motocross or enduro bikes. The motorcycles currently used for Supermotard racing are predominantly single-cylinder 4 stroke powered dirtbikes with 17" or 16.5" wheels. The smaller rims allow the use of up to 5.5" wide superbike road racing slicks and are often hand grooved on the rear tire to facilitate slightly better acceleration on the dirt stretches of a motard course. Suspension is lowered and slightly stiffened in comparison with a stock motocross bike, and braking power is improved with oversize rotors and calipers as well. Despite the lack of trees on supermoto courses, 'bark busters' (hand guards) are frequently added to supermoto bikes due the extreme cornering angles achieved by riders.

In 1991 Italian manufacturer Gilera released the 'Nordwest' model, the first factory produced supermoto. Other European manufactures quickly followed suit, among them KTM, Husqvarna, Husaberg AB and CCM Motorcycles; all manufacturers whose emphasis were off-road models at the time. Models were developed for both track and road use. It took another 10 years, until the mid 2000s for Japanese manufacturers, such as Yamaha (2004), Honda (2005) and Suzuki (2005) to start introducing supermoto models in the European market, emphasising more domesticated models for road use rather than outright racing. Dual-purpose motorcycles such as the Kawasaki KLR650 are good examples of this. In the spring of 2006, Italian bike manufacturer Ducati announced their entry in the class with the "Hypermotard" machine which has more in common with streetfighter-type motorcycles than realistically being considered a supermoto. KTM currently has available a 950 "V" twin that could be described as the ultimate road going supermoto. Aprilia also has two new (450 and 550) SXV v-twin supermotos for sale.

Due to the popularity and versatility of these motorcycles, some owners modify them for street usage. In order to do this, headlights, taillights, and street-legal tires among other occasional modifications are needed, while some, such as the Husqvarnas and newer KTMs, come street legal from the factory. These motorcycles make excellent city-goers as their upright seating position provides comfort and great visibility. Their narrow frames and light weight also make them incredibly maneuverable, as well as easier to ride in less than ideal road conditions that make most sportbikes have to slow down.

[MrMeow]

thanks for explaining motard....
now im kinda wanting one of those...
maybe a motard to learn on for ~4 months, then upgrade to a sports bike??
does that sound like a good idea?

[Lteejay]

Prior to the 1990s, supermotos, including the precursor motorcycles used in Superbikers, were converted open-class two-stroke motocross or enduro bikes. The motorcycles currently used for Supermotard racing are predominantly single-cylinder 4 stroke powered dirtbikes with 17" or 16.5" wheels. The smaller rims allow the use of up to 5.5" wide superbike road racing slicks and are often hand grooved on the rear tire to facilitate slightly better acceleration on the dirt stretches of a motard course. Suspension is lowered and slightly stiffened in comparison with a stock motocross bike, and braking power is improved with oversize rotors and calipers as well. Despite the lack of trees on supermoto courses, 'bark busters' (hand guards) are frequently added to supermoto bikes due the extreme cornering angles achieved by riders.

In 1991 Italian manufacturer Gilera released the 'Nordwest' model, the first factory produced supermoto. Other European manufactures quickly followed suit, among them KTM, Husqvarna, Husaberg AB and CCM Motorcycles; all manufacturers whose emphasis were off-road models at the time. Models were developed for both track and road use. It took another 10 years, until the mid 2000s for Japanese manufacturers, such as Yamaha (2004), Honda (2005) and Suzuki (2005) to start introducing supermoto models in the European market, emphasising more domesticated models for road use rather than outright racing. Dual-purpose motorcycles such as the Kawasaki KLR650 are good examples of this. In the spring of 2006, Italian bike manufacturer Ducati announced their entry in the class with the "Hypermotard" machine which has more in common with streetfighter-type motorcycles than realistically being considered a supermoto. KTM currently has available a 950 "V" twin that could be described as the ultimate road going supermoto. Aprilia also has two new (450 and 550) SXV v-twin supermotos for sale.

Due to the popularity and versatility of these motorcycles, some owners modify them for street usage. In order to do this, headlights, taillights, and street-legal tires among other occasional modifications are needed, while some, such as the Husqvarnas and newer KTMs, come street legal from the factory. These motorcycles make excellent city-goers as their upright seating position provides comfort and great visibility. Their narrow frames and light weight also make them incredibly maneuverable, as well as easier to ride in less than ideal road conditions that make most sportbikes have to slow down.

Whew - Sounds interesting, but might just stick to a GPX.

[Hellraiser]

The other advantage to a motard style bike is there is less to fix on them when you fall off in fact on average a completly new set up plastics will only set you back about $400.

Most Motards (ex racing ones) are not very high in the HP stakes so on straight roads you'll get blown away by most bikes however once you have mastered it there is not many bikes that will keep up with you in the twisties in fact the bigger the bike the less likely they will keep up with you.

[Lteejay]

The other advantage to a motard style bike is there is less to fix on them when you fall off in fact on average a completly new set up plastics will only set you back about $400.

Most Motards (ex racing ones) are not very high in the HP stakes so on straight roads you'll get blown away by most bikes however once you have mastered it there is not many bikes that will keep up with you in the twisties in fact the bigger the bike the less likely they will keep up with you.

Actually not bad lookin bike

[hamie1]

Sports...
Short, sweet...quick!

[Cruisn]

Have test ride of the new yamaha Scorpian 225. You might find you both like it. I have riden cruisers and sports bikes and when I rode on my mates one it was cross between the two and you by a new one for $4000. It is defintley worth looking and test riding.